Bettridge Centre looking for volunteers

The annual general meeting of the Bettridge Centre and Newtonhill Community Hall Association was held tonight. Melanie Torrance remains the chair, with four others on the committee. New members would be welcome. For the first time the centre is due to pay a little corporation tax. Although income is up so are costs. Bookings are doing well, but there is always scope to do more.

They are hoping to tar the car park; knock down a wall so that the two halls are connected (it is the way it is for VAT reasons, but sufficient time has now passed); and buy fold-away tables and chairs. All this costs money. Grants have been secured from the Meikle Carewe wind farm fund for new equipment for Coastal Play. It is being relaunched shortly.

A new centre manager is to be appointed, with interviews currently taking place.

If you would like to help run the centre, get in touch: http://www.bettridgecentre.org.uk/connect-with-us.html.

What would like in Newtonhill?

It is time to update the community action plan for Newtonhill, Muchalls & Cammachmore. The local community council has produced a questionnaire to find out residents’ views about the area. One use for this plan will be to guide the decision-making of the community council. It was this input in 2009 that enabled them to invest in refurbishing the tennis courts and this time they would like to enable more improvements in our community.

They will make the plan available to all community groups in the area to use as justification when applying for grant funding, whether it be from Aberdeenshire Council, The Big Lottery, Sports Scotland or one of the many sources of funding that are available to community groups for a huge variety of projects.

It is always important when making a successful grant application to be able to demonstrate community support.

You can complete the survey by following this link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CW96LYM

Chapelton update

Tonight was a meeting of the Chapelton Liaison Committee, when developers, residents, council and NHS officers, and local councillors meet to discuss progress. A few snippets:

– At the moment 77 houses are occupied, with 100 homes completed. Over the coming weeks Zero C will be starting on their next block, beyond Bunting Place and Hume Square. Twenty two and three bedroom bungalows are also proposed instead of seven larger houses. They would be in three small courtyards. This is in response to the repeated requests for bungalows.

– Three waste bins will be placed on Greenlaw Road (the main road to the community).

– The primary school had been earmarked for August 2019, but this has been put back to 2020 in view of the downturn in the economy.

– Work should start on site at Portlethen medical centre in July to increase the consulting space, partially prompted by the new patients coming from Chapelton.

– There have been enquiries about opening a pharmacy, however for a fully functioning pharmacy it is calculated there needs to be a population of around 4000. Too early.

– A retirement village is being considered, including flats. houses and cottages. A developer who specialises in this market is interested.

– Seven people who live in Chapelton also work in Chapelton.

– Every home has fibre optic for the best broadband service.

All clear for North East schools

Aberdeenshire Council schools have been given the all-clear after checks were made following the closure of a number of Edinburgh school which resulted in them being closed for safety reasons. However a number of minor works are to be carried as a result of checks.

The information was relayed to Portlethen Community Council last night.

Our officers wrote to the contractor responsible for the nine schools procured under public-private partnership (PPP) contracts for Aberdeenshire Council, and sought assurance that none of the issues discovered in Edinburgh affect our schools and that the contractor has no concerns over the structural integrity of the buildings. The Aberdeenshire schools were built by Robertson Construction.

The contractor commissioned visual inspections of the masonry walling at the schools to assess whether any such areas were considered to be unsafe; the reports of which have not identified any issues which would affect the structural integrity or safety of the walls.

In addition, Aberdeenshire Council commissioned Fairhurst, the framework structural engineers, to undertake independent visual inspections.

Similar assurances have been sought from the contractors responsible for the construction of our recently completed Mearns, Ellon, and Alford community campuses.

Investigations to date have not identified any issues similar to those discovered in Edinburgh

In a briefing to councillors, officers said that in summary the independent reports in respect of the 11 schools have highlighted a number of non-urgent issues which warrant further investigation as a matter of good maintenance practice, and one minor repair. They are liaising with engineers to programme follow up intrusive investigations, where recommended, during the summer holidays.
Finally, in light of the Edinburgh incident, they are reviewing the procedure for monitoring and assessing the structural integrity of properties within the wider estate.

Portlethen round-up

A varied number of issues discussed tonight by Portlethen Community Council. In no particular order, here are some which caught my eye:

– Four council vehicles with trailers parked in the Bourtree park car park when children were leaving Fishermoss primary school this afternoon. That caused chaos with cars parking on local streets instead.

– Crime continues to be very low in the area. In the last month there were 294 incidents in Kincardine and Mearns, with 53 crime reports in the Portlethen area. There were concerns that police do not take action when they are given details by the public of vehicles which are unlicensed and uninsured. The community councillors were also disappointed no officers were able to attend, and will raise their concerns with the force.

– The Christmas tree will continue to be a traditional cut tree, rather than a full-size live tree or a metal tree sculpture. The two other options were ruled out on the grounds of cost and practicality.

– There are more than 4000 Clochandighter magazines ready to be delivered around the Portlethen area.

