Routing of Dualled A96 Needs to Consider Role of A947 Says Councillors

Transport Scotland has been urged to carefully consider how the dualling of the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road could aid proposals to improve another major route.

Aberdeenshire councillors believe a route to the east of Inverurie could not only alleviate concerns about effects on the iconic nearby landscape around Bennachie, but also improve safety and journey times on the A947 Aberdeen to Banff road.

The comments were made at a meeting of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee (ISC) in Aberdeen last week. Members of the committee were considering the results of a consultation on a proposed Route Improvement Strategy for the A947.

There has been local concern about the safety of the 41-mile route for many years and council officers were tasked with finding ways in which it could be improved. Although no budget is currently available for long-term improvement works, councillors wanted to take a comprehensive look at the options, taking local views into account.

The strategy is intended to be a body of evidence from which to make a case for the funding of future improvements against a backdrop of competiting priorities. It is hoped it will ultimately provide a route which is more fit for purpose, removing driver frustration while improving journey times and safety, benefitting the economy.

Options proposed include increasing police speed checks, creating more overtaking sections, or even a full dualling of the southern section of the route. The improvement strategy has been out for consultation with road users and communities along the route, also gathering the views of local councillors.

ISC chairman, Cllr David Aitchison, said Aberdeenshire Council and Transport Scotland should continue to work together to solve common problems.

“While the focus of this report is on the A947, the link with the dualling of the nearby A96 is something which this council, I feel, must highlight and promote to Transport Scotland. I don’t think we would be doing our job if we didn’t do that.”

Councillors heard officers have already raised with the transport agency the potential benefits to be gained by the careful routing of the new dualled trunk road.

Cllr Aitchison added:

“I am pleased that contact has been made with Transport Scotland on this issue and would encourage officers to continue with that and to continue raising the matter whenever possible.”

Speaking after the meeting, ISC vice chair Cllr Stephen Smith, said:

“During the consultation, area committees clearly recognised how the proposed dualling of the A96 could link into any potential upgrading of the Dyce to Newmachar to Oldmeldrum sections of the A947.

“Given the stage Transport Scotland’s project to dual the A96 is at, with the next stage of design due to begin later this year, this is an entirely appropriate time for them to consider how adjacent routes could be positively affected by the work.”

SNP councillor for Inverurie & District Bryan Stuart said momentum had to be maintained and described the routing of the A96 as “very relevant”. He said there was a strong case to be made for the route to head to the east of Inverurie, with local constituents already concerned about the potential impact of work on the iconic landscape of Bennachie, to the west of the town.

The committee approved the A947 Route Improvement Strategy and an associated, shorter-term action plan on how to take the strategy forward.

The action plan details both improvements which the council would seek to be making, as well as those it could put in place, should funding become available.

The council’s Head of Transportation, Ewan Wallace, said:

“We now have a strong base to build on in terms of where we go with this piece of work.”

Councillors welcomed the high quality of the report and the progress which has been made on the issue to date.

They emphasised that an improved A947 would not only benefit safety, but also the economy of north Aberdeenshire.

The intention to fully dual the A96 was announced by the Scottish Government in December 2011, with a commitment to complete the work by 2030.

The report to committee, including the approved A947 Route Improvement Strategy and associated action plan, can be viewed on Aberdeenshire Council’s website. (http://bit.ly/1Rw4GoL)

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Council Withdraws Report on Banning Surgery Adverts

A proposal to ban the advertising of councillors’ surgeries due to come before an Aberdeenshire Council committee today was withdrawn at the last minute.

The move had already been condemned by Inverurie & District councillor Bryan Stuart and other councillors, stating that it make it more difficult for the public to access their councillors.

Under plans put forward by Head of Customer Communication & Improvement in a move to save just over £4,000 per year, councillors were instead to “be supported to set up their own Facebook page to promote engagement with their constituents”. Surgery details would continue to be listed on the council website, as they are at the moment.

