CONCERNS about the condition of the White Bridge were flagged at this week’s meeting of Stonehaven and District Community Council.
And in his usual inimitable style, member Jim Stephen hammered home his point with a memorable line.
”The Titanic is in better nick,” he said.
”The state of the White Bridge is a disgrace.”
With Mr Stephen asking our elected Councillors to find out if there was any warranty on the recent refurbishment work, his pithy one-liner provided a humorous conclusion to what had been a busy agenda.
Updates from area manager
Tim Stephen of Aberdeenhire Council visited the meeting to give the newly-elected members some advice on their responsiblities and conduct.
And he provided an update on various matters, including the temporary boardwalk replacement path which will remain in place and will be widened to two metres. The remaining boardwalk will be tidied. The lighting will be repaired with low level posts being placed where there are gaps.
The sad condition of our community minibus was mentioned – but it clearly will have to be used for as long as possible.
Mr Stephen said the beach toilets would close at the end of the October holidays – and as they would not be open next year, he hoped their appearance could be changed so they no longer looked like public toilets.
And, as there has been recent show of interest in cold water swimming at the open air pool, he said this will be offered on an event basis.
Busy meeting getting their house in order – and you could help
Much of the night’s meeting was spent addressing all the special areas of interest and outside bodies the community council involves itself in – and finding members willing to be part of sub-committees. These look at matters as diverse as our public transport, our health care, our local place plan and major developments such as SSEN’s current proposals for overhead power lines.
Ian Hunter made a special plea.
”Members of the public can get involved with the Community Council in such committees,” he said.
SEPA slow to react to new flood measures
While SDCC discussed the proposed Local Place Plan, Brian Menzies said the maps used to show flood risks, while being the correct and latest provided by SEPA, were in fact wrong.
The Carron Terrace resident said the recent floodworks reduced the risk of flooding to a one in 200 event – but on the SEPA maps it still showed a one in 10 years’ risk. This, he said affected insurance etc.
Clle Alan Turner said he had already taken this up with SEPA, who say it may take up to two years to have maps updated.
