As I look through my mailbox this morning and look out my window, it appears that last week’s announcement from the council about suspending recycling collections has left people confused. Today is recycling day in Sheddocksley but most people have put out their household rubbish bins.

The statement from Aberdeen City Council said, “Services have been suspended so the collections team can implement new ways of working, following the Government’s guidance on social distancing. The team can then assess the impact of the new ways of working and review. “

For avoidance of doubt, please note the following

1. There will be no pickups of recycling bins or brown bins until further notice.
2. I will post online when these resume.
3. Mixed recycling can be disposed of at supermarket recycling points, otherwise it will need to be stored until collections resume..
4. Food waste can be put in with household rubbish at the moment.
5. There is no way to get rid of garden waste at the moment.
6. Household rubbish collections remain fortnightly
7. There is currently no collection at all on recycling days.
8. Please don’t shoot the messenger ?

Start Date and Time : 23 March 2020 09:30 
End Date and Time : 24 March 2020 15:30 

Location : A944 Skene Road

Description : Skene Road at the roundabout of the A944, will have a lane 1 closure westbound from 09:30 – 15:30 on both 23rd and 24th March 2020.

This is due to crash barrier repairs. 

Start Date and Time : 17 February 2020 06:00 
End Date and Time : 30 March 2020 06:00

Location : Stronsay Drive

Description : The effect of the order is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Stronsay Drive, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Crescent and the access to numbers 110-120 Stronsay Drive, from 06:00 on 17 February 2020, until 022:00 on 18 March 2020, and on Gairsay Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Drive and a point 40m in a westerly direction from 06:00 on 17 February 2020, until 06:00 on 30 March 2020.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretches of road. Access to properties will be maintained.

An alternative route is available via Stronsay Place, Summerhill Terrace, Summerhill Road and Lang Stracht.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones, and illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The Stronsay Drive section is expected to be completed within three weeks if no difficulties are encountered.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during sewer installation works for Aberdeen City Council.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Hatton Traffic Management on 01224 795399, or info@hattontraffic.co.uk

Start Date and Time : 16 March 2020 07:30 
End Date and Time : 16 March 2020 17:30

Location : Clova Park

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 – 17:30 on 16th March 2020, is to impose a prohibition of waiting on Clova Park, from its junction with Kingswells Drive to no.5 Clova Park.

The restrictions are necessary to protect public safety during resurfacing works. 

Start Date and Time : 17 February 2020 06:00 
End Date and Time : 30 March 2020 06:00

Location : Stronsay Drive

Description : The effect of the order is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Stronsay Drive, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Crescent and the access to numbers 110-120 Stronsay Drive, from 06:00 on 17 February 2020, until 06:00 on 15 March 2020, and on Gairsay Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Drive and a point 40m in a westerly direction from 06:00 on 17 February 2020, until 06:00 on 30 March 2020.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretches of road. Access to properties will be maintained.

An alternative route is available via Stronsay Place, Summerhill Terrace, Summerhill Road and Lang Stracht.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones, and illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The Stronsay Drive section is expected to be completed within three weeks if no difficulties are encountered.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during sewer installation works for Aberdeen City Council. 

Start Date and Time : 10 February 2020 09:30 
End Date and Time : 10 February 2020 15:30

Location : Kingswell Crescent

Description : Temporary traffic signals for ACC gully repairs east of the junction with Chapel of Stoneywood – Fairley Road. Offpeak operation. 

Start Date and Time : 29 January 2020 09:00
End Date and Time : 22 February 2020 16:00

Location : North Countesswells Road

Description : Temporary traffic signals for works on new through road at Counteswells Development to the east of the North Counteswells Road.

Operation 0900-1600 daily.

Start Date and Time : 06 January 2020 07:00 
End Date and Time : 31 January 2020 17:00

Location : Summerhill Crescent

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:00 to 17:30 on 6th January to 31st January 2020, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting from no.36 to no.50 both sides on Summerhill Crescent and from the entrance of Holy Family RC School to no.36 on Summerhill Terrace.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during footway works. 

Start Date and Time : 06 January 2020 07:00 
End Date and Time : 24 January 2020 17:00

Location : Summerhill Crescent

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:00 to 17:30 on 6th January to 24th January 2020, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting from no.36 to no.50 both sides on Summerhill Crescent and from the entrance of Holy Family RC School to no.36 on Summerhill Terrace.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. The measure is necessary to protect public safety during footway works. 