Commenting following the withdrawal of the item from today’s meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee, Shadow Leader of the Council, SNP councillor Hamish Vernal said:

“I think even the Council’s Administration baulked at the thought of implementing such an ill-thought out plan.

“The sum of money involved was relatively small but the consequences of the move would have meant that councillors would effectively have been holding surgeries in secret.

“Not everyone has access to the internet to look these things up, even if they knew where to look, and the suggestion that Facebook would be a suitable alternative is just laughable.

“I understand that a working group will now look at the issue in more depth and hopefully it will come back with more sensible suggestions.”

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Want to Visit your Councillor's Surgery? Best Get on Facebook as Council Slaps Ban on Advertising Consultations

A proposal to ban the advertising of councillors’ surgeries will come before an Aberdeenshire Council committee on Thursday. The move has already been condemned by Inverurie & District councillor Bryan Stuart, stating that the move will make it more difficult for the public to access their councillors.

Under plans put forward by Head of Customer Communication & Improvement Kate Bond in a move to save just £4000 per year, councillors are instead to “be supported to set up their own Facebook page to promote engagement with their constituents”. Surgery details will continue to be listed on the council website, as they are at the moment.

Commenting, Cllr Bryan Stuart (SNP-Inverurie & District) said:

“I simply see it as part of my job to be available to my constituents, regardless of who they voted for or indeed whether they voted at all, although I appreciate some councillors don’t hold surgeries. Councillors are there to serve their local communities and I said when I stood for election that I would strive to do my best and that’s what I hope to continue to do.

“It’s difficult to do your best to be accessible though if the council won’t advertise to let the public know that their elected representatives are holding surgeries. Not everyone is on Facebook or the internet and newspapers are still the first place many people turn to for local information.

“The costs involved are minimal and the ban on letting people know through their local paper when their councillors are available just serves to place a further obstacle between the voters and those elected to serve them at a time when we should be encouraging more contact, not resorting to secrecy by hiding information from those without access to computers.”

Official figures obtained from Aberdeenshire Council show that SNP councillors in West Garioch and Inverurie wards are the most accessible.

Figures show that in West Garioch, SNP councillor Allison Grant held 29 advice surgeries during the period from the 2007 election to the end of 2011. Liberal Democrat councillors Sheena Lonchay and Hazel Al-Kowarri held 5 each during the same period. Since the 2012 election, Councillor Lonchay has been appointed as Chair of the Garioch Area Committee.

In Inverurie, figures show that SNP councillor Bryan Stuart was the only councillor to hold any advice surgeries at all during the period from the 2007 election to the end of 2011. Cllr Stuart held 27 advice surgeries while Liberal Democrats Martin Kitts-Hayes and Michael Raeburn and Conservative Richard Cowling held no surgeries at all during the same period. Since the 2012 election, Councillor Kitts-Hayes has been appointed Deputy Leader of the Council.

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Inverurie SNP Councillors Welcome Housing Boost for Town

Local SNP councillors Bryan Stuart and Hamish Vernal have welcomed today’s official opening of a new social housing development at Stonefield Croft, Inverurie.

Inverurie SNP Councillor Bryan Stuart said:

“I am delighted to see this much needed new council housing development coming to fruition thanks to the Scottish Government providing the necessary funding to make it happen.

Inverurie hasn't seen any new council housing built in a generation.  As a consequence, there is a great lack of affordable housing to rent and a huge waiting list for social housing.

We have the lowest age profile of any town in Aberdeenshire, and adequate provision of affordable housing is essential, otherwise our young folk are going to find it difficult stay here.”

Fellow Inverurie SNP councillor Hamish Vernal added:

“The Scottish Government is committed to providing a new generation of homes for rent.  By ending right to buy for new tenants and by providing financial support for local authorities, they’ve not only managed to kick-start a new round of local authority building, but will retain up to 18,000 homes across Scotland in the social rented sector over the next ten years.

“Being able to move into a modern, affordable property can make a real difference to people’s lives.  Given the pressures on the housing market in the North-east currently, this investment in the future of Inverurie is both welcome and timely.

