North Kincardine Liberal Democrats

FOCUS updated February 2010

Portlethen & Newtonhill still await transport improvements

Cllr Paul Melling and the A90 Road

The North-east is grinding to a halt under an SNP Government

Both Cllr Ian Mollison & Cllr Paul Melling along with Mike Rumbles MSP are annoyed that SNP Ministers have left the Aberdeen Crossrail scheme gathering dust and delayed making a decision about the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Cllr Melling said "The schemes are vital for the Northeast, and vital for the Newtonhill and Portlethen area. Meanwhile we are forced to use the A90 which grinds to a halt whenever there's a minor bump.

"The SNP Transport Minister had the recommendations from the public inquiry into the bypass on 30 June. It took him six months to rubber-stamp the recommendations. And yet it is supposed to be open by 2012 and cost less than £400m."

Cllr Ian Mollison and the Railway Line

Cllr Mollison said "Meanwhile the Crossrail project limps forward. The re-opening of Laurencekirk Station - as commissioned by the previous Lib Dem/Labour Scottish government - has been a big success. Passenger numbers are booming.

"But in Portlethen, Scotrail remains reluctant to increase the number of trains which stop. Positively, the new December timetable sees one extra teatime train to allow commuters to return from Dyce. A step in the right direction.

"We need to also see the re-opening of Newtonhill, Cove, Kintore and other stations with a suitable timetable so the Aberdeen area can have a service fit for the 21st century rail service."

OUR PLEDGE TO YOU

To keep pressure on the Scottish Government to build the AWPR

To work towards ensuring more local train stations with more stopping trains

Plans for social housing and an advice centre in Portlethen

Plans for social housing and an advice centre in Portlethen are moving a step closer to success.

The site across from Bourtree Hall is known locally as the Old Council Groundsman Depot and Mosside Cottages.

Local councillor Paul Melling said that the disused properties have been released from any requirement by Aberdeenshire Council's education department and transferred to the social work and housing service for its use.

"I have been hoping to find a use for this site for some considerable time.

"It now appears that this site will be released for social housing in partnership with Cornerstone.

"In addition a purpose-built centre to house a citizen advice centre, a coffee shop and a Befriend A Child centre - with an outside play area for toddlers - will be incorporated on this site."

Ward colleague Councillor Ian Mollison added: "It is great news that progress is finally being made. Further meetings will be arranged to discuss the final details and obviously planning consent will be required for the change of use of this site. "

Campaign for a safe route for cyclists and walkers between Newtonhill and Portlethen

A campaign for a safe route for cyclists and walkers between Newtonhill and Portlethen is making progress.

Local councillors have been pressing for the route via East Cammachmore after they received a petition from pupils at Portlethen Academy.

Councillor Paul Melling said: \"A study is taking place looking at a potential new cycleway link between Newtonhill and Portlethen immediately west of the railway line.

\"This missing link would allow safe and convenient walking and cycling between the two communities away from busy A90 dual carriageway.

\"It would address the safety concerns of pupils at the academy, some of whom live in Newtonhill and could use the route to travel to school.\"

Fellow local councillor Ian Mollison added: \"Council officers have told me that the design is progressing well.

\"An estimate of the likely construction costs will be prepared shortly. These will be used to investigate potential sources of grant funding for the project.

\"Meanwhile negotiations are taking place with local landowners who would be affected. I hope that agreement in principle can be reached in the near future.\"