Peterhead Councillors React to Minor Injuries Unit Decision

Peterhead SNP councillors Leeann McWhinnie (Peterhead North and Rattray) and Stephen Smith (Peterhead South and Cruden) have condemned the decision made on a vote today (Wednesday) to close the town’s Minor Injuries Unit overnight.

SNP members of Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership Integration Joint Board (IJB) voted against proposals to close Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Huntly’s Minor Injuries Units overnight as part of a series of budget proposals.

Commenting, Cllr Stephen Smith said:

“This is a deeply disappointing decision which didn’t need to be taken. I made my views known to my colleagues on the Board who put forward a proposal to keep the Minor Injuries Units as they are.

“Conservative and Lib Dem councillors voted to withdraw the evening and overnight service and this is a backward step. The largest town in Aberdeenshire deserves better.”

Cllr Leeann McWhinnie added:

“While accepting this is a Minor Injuries Unit and not an Accident and Emergency service, this decision will inevitably lead to more people attending ARI and increasing pressure on the hospital there. We should be looking to expand provision in Peterhead or at least maintain it, not reduce services.”

Commenting after the meeting, Integration Joint Board member Cllr Seamus Logan (SNP-Fraserburgh and District) said:

“The Board’s decision today to close overnight three Minor Injuries Units at Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Huntly is extremely disappointing and is a blow to these communities.

“These services are being used appropriately by significant numbers of people every week. I also pointed out during the meeting that this move will load further pressure on services at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Emergency Department not to mention the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“Our service users were given insufficient time to digest these proposals and to assert their rights under legislation to have their voice heard today as these cuts were only made public last week.

“A number of other proposals gave me cause for concern, in particular the possibility of a further review of our vital local hospital provision. We need to be thinking more strategically, investing in these services, extending their reach so we prevent admissions through early intervention by delivering more care in people’s homes. In other words, we need more transformative change so that our NHS is developed securely as it moves towards its centenary rather than short term measures focused on the annual race to save money.”

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Peterhead Councillor Backs Meethill School

SNP councillor for Peterhead South and Cruden Stephen Smith has backed retention of Meethill School on its existing site against a merger with Dales Park School as part of the new Peterhead Community Campus.

The issue was discussed at today’s meeting of the Buchan Area Committee where councillors were asked to comment on recommendations from education officials that the merger go ahead, despite being opposed by 82 per cent of Meethill School parents and carers who took part in a consultation.

At the meeting, Cllr Smith spoke strongly in favour of retaining Meethill School in its present location.

Commenting afterwards, Cllr Stephen Smith said:

“Meethill School is at the heart of its community and the overwhelming support of parents and carers who took part in the consultation process demonstrates that quite clearly.

“I think it is a testament to the high regard there is for the school locally and a reflection on the school’s leadership that it enjoys such strong support.

“Having gone through the statutory process and gathered public opinion I for one am not going to ignore the clearly-stated view that Meethill School should remain where it is and not be merged and moved. To do so would be to ride-roughshod over the strength of opinion locally and be disrespectful to the views of parents and carers.”

The matter will now be discussed by the Education and Childrens’ Services Committee after the summer recess.

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Relief After Rural Bus Service Reinstated

Peterhead South and Cruden SNP councillor Stephen Smith has welcomed the reinstatement of an early-morning bus linking Cruden Bay and Hatton to Peterhead.

Cllr Smith contacted senior management at bus operator Stagecoach after concerns from constituents at the withdrawal of early morning services between Hatton/Cruden Bay and Peterhead. Local residents, some of whom were key workers reliant on public transport, raised concerns with the councillor after they were no longer able to get to Peterhead before 9.00am, the 6.30am and 7.30am services having been withdrawn.

Now, Cllr Smith has received confirmation that an additional service will depart Hatton and Cruden Bay in time to arrive in Peterhead at 7.55am, commencing immediately.

Commenting, Peterhead South and Cruden councillor Stephen Smith said:

“I am grateful to Stagecoach for taking on board the concerns raised with me by local bus users and the assistance of the council’s Public Transport Unit in securing swift action to put this in place.

“Several of those affected were key workers so this action is very much to be welcomed.”