“It’s been a long time since Inverurie has seen any new council houses built, so this is a very welcome development indeed.”

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SNP Announce Team For Inverurie & District

FORMER DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO STAND FOR SNP

SNP members in Inverurie & District ward have reselected Councillor Bryan Stuart to stand in the Aberdeenshire Council elections on May 3^rd.

In a measure of how much support for the SNP has increased in recent years, the party will be putting up two candidates in the ward, hoping to get both of them elected.  Joining Bryan as part of a strong local team standing for election is Hamish Vernal.

Hamish is a former Director of Education & Recreation for Aberdeenshire Council, holding that position from 2000 to 2005.

Aberdeenshire East MSP Alex Salmond commented:

“Bryan Stuart has a reputation as an assiduous councillor who is not afraid to speak up on behalf of his constituents.

“Inverurie has been fortunate to have a hard-working councillor like Bryan as one of its representatives.

“I’m delighted that Hamish Vernal has joined our team of candidates for the Garioch, also standing in Inverurie.  Hamish brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge and will be an asset when, as we hope, the SNP takes over the running of the council from the Liberal Democrats, who have run out of steam after 17 years in power.”

Councillor Bryan Stuart said:

“It has been a privilege to represent Inverurie & District on Aberdeenshire Council since 2007, the first SNP councillor to do so.

“At this election, we have the opportunity to replace the current tired Liberal Democrat led administration with a new SNP administration which will bring fresh thinking to issues like parking charges, how we help our town centres survive and thrive, and how we make decision-making more local and more accountable.

“We are now facing the worst economic crisis many of us can remember and it is vital at this time we have a strong team working together in the council alongside the Scottish Government so that we continue to retain local services while letting people keep more of their own money, as happens with the council tax freeze.”

SNP candidate Hamish Vernal added:

“It’s an honour to be nominated and selected as an SNP candidate for Aberdeenshire Council. 

“I believe that Bryan Stuart and myself can be an effective team for Inverurie, delivering for the town as part of an effective SNP administration on the council.  There is a lot of work to be done for the town and I hope to get the opportunity to contribute.”

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BRYAN STUART - INVERURIE & DISTRICT WARD - 3^rd May 2012

Bryan Stuart was born and brought up in the Garioch, and had his secondary schooling at Inverurie Academy.

He attended Aberdeen and Heriot-Watt universities, and holds an honours degree in construction management.  Bryan has run a local timber engineering business started by his father in 1947 for almost thirty years.

Elected as the SNP councillor for Inverurie & District in 2007, Bryan currently serves on the Policy & Resources committee.

Bryan has worked closely with local MSP Alex Salmond to seek to get the best outcomes possible for the town and Aberdeenshire.

HAMISH VERNAL - INVERURIE & DISTRICT WARD - 3^rd May 2012

Hamish Vernal attended Paisley College and Durham University and holds a BSc and Post Graduate Certificate in Education.  He started work as a Geophysicist before entering teaching.

Hamish was a Secondary Maths teacher before moving to Primary teaching.  He was Head Teacher in four different schools from small rural school on the North-west coast to large urban one in Aberdeen over a period of 15 years.

Hamish held a variety of senior posts within Grampian Regional Council and Aberdeenshire Council and from 2000-2005 was Director of Education and Recreation.

Hamish now runs his own education company and is Chairman of Inverurie Events and is currently planning and fundraising to get Christmas lights in Inverurie for 2012.

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Surgery Figures Reveal Local SNP Councillors Are Most Accessible

Official figures released by Aberdeenshire Council show that SNP councillors in West Garioch and Inverurie wards are the most accessible.

Figures show that in West Garioch, SNP councillor Allison Grant held 29 advice surgeries during the period from the 2007 election to the end of 2011.  Liberal Democrat councillors Sheena Lonchay and Hazel Al-Kowarri held 5 each during the same period.

In Inverurie, figures show that SNP councillor Bryan Stuart was the only councillor to hold any advice surgeries at all during the period from the 2007 election to the end of 2011.  Cllr Stuart held 27 advice surgeries while Liberal Democrats Martin Kitts-Hayes and Michael Raeburn and Conservative Richard Cowling held no surgeries at all during the same period.

