On Wednesday 15th June NMCCC had their AGM and usual monthly meeting. I arrived late, so didn’t get the police report (it tends to be the same report for all the area CCs, so I will hear it on Monday at the Rural meeting).

There was talk of a possible change in supplier of the entrance stones to a local company that uses Scottish, not Indian, stones.

Lots of discussion around local empowerment – or rather, the lack of it. There was a general feeling of dissatisfaction with both Edinburgh and Aberdeenshire Council. Concerns raised about the link road on the Barratts estate still being blocked, the lack of insulation going into new build houses, lack of librarians (Portlethen library has to close to allow Newtonhill to open), travel difficulties for those relying on public transport to get to the vaccination centre in Stonehaven, and poor communication/unsatisfactory responses from the roads department.

On the brighter side, the plan for the Newtonhill underpass is going well. The lead engineer has been identified and just needs to finish up her current project in Stonehaven. A suitable grant scheme that opens in around eight weeks time has been found. All the owners of the surrounding land have already been identified as part of the the works needed for the Chapelton development, which really helps the council’s new team for these kind of projects.

It appears that the school bus from Chapelton to Newtonhill Primary will be discontinued, without any consultation with parents taking place. Although Chapelton is not in the NMCCC area, Newtonhill Primary will be affected as an estimated 25 extra cars might need to do the school drop-off/pick-up if the bus is stopped. It was not felt that the route to walk – although under two miles – was safe enough for primary aged children to do by themselves. Suggestions of a commercial bus, e.g the 7B, scheduling an appropriate time on their existing route. As all under 22s are now eligible for free bus travel, this might be a viable alternative.

Advertising attached to ‘street furniture’ (lampposts) was raised. I will enquire whether this is now allowed, and if not, if anyone – or just council officers – can remove them.