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Councillor Smith Pushes for Reinstatement of Cruden Bay Bus Service

Local SNP councillor Stephen Smith has contacted senior management at bus operator Stagecoach after concerns from constituents at the withdrawal of early morning services between Hatton/Cruden Bay and Peterhead.

Cllr Smith has received concerns from several local residents who are now no longer able to get to Peterhead by public transport before 9.00am. 6.30am and 7.30am services have been withdrawn and the earliest service to Peterhead now leaves Cruden Bay at 8.44am.

Commenting, Peterhead South and Cruden councillor Stephen Smith said:

“I appreciate that with lockdown, less people are using public transport and Stagecoach must adjust its services accordingly.

“However, the feedback I have received indicates that there is a need for an earlier service into Peterhead serving Cruden Bay and Hatton than this new timetable provides.

“Stagecoach have been responsive over the past 10 months in ensuring such needs are fulfilled in other situations so I would be hopeful they will respond positively to the concerns expressed by local residents through myself.”

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Peterhead Councillor Backs Towns Partnership 'Shop Local' Campaign

SNP councillor for Peterhead South & Cruden Stephen Smith has given his backing to the campaign launched this week by Scotland’s Towns Partnership to ‘Shop Local’ to help fuel the economic recovery.

Scotland’s Towns Partnership has launched its campaign – in association with the Scottish Government – encouraging everyone to support the businesses which are at the heart of their home communities.

The campaign follows the publication of new polling figures which showed two-thirds of Scottish residents intended to shop locally once their high streets reopen post-Coronavirus and that the successful future of town centres depends on support at a local level.

Businesses across the country have been working with Business Improvement Districts, Local Authorities and others to put in place arrangements which mean people can shop locally, but safely. These arrangements include the use of screens, distance markers and signage, the provision of hand sanitizer instore and capacity limits.

It comes at a time when the need to safely and responsibly support town centres has never been greater following the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Commenting, Cllr Stephen Smith said:

Cllr Stephen Smith and 

Cabinet Secretary Aileen Campbell

at a previous event in Parliament 

supporting Town Centres.

“These last few months have been hard for many of our town centre businesses and other small enterprises.

“Many traders – some of whom have been at the heart of community response campaigns during the crisis – have been forced to temporarily close throughout lockdown, with customers turning instead to large internet retailers. I therefore very much welcome this initiative and hope people will support their local businesses.*

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell MSP said:

“It is now more vitally important than ever to consider shopping, eating and drinking locally as we all have a role to play in Scotland’s economic recovery. Simple steps like choosing to visit a nearby shop or café, or buying goods or services from a business in your own community, help support jobs and goes a long way to fostering the vibrant selection of products and services on offer close to home.

“By following the public health advice, we can all make exploring what the neighbourhood has to offer as safe as possible. I would encourage everyone who is able to head out and discover for themselves what living locally can offer them – I know that business owners at the heart of our communities will appreciate it immensely.”

Phil Prentice, Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said:

“The impact of coronavirus has hit our town centres and local businesses hard. Now is the time for us all to support them to get back on their feet in a way which recognises that we still need to stay safe and follow the public health guidelines.

“By thinking local first, we can help Scotland’s economic recovery from its grassroots, supporting our town centres within all of the public safety guidelines. The impact we can have by doing this should not be underestimated.

“The breadth of businesses in our town centres is vast. Whether you need a book, a pint of milk, a night out and a meal or some garden furniture, please think local first.

“Scotland Loves Local is all about getting people back to their roots and recognising that our town centre businesses and the people who run them are part of the fabric of our communities. Sometimes for generations, these people have been there for us. Now it’s time for us to be there for them. One of the great positives of the terrible times in which we have found ourselves has been the greater appreciation of localism. We must now harness that to keep our communities vibrant and lay firm foundations as we work to ensure our town centres are fit for the future.”

Scotland Loves Local will highlight the fact that it’s the people behind the businesses which make our high streets special – not simply the buildings and shop units which are found on them.

It also encourages people to show their support safely, following all social distancing and hygiene guidance shared by the Scottish Government as part of the ongoing vigilance to keep rates of Covid-19 suppressed.