Start Date and Time : 15 July 2019 08:00
End Date and Time : 20 December 2019 22:00

Location : Stronsay Drive and Gairsay Road

Description : Stronsay Drive, Aberdeen, will remain closed between its junction with Stronsay Crescent and the access to numbers 110-120 Stronsay Drive Road, until 22:00 on 17 December, 2019, and Gairsay Road, Aberdeen, will remain closed between its junction with Stronsay Drive and a point 30m in a westerly direction, until 22:00 on 20 December, 2019.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretches of road.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained when possible.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during sewer installation works for Aberdeen City Council.

Any queries regarding the restrictions can be directed to Hatton Traffic Management on 01224 795399, or info@hattontraffic.co.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Lang Stracht, Summerhill Road, Summerhill Terrace, and Stronsay Crescent, and via Eday Road and Eday Drive.

Local councillor Steve Delaney continues to receive complaints about the new LED lighting, mostly from Kingswells but also from other parts of our area. People have been expressing concerns about safety as a result of the lower levels of illumination.

He has posed a number of additional queries to the council in the hope of finding a way to improve lighting levels which did not run contrary to the council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions or indeed their requirement to make cost savings to balance the books.

Steve said, “I have asked about lighting levels compared to other areas of Aberdeen where LED bulbs have been installed and I have received assurances that lighting levels there are equivalent to those in Kingswells”. 

“I have raised concerns about security on the basis that well lit areas deter criminal activity. I have raised concerns about possible trip hazards if people (especially those who are frail or have poor eyesight) have to walk along poorly lit roads”.

“I have also asked about the specification of these bulbs and looked at the possibility of making changes to somehow improve the lighting levels emitted from them. To date a way forward has yet to be identified”.

“These lights meet or exceed the legal minimum levels  for street lighting and there is no obligation on the council to offer a level of illumination above what is currently being installed. Personally, I remain unconvinced these legal minimum lighting levels are insufficient for public safety but they are, as I have said, all that the council is obligated to comply with”.

“My view is that nobody within Aberdeen City Council (officers or councillors) would support a return to the old style light bulbs by way of cost, reliability and environmental factors. Instead, my own focus has been on getting improved lighting levels out of the new LED bulbs and my recommendation is that this is the approach most likely to succeed if indeed it proves possible to find a solution”. 

“A constituent recently asked for details of who to complain to and enquired about the possibility and effectiveness of starting a petition. In this respect there are two different routes a member of the public could take. I have since been asked to make this information publicly available and have provided an overview below”.

Petitions

There used to be a petitions committee but now any valid petition goes directly to the committee whose remit it falls under. Petitions can be online, paper based or a combination of both. Full guidance can be found here.

Any petition which is valid (the relevant criteria is set out in the guidance) and attracts at least 100 valid signatures by its closing date will be placed on the agenda for the next available meeting of the relevant committee.

The person or persons submitting a petition will be invited to attend the committee to present their case to councillors and answer any questions relating to the petition which councillors may wish to ask. It is then for the committee to make a decision on your petition’s proposed outcome but there is no right of appeal on their decision. 

Formal Complaint

Any citizen has the right to make a formal complaint in respect of any service provided to them by the council with which they are dissatisfied. This something individuals would need to do themselves as it is not something which can be taken forward by a councillor.

A letter or email detailing the nature of your complaint should be sent to the Chief Executive, Aberdeen City Council, Marischal College. The Chief Executive will then re-direct the correspondence to the most appropriate person for a response.

Any such letter needs to say that you wish it to be dealt with under the council’s complaints procedure, otherwise it will merely be treated as a service query.

A copy of the council’s complaints procedure should be requested as that will outline the process which must be followed by you, should you remain dissatisfied with the council’s initial response to your complaint.

Ultimately you may refer the matter to the Public Services Ombudsman, should you remain dissatisfied after following the complaints process to its conclusion, should you feel this to be necessary.

There is no cost attached to this course of action but the Ombudsman will immediately reject your complaint if you have not followed and fully exhausted the council’s own complaints procedure first.

Start Date and Time : 02 December 2019 08:00
End Date and Time : 13 December 2019 17:00

Location : C89c Chapel of Stoneywood to Fairley Road

Description : C89c Chapel of Stoneywood to Fairley Road will be closed between Kingswells Crescent to AWPR access roundabout at North Kingswells.

