Problems with academy pitch
Last night I heard that use of the “all-weather” pitch at Portlethen Academy had been cancelled recently because of rain. Which seems rather strange. So I followed this up with Robertsons, the private company responsible for the academy and the surrounding area.
I have now been told that the pitch at Portlethen “is an astro pitch, not all-weather pitch hence not playable in all types of weather conditions.
“During periods of extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, frost, ice and snow, our site staff monitor the surface of the pitch and if necessary due to health & safety reasons cancel any usage until such times as it is safe to reuse.
“I can advise that the pitch has recently been surveyed and has been recommended for replacement in 2018. The work will take approximately six weeks to complete and we will be liaising with school management in the near future on best possible time to schedule the work.”
Robertsons plan to replace the pitch on a like-for-like basis, however the construction of all-weather pitches has moved on since the sand filled carpet (artificial grass) installation at Portlethen Academy.
Council officers tell me that it would be advisable to look at betterment for the future installation as the present surface will not be conducive to all sports in all-weather conditions. There will be a cost implication, but the council has some good data as it is currently undertaking similar projects at both Mintlaw and Turriff.
The council would have to meet the cost of the betterment only. Early days, but fingers crossed.
Road stays shut for now
Due to AWPR works not being completed on time, the C5K country road at Burnhead has been unable to re-open.
Council officers tell me that this road will remain closed until 16 October, and diversions will remain in place (see map for the recommended routes).
Furthermore, due to the amount of closures in the area, extra signs have been put up by AWPR to make as many people aware of the diversions as possible.
Positive report for playgroup
An inspection report for Bourtree Pre-school Playgroup & Rising Threes has now been published on the Education Scotland website.
It can be viewed here: https://education.gov.scot/inspection…/aberdeenshire/5213118
The inspector writes that they “are confident that the setting has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection.”
Report highlights A90 dangers
Cash for a good cause at AGM
The Kincardineshire Development Partnership AGM will take place in the Bettridge Centre, Newtonhill, on Thursday 26 October at 7pm.
A special £500 Community Cash award will be made on the night! Groups and organisations across Kincardine and Mearns will be invited to register in advance (officesupport@kincardineshiredp.org), then come along and give a short presentation. All those present at the AGM will vote on which group should receive the £500.
Tree felling closes road
Spotlight on Newtonhill area
Tonight was spent at a lively meeting of Newtonhill, Muchalls and Cammachmore Community Council in the Skateraw Hall. About a dozen members of the public attended.
Here are some of the issues discussed.
– Costings are to be drawn up for new play equipment in Newtonhill Park. Proposals will be put to the community in due course. The village association has started fund raising.
– Aberdeenshire Council will be asked to trim, not remove, eight trees in Newtonhill Park which border Cliff View.
– The new siting for the grey cabinet at the Braehead was welcomed. It is necessary for the Scottish Water pumping station.
– Planning permission for industrial units at Gillybrands Farm, Cammachmore, was noted.
– There was a lengthy discussion about Barratts proposals for housing south of Newtonhill, including reference to a site visit by Aberdeenshire councillors who are considering the developer’s proposed masterplan.
– No further action is to be taken by the community council regarding the display of cars for sale at Tesco.
– The meeting discussed whether the underpass beneath the A90 could be used by pedestrians going between Newtonhill and Cammachmore. Previous appeals to Transport Scotland have come to nought so far.
– Various bus-related topics were discussed, including the two-hour gap in afternoons when returning from Aberdeen, and problems getting off bus services at Muchalls in particular when the A90 was being resurfaced. The next Kincardine and Mearns Bus Forum is on Thursday 28 September in Mackie Academy, at 7.30pm. The public are welcome to attend to raise concerns directly with Stagecoach and Aberdeenshire Council.
Memorable opening
New statistics released
Councillors have been sent some interesting local statistics (though not for everyone I know!).
The average household income in 2017:
Aberdeenshire – £36,983
Portlethen – £43,453
Newtonhill – £50,895
The average unemployment rate in 2016:
Aberdeenshire – 1.4%
Portlethen – 1.4%
Newtonhill – 1.4%
Of Portlethen residents in employment:
Work in Portlethen – 9%
Work elsewhere in Aberdeenshire – 15%
Work outwith Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire – 20%
Work in Aberdeen – 56%
Of Newtonhill residents in employment:
Work in Newtonhill – 3%
Work elsewhere in Aberdeenshire – 20%
Work outwith Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire – 26%
Work in Aberdeen – 51%
Housing stock:
In Portlethen in 2011 – 2884
In Portlethen in 2016 – 3495 (up by 19.9%)
In Newtonhill in 2011 – 1182
In Newtonhill in 2016 – 1251 (up by 5.8%)
Average house price in 2015:
Aberdeenshire – £235,471
Portlethen – £239,807
Newtonhill – £254,072
Population in 2016:
Portlethen – 8622 (7271 in 2011)
Newtonhill – 3144, (2982 in 2011)