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Aberdeenshire SNP Group Elect New Leader

Cllr Gwyneth Petrie, who represents Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford, has been elected as the new leader of the SNP Council Group in Aberdeenshire.

The vacancy arose following the election of the previous Group Leader, Cllr Richard Thomson, as the MP for Gordon. Cllr Stephen Smith will remain in his position as Deputy Leader of the SNP Group.

Cllr Petrie has been a Councillor since 2015, when she was elected in a by-election.

Commenting, Cllr Petrie said:

“It is an honour to become the Leader of the SNP Group in Aberdeenshire.

“I’m stepping into this position at a deeply challenging time for Aberdeenshire, and all of the people who we represent here. Our priority at this time absolutely has to be steering Aberdeenshire through this pandemic, and that will rightly mean working collaboratively with colleagues across the Council. We, as a group, stand ready to do that.

“Once we are through this pandemic, then we can focus once again on delivering the priorities of our group, which have been well established under the excellent leadership of Cllr Thomson, and continuing to hold the administration to account.”

Offering his congratulations to Cllr Petrie, outgoing Group Leader Richard Thomson said:

"I'd like to offer Gwyneth my warmest congratulations on her election. She's someone who since her election has earned great respect both inside and outside the council in her community. I know she'll do a fantastic job in holding the current political leaders to account as we prepare to offer SNP leadership of the council once more.

"It has been an enormous privilege to have served as SNP Group Leader since 2015 and to have had the opportunity to lead the SNP Group into administration for the first time in the council's history. I am pleased to have been able to play my part in shaping Aberdeenshire for the better as both council leader and opposition leader and to be able to hand over a group which is in good health and which is once again the largest group on Aberdeenshire Council.

"Clearly, the present pandemic has put politics as usual into abeyance for the time being. However, I know that under Gwyneth's leadership, the SNP group will continue to show that it has the ability, the commitment and the understanding of how the council works to be effective public servants and to do what needs to be done for our communities in the period ahead."

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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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Peterhead Councillors Welcome 'Milestone' Report on New Campus

Following a report to the Buchan Area Committee, Peterhead councillors have welcomed a report on the new Community Campus which sets out the preferred site as a “milestone” for the town.

Councillors discussed the report in a formal session at Buchan House before it goes to a meeting of the Full Council on Thursday for approval. It details the next steps in the process and asks councillors to agree the preferred site for the new Community Campus shall be the Kinmundy site.

Commenting, Cllr Stephen Smith (SNP-Peterhead South & Cruden) said:

“This is a milestone for Peterhead in terms of moving forward to a new secondary school and community campus for the town.

“The preferred site has now been formally identified and the next steps set out in terms of engagement with the community and the further reports required on the business case and town centre impact assessment. We now need to keep up the pace on progress with this important project.”

Cllr Stephen Calder (Independent-Peterhead South & Cruden) said:

“I'm very pleased to see such huge, united support for a new Community Campus in Peterhead. This will bring major changes and improvements to the educational, community, cultural, arts and sports facilities in the town. It is an exciting development which will be welcomed by the area and the whole community who will benefit from it."

Cllr Anne Allan (SNP-Peterhead North & Rattray) added:

“Having lobbied hard in previous council terms for a new academy for Peterhead, selecting the preferred site is a major step forward. The vast majority of Peterhead councillors have welcomed this as a positive development for the town and will continue to work together to deliver it for the community.”

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Opposition Comment on Changes to Shire Waste & Recycling Plans

Commenting following changes to the kerbside collection of recycling and waste which were agreed at today’s meeting of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Councillor Stephen Smith (SNP – Peterhead South & Cruden) said:

“While the withdrawal of the funding offer from Zero Waste Scotland was disappointing, residents will be breathing a sigh of relief that the rethink this prompted hasn’t been combined with the reduction in bin size that was planned originally.

“We need to take residents with us as we improve recycling rates. This is a pragmatic way forward which allows households to make the necessary changes at a more steady pace.

“The Scottish Government’s planned deposit return scheme will have a very positive impact. We now have the chance to design an alternative scheme which better fits around that initiative while allowing for a wider range of recyclable materials to be collected locally.”