Commenting on the figures, SNP MSP for North-east Scotland Mark McDonald said:

“Allison Grant and Bryan Stuart are to be congratulated on their work rate and for making themselves publicly available to their constituents.

“These figures clearly show that SNP councillors take their role very seriously and are prepared to put in the hours.  Electing SNP councillors is a guarantee of getting someone who will work hard and listen to the concerns of their constituents throughout their term of office, as the evidence shows."

Inverurie & District SNP councillor Bryan Stuart said:

“I simply see it as part of my job to be available to my constituents, regardless of who they voted for or indeed whether they voted at all.  Councillors are there to serve their local communities and I said when I stood for election in 2007 that I would strive to do my best and that’s what I hope to continue to do."

West Garioch councillor Allison Grant added:

“Surgeries are, of course, not the only way of getting in touch with councillors and I deal with a huge number of e-mails and phone calls as well, but I think face-to-face contact with constituents is very important because there will always be some people for whom that is the preferred way of conducting their business."

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Local SNP Councillors Welcome Inveramsay Bridge Plans

Local SNP councillors Allison Grant (West Garioch) and Bryan Stuart (Inverurie & District) have welcomed the plans on display this week for upgrading the A96 Inveramsay Bridge.

Transport Scotland is staging an exhibition of the proposed options this week at Inverurie Golf Club for the public is to get the chance to view proposed options for the improvement works.

The works are planned to remove the need for the existing traffic signals, remove congestion and reduce delays for road users on one of the North of Scotland’s main routes.

Commenting after visiting the exhibition, West Garioch councillor Allison Grant said:

“I am delighted with the excellent progress the Scottish Government has made with the plans for improvements to the Inveramsay Bridge. I am pleased that there are a number of options available for the public to consider and comment on.”

Inverurie & District councillor Bryan Stuart added:

“A lot of work has gone into the options on display in Inverurie today, which are of particular interest to local residents at Inveramsay and Pitcaple. The existing bridge has to be replaced for those living in the area to enjoy the full benefit of the AWPR when it is delivered.

“It is vital for the economy of the North of Scotland that a smooth-flowing and safe two-lane proposal becomes reality as soon as possible after years of neglect of this issue by previous Westminster-focussed politicians.”

Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP said:

“The Scottish Government is committed to improving traffic flow on the A96 at the Inveramsay Bridge. That is why Finance Secretary John Swinney announced the go ahead to progress the scheme as part of the Spending Review in September 2011.

“The decision on which is the most effective route to take forward will take account of several factors, such as the environment, engineering considerations, potential disruption during construction and value for money. It is anticipated that Transport Scotland will complete the selection of a preferred route by next Spring.”

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Council Condemned For “Missed Opportunity”

WOODHILL HOUSE ONLY PROPERTY EXCLUDED FROM ESTATES REVIEW

Lib Dem and Conservative councillors who form the administration of Aberdeenshire Council were condemned today by opposition SNP councillors for “missing the opportunity” of a wide-ranging review of the council estate by voting to exclude Woodhill House from the review.

Woodhill House is the Headquarters of Aberdeenshire Council and is unique in that it is the only council headquarters in the whole country which is not located within the council area it serves.

SNP and Independent councillors had successfully moved for the matter to be discussed at today’s meeting of the Full Council. However, the council’s Lib Dem-led administration voted down proposals to include Woodhill House in the review.

Cllr Bryan Stuart (SNP-Inverurie & District) successfully moved at a meeting of the council’s Policy & Resources Committee that the matter be discussed by Full Council. Commenting after the meeting he said:

“This was an opportunity missed by the council’s Lib Dem-led administration.

“At a time when it is incumbent on councillors as public servants to examine every possible avenue for maximising value for money for the taxpayer, I cannot understand why the administration will not even allow the issue of whether Woodhill House should be retained to be part of the review.