This will be done for public safety during ACC Lighting works.

Alternate Route : C89c Chapel of Stoneywood, Hope Farm Road, A96, AWPR, A944 Roundabout, C89c Chapel of Stoneywood

Start Date and Time : 09 December 2019 08:00 
End Date and Time : 20 December 2019 17:00

Location : Summerhill Road, Campsie Place

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08.00 on 9 December, 2019, until 17:00 on 20 December, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on either side of Summerhill Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Dumgoyne Place and Balfron Place, and also on either side of Campsie Place, Aberdeen, from its junction with Summerhill Road to the boundary between numbers 5 and 7 Campsie Place.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during works being carried out by BT Openreach.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Wright Traffic Management on 01466 751316, or info@wtm.scot

Start Date and Time : 15 July 2019 08:00 
End Date and Time : 06 December 2019 22:00

Location : Gairsay Road and Stronsay Drive

Description : There is a prohibition of driving on Gairsay Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Drive and the access road to the play area at the side of 13 Gairsay Road, until 06:30 on 25 November 2019.

There is also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road. From 06:30 on 25 November, 2019, until 22:00 on 6 December, 2019, there will be a prohibition of driving on Gairsay Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Drive and a point 30m in a westerly direction, and also on Stronsay Drive, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Crescent and the access to numbers 110-120 Stronsay Drive.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretches of road. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained when possible. The measures are necessary to protect public safety during sewer installation works for Aberdeen City Council.

Any queries regarding the restrictions can be directed to Hatton Traffic Management on 01224 795399, or info@hattontraffic.co.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Stronsay Drive, Eday Road, and Eday Drive, and via Stronsay Place, Summerhill Terrace, Summerhill Road and Lang Stracht. 

Start Date and Time : 02 December 2019 08:00 
End Date and Time : 13 December 2019 17:00 

Location : Summerhill Road, Campsie Place

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08.00 on 2 December, 2019, until 17:00 on 13 December, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on either side of Summerhill Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Dumgoyne Place and Balfron Place, and also on either side of Campsie Place, Aberdeen, from its junction with Summerhill Road to the boundary between numbers 5 and 7 Campsie Place.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during works being carried out by BT Openreach.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Wright Traffic Management on 01466 751316, or info@wtm.scot

Start Date and Time : 15 July 2019 08:00 
End Date and Time : 01 November 2019 22:00

Location : Gairsay Road 

Description : There will be a prohibition of driving on Gairsay Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Drive and the access road to the play area at the side of 13 Gairsay Road, until 22:00 on 1 November 2019.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained when possible.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during sewer installation works for Aberdeen City Council.

Any queries regarding the restrictions can be directed to Hatton Traffic Management on 01224 795399, or info@hattontraffic.co.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Stronsay Drive, Eday Road, and Eday Drive. 

A number of Kingswells residents have contacted local councillor Steve Delaney raising their concerns about the proposed closure of this road. This comes only a couple of years after prolonged closure of the road to get utility services across to the new Countesswells development.

Matters came to a head a couple of weeks ago when it emerged that the developer had set up a meeting but had not publicised this beyond the residents of the new development. Kingswells residents were given no advance warning of this, nor were councillors. Steve has since been in touch with several council officers and representatives of the developer, Countesswells Development Ltd to try to get some answers.

The works overall are expected to take about a year, though it’s not expected the road will be closed for the duration of the works. An initial road closure application has now been received by the council. The closure is proposed from 6 January 2020 for three months.

The works involve widening the C128C where it joins the roundabout and stopping up the current road southwards and replacing it with a new road to line up with Countesswells Road. Longer term this is going to be very welcome but in the interim there’s going to be significant diversions for anyone trying to get from Kingswells to Cults.

Steve said, “Council officers do not believe a 12 month closure  to be either required or indeed acceptable”. Just yesterday I received a response from Countesswells Development Ltd in which they said, “there will not, and never has been, the intention to close that road for a 12 month period”. They went on to say that they would be, “building the road up to the roundabout and then introducing a closure for as minimum a period as we possible can”.

At this point in time it remains unclear as to whether further works are envisaged beyond the initial 3 month period, whether or not the enlargement of the Kingswells roundabout is included in these works and a number of other questions also remain outstanding. 

Steve concluded, “Although the closure cannot be avoided for safety reasons I have sought assurances from both the council and the developer that these need to be kept to the absolute minimum in order to minimise disruption to local people”.

