MSP & Local Councillor Welcome Council Reversal on Bridges Closure

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson and Troup councillor Ross Cassie have welcomed Aberdeenshire Council’s decision to explore options for funding and replacing the road bridges in the King Edward area which were washed away in September 2019.

Roads officials had recommended to councillors on the Infrastructure Services Committee that the bridges not be replaced, but this recommendation was pulled just prior to the start of yesterday’s meeting.

Commenting on the decision, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

"I welcome this change of heart on the part of the council to not take a formal decision to close the affected roads and leave the bridges unbuilt.

"I wrote to Aberdeenshire Council in the days after the flood event last September offering to support any applications they may make for support from the Scottish Government and I will be reiterating that offer again following this decision.”

Local councillor Ross Cassie added:

"This decision is a testament to the strength of feeling within the local communities affected and the representations made by myself and others.

"Going forward, this is the start of a process and we need to work to maintain the connectivity of the area so it doesn't impact on school catchments, emergency and other services.”

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Inverurie Transport Interchange a Step Closer

SNP councillor for Inverurie & District Neil Baillie has announced he has this week received confirmation from Network Rail that the Scottish Freight Sites Group would support the removal of Inverurie Freight Yard from the Supplementary Strategic Freight Site List in order for the yard to be redeveloped as a transport interchange.

Cllr Neil Baillie commented

“This is very good news for Inverurie and Aberdeenshire. This is something people have wanted in Inverurie for a very long time.

“Now, with the freight companies agreeing to release the yard, a transport interchange providing increased parking, a bus terminus away from our town hall and possibly a taxi rank linked to forthcoming improvements to the railway service following the extensive line upgrade, we can take a step further to a Transport Interchange for Inverurie becoming a reality.”

Cllr Baillie has worked hard to maintain contact with Network Rail regarding the availability of the Inverurie Freight Yard. Network Rail will now arrange a meeting later in the month with representatives of Aberdeenshire Council to agree a way forward for delivery of the transport interchange.

Cllr Baillie continued:

“In January 2014 Network Rail gave notice of their intention to dispose of the Inverurie Freight Yard and Station Car Park to Aberdeenshire Council for the use of creating a Transport interchange with improved vehicular access. However shortly after this, a decision was taken by Network Rail which confirmed that it intended to use the site as a main depot for equipment to be used for the expansion of the Inverness to Aberdeen rail line improvement.

“Now that the £200m investment in the railway line is complete, discussions have been taking place again to release the yard to provide a Transport Interchange for Inverurie. I’m delighted with this step forward and look forward to more progress in the near future.”

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Turriff & District Councillor Welcomes 'Gold Award' for Veterans Commitment

SNP councillor for Turriff & District Alastair Forsyth has welcomed the announcement that Aberdeenshire Council has been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme ‘gold award’ by the Ministry of Defence.

The award has been received in commemoration of the support shown by the council to members of the armed forces and their families.

Commenting, Cllr Alastair Forsyth – one of the council’s ‘Veterans Champions’ - said:

“I am extremely pleased that Aberdeenshire Council has been awarded Gold certification for their efforts to support veterans, their families, reservists and cadets who make themselves available for armed forces service while in the employ of Aberdeenshire Council.

“Since being elected as a Councillor for Turriff & District, and being a veteran, I have experienced first-hand the commitment Aberdeenshire Council has for its Armed Forces personnel. As a Veterans Champion it is a privilege to represent the council on visits to various military instillations and stations to see what our Army, Air Force and Naval people do to defend the nation. The professional skills and expertise needed to have an effective military establishment is wide ranging. Many of these skills like Logistics, Engineering, Facilities Management and security for example are all required by councils up and down the country.

“It is gratifying to know that plans for the future include guaranteeing interviews to veterans for jobs where they meet the essential criteria, making more effective use of the Career Transition Partnership in the recruitment of service leavers, providing work placements to assist with transition and exploring how to better support any Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who are employees.

“I look forward to continuing my support for our armed forces. It is right and fitting that those serving in the armed forces, veterans and families are acknowledged for their dedication and sacrifice. I am glad that Aberdeenshire Council has played a small part in this by receiving this award.”

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Boddam Postbox Returns after Absence

The postbox outside the village Post Office in Boddam has returned after a lengthy absence.

Royal Mail have apologised to local SNP councillor Stephen Smith for the delay and confirmed the new postbox is in situ and ready for use once again. It is understood the previous postbox had been removed after being accidentally damaged.

Commenting, Cllr Stephen Smith, who represents Boddam, said:

“It’s good news that a new postbox has been put in place at the Post Office after a lengthy absence.

“While there are other postboxes in Boddam and Stirling Village, this one is well-used and is convenient for the Post Office so I’m pleased it has returned.

“Now that Boddam Post Office has expanded and re-branded as the ‘Red Shed’, stocking locally made produce such as ice cream and baker’s pies, there’s even more reason to have a conveniently-located postbox at this location!”

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