Delay for road closure
Getting ready for local plant sale
North Kincardine Rural Community Council Plant Sale and Coffee Morning is being held in the Corbie Hall at Maryculter on Saturday May 20 from 10.30am to noon.
Any donations of bedding plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, tomatoes or w.h.y will be welcome (‘If it grows – it goes’). Such donations can be handed in at Corbie Hall between 5pm and 6pm on Friday May 19 or from 9am onwards on the Saturday. In case of any difficulty, email Robin Winmill (rebg.w@btopenworld.com) who can arrange to collect/deliver your plants beforehand. Having handed over your plants, they are confident that you will then spot just what you need to fill that hole in your own border.
The proceeds this year will go to Maryculter Church Restoration and Alteration Fund which is facing un-budgeted extra costs as the work has progressed and uncovered yet more problems.
As usual, admission will cover an everlasting cup of tea or coffee plus a wide selection of home bakes – not just tempting but irresistible. (Any damage to your waistline can be addressed at a later date, though the management disclaims all responsibility.)
Anyone can report faulty street lights
Is your street light not working properly? As long as it is a council lamp post, then reporting it is easy: https://online.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/apps/roadfaults/.
During the election campaign I reported a faulty light in St Ternan’s Road in Newtonhill, and I have just been advised by officers that it has been fixed.
Recycling centre closes for a day
Portlethen household waste and recycling centre will be closed for staff training on Monday 15 May. Residents who need to dispose of items may wish to use the Stonehaven recycling centre at Redcloak, Stonehaven AB39 3SR, which will be open as normal that day, from 9am to 5pm.
Thank you
Firstly my thanks to the 1221 people in the North Kincardine ward who gave me their first preference votes in the council elections. I was taken aback. Secondly, I also appreciate the many kind messages I have read on Facebook and via email. And of course my thanks for the many people who helped me, too many to name, but especially to Linda, my family and friends for their unstinting support (and shoe leather).
And now, back to work. Well maybe a wee rest first. For an hour or two.
Thank you all.
The details will be available on the council website: https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/elections/local-government-elections-2017/?ward=17
The percentage poll was 45.2%. The first preference votes were as follows, with four candidates being elected for the coming five years:
Green ………….. 180
SNP (Bews) ….1138
Labour ………… 901
SDP ……………….. 48
Lib Dem ………. 1221
Conservative ..1685
SNP (Smith) …… 358
Pothole filled
I’m pleased to say that the roads service tell me a pothole I reported in Muirend Road, Portlethen, has now been filled. It was in the middle of the road opposite Broomfield Park. You too can report potholes: https://online.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/apps/roadfaults/
Grants for paths
Business rates rebates hiccup
Business rates bills issued in Aberdeenshire did not include a 12.5% cap promised by the Scottish Government due to a delay in receiving a software update.
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay announced in February that firms in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s hospitality and office sectors would benefit from the cap. However Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils are awaiting the necessary software. Revised bills are expected to be issued following the software update.
Council officers say that “if the delay in receipt of software updates from the provider results in businesses having to wait unduly for advice on their discount, Aberdeenshire Council will continue to actively work with each business to resolve these issues. It is expected that all discounts will be calculated and applied by the end of July.”