Setback over pitch plans
Aberdeenshire Council officers have been exploring the creation of a football pitch next to the new Hillside School all-weather pitch, primarily using developer obligation funds allocated for that purpose (approximately £130,000).
Tenders for the work were put out, and linked with other pitch development work to ensure that prices were as competitive as possible and benefited from economies of scale.
However the best price for the new pitch was nearly £300,000, far higher than was originally estimated to be the case. The cost is as a result of difficult ground conditions.
Officers will be working with the community to look at alternative affordable plans for the area, and will keep local councillors informed as this work progresses.
Mobile library off the road
I have been told that the mobile library service for communities in the Kincardine & Mearns and South Marr areas will be off the road until a new member of staff has been recruited to this post.
In the meantime, all customers have been notified individually, and every effort is being made to get books to customers through local branch libraries or van deliveries.
Wind turbines do the business
Wind turbines in Scotland supplied the equivalent of 93% of the country’s household electricity in August, according to The National newspaper.
That is a new record and 33% more than in August 2016.
Wind generated enough output to potentially supply 100% or more of Scottish homes on nine out of the 31 days of August and power nearly 5m households across the UK on one day alone.
Meanwhile plans to build a new substation to transfer a new substation to transfer electricity from the world’s largest floating windfarm off Portlethen have been given the go-ahead. There is more at https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/sdfg-sdfg-sdfg-sdfg-sdfg-sdfg-sdfg-sdfg-sdfg-sdfg-sdfg-sdfgapproval-for-new-substation-to-transfer-electricity-from-%E2%80%8B-floating-north-sea-windfarm/
Helicopter mystery solved
Anyone agree that there seem to be more helicopters flying up and down the coast these days? Well, it is the case.
I raised the question at the Aberdeen Airport Consultative Committee today and was told that the search and rescue helicopters fly along the coast as part of their training routine. They used to be based up north and offshore but now are at the airport.
Netherley Road closure postponed
Grants available for artists
Pool lights problems being addressed
I have now been told by council officers that problems with lighting at Portlethen swimming pool are being addressed.
Here’s the update:
• Portlethen Swimming Pool exterior lighting – the three external lights have now been repaired, and the Culture & Sport service has requested for the three domed lights to be reconnected. An electrician is attending on Monday to look into the feasibility of this area of work.
• High level columns with floodlights attached – it is understood these columns were used as part of the previous CCTV. These floodlights are no longer in use as there are new CCTV cameras attached to the building.
• Swimming pool foyer carpet – staff are aware of the condition of the carpet and have been looking into possibilities of replacing it with vinyl.
Speed limit on Netherley Road
Health partnership seeking carer to join board
Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership is looking for an unpaid carer representative to join the Integration Joint Board (IJB).
The role of the carer representative is to represent the views of unpaid carers at IJB discussions regarding the future of health and social care services in Aberdeenshire. An unpaid carer is a person, of any age, who provides unpaid help and support to a relative, friend or neighbour who cannot manage to live independently without the carer’s help.
As a carer representative on the IJB you should have, or have had, an unpaid caring role and be able to represent both your views and the views of other carers across Aberdeenshire. You should have an understanding of health and social care services and an interest in the decision making process.
You will attend formal board meetings where you will be part of the board responsible for overseeing the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership and managing adult health and social care services in Aberdeenshire.
If you are interested in finding out more visit https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/…/health-and-social-care-i… or email integration@aberdeenshire.gov.uk