“No-one is suggesting that the council should uproot and move to some un-named location. If a review is to be carried out of council properties, then there is no good reason why it shouldn’t include all council properties.”

SNP Group Leader Cllr Joanna Strathdee (Huntly, Strathbogie & Howe of Alford) said:

“Today’s decision is baffling. A review is simply that and if it concludes that there are good reasons to retain Woodhill House then I’m sure councillors would reflect on that.

“Council premises across Aberdeenshire are being looked at with a view to rationalisation and achieving best value for the taxpayer. It seems strange to exclude from that process the council’s headquarters and start the review with fixed ideas that certain buildings are sacrosanct.”

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SALMOND DRIVES FORWARD RELIEF ROAD PLANS

Inverurie Station

Gordon MSP Alex Salmond has confirmed that plans for the Inverurie Transport Interchange and Relief Road are driving forward, bringing the town close to the transport improvements which will greatly benefit Inverurie’s developing town centre.

Once completed the project will open up the town centre for development and improve transport facilities, links to the station and help to resolve parking problems. The proposed transport link will also significantly ease traffic flow and improve safety in an area with many pedestrians. The plans also include provision for a new bus facility at the railway station.

Following intervention from Mr Salmond in his capacity as MSP for Gordon, substantial progress has been made with land owners Tesco and Network Rail to relinquish land to the local authority to allow the project to proceed. The Council is finalising its land requirement with Network Rail, and Tesco has also been extremely positive about the project, with the transfer of their land to the Council due to take place next month.

Commenting Mr Salmond said:

“The Inverurie Transport Interchange and Inner Relief Road will greatly improve traffic flow, transport links and open up Inverurie’s town centre for development. It’s an extremely exciting project for the town which will be of direct benefit to businesses, pedestrians and road users.

“A substantial volume of work has taken place for plans to reach such an advanced stage and it’s extremely encouraging to see all interested parties engaging positively with the process.

“Inverurie is expanding rapidly and it’s important that transport networks develop in line with the town’s growing population.

“The whole of Inverurie is set to greatly benefit from the developments and I look forward to continuing to support these vital improvements.”

SNP Inverurie councillor Bryan Stuart added:

"This project will transform the town centre and open up many new opportunities that were close to being lost given the ten year window for it to proceed was almost up.

"Our transportation and property staff at the Council have done an excellent job, especially over the last few months, in progressing matters to this stage.

"I would also like to express my thanks to my ward colleagues who have also been very supportive in helping bring this about."

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COUNCILLOR ASKS AUDIT SCOTLAND TO INVESTIGATE DEPARTURE OF EDUCATION DIRECTOR

An Aberdeenshire councillor has asked local government watchdog Audit Scotland to investigate the events leading up to and including the departure of the council’s former Director of Education.

The move comes after Aberdeenshire Provost, Bill Howatson, ruled out of order a Motion submitted to the last meeting of the Full Council seeking an investigation. No debate on the subject was permitted and the Motion, despite being accepted by council officials as valid, did not appear on the agenda issued to councillors

Councillor Bryan Stuart (SNP - Inverurie & District) has now written to Audit Scotland asking for an investigation.

Commenting, Cllr Stuart said:

“All I am seeking to do is to have an independent body scrutinise the circumstances of this matter and ensure that council policy was followed and, more importantly, the council taxpayer as well as the council received best value.

“As elected members, we have a duty to scrutinise the actions of the council’s officials but, on this matter, we have been given no information whatsoever. My constituents are understandably concerned by what they have read in the press and involving Audit Scotland will, in my view, provide some assurance.

“I am disappointed I have had to take this action, but the refusal of the Provost to even have the matter placed on the agenda at the last Full Council meeting has left those of us with concerns with no alternative. In taking this action, I have the backing of my council political group.”

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PROVOST RULES OUT MOVE TO DEBATE EDUCATION DIRECTOR’S DEPARTURE

A Motion tabled by an Aberdeenshire councillor on the departure of the local authority’s Director of Education will not be discussed at the meeting of the Full Council this Thursday after the Provost ruled it out of order.

