Provost Signals Backing for Merchant Navy Day

On Merchant Navy Day, 3 September, Aberdeenshire Council will fly the Red Ensign at its Woodhill House headquarters in Aberdeen to raise awareness of the UK’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers.

Aberdeenshire Council is supporting a nationwide call from the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the UK Merchant Navy’s official flag to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs.

Provost of Aberdeenshire Cllr Hamish Vernal raised the flag at 10.00am on Thursday as councils across the country join to mark the occasion.

The UK relies on Merchant Navy seafarers for 95% of its imports, including half the food we eat. The UK has the largest ports industry in Europe. 75% of its exports (by volume) are shipped from UK ports, some of which are supporting the campaign by encouraging visiting ships to sound their horns at 10.00am on 3 September.

Provost Vernal will be joined for the ceremony by Aberdeenshire Council’s Veterans Champion, Cllr Allan Hendry.

Provost Vernal said:

“Aberdeenshire’s relationship with the sea is a key part of the area’s identity, not least in the heart of our coastal communities and for the generations of people for whom the waves have been their workplace.

“We are very pleased to be supporting this campaign to recognise the work of the Merchant Navy.”

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Salmond Welcomes Poll Advances as Local SNP Unveil New Team

First Minister and SNP MSP for Aberdeenshire East Alex Salmond has told a meeting of local party members that opinion across Scotland is swinging towards a 'Yes' vote in September's independence referendum.

Mr Salmond made his remarks as he chaired the Annual General Meeting of the Aberdeenshire East SNP Constituency Association in New Deer, where a new team of local office bearers was unveiled for the year ahead.

The group, which co-ordinates the party's local campaigning activity, will take forward the SNP contribution to the Yes Campaign in Scotland's independence referendum year.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Salmond highlighted recent opinion polling and told members that the “weight of campaigning across the country” being undertaken by 'Yes' activists was having a measurable impact on those polling figures.

“There's a clear direction of travel, month by month, poll by poll, reflected in these figures”, he said. “People's minds are changing because of the activity which is taking place on the ground. That's something which the 'No' campaign just can't match.”

Speaking afterwards, Constituency Association Vice-Convener, Mid-Formartine Councilor Allan Hendry, said that the local party was in excellent shape for what would be a historic year for Scotland.

“Over the past year, SNP members have been playing their part, together with members of other parties and people of no party political affiliation, in campaigning for a ‘Yes’ vote”, he said.

“In that time, we’ve taken the message to local people through leaflets, newspapers, by knocking on doors and through organising street stalls and holding public meetings. With similar activity taking place right across Scotland to bring more information to voters, it’s no surprise that the opinion poll gap is starting to narrow.

“Between now and September, we’ll be stepping up our local activity and taking the positive message of the ‘Yes’ campaign to as many people and places across Aberdeenshire East as we possibly can”, he continued. “I’d urge anyone who wants Scotland to be independent and a better and fairer place for future generations to live in to get in touch with us so that they too can play their part.”

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Mid-Formartine Councillors Attend Armed Forces Day

Mid-Formartine SNP councillors Allan Hendry and Cryle Shand attended the Aberdeenshire Armed Forces Day event, which took place at Woodhill House in Aberdeen today (Monday).

Dozens of guests, including representatives from all the Armed Forces, attended the special Armed Forces Day celebrations which were opened by Piper Michael Laing.

Commenting, former Scots Guardsman Cllr Hendry said:

“Armed Forces Day is a both a commemoration of the sacrifices for the freedoms that we tend to take for granted each day and a celebration of the important and varied contribution made to our communities and country by armed forces personnel past and present.”

Cllr Shand added:

“Armed forces personnel make a particularly special commitment in the roles that they perform. There are few other professions with such significant risk attached and which can require some very extended periods of separation from loved ones.

“That is a commitment well worthy of such recognition especially with such a strong connection to the armed services here in Aberdeenshire.”

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Councillors Welcome Tough Action on Dog-Fouling Menace

Councillors on Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee have unanimously supported tougher measures on dog-owners who fail to clean up after their pets. The new move will see a substantial increase in the number of officers trained and authorised to serve fixed penalty notices, and local residents encouraged to report offenders.