“Please rest assured I will remain in touch with both the council and Countesswells Development Ltd until matters become much clearer. Further updates will be posted if and when available”.

A significant number of residents have contacted local councillor Steve Delaney to raise concerns about lighting levels since the council upgraded the street lighting to LED bulbs.

These bulbs are much cheaper to run, they last much longer, they are less likely to fail, they significantly reduce our carbon footprint and the lighting in their immediate vicinity is much improved.

However, the radius of the area illuminated around each column is significantly reduced, resulting in dark spots between the columns, unlit driveways and the entrances to people’s homes no longer being illuminated. This in turn has led to safety concerns with regard to fear of crime and possible trip hazards for people who are perhaps unsteady on their feet or have poor eyesight.

Steve said, “I have raised these concerns and more with the council and I have also tried to explore possible solutions with them”.

“The council has responded by saying that the aim was get the electricity costs and carbon footprint as low as possible while still achieving the required lighting levels that the public were used to and also that of the British Standards which set the minimum levels for lighting”.

“I’m informed that by using white light, facial recognition is better than that of orange light sources and the new LED lanterns are much more focussed in where they direct their light with a dramatic reduction in ‘spill light’ which may have led to the perception that the area is less lit due to the fact that house gardens and paths are no longer illuminated”.

It appears that the council has an obligation to light adopted roads and footpaths. Unfortunately they are not under any obligation to illuminate driveways or private footpaths leading to residents’ doors. In that respect the wider angled beam of the older style lighting was subject to a fair amount of light spillage and therefore better at giving a uniform lighting level in all areas.

Steve asked for tests to be carried out in a few streets to ensure they did indeed meet the minimum British Standard with respect to lighting levels. In every case they actually exceeded that minimum standard. The issue seems to be that the lit areas are fine, it’s the unlit areas that are causing understandable concern.

Steve said, “I have asked about any possible ways the dark spots could perhaps be eliminated. One suggestion was that perhaps the height of the columns could be shortened. However,  it appears they had in fact been heightened to improve the uniformity of lighting across the length of the street and to reduce the number of light and dark areas in the street”.

“Another idea was to fit reflectors around the bulbs to increase lighting levels. I was informed that every lantern has specially designed optics around each LED to make sure that the lantern puts the light exactly where it is required and that it is not possible to fit reflectors around the bulb as could be done with the old style lanterns”.

Steve concluded, “As long as the council is meeting the legal minimum standards, which they appear to be, then nothing is going to change.”

“The only solution I can see is for householders to install additional lighting, possibly motion activated, in order to illuminate any dark spots on their own property.  It’s something myself and my neighbours had to do some years ago as our street has always been particularly badly lit”.

Start Date and Time : 15 July 2019 08:00 
End Date and Time : 01 November 2019 22:00 
Location : Stronsay Drive, Gairsay Road 

Description : The effect of the order is to impose temporary prohibition of driving on Stronsay Drive, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Crescent and its northern junction with the loop road at numbers 27-65 Stronsay Drive until 22:00 on 23 October, 2019 .

There will be a prohibition of driving on Gairsay Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Drive and the access road to the play area at the side of 13 Gairsay Road, until 22:00 on 1 November 2019.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road. Also, there will be a prohibition of driving on Stronsay Drive, Aberdeen, between its junction with Lang Stracht and Stronsay Crescent until 22:00 on 18 October 2019.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones, and illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained when possible.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during sewer installation works for Aberdeen City Council and duct laying works for City Fibre.

Any queries regarding the restrictions can be directed to Hatton Traffic Management on 01224 795399, or info@hattontraffic.co.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route for the Stronsay Drive closure is available via King’s Gate, Summerhill Road and Lang Stracht, and for the Gairsay Road closure via Stronsay Drive, Eday Road, and Eday Drive. 

Start Date and Time : 09 September 2019 07:00 
End Date and Time : 04 October 2019 17:00 

Location : Arnage Place – Mastrick Road to Arnage Drive

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:00 on 9 September 2019, until 17:00 on 04 October 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Arnage Place between Mastrick Road and Arnage Drive.

There will also be a temporary prohibition of waiting either side of Arnage Place, Aberdeen, between Mastrick Road and Arnage Drive.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during footway resurfacing works.

Alternate Route : Ross Crescent, Arnage Drive and vice versa. 