– The establishment of allotments in Portlethen is proving to be a trickier process than was expected.

– Trees and bushes are to be planted later this year in four areas in the Burnside Park.

– Some 34 guests aged 90 are expected to attend a party to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday, organised by Kincardineshire’s lord lieutenant in the Invercarron centre in Stonehaven on 26 July.

– The dangers of the Findon underpass were discussed, with concerns being voiced about the dangers of traffic coming off the A90 southbound colliding with vehicles coming from Hillside. I have been in touch again with the area roads manager to press the case for interactive warning signs on the tow approach roads to the roundabout.

– Raffle tickets for the gala are now on sale, with a top prize of £500. A ticket costs £1.

– There will be six Hillside classes at Portlethen primary school until the new school is ready for occupation. More pupils for Hillside are also being taught at Fishermoss.

– There was a presentation on increasing the number of people walking and cycling around Portlethen. The public are being asked to give their views on a draft traffic masterplan which would see improvements on three schemes around the town over four years. If you would like to comment on the plans, you can do so by completing a survey before 18 June. 

Worries over rats in Newtonhill

Tonight the venue was the Skateraw Hall, and the meeting was Newtonhill, Muchalls and Cammachmore Community Council. Here are some of the issues:

– A local police officer attended and confirmed this is a low crime area. Since the beginning of April there have been 16 crime reports in Kincardineshire. He also told us about a clampdown on drivers on the A90, including three caught driving at over 100mph and 43 caught without insurance.

– The community council’s new Facebook page has proven to be a success. Please have a look especially if you live in Newtonhill, Muchalls or Cammachmore.

– Great concerns about rats in houses near the A90 in Newtonhill, particularly in the vicinity of the former Little Chef. One resident told how she found two rats in her kitchen – and stood on one of them. There were discussions over whether the renovations at the former restaurant may have disturbed the rats. Residents are being asked not to put out food for birds. Any contacts with rats should be reported to the community council. Advice is being sought from Aberdeenshire Council.

– The community council is to object to a planning application by a local farmer for an agricultural building on top of Cran Hill. It is a typical large shed, measuring 18m by 18m and 7m high.

– The garden waste dump at Muchalls has been closed now by the Aberdeen Endowments Trust. Residents in Newtonhill are asked to take note. Garden waste can be taken on Saturday mornings to the green waste bin lorry at the Bettridge Centre.

– The new Indian takeaway at the Newton Arms will open for business on 23 May.

– A questionnaire from the community council is to be delivered with the next edition of Newtonhill Village Association’s Newsey magazine. The community council is to make a financial contribution as a gesture of thanks.

– An enhanced education provision consultation meeting is to be held at Newtonhill Primary School shortly. There will be more details in due course.

Local issues from the council

A few local issues – among other matters – were discussed today at the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee.

– In a presentation about local policing, councillors heard that Portlethen has seen a slight rise in anti social behaviour with a small group causing a problem. Officers are working with social workers to divert these young people away from crime and criminality. Councillors were also told that the Portlethen area is being targeted by individuals coming from Aberdeen to commit crime, especially unsecured houses.

– The fire service is looking for more recruits at its Stonehaven base, where there are five vacancies and retirements are due. Anyone over 18 can apply. Full training takes three years.

– The bridge carrying the C24K over the Elsick Burn is to have a full refurbishment, costing £17,000. The bridge is just north of the Burnside of Newhall farm. The Tilbouries bridge carrying the South Deeside Road just west of Altries is to be the subject of a detailed review to check its carrying capacity. This will cost £90,000.

– A public consultation is to be held into whether the Causey Mounth should be closed to traffic at the new Hillside primary School, or have traffic calming measures including a 20mph speed limit and three speed tables. The reason for the proposals is that a sports pitch to be used by the children will be to the west of the of the Causey Mounth. Roads officers say that the second option would have an extremely low risk. Under both proposals all streets to the north west of the school would have a 20mph limit. There will now be a four week statutory consultation followed by a 21 day public consultation.

AWPR in the spotlight

Once again the construction of the Aberdeen bypass was in the spotlight at tonight’s meeting of North Kincardine Rural Community Council. Nearly two hours of debate and discussion was held, attracting an audience of about three dozen residents – and an Evening Express reporter.

However when the meeting continued with the standard items such as planning applications, proposals for a new Bridge of Dee and Chapelton, only nine residents remained.

There was a high-powered list of guests from Transport Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the AWPR managing agent, the construction team, and Aberdeenshire Council.

Here are some of the points that caught my attention:

– A number of residents complained about dust which was enveloping homes and on occasion a dangerous driving hazard. Water bowsers are used on the construction site, but not nearby roads.

– Construction work within the Shire should only take place from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday (except at Burnhead which is 8am to 1pm on Saturdays), however one resident complained about out of hours working, particularly on a recent Sunday.

– They are now able to make their own concrete on site, which will reduce the number of contractors vehicles bringing in concrete.