The Council’s Environmental Health Service is to promote a Clean Dog-Walking Campaign, working with Community Planning partners, local communities and other partners. Free dog waste bags are to be made available from a greater range of Council offices, and consideration will be given to the installation of more dog waste bins where appropriate. Areas which are particularly prone to dog fouling will be targeted for investigation on a prioritised basis.

SNP councillors Rob Merson (Ellon & District) and Allan Hendry (Mid-Formartine) have frequently called for tougher action on dog owners who allow their animals to foul pavements and playparks.

Commenting on the matter, Cllr Allan Hendry said:

“Failing to clean up dog faeces is an offence for which owners can receive a £40.00 fine, but my understanding is that less than 50 notices have been issued in Aberdeenshire to date. Part of the reason for that is that we have had too few dog wardens to monitor the situation, and that is why I have repeatedly called for training to be given to other Council officers so that they, too, can issue fixed penalty notices. I am therefore very pleased to hear that a more determined approach has now been agreed.”

Cllr Rob Merson, who sits on the Infrastructure Services Committee, remarked:

“Councillors all too often receive complaints of dog fouling in public areas and, worse still, of owners ‘exercising’ their dogs in children’s play areas and school playgrounds. I was therefore very pleased to support these new measures, and trust that the higher likelihood of being reported and fined will act as a serious disincentive to such anti-social behaviour.”

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Chair of Gypsy Traveller Sub-Committee Welcomes New Exhibition

An exhibition of information and art prepared with the input of the Gypsy Traveller community is on display in Aberdeenshire during September and October.

‘What A Voice’ has been researched and produced by Article 12 in Scotland, a non-governmental organisation, in conjunction with young Gypsy Travellers, and will be displayed in various locations across Aberdeenshire.

The free exhibition depicts the history and culture of the Gypsy Traveller community through a mix of words and images. It is aimed at exploring the lives of the Gypsy Traveller community.

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Gypsy Traveller sub-committee, Mid-Formartine councillor Allan Hendry said:

“The 'What a Voice' exhibition is an excellent presentation which shows quite clearly in images and words the history and culture of Gypsy Travellers.

“It highlights, in particular, the difficulties experienced by young Gypsy Travellers and I would encourage individuals to make a point of going to see the exhibition when it is in their area. Once viewed, I feel that settled communities would have a better understanding of Gypsy Traveller lifestyles and hopefully would lead to more tolerance when Gypsy Travellers visit their communities.”

Note: Article 12 in Scotland has lent Aberdeenshire Council two exhibitions for display. They will be on show in the following locations:

Tue 11 – Thu, 13 Sep County Hall, Low Street, Banff
Thu 20 – Fri, 21 Sep Council Chamber, Saltoun Square, Fraserburgh
Mon 23 – Tue, 25 Sep Council Offices, Viewmount, Stonehaven
Wed 26 – Fri, 28 Sep Stonehaven Leisure Centre (GP room)
Tue 2 – Fri, 5 Oct Council Offices, Viewmount, Stonehaven
Tue 2 Oct Finzean Village Hall (following conclusion of Marr Area Committee)
Mon 8 – Tue, 9 Oct Committee Room 2, Gordon House, Inverurie (11.30am on Mon 8, until 1.30pm on Tue 9)
Mon 8 – Thu, 18 Oct Council Offices, Arbuthnot House, Peterhead [and 31 Oct]
Mon 15 – Tue, 16 Oct Inverurie Town Hall (small hall upstairs)
Fri 19 – Fri, 27 Oct Stewarts Hall, Huntly
Mon, 29 Oct Ythan Centre, Ellon (12pm-6pm)

The exhibitions will generally be available to view during office hours unless otherwise stated.

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Mid-Formartine Councillors Welcome Balmedie-Tipperty Progress

Milestone Underlines Scottish Government Commitment to North-east Roads
A contract worth more than half a million pounds has been awarded which will allow ground investigation work for a key North-east road scheme to start, Transport Minister, Keith Brown has announced.

