September

KEMNAY COMMUNITY COUNCIL REPORT
FOR THE MEETING HELD

ON THURSDAY 28th September 2005

Present:
Chris Hunneyball, Alan Davies, Jim Piggins, Mavis Wainman, Pat Findlater, Susan Milton, Roger Dunham, David Evans, Janet Newberry, Bill Blackwood, Neil Johnson, Hazel Al-Kowarri

Attending
Insp. D Allan, Cur Leitch, Cur Saluja and 8 members of the public

The Gaitherin:
Linda Clark made a presentation to the Council outlining the twice-yearly Gordon Gaitherin which is to take place at Kemnay Academy this October Holidays. Workshops are offered in traditional music, crafts and arts to young people from all backgrounds. Assisted places are available for those not able to pay the full fees. Attendees travel daily or are accommodated at the Sir Arthur Grant Centre near Monymusk. The Gaitherin culminates in a concert given by the participants and a ceilidh given by the tutors. Mrs. Clark sought financial assistance and also to encourage an5'one willing to become involved to volunteer theft services - both during the Easter and October holidays and throughout the year. The Council agreed to make a donation and would encourage villagers to get involved. Police News Insp. Allan outlined recent events within the village as well as giving a summary of crime statistics over the past 8 years:

Police News:
Almost no ‘on-street' violent crime in the recent past in the Kemnay area Burglaries had been very limited - restricted mainly to one incident at the Golf club.

General decrease in recorded crime over the past 5 years in and around the Academy, which had in the past been a focal point for crime. He felt that this was due to the successful implementation of a closer working relationship with young people in the village and hoped that this would continue with the renewed presence of a community police officer in the village. Both recorded crime and the number of incidents reported to the police within the Kemnay beat area had reduced within the past 5 years. Crimes this year were on target to be considerably below the total reached last year.

Cllr Leitch asked what could be done about the increasing number of mini-moto riders on open areas and roadways in and around the village. These activities had led to a number of complaints from residents relating to both nuisance and health and safety issues. Insp Allan responded that anyone caught riding without the appropriate licence; insurance; MOT and safety equipment on the highways or footpaths could be prosecuted under the road-traffic act. Where the activities were taking place on ‘private' land, including Council owned land, the Police required a standing complaint to be lodged with the police by an officer of the Council stating that these activities were not permitted. Cllr Leitch agreed to expedite the issue of such a complaint which would allow the Police to proceed against such activities. Insp. Allan also promised to bring this up with the Community Bobby who could ensure that those found driving mini-motos were aware of the likely consequences of their actions.

Mavis Wainman raised the issue of cyclist riding in the village without lights and against the flow of traffic in one-way streets. Insp Allan said that this would be pursued and remarked that a recent blitz on this type of behaviour in Inverurie had been very successful.

Hazel Al-Kowarri raised issues which came from the most recent TRAK meeting about under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour in the area around the old ten­nis court on Bremner Way. Cllr Leitch agreed to speak to Aberdeenshire Council about the possibility of getting this area cleared of the shrubbery which provided ‘cover' for these activities. He would stay in touch with Insp. Allan about this issue.

Public Transport
Neil Johnson presented a summary of events at the recent Garioch Area Bus Forum. Many complaints had been received about the quality of the services • to Kemnay. Discussion included:

• Poor quality of the new timetables, which gave very little information and failed to mention that many buses connected at Blackburn for on­ward travel to Aberdeen. Neil Johnson would write to the Public Transport Unit about this
• Very bad timekeeping on service 220
• Improved frequency and timings of service 421

Offer by Bob Hall, Operations Manager of Stagecoach to attend Community council meetings in future. Chris Hunneyball stated that he did not want these meetings to become overspill bus fora and he would write to the public transport unit requesting additional meetings to address these issues.

Aberdeenshire News:
Cllr Leitch spoke of the introduction of 20mph speed limits at various sites in the village and the possible installation of speed cushions on St Brydes Road.

Planning:
Gurudeo Saluja spoke of the granting of permission to develop on Bogbeth Site A. This generated discussion about the ability of developers to thwart the wishes of residents and the local Authority. George Paterson spoke of his disgust at the incompetent way that Aberdeenshire Council had handled the business of the appeal by Barratt for this site and the potential this had of ruining the character of Kemnay. The overwhelming majority of those present agreed with his sentiments.

AOCB
Carole Kidd spoke about the problems the Kirkstyle development had been experiencing with the level of service provided by the Green Belt Company.

George Patterson spoke to the Council about the petition which he was circulating within the village about the imminent closure of the Clydesdale Bank.

Leading Edge have been awarded 2^nd place in a National Competition for groups aiming to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Isobel Kendrick and June Ogg had been invited to tea with the Provost in recognition of their efforts as volunteers within the community.

Cllr Leitch was asked to request extension of the footpath up to the entrance to Fetternear Estate.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Thursday 27th October 2005