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Partnership Group Comment on Waste Funding Announcement

The SNP and Labour/Communities Partnership Group on Aberdeenshire Council have reacted to today’s announcement that Aberdeenshire Council’s bid for funding from Zero Waste Scotland to roll-out its controversial changes to household waste uplifts has been refused.

It is understood the decision relates to the review of Scotland’s Household Waste Recycling Charter, which is to be undertaken once the full implications of the proposed Deposit Return Scheme are known.

Commenting, Infrastructure Services Committee member Cllr Stephen Smith (SNP-Peterhead South & Cruden) said:

"It might not seem like it at the moment but this is probably a blessing in disguise. The proposals for three bins which the council administration voted through would have meant households moving from 120l/week to 60l/week waste for household refuse and proved hugely unpopular. As I said at the time, that risked trying to go too far too soon and risked alienating householders who were already trying to do their best to recycle.

"This 'setback' gives an opportunity to come up with something more realistic and which is more in line with emerging thinking on the circular economy. I hope the Administration will take opportunity to think again about how we can improve recycling rates in Aberdeenshire in a way which works with public goodwill and support."

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Peterhead Focus at Towns Partnership Event in Parliament

Scotland’s Towns Partnership held a networking event in Parliament this week where Peterhead was well-represented. Rediscover Peterhead held a showcase of local products and local SNP councillor Stephen Smith and Stewart Stevenson MSP were both in attendance, with Cllr Smith taking the opportunity to brief Communities and Local Government Secretary Aileen Campbell MSP on regeneration efforts in Peterhead.

Commenting, Cllr Stephen Smith said:

“This was a very useful event with a range of towns from across the country present to highlight what they were doing to help protect our High Streets and foster regeneration.

“It was good to see Peterhead represented at this national event with John Pascoe and Clair Harwood from Rediscover Peterhead on hand to promote our town and the businesses within it.

“I was pleased to be able to meet with Communities and Local Government Secretary Aileen Campbell MSP and update her on progress. Aberdeenshire is to receive £3.2 million from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund and I’m keen that some good ideas come forward from Peterhead as to how our share of that can be used locally.”

Communities Secretary, Aileen Campbell MSP said:

“Communities across Scotland are doing fantastic work in our towns. Whether it’s residents, businesses or local groups, it is communities who hold the knowledge and understanding of how their towns work and who have a long-term vested interest in getting things right. Their dedication, ambition and hard work has led to significant improvements in many of our towns.

“We continue to invest in community empowerment through a wide range of funds which support the regeneration of our towns. The Scottish Government is providing £50 million through the new Town Centre Fund 2019/20, set up in partnership with COSLA to enable local authorities to stimulate and support a wide range of investments to help our town centres diversify and flourish.”

Scotland’s Towns Partnership Chief Officer, Phil Prentice, said:

“The recent Scottish budget announcement providing £50 million for Town Centres to drive local economic activity and to stimulate and support place based economic improvements was a welcome respite against the challenging backdrop of ongoing retail closures and public sector shrinkage. We want our high streets and town centres across Scotland to be vibrant, creative, enterprising and accessible. These centres are at the heart of our communities and the lifeblood of our country so it is essential that we support them to become more diverse and sustainable.

“It is crucial that local and national Government continues to support the transition and evolution of Scotland’s small and rural towns given the challenges we face in business demographics and rural depopulation. As such, it is critical that a vision for our small and rural towns is at the centre of any Scottish economic strategy.”

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Councillor Stephen Smith Secures Early Resurfacing of A90 Auchiries Straight

Following extensive lobbying of BEAR Scotland by Peterhead South & Cruden councillor Stephen Smith, works to resurface a section of the A90 on the Auchiries Straight will be commencing this week.

The SNP councillor has been in correspondence with transport bosses for several months regarding the condition of the rutted road surface, which he branded as unacceptable. Having been told initially that there were no plans to take any action but a scheme would be worked up for the next financial year, works have been moved forward and will start this week.

Commenting, Cllr Stephen Smith said:

“I have been contacted by constituents and community groups concerned at the poor condition of the road surface and took the matter up with BEAR as managers of the A90 Trunk Road.

“I didn’t find it acceptable that we would have to wait potentially into 2020 for the road to be resurfaced so I continued to ask for this to be assessed again. I’m pleased to say that they did and Transport Scotland approved bringing the works forward.