The Balmedie to Tipperty scheme, which will see construction of around 5 miles of dual carriageway on a section of the A90 between Aberdeen and Ellon, is a vital strategic route and the ground investigations to be carried out by Soil Mechanics will ensure that the scheme is brought up to the same level of readiness as the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR).

Mr Brown said:

“The dualling scheme of the Balmedie-Tipperty section of the A90 will alleviate the bottleneck caused by the existing single carriageway resulting in improved and more reliable journey times and enhanced safety for road users.

“The £580,000 we have made available reinforces our commitment to improve both this and other major strategic roads in the north east of Scotland, and I’m delighted this investment will allow our appointed contractors to begin the essential ground investigations work in the coming weeks to ensure the Balmedie-Tipperty scheme is up to the same level of readiness as the AWPR.

“In relation to the AWPR, the Scottish Government remains totally committed to the scheme being completed as soon as possible. Ministers have done everything in their power to progress the appeal hearing as soon as possible and welcome the start of the next stage of the process. We are prepared and ready to defend the appeal so that we can get on and build this much needed road as soon as possible."

Mid-Formartine SNP councillors Allan Hendry and Cryle Shand have welcomed the announcement from the Minister.

Commenting, Cllr Allan Hendry said:

“This is a welcome step in moving on this vital project and the Scottish Government’s reinforced commitment to making this happen is very important. Dualling the link between Balmedie and Tipperty is long-overdue and will help traffic flow more freely both into and out of Aberdeen.”

Cllr Cryle Shand added:

“This is good news but the whole of the North-east remains frustrated by the actions of a selfish minority in delaying the Aberdeen Bypass with endless legal challenges.

“It is right that people should have the opportunity to object to large civil engineering projects and even to have their day in court, but these protestors have had many years in various courts and not one of the judgements have come down in their favour. It is time they accepted they have lost the argument and let the people of the North-east get the bypass their roads network sorely needs.”

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Hendry Welcomes A947 Safety Measures

SNP Mid-Formartine councillor Allan Hendry have welcomed a new safety initiative for the A947 road.

The road which runs from Dyce to Banff witnessed, on average, more than 3 fatal road collisions each year between 2005 and 2010, which is almost 50% higher than the national average.

 

Aberdeenshire Council together with other partners from the North East Safety Camera Partnership (NESCAMP) have come together in a bid to make the A947 safer for all users.  To address the road safety issues an in-depth route study has been carried out and a range of measures to encourage safer road use recommended. The partners agreed to focus on the reduction of inappropriate speed as the first measure.  

 

Engineering in the form of additional road signage and new hard standings has begun, and will assist speed enforcement by Grampian Police at existing and new locations.   The works, which have been funded by NESTRANS, Community Safety Partnership and the Safety Camera Programme, will be complemented by a series of education and encouragement methods.

Cllr Allan Hendry, who is also Vice-Convener of Grampian Joint Police Board, added:

“I am delighted to see the implementation of this initiative.  The serious road collisions along the A947 have been a matter of deep concern to me for some considerable time.  Hopefully these measures, which include education, enforcement and encouragement, will see a vast reduction in instances of serious injury and fatal collisions along the A947. 

“The A947 Working Group, which includes Aberdeenshire Council Accident Investigation Unit, NESTRANS, Grampian Police, The Community Safety Partnership and the Safety Camera Program, should be justly proud of this achievement which should now go a long way into making this notorious road much safer and I congratulate everyone involved with this project.”

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Hendry Disappointed By Latest Grampian Drink-Drive Figures

Vice-convener of Grampian Police Joint Board and former police officer Cllr Allan Hendry has expressed disappointment after Grampian Police saw a 42% increase in the number of drink and drug drivers over the first three weeks of their Christmas campaign from 36 detections in 2010 to 51 over the same period this year.

Commenting, the SNP councillor said:

“This is deeply disappointing, especially after all the warnings and the high profile launch of the festive drink/drug driving campaign this year.  I was further disappointed to note that nearly 25% of those detected were young men and women aged between 17-25 years of age.

 

“It was highlighted during the launch of the campaign, and I certainly stated quite clearly at that time, that officers of Grampian Police Roads Policing Department would be extremely active during the festive season and that individuals who drove whilst under the influence of drink/drugs would be detected and prosecuted.  Sadly it appears the warning has not been heeded and as a result 51 individuals will find themselves in court with a likelihood of losing their drivers licence which in turn will impact upon their lives and possibly their families lives.