Start Date and Time : 02 September 2019 06:00 
End Date and Time : 13 October 2019 22:00 

Location : Whitemyres Avenue 

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 06:00 on 2 September, 2019, until 22:00 on 13 October, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Whitemyres Avenue, Aberdeen, between its junction with Mastrick Drive and Whitemyres Place, other than in a westerly direction.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side of the same stretch of road. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during gas main replacement works by SGN.

Temporary traffic signals will be in use from 25 September to 13 October, 24 hours/day.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Scotland Gas Networks on 0800 912 1700, or roadworkscoordination@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Whitemyres Avenue, Lang Stracht and Mastrick Drive. 

Start Date and Time : 09 September 2019 07:00
End Date and Time : 20 September 2019 17:00

Location : Arnage Place – Mastrick Road to Arnage Drive

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:00 on 9 September 2019, until 17:00 on 20 September 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Arnage Place between Mastrick Road and Arnage Drive.

There will also be a temporary prohibition of waiting either side of Arnage Place, Aberdeen, between Mastrick Road and Arnage Drive.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during footway resurfacing works.

Alternate Route : Ross Crescent, Arnage Drive and vice versa.

Start Date and Time : 19 August 2019 09:15 
End Date and Time : 23 August 2019 15:45 

Location : Dykeside Roundabout Kingswells 

Description : Temporary traffic signals for use during works to street lighting nodes. Operational 0915-1545 daily. 

Start Date and Time : 02 September 2019 06:00 
End Date and Time : 13 October 2019 22:00 

Location : Whitemyres Avenue 

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 06:00 on 2 September, 2019, until 22:00 on 13 October, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Whitemyres Avenue, Aberdeen, between its junction with Mastrick Drive and Whitemyres Place, other than in a westerly direction.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side of the same stretch of road. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during gas main replacement works by SGN.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Scotland Gas Networks on 0800 912 1700, or roadworkscoordination@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Whitemyres Avenue, Lang Stracht and Mastrick Drive. 

Start Date and Time : 15 July 2019 07:00
End Date and Time : 26 July 2019 22:00

Location : Surface Dressing Brodiach Road

Description : The effect of the order is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving and a 20mph speed restriction on the following roads; Brodiach Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with the A944 Skene Road and the city boundary at Brodiach Burn.

Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

Each road will be closed for a maximum of two days between 07:00 on 15 July, 2019, and 22:00 on 26 July, 2019.

The 20mph speed restriction will be enforced on each road for a period of one week following surface dressing.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during and following carriageway surfacing dressing works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via the A944 Skene Road, Westhill Drive, and Westhill Road;

Start Date and Time : 22 June 2019 07:30 
End Date and Time : 06 July 2019 22:00

Location : Broadiach Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 22 June, 2019, until 22:00 on 6 July, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Brodiach Road, Aberdeen, between Cairdhillock Farmhouse and The Bungalow.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during water connection works for a new development. Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to WM Donald on 01569 730590, or info@wmdonald.co.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Westhill Road, Westhill Drive, and the A944 Skene Road. 

Start Date and Time : 04 June 2019 08:00 
End Date and Time : 08 June 2019 18:00

Location : Kingswood Drive

Description : Temporary traffic signals for use during duct installation works south of Broaddykes Drive. Operational 24 hours/day 

Start Date and Time : 13 May 2019 09:30 
End Date and Time : 17 May 2019 15:30

Description : Temporary traffic signals for use during cable installation by SSE between the junctions with Summerhill Drive and Summerhill Terrace. Operational 0930-1530 daily 

Start Date and Time : 15 June 2019 08:00 
End Date and Time : 15 June 2019 17:00 

Location : City Fibre 14 Kingsford Road 

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 until 17:00 on 15th June, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Kingsford Road, Aberdeen, from the gable end of number 20 Kingsford Road to the gable end of number 26 Kingsford Road.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during duct laying works being carried out by City Fibre.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Hatton Traffic Management on 07940598693, or roadworkscoordination@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Road, Brodinch Road and Springhill Road. 

Start Date and Time : 10 May 2019 07:30
End Date and Time : 17 May 2019 17:00

Location : Shapinsay Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 until 17:00 on 10 May, 2019, and from 07:30-17:00 daily from 13 May, 2019, until 17 May, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Shapinsay Road, Aberdeen, for its entire length.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the area shaded red below. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained when possible.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during carriageway surfacing works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

On 5th March Conservative, Labour and SNP councillors in Aberdeen all voted to impose a Garden Tax, an annual charge for collecting garden and other “green waste” from people’s brown bins.