“The works are now starting this week and I expect while there will inevitably be some disruption owing to the nature of the work being done, road users will see the benefit very soon.”

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Councillor Welcomes Progress on Clerkhill Shops' Footpaths

Local SNP councillor Stephen Smith has welcomed progress towards Aberdeenshire Council adopting the area in front of the Clerkhill shops in Peterhead following a report which was approved at today’s meeting of the Buchan Area Committee.

The area in front of the Clerkhill shops has been deteriorating for several years now. The pavement and cobbled area is privately-owned so is not the responsibility of Aberdeenshire Council. Efforts to locate the landowner have proved difficult in the past and the council is now moving to adopt the area so that it can carry out upgrading works under the Peterhead Regeneration Scheme.

Commenting after the meeting, Peterhead South & Cruden SNP councillor Stephen Smith said:

“Improvements to the area in front of the Clerkhill shops has been a priority of mine for some time now, as it is a source of regular complaints and even, unfortunately, trips and falls.

“The ownership of the area is in private hands, hence why the council couldn’t just go in and make improvements. But as the most important shopping area in the town after the town centre, I was keen that something should be done.

“The legal process of the council taking over the land has been long and complicated owing to the nature of the ownership. However, we’re nearing the end of that and I hope that before too long we can see work starting on getting this area tidied up and looking more respectable, getting rid of the trip hazards.”

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Peterhead 'Well-Placed' to Benefit from Scottish Government Schools Funding

A Peterhead councillor has said that plans for the new Peterhead Community Campus are well-placed to benefit from the Scottish Government’s announcement of funding for new schools.

Education Secretary John Swinney announced last Wednesday a £1 billion scheme to continue investment in the school estate from 2021, when the current scheme reaches an end. The issue was raised at Thursday’s meeting of the Full Council by local councillor Stephen Smith during a discussion on the council’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy.

Commenting, SNP councillor for Peterhead South & Cruden Stephen Smith said:

“Thanks to the leadership shown by the previous SNP/Labour Administration in Aberdeenshire, plans for the new Peterhead Community Campus should be at the front of the queue when it comes to taking advantage of the £1 billion of funding for school buildings announced by Education Secretary John Swinney last week.

“I remain proud of the fact that it was the SNP/Labour Administration which made a new academy for Peterhead a priority immediately upon taking over control of the council in 2015.

“I readily acknowledge the work done by the new council administration since they took over in sticking with our priority and moving it forward. I’m delighted we have six of the Peterhead councillors all working together across party lines to make this project happen and, with this funding announcement, we’re well-placed to deliver a new community campus for Peterhead by 2025.”

Independent councillor for Peterhead South & Cruden Stephen Calder added:

“Peterhead cannot afford to miss this opportunity to get funding towards its new Academy. It would support the learning of our young people and mark a huge step forward in the regeneration of the town. I urge the Council Administration to do all they can to ensure we can benefit from this money from the Scottish Government.”

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Local Councillor Smith and Community Council Bring Dogs Trust Event to Boddam

Peterhead South & Cruden SNP councillor Stephen Smith and Boddam Community Council have been working together to promote responsible dog ownership in the village.

Dogs Trust, a national charity, will be holding a roadshow in Boddam Public Hall on Wednesday 14 November from 10.00am to 2.00pm and are hoping for a good turnout of four-legged friends.

Commenting, Cllr Stephen Smith said:

“I’m very pleased Dogs Trust have accepted my invitation to come to Boddam with their roadshow.

“Boddam Community Council have kindly supported the event in an effort to promote responsible dog ownership but I think all dog owners will find it useful to attend as there will be free advice on hand from a Registered Veterinary Nurse who will give dogs a free health check, as well as free microchipping and free nail-clipping being available.”

Jennifer Terris, Dogs Trust Campaigns Manager for Scotland said,

“We’re delighted to be working with Boddam Community Council to provide this community event.

“We hope that by working together we can provide a free, easily accessible service to local dog owners and promote all aspects of responsible dog ownership. Our community events across Scotland offer informative advice to dog owners and potential dog owners alike on the fundamentals of owning a dog. This includes the importance of neutering your pet, helping your dog maintain a healthy lifestyle, the cost and time involved in owning a dog and resources on dog training and behaviour; as well as the legal requirement around having your dog microchipped.”