 

“My plea to Grampian motorists is to enjoy the festivities but to do so sensibly: heed the warnings being given and DO NOT drink and drive.”

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Mid-Formartine Councillor Welcomes Mobile Police Surgeries

Mid-Formartine SNP councillor Allan Hendry has welcomed the news that Grampian Police will be reaching out to local communities across his Ward this weekend.

Officers will be taking the Mobile Police Surgery to Balmedie and Potterton on Saturday and making themselves available to discuss any issues of concern with local residents.

Commenting, Councillor Hendry said:

“I very much welcome this initiative from Grampian Police. It is important that police officers are accessible and available in all our communities to get first hand information from local residents.

“I would urge local residents to take full advantage of this and to come along and meet their community policing team.”

Note: The timetable for the Mobile Police Office is:

Saturday 10 December 2011

11.00am – 1.00pm Balmedie, Leisure Centre

1.30pm – 2.00pm Potterton, Panmure Gardens

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Police Board's Hendry highlights Festive Drink/Drive Driving Campaign

Mid-Formartine SNP councillor and Vice-Convener of Grampian Police Joint Board Allan Hendry has given his backing to this year’s ACPOS Drink Driving Campaign in which Grampian Police are participating.

Commenting, Councillor Hendry said:

“Drink Driving is probably one of the most anti-social and dangerous things anyone can do.

“If anyone in feels inclined to drink and drive or take drugs and drive, they may be assured that Grampian Police will be out there to catch and prosecute offenders. The knock on effect of being caught is that it could cost your livelihood, your home and your homelife.

“It could of course result in the loss of life not least your own. So the message is quite clear and is simply this, ‘Please Be sensible and Don't Drink and Drive’.”

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Police Board Vice-Chair Praises £100,000 Heroin Hall

Mid-Formartine SNP councillor and vice-convener of Grampian Police Board Allan Hendry has praised officers for their good work which led to the seizure of heroin with a street value of around £100,000 at Aberdeen Station.

A 37 year-old male from Liverpool will appear in court tomorrow in connection with the seizure.

Commenting, Councillor Hendry said:

“This is a major drugs recovery and sends a strong message to those who traffick drugs into the North-east that you are being monitored and the chances are that you will face the consequences.

“I have nothing but praise for the officers involved in Operation Shield who have once again shown that the fight against the drug traffickers can and will be won.”

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Police Board Vice-Chairman Warns Drivers

SUMMER DRINK DRUG DRIVING CAMPAIGN KICKS-OFF

Mid-Formartine SNP councillor and Vice-Chairman of Grampian Police Joint Board Allan Hendry has warned drivers that they will be caught if they take drugs or drink alcohol and then decide to drive. The warning came as Grampian Police kicks-off its summer campaign as part of an initiative by ACPOS (the Association of Chief Police Officers) across Scotland.

Commenting, Councillor Hendry said:

“Police officers across Grampian will be stopping drivers and testing them for drink or drugs. Those failing the test will face arrest and be charged.

“There really is no excuse these days for such anti-social behaviour which threatens the lives of those driving under the influence and other innocent road users.

“I very much welcome this campaign which is aimed at making Grampian’s roads safer for law-abiding road users and driving home the message that taking drugs or drinking and driving is unacceptable.”

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Police Board Vice-Chair Disappointed At Number Of Road Offences Uncovered By Day Of Action

Mid-Formartine SNP councillor and Vice-Convener of Grampian Police Joint Board Allan Hendry has expressed his disappointment at the number of drivers reported for road traffic offences during the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) day of action carried out last week.

Road Policing and Local Policing Teams were active throughout the area and 36 persons were reported for speeding, 2 for dangerous driving and 20 for seat belt related offences. Of these offenders 16 related to persons aged between 17 and 25.

Commenting, Councillor Hendry, himself a former police officer, said:

“I should like to pay tribute to the officers involved in this road safety exercise who by their actions are making the roads safer for the public to use.