SNP councillor Bryan Stuart (Inverurie & District) had put forward the Motion with the support of the SNP Group for debate on Thursday which sought to refer the matter of the events up to and including the departure of the former Director of Education to Audit Scotland for investigation.

Cllr Stuart had previously tabled questions on the costs incurred by Aberdeenshire Council for the investigation which the Chairman of the Education Committee Lib Dem councillor Richard Stroud responded to at the last meeting of the Full Council on 30 September. Attempts at follow-up questions by Cllr Stuart – which are allowed under Standing Orders – were ruled not competent by the Lib Dem Provost, Bill Howatson. At a previous meeting of the Education Committee, a request by Cllr Brian Topping (Fraserburgh & District) for a statement on the matter from the Chairman was declined.

Commenting, Cllr Bryan Stuart said:

“I am extremely disappointed that the Provost has taken this line when all I am seeking to do is to have an independent body scrutinise the circumstances of this matter and ensure that council policy was followed and, more importantly, the council taxpayer as well as the council received best value.

“As elected members, we have a duty to scrutinise the actions of the council’s officials but, on this matter, we have been given no information whatsoever. My constituents are understandably concerned by what they have read in the press and involving Audit Scotland will, in my view, provide some assurance.

"It is particularly concerning that my notice of motion has not even been included with the papers issued for the Full Council meeting on Thursday, as this would at least have allowed all other councillors and members of the public to be aware that it had been submitted."

SNP Group Leader Cllr Joanna Strathdee (Huntly, Strathbogie & Howe of Alford) added:

“I understand the concern which exists among members of the council and the general public.

“It is interesting to note that the Audit Scotland report which has been tabled for this week’s Full Council makes some reference to reviewing the circumstances of the Director’s departure as part of the 2010/11 audit. While that stops short of a full investigation, I hope that Audit Scotland will be able to assure councillors that due process was followed.”


Notes:

1) Details of the questions tabled at the meeting of the Full Council on 30 September can be found at: http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/

2) The wording of the disallowed Motion is as follows:

That Aberdeenshire Council asks Audit Scotland to conduct an investigation and prepare a report into the events up to and including the departure of the former Director of Education, Learning and Leisure, Bruce Robertson. This to include:

1. The handling of the situation by the Council and the Chief Executive and whether due process and Council policy was followed, and whether this accords with best practice.

2. The full costs of all aspects of this matter from start to finish, and whether these met the Best Value criteria to which the Council is required to operate.

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LOCAL COUNCILLORS’ ATTENDANCE AT REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONIES

Local SNP councillors will be carrying out a number of public engagements as part of Remembrance Day this Sunday, 14 November 2010.

9.30am - Savoch Church, Auchnagatt Cllr Stuart Pratt

10.00am - Peterhead War Memorial, South Road, Peterhead Cllr Anne Allan

10.00am – Stonehaven War Memorial, The Square, Stonehaven Cllr Graeme Clark

10.40am - Maud Church, Bank Road, Maud Cllr Stuart Pratt

11.00am - New Deer Parish Church, Church Crescent, New Deer Cllr Stuart Pratt

11.00am – Cluny Church, Sauchen Cllr Amanda Allan

11.00am – Inverurie War Memorial, The Square, Inverurie Cllr Bryan Stuart

11.00am - Cruden Parish Church, Bishop's Bridge, Cruden Bay Cllr Stephen Smith

11.00am – Laurencekirk Parish Church, Laurencekirk Cllr Jean Dick

11.30am – Foveran War Memorial, Foveran (approximate time) Cllr Rob Merson

12.00pm – Belhelvie Parish Church, Belhelvie Cllr Allan Hendry

12.30pm - New Pitsligo Parish Church, Church Street, New Pitsligo Cllr Stuart Pratt

12.30pm – Whitehills War Memorial, Whitehills Cllr Ian Gray

2.30pm – RAF Banff Boyndie ‘Drome Memorial, Boyndie Cllr Ian Gray

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