This new Garden Tax will be on top of your increased council tax bill.

Aberdeen’s Liberal Democrat councillors opposed this Garden Tax. The Liberal Democrats believe it is wrong to introduce this Garden Tax. Garden waste collection is an important council service and should be paid for from council tax. Composting green and garden waste is also important for our environment.

Conservative and Labour councillors, together with their Independent allies, voted for a £30 Garden Tax.

The SNP councillors wanted to have a Garden Tax of £35.

The Liberal Democrats will continue to oppose this unfair tax on people with gardens.

If you back the campaign to axe the Garden Tax please sign up here.

Start Date and Time : 14 May 2019 07:30 
End Date and Time : 20 May 2019 17:00

Location : Shapinsay Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30-17:00 daily from 14 May, 2019, to 20 May, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Shapinsay Road, Aberdeen, for its entire length.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained when possible.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during carriageway surfacing works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Start Date and Time : 02 March 2019 07:00
End Date and Time : 03 March 2019 18:00

Location : C89C Chapel of Stoneywood to Fairley Road

Description : Temporary traffic signals for use during AWPR works to the north of the Dykeside Roundabout. Operational 0700-1800 daily.

Start Date and Time : 04 February 2019 07:30
End Date and Time : 08 March 2019 17:30

Location : Windford Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 4 February, 2019, until 17:30 on 8 March, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Windford Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions Sheddocksley Road and Sheddocksley Drive.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road from 07:30-17:30 Mon-Fri. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during footway surfacing works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Drive and Sheddocksley Road.

Start Date and Time : 26 February 2019 09:30
End Date and Time : 26 February 2019 15:30
Location : Stronsay Drive, Stronsay Place

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 09:30 until 15:30 on 26 February, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Stronsay Drive, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Lang Stracht and Sanday Road, and on Stronsay Place, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Stronsay Drive and Summerhill Drive.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on Stronsay Drive, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Lang Stracht and Fernilea Crescent, and on Stronsay Place, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Stronsay Drive and Summerhill Drive.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

An alternative route is available via Lang Stracht, Summerhill Road and King’s Gate.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during sewer investigation works. Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Structures team on 03000 200292, or roadworkscoordination@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Start Date and Time : 11 March 2019 07:30
End Date and Time : 15 March 2019 17:00

Location : Croft Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 11 March, 2019, until 17:00 on 15 March, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Croft Road, Aberdeen, from the boundary between numbers 1 and 3 Croft Road to its junction with Croft Place, and on Croft Terrace, Aberdeen, from the boundary between numbers 29 and 31 Croft Terrace to its junction with Croft Road.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretches of road between 07:30 and 17:00 daily, and also on Croft Place, Aberdeen, from its junction with Croft Terrace to a point 10 metres in a northerly direction. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible. The existing one-way system on Croft Place, Aberdeen, will be suspended to maintain egress from properties.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during carriageway surfacing works. Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Mastrick Drive, Arnage Drive, Fernhill Drive, and Hillylands Road.

The company which operates the Aberdeen Bay wind farm is to run a community benefit fund which is open to community groups across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Vattenfall have committed to annually investing £150,000 to a community benefit scheme for the 20 year lifetime of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre in Aberdeen Bay.

Applications for the Unlock our Future Fund are now open and will run until 15 April 2019. Application forms are available from the fund’s webpage which will go live on that date. It is expected that funding awards will be made in early summer.

Any constituted organisation or community group in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is eligible to apply.

There are four key priorities of the scheme and each application must demonstrate how it will meet all four. Each application must:

• Contribute to a climate smarter world with sustainability at its core
• Invest in community facilities and/or activities that are fit for the future
• Be innovative
• Ensure a legacy and lasting impact which clearly brings benefit to the local community

An independent community champions panel will select the successful applications. Foundation Scotland will administer the fund.

Aberdeen City Council has agreed to keep current developments on plastic roads firmly on its radar. This was agreed unanimously at the Operational Delivery Committee in response to Lib Dem Councillor Steve Delaney’s Notice of Motion.

In its most basic form, plastic was first used to fill potholes in India over 20 years ago, though the process was pretty basic at the time and has changed significantly over the years. One of the first main highways to include the use of plastic was constructed in Chennai, India in 2002 and it has yet to show any significant signs of wear or tear.