“Some of the offences uncovered as a result are truly horrifying, such as individuals on motorcycles travelling well in excess of 100 miles per hour.

“I am also surprised and disappointed at the number of seat-belt offences uncovered. It should be common sense by now, some 30 years after legislation on seat belts was introduced, that a seat belt is there to provide protection in the event of an accident. It seems that reminders to motorists from Grampian Police are needed and I fully support further initiatives on these issues in future.”

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SNP Councillors Slam Lib Dem Hypocrisy

SNP councillors Allan Hendry (Mid-Formartine) and Rob Merson (Ellon & District) have reacted angrily to Lib Dem criticism of the Scottish Government in yesterday’s Press & Journal ‘Offenders left to ‘kick their heels’’, after it was revealed that offenders in the North and North east have been left waiting almost a month before beginning community service orders.

Commenting, Councillor Allan Hendry said:

“It is hypocrisy on an epic scale that Lib Dem Justice spokesman, Robert Brown, should criticise the Scottish Government for the delay in initiating Community Service Orders - when the Lib Dem/Tory administration of Aberdeenshire Council have already been exposed as being one of the slowest local authorities to implement these orders.

“An article in the ‘Press & Journal’ of 14 th June reported that offenders convicted within Aberdeenshire Council’s jurisdiction spent an average of 442 days completing community service orders lasting between 151-200 hours – more than double the Scottish average.

“I have been in communication with the Council in trying to improve this performance, and I am aware that my colleague, Cllr. Rob Merson, has been in ongoing correspondence with senior officers since March this year. I was therefore disappointed to note that the news report stated that Aberdeenshire Council had not yet responded to a Freedom of Information enquiry.”

Councillor Rob Merson added:

“Cllr. Henry and I have both been pressing the Council to engage more actively with the Community Service Order programme, and suggested that the public would very much appreciate the deployment of such offenders in clearing the snow from our schools, medical centres, hospitals, car parks and other areas not easily accessed by mechanical equipment.

“Hundreds of tonnes of sand have been spread across the footpaths of the North east during the recent snowfall, and offenders serving community service orders could also be deployed very effectively in clearing up the residue before it gets washed into the road drains and causes flooding.

“Clearly Robert Brown would have done well to discuss the situation with his Lib Dem colleagues on Aberdeenshire Council, before so enthusiastically putting his foot into his own mouth.”

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POLICE BOARD VICE-CHAIR BACKS ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR CRACKDOWN

Mid-Formartine SNP councillor and vice-chairman of Grampian Police Joint Board Allan Hendry has welcomed the festive crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Aberdeenshire that will see extra police patrols across the region.

The scheme, named Operation Whalsay will run until 8 January 2011 and, in addition to the extra patrols, will also feature an awareness raising poster campaign designed to highlight seasonal personal safety messages to the public.

The operation will see the police work in partnership with a number of other public bodies and volunteer organisations. It is also being backed by some of the North-east's most prominent oil companies in a bid to ensure the message hits home.

Commenting, Councillor Hendry said:

“Anything such as extra patrols and awareness posters which are designed to deter and detect violent and anti-social behaviour are most welcome. Initiatives such as this help to instil confidence in the public when they see the Police Service being pro-active in this way.

“I am also pleased to see that local prominent oil companies are supporting this most welcome initiative by Grampian Police.”

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LOCAL COUNCILLOR ELECTED VICE-CONVENER OF GRAMPIAN POLICE BOARD

SNP councillor for Mid-Formartine Allan Hendry has been elected vice-convener of Grampian Police Joint Board.

Councillor Hendry is himself a former police officer was elected at a meeting of the Board held on 12 November.

Commenting, Councillor Hendry said:

“I am delighted at being elected to this position and I am very grateful to my colleagues on the Board who showed their confidence in me by voting in my favour.

“I look forward to the challenges ahead, of which I have no doubt there will be many, and will do my best to help overcome any difficulties both for the Board and for the people resident in the Grampian Police area.”

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford added:

“Allan brings a lot of experience to his new position as a former police officer and I know he will work very hard in his new role, as he has been doing for the past three years as a Police Board member.”

