Stonehaven & Lower Deeside Liberal Democrats

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Stonehaven Floods: Public Inquiry Called For

MSP Mike Rumbles, MP Robert Smith and local councillor Peter Bellarby visit the Stonehaven Flood Relief Centre

Local Liberal Democrats have called on the Scottish Government to establish an independent public local inquiry into the recent flooding in Stonehaven.

Local councillors Mike Sullivan and Peter Bellarby have joined Robert Smith MP and Mike Rumbles MSP in calling for the move.

Mike Sullivan said "The response of the community to the emergency has been magnificent. We want to thank all those who have helped and are continuing to help."

Peter added "I have spoken with many residents and businesses and know how badly affected some of them are. We will do all we can to help businesses get back on their feet by, for example, not letting red tape stand in the way."

Local MP Robert Smith said "There has been particular concern in Stonehaven regarding the response from the various organisations that have responsibility for flooding. There is a clear feeling that there was a great deal of confusion as to exact roles and responsibilities and where ultimate responsibility to deal with the flooding lay.

"In order to ensure that these terrible events do not occur again, it is vital to ascertain exactly what happened when the flooding occurred. I am therefore asking the Scottish Government to establish an Independent Public Local Inquiry to investigate the recent flooding.

"Doing so would not only ensure that we learn the lessons from recent events, but most importantly, it would restore public confidence in the various public bodies tasked with dealing with such a situation."

Action for Bervie Braes

Cllr Peter Bellarby and Sir Robert Smith examine the landslip on bervie Braes

At the same time as the floods there was a landslip at Bervie Braes. The landslip serves as a warning that something must be done now to prevent a future disaster. Earlier this year Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee agreed to a scheme that would stabilise the Braes and last for 100 years. Aberdeenshire Council has asked for financial assistance from the Scottish Government for this but so far has had no reply. Cllr. Peter Bellarby has written to John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Development, asking him to take urgent action on this. Peter said "Aberdeenshire Council can't do this alone. The Government must help with finance. And they must do it soon before it is too late."

Mackie Academy Snub

Mike Rumbles speaks at the Scottish Parliament

West Aberdeenshire & Kincardine MSP Mike Rumbles has hit out after Mackie Academy was omitted from a list of secondary schools that are to be rebuilt with funds from the SNP government.

Mike said: "Aberdeenshire Council estimates that it would cost £34.8 million to rebuild Mackie Academy. It is hugely disappointing that the SNP government has failed to sup¬port the council with funding for Stonehaven.

"I will continue to press the Scottish Government for this vital investment in our children's future."

Vince Cable visits West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

Vince Cable and Robert Smith at Biotechnics in Gourdon

Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable visited Biotechnics in Gourdon and Yeadons of Banchory with local MP Sir Robert Smith

Vince Cable has emerged as one of the most respected voices on the economy in Parliament. He went on to address a packed Finzean Hall with his analysis of the current economic crisis.

Vince Cable and Robert Smith at Yeadon's, Banchory