– The Duffshill junction with the A90 will close permanently shortly with traffic being diverted along the new road connecting with the Findon interchange.

– The contractors will soon have their own “haul road” along the route of the AWPR which will mean fewer lorries on public roads.

– External contractors will be awarded a contact to make good public roads damaged by AWPR traffic. This should be in place within weeks.

– A Findon resident raised concerns about what will happen should there be an accident closes the A90, which will undoubtedly result in drivers diverting to country roads. He suggested that roads around Findon be made one way in such an emergency.

– Assurances were given that while the new Charleston flyover is built – and six lanes built on the A90 – there would be two lanes available in either direction. The only occasional closures would occur at night.

– A Stonehaven resident raised concerns about water pollution at the southern end on the Fastlink. Other local people also voiced similar complaints, such as about the Muchalls Burn which at times is almost orange and thick. Sepa will investigate. The Sepa representative also recalled that they had to take enforcement action in similar circumstances in the Maryculter area. That brought work to a halt.

How the council helps youngsters with Asperger’s

I was asked to find out what support there is for children with Asperger’s syndrome in Aberdeenshire Council schools. Here is the response I have received from council officers:

Information for parents

As part of Aberdeenshire’s Education and Children’s Services commitment to providing the right support for all learners including schools becoming “Autism friendly”. We have produced an information booklet for parents:
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/…/rightsupportrightplacerig…

Support within school

Aberdeenshire Education and Children’s Services use a Staged Intervention model to provide support. The type of support varies from child to child; the broad intervention strategies are detailed in the Staged Intervention table.

In the first instance of a teacher having concerns about a pupil then the class teacher could discuss concerns with the ASL teacher. The ASL teacher could refer to Aberdeenshire’s webpages for further information and/or the Autism Toolbox. http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/…/addit…/support-for-autism/ 
http://www.autismtoolbox.co.uk/

Additional Support for Learning (ASL) teachers can provide advice/consultation for the class teacher. Next steps, could include targeted pupils support assistant (PSA) support and/or ASL support either in class or part of a small group. For some pupils, a differentiated curriculum may be appropriate. Within primary, this could include an enhanced transition programme, small group work; within secondary this could include small group work/tutorial, travel training, college transition days. Support will include transition planning at key points: nursery to primary, primary to secondary, Broad General Education to Senior Phase and planning for post school provision.

We treat all young people on an individual basis, and identify their needs at the earliest opportunity. It may be appropriate for an individualised educational plan (IEP) to be drawn up; parents, child/young person & professionals are involved in writing this.

Within primary, schools with enhanced provision and community resource hubs are being provided with a sensory room and a life skills facility. All secondary schools are being provided with a sensory room and a life skills facility.

In secondary schools there is a range of support currently in place for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Several academies have timetabled class support e.g. “Post 16 ASD Transition Project”, Extended Work Experience, Inclusion Project, Confidence to Cook, SQA Assessment Arrangements, visits to college, Lifeskills, Peer mentors in class.

Health and Well-being

The request for information referred to “bullying”. Aberdeenshire Education and Children’s Services has an anti-bullying policy and guidance:
http://arcadia3.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/?p=69826 
Anti-bullying guidance is included in each school handbook. Within primary schools, there are a number of support interventions e.g. the Intervention Prevention Teacher can provide support and advice as well as direct input. Some schools offer buddying at interval/lunchtimes e.g. a primary school may have “Friendship stops” in the playground where children can go, secondary schools may offer a range of lunchtime clubs and activities. Within secondary schools, pupils are supported by a Principal Teacher of Guidance who are the first point of contact for pupils and parents. They have regular contact and discussion with the Principal Teacher of Additional Support for Learning and class teachers regarding the support of young people. Pupil Support Workers are deployed across primary and secondary schools to provide additional support to children and young people.

Staff training

Staff training in meeting the need of pupils with ASD can range from awareness raising to post graduate studies e.g. one school cluster used an in-service day to deliver Autism training to schools within the cluster (2013). Aberdeenshire Educational Psychology Service provides guidance, training and research information to schools. Additional Support for Learning teachers also provide staff training and advice.

Support from council officers

Education Support Officers (ESO) and Quality Improvement Officers (QIO) offer support to schools in a number of ways. ESOs and QIOs from the Additional Needs Support team can offer advice and training to schools.

Council clamps down on smoking

Aberdeenshire Council will begin implementing a smoke-free grounds policy from Tuesday, May 3.

This extends the existing approach – which does not permit smoking in or in the immediate proximity of council buildings – to include its grounds. Smoking will not be permitted in any area within or around a premises that is owned by the council, including car parks (but not pay and display), grounds and buildings.

Smoking in cars parked in council car parks will not be permitted, and the policy is applicable to all councillors, employees, volunteers, contractors, visitors and service users.

Special provisions are made for certain sites, such as sheltered housing or care homes.

The policy will initially affect main council offices and will roll out to other sites over the coming months.