The Dogs Trust Registered Veterinary Nurse will also offer FREE microchipping, FREE nail clipping and a FREE general assessment of your dog’s health and where appropriate advise owners if they should visit their vet.

At the roadshow, Dogs Trust aim to promote all aspects of responsible dog ownership including:

• The change in the law regarding compulsory microchipping
• The legal requirement of keeping the microchip owner information up to date
• The legal requirement for collar and tag
• The legal requirement to pick up after your dog
• The importance of proper training/socialisation to prevent anti-social behaviour
• How to be safe around dogs
• The importance of the five freedoms (freedom from hunger and thirst; discomfort; pain, injury or disease; fear and distress and freedom to express normal behaviour.)

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VisitAberdeenshire 5-Year Strategy Must Include Cruise Ship Opportunities for Peterhead

Members of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee (ISC) heard a plea today to not overlook the economic opportunities afforded by cruise ships visiting Peterhead.

Five cruise ships docked in the town during last year and five more are scheduled to arrive during 2019. Peterhead South & Cruden SNP councillor Stephen Smith argued that VisitAberdeenshire needs to support local efforts to provide information to visitors from cruise ships and not just focus on Aberdeen Harbour, which is the only port referenced in the policy document.

Commenting, Cllr Stephen Smith said:

“Around one third of cruise ship passengers opt to stay in port and not go on scheduled excursions. This, along with the needs of several hundred crew who get free time during their ship’s time in port, means there are valuable opportunities for local businesses.

“Currently, local efforts have seen several of the cruise ships provided with ‘welcome desks’ staffed by locals offering information on local attractions such as Aden Country Park, the prison museum, Arbuthnot Museum, and so on.

“VisitAberdeenshire needs to recognise the opportunities here in their strategy and commit to supporting the efforts to get more local spend from cruise ship visitors in Peterhead and Buchan.

“The efforts by the local team heading up the ‘welcome desk’ initiative have been well-received by cruise passengers and resulted in visits being made locally which may not otherwise have happened. This initiative needs to be built-on and supported formally by VisitAberdeenshire.”

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Councillor Stephen Smith & MSP Stevenson Highlight Opportunities for Local Businesses at Boddam Site

Peterhead South & Cruden councillor Stephen Smith and Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson are highlighting opportunities for local businesses to benefit from contracts for the NorthConnect Converter Station to be built at Stirlinghill.

NorthConnect are set to hold two ‘Meet the Buyer’ days which will give potential local suppliers and businesses the chance to learn about the project, hear about the different packages involved and speak to the NorthConnect team directly as well as an opportunity for 1-2-1s for contracts involving the converter station, enabling works, cable laying, construction management, civils, engineering and supervision as well as peripheral economic opportunities locally.

The first will take place on Tuesday 29 May in Aberdeen and the second event will take place in Boddam on Wednesday 30 May. The event in Boddam will also include a short visit to the converter station site itself.

Commenting, Cllr Stephen Smith said:

“I’m delighted that NorthConnect are staging this event in Boddam. It will be an excellent opportunity for North-east businesses to meet with the company and see how they can potentially get contracts for the work which will be undertaken.

“NorthConnect have a very good track record in terms of their engagement with local communities and I am pleased to see this continue with local businesses.”

Stewart Stevenson MSP added:

“I very much welcome this event and commend NorthConnect for arranging it. There are a range of ways in which local businesses can get involved, ranging from cable installation to the new facility and construction, right down to general services which are required on any large construction operation.”

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Local MSP & Councillor Meet with Longhaven Parents

Council's Handling of School Issue Branded 'Absolute Shambles'
East Aberdeenshire MSP Gillian Martin and Peterhead South & Cruden councillor Stephen Smith met with parents of pupils at closure-threatened Longhaven School yesterday.

The MSP and councillor spent nearly two hours with parents listening to their concerns about the potential closure of their school and Aberdeenshire Council’s handling of the situation. Education officials announced on Thursday that the council had been unable to recruit teaching staff for Longhaven meaning pupils will need to attend other local schools after the Easter break.