Since then technology has moved on and roads with plastic content have been in more common use in Australia and the USA for a number of years where they has proved to be more durable than traditional roads. Over the past five years this technology has been used to resurface 21,000 miles of roads in India.

A new proprietary product has been developed by a UK based company which promises much by way of longer lasting roads, but also taking into account environmental concerns. The process involves replacing bitumen in the asphalt mix with plastic pellets. Very little plastic is used but the result is a stronger, longer lasting road surface which is reputed to be less susceptible to potholes.

A number of trials of this product have already been undertaken with more to come. Dumfries & Galloway, Cumbria & Enfield councils have all carried out trials and Fife Council are said to be looking to trial this product. It has recently been used to resurface a major junction on the A6 and a section of the A7.

Steve said, “With ongoing financial challenges and the poor state of many of our roads, we really need to be open minded to products which may help reduce our costs and keep our roads in a much better condition for much longer.

“The use of new emerging technology is absolutely essential to the future growth and prosperity of the city but I’m sure everyone would agree we must first satisfy ourselves that the product is safe, environmentally friendly and offers the cost savings and durability promised.

“Clearly we need to recognise that we don’t have India’s climate nor indeed Australia’s, with potholes continuing to be a major issue on all our roads and the lifespan of of these roads being much less than in some other parts of the world. So it is essential that we satisfy ourselves that this product will deliver what it promises in in our colder climate”.

The committee agreed to continue to monitor trials of the product elsewhere in the UK and to gather more evidence relating to the durability, longevity and environmental credentials of this product. A further report will come back to committee when there is sufficient evidence to take an informed decision on the possible use of this product.

Steve added, “I truly believe this technology and products derived from it could represent a revolutionary breakthrough for the road construction industry and I was pleased to see the willingness of all councillors to embrace it as long as it proves to be an effective solution for the challenges we face maintaining our roads in Aberdeen”.

Start Date and Time : 12 February 2019 07:30
End Date and Time : 15 February 2019 17:00

Location : Lang Stracht

Description : The effect of the order is to impose temporary restrictions as per the schedule below;

From 07:30 on 12 February, 2019, until 17:00 on 15 February, 2019 there will be a prohibition of driving on Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, on the access to the inset road east of lighting pole number 108.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during carriageway patching works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route for egress will be available via the construction site to Maidencraig Way.

Start Date and Time : 04 February 2019 07:30
End Date and Time : 01 March 2019 17:30

Location : Windford Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 4 February, 2019, until 17:30 on 1 March, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Windford Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions Sheddocksley Road and Sheddocksley Drive.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road from 07:30-17:30 Mon-Fri.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during footway surfacing works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Drive and Sheddocksley Road.

Start Date and Time : 07 January 2019 07:30
End Date and Time : 25 January 2019 17:30

Location : Harthill Place

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 7 January, 2019, until 17:30 on 25 January, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Harthill Place, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Sheddocksley Road and Sheddocksley Drive.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road from 07:30-17:30 Mon-Fri. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during footway surfacing works. Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Road, Auchlea Place and Sheddocksley Drive.

In recent years Aberdeen City Council has been repairing damaged areas in lock block roads with black tar. This has understandably angered local residents as it results in an unsightly blight on what had previously been an attractive road surface.

Local councillor Steve Delaney has raised this issue on numerous occasions in respect of Kingswells where there are a significant number of lock block streets. He said, “I’ve heard various reasons as to why lock block cannot be replaced with lock block (having been given different reasons at different times) but I remained unconvinced that it was either not possible or not cost effective to do so”.

The council agreed earlier this year to replace the cut-de-sac in Corse Wynd with lock block in order to determine the best way forward. These works have still to be carried out and the outcome will help inform a report going to committee next year. This report will look at the cost effectiveness of larger scale lock block replacement to determine the best way forward when it comes to the permanent replacement of these surfaces at the end of their useful life.

Earlier this month the council considered a policy for carrying out temporary repairs on streets with cobbles and pre-cast concrete blocks (which includes lock block). The proposal had been for all temporary repairs to be carried out using black tar as per the current practice. Steve instead proposed that lock block repairs should be carried out using the same or similar materials where it is feasible to do so. This was accepted unanimously by the committee.

Steve said, “I’m delighted that committee have instructed these repairs to be done using lock block whenever it is feasible to do so. The council has an obligation to address road defects which pose a risk to drivers and pedestrians so it was necessary to obtain agreement as to how this will be done in sensitive areas including conservation areas and lock block streets”.