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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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ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCILLORS BACK RETENTION OF FORENSIC LAB

Aberdeenshire Council's SNP Group has given its backing to the campaign to retain the Scottish Police Services Authority's (SPSA) forensic laboratory in Aberdeen.

Writing on behalf of the Group to the SPSA's Director, Tom Nelson, Group Leader Cllr Joanna Strathdee (Huntly, Strathbogie & Howe of Alford) said:

"A full forensic service in Aberdeen is essential in the fight against crime and any dilution of such services would be damaging to the justice system."

She continued:

"I have therefore written to Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill outlining our support for the retention of the Aberdeen lab."

Grampian Police Joint Board member and former police officer Cllr Allan Hendry (Mid-Formartine) has consistently backed retaining the forensic lab in Aberdeen. He said:

"Our Group feel very strongly that any diminution of services in the city would have a detrimental effect on the justice system.

"The fact is that these proposed savings don't not stack up. £300,000 over 5 years is mentioned but this takes no account of staff relocation or transfers. The best long term solution for Aberdeen and the North-east, and indeed the SPSA, is the retention of Aberdeen lab with the addition of an Evidence Based Solution IT system and we have written to our MSP's indicating our support for this."

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POLICE BOARD MEMBER HENDRY WELCOMES MAJOR INVESTIGATION TEAMS' SUCCESS

Mid-Formartine SNP councillor and former police officer Allan Hendry has praised Grampian Police's new Major Investigation Teams.

The force reorganised its crime and drugs squads into Major Investigation Teams (MITs) in April – and in the first ten weeks under the new system, the two teams have seized £300,000 worth of drugs and £86,000 in cash. Major successes include Operation Sirius, which saw more than 240 people charged with 393 drugs offences.

Commenting, Councillor Allan Hendry – who is a member of Grampian Police Joint Board - said:

"I am delighted at this news and it gives me great pleasure to congratulate Grampian Police on their success in dealing with Serious and Organised Crime.

"I echo the comments made by Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill. These specialised Major Investigation Teams should be congratulated for the hard work they have put into this new style of policing. There is no doubt that these successes will go a long way in reassuring the public that Grampian Police are working hard to ensure that the North-east is a safer place to live.

"I would urge the public to continue giving information to the police when they become aware of criminality, in order that Grampian Police may continue with their intelligence led policing model which has been so successful."

Councillor Hendry went on to question the possible impact on the force's record should Aberdeen's Forensic Science Lab close. He continued:

"However, I wonder how successful they will continue be if the Forensic Science Service is removed from the Grampian Police area or even if the service is reduced. If this were to happen it would effectively remove the immediate personal contact and association that Senior Investigating Officers currently enjoy with the Forensic Science Service.

"I believe that if that were to happen, it would in my view, undoubtedly lead to a reduction in the detection of serious organised crime and violent crime such as rape and murder, as the immediate response from the Forensic Science Service would no longer be available locally.

"The Scottish Police Services Authority should think long and hard if they are considering such a course of action.

"In the meantime, I congratulate Grampian Police for making the North-east a safer place to reside."

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HENDRY BACKS POLICE CADET RECRUITMENT DRIVE

Mid-Formartine SNP councillor and Member of Grampian Police Joint Board Allan Hendry has given his backing to the police cadet recruitment drive announced this week by Grampian Police.

The cadets - who will start their cadetship in the yearly intake in October - will gain experience of working with a number of departments within Grampian Police. They will also experience placements with other agencies such as Buchan Dial-A-Bus, Cornerstone Community Care and Grampian Society for the Blind.

Applicants must be at least 16-years-old on 30 September 2010 and be resident within Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire or Moray. They must be physically and medically fit and highly motivated team players with the determination to succeed.

Commenting, Councillor Hendry said:

"As a former Police officer, I am absolutely delighted to see that Grampian Police have indicated that they are to continue with their Cadet Programme of recruitment, especially during these times of economic recession.

"Grampian Police clearly recognise the benefit of recruiting cadets some of whom will go on to join the Police Service and hopefully become the Police Officers of the future. Being a Police Cadet will give these youngsters the benefit of engaging with the communities which hopefully they will eventually serve and to the credit of the Police Service in Grampian for recognising these benefits and continuing with the Cadet program."

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