Commenting after the meeting, Cllr Stephen Smith said:

“Parents have been left in a very difficult position by this. They have been given a matter of days to select an alternative school for their children to attend and have already encountered difficulties because headteachers at other schools have been unavailable or, in some cases, a parent is working offshore and is unable to visit the school.

“I still find it incredible that the council has allowed a situation to develop where they are telling parents their children must uproot themselves and start another school in the middle of the school year. This is unacceptable and I will be meeting officials on Monday to discuss the situation.”

Gillian Martin MSP added:

“I feel very sorry for the parents and the children affected by this. I listened carefully to the parents’ account of events and it appears that Aberdeenshire Council’s handling of this situation has been nothing short of an absolute shambles.

“Serious questions need to be asked about how an Education Authority can allow a school to have no teachers. It’s quite incredible. The worry being expressed in the community is that this is a closure by stealth.

“The constituents who met with me seem determined to save their school and I will be supporting them 100 per cent in that.”

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MSP & Peterhead Councillors Urge Residents to Make Their Views Known on Minor Injuries Units Consultation

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson is urging constituents to make their views known as part of a consultation on Minor Injuries Units at local hospitals across Aberdeenshire.

Stewart Stevenson MSP with Cllr Anne Allan and Cllr Stephen Smith
at Peterhead Hospital

The review has been instigated by the Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership, a joint NHS Grampian/Aberdeenshire Council body and will take into consideration “location, demand, activity, practitioner competency and ongoing sustainability”.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“I know from feedback that our local NHS facilities are greatly valued by constituents. I understand the need for the authorities to review the services they provide from time to time and I appreciate the opportunity to put forward my views and those of my constituents.

“My concern would be that any diminution in the service provided at local Minor Injuries Units would lead to further demands on the ambulance service or, indeed, local GPs. Clearly, we have a number of villages at the moment where provision of a GP service is a major issue. In addition, I am keen that nothing is done which would increase the pressure on the local ambulance service, who may be called upon to step in if access to the Minor Injuries Units was curtailed.

“I will be making my views known to the Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership and I urge constituents to do likewise.”

Peterhead South & Cruden SNP councillor Stephen Smith added:

"All the feedback I’ve had tells me that the Minor Injuries Unit is a valued facility and an essential service.

“It means that there is less pressure on services elsewhere and undoubtedly means that fewer ambulance call-outs are needed as a result of it being local and accessible.”

Peterhead North & Rattray SNP councillor Anne Allan said:

“We’re in the fortunate position of having our own ambulance service in the town and any reduction in service at the Minor Injuries Unit might lead to increased demand on other services. I would urge local residents to make their views known at the drop-in being held on 14 March.”

Information events are being held at Peterhead Football Club on 14 March, and Fraserburgh Sports & Community Centre on 21 March, all between 3.00pm and 7.00pm.

Further information can be obtained from Aberdeenshire Council on 03456 081203 or by e-mailing integration@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

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Peterhead Councillors Welcome Academy Progress

Peterhead SNP councillors Stephen Smith and Anne Allan have welcomed further progress on a new Academy Campus for Peterhead.

Following the change of council Administration in 2015, the new SNP/Labour Partnership committed Aberdeenshire Council to a new academy for Peterhead. Now, the council has confirmed its commitment to ongoing investment and regeneration in Peterhead by agreeing in principle for a multimillion pound community campus to be built in the town.

Councillors approved including costs for the £71 million community campus in the council’s capital plan for 2023 – 2028 when they agreed the budget on 8 February; meaning a primary one pupil enrolling at Peterhead Central School for the next school year will be among the first intake of the new school.

Peterhead South & Cruden councillor Stephen Smith said:

“This is the next logical step in the process initiated by the previous Administration and I am pleased the council’s commitment to a new Peterhead Academy has been maintained and is being progressed.”

Peterhead North & Rattray SNP councillor Anne Allan added:

"I welcome this further information about Peterhead Academy. However, the actual design will be the subject of much consultation with pupils, staff and the wider community to ensure we get a school that everyone in Peterhead can be proud of.”

To date the council has carried out an assessment to determine the best solution. Public consultations on ideal locations have been held but further consultation will follow.

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