“Unfortunately none of this changes the priority for road repairs. These will only be carried out if they meet the set criteria (as is the case at present) and the replacement of lock block road surfaces will continue to be prioritised for replacement in the same manner as all other streets in Aberdeen and assessed against the very limited roads budget”.

“However, what it does mean is that small localised repairs will now be done using lock block wherever possible. Larger scale repairs or repairs where the base material beneath the surface has significantly deteriorated or collapsed will still need to be filled with tar to protect the integrity of the road until such times as it can be re-laid or resurfaced. Each street will be consider

ed on its own merits and filling in with black tar will only happen where it is necessary to do so”

Start Date and Time : 27 October 2018 07:00
End Date and Time : 29 October 2018 18:00

Location : U90C Tulloch Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:00 on 27 October, 2018, until 18:00 on 29 October, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the U90C Tulloch Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road and Parkhead Farm Road.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, A944 Skene Road, and the C93C Borrowstone Road.

Aberdeen City Council has approved road layout changes to Lang Stracht affecting the section from Skye Road to the bus gate on Old Lang Stracht.

The current signalised junction at the entrance to the new build properties at Maidencraig will be removed at an unspecified future date and replaced by two signalised junctions, one at Dobbies, the other on the opposite side of the road between Dobbies and the bus gate.

The result of this being that residents will only be permitted to turn left onto Lang Stracht from the current east signalised junction and will need to travel through the development in the wrong direction to one of these two new junctions to turn right and head into town.

Furthermore, these two new junctions will take the place of the single junction which had been specified in the Maidencraig Masterplan, resulting in yet another set of traffic lights on Lang Stracht.

Local councillor Steve Delaney had asked the Planning Committee to refuse the application. He said, “I have to agree with the objectors as this proposal would result in them having to heading west when wanting to go east and face significant hold ups at peak times. Also, the staggered west junction was certainly not in the original plans and it breaks up the inter-connectivity throughout the site, which is not in the interests of those who live there”.

“With this staggered arrangement residents will come out of the scheme further west and much nearer to the roundabout at the end of the Lang Stracht than to the eastern side of the site. This roundabout is a bottleneck at peak times with significant delays and will only get worse as a radial route to the AWPR and with the addition of traffic from Maidencraig, so the extra traffic heading towards the roundabout will get stuck stuck here, impeding easy access to Kingswells, the AWPR and further afield from Lang Stracht”.

Steve went on to emphasise the additional hold ups and congestion an extra set of traffic lights would cause on this short stretch of road. He also highlighted safety concerns if residents decided to ignore the left in, left out regulation and turn right anyway, cutting across two opposing traffic flows on Lang Stracht. He advised councillors that the signalised junction was currently in place and removing it would be a retrograde step.

He continued, “My biggest concern is that a failure to address capacity issues on the Lang Stracht will grind this road to a halt, not in 10 or 20 years but very much sooner. It’s already near gridlock for a spell during morning peak. For years I’ve been calling for the council to dual the Lang Stracht but instead we have a proposal which seeks to exacerbate traffic flow on this route, not improve it”.

The committee did not support Steve’s call to scrap the proposals, instead voting to remove the signalised east junction and therefore the ability to turn right, when 400 houses are built, and to introduce two staggered signalised junctions further west in place of single junction originally planned at Dobbies.

Start Date and Time : 25 September 2018 05:30
End Date and Time : 28 September 2018 22:00

Location : Kingswood Drive

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 05:30 on 25 September, 2018, until 22:00 on 28 September, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Kingswood Drive, Aberdeen, between its southern junction with the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road and Bellfield View.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during carriageway resurfacing works. Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council Roads Maintenance team on 03000 200292, or response@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Fairley Road, the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road and Kingswells Roundabout.

PLEASE NOTE that contrary to previous proposals, the C89C road from the Kingswells Roundabout to Bucksburn WILL NOT now be closed and there WILL NOT be a diversion on a section of the AWPR. The information above represents the latest update and is designed to minimise disruption during the resurfacing works.

Start Date and Time : 19 September 2018 09:00
End Date and Time : 21 September 2018 16:00

Location : Langstracht

Description : Temporary traffic signals for use during ACC-ICT signals configuration at the junction with Skye Road. Operational 24 hours/day.

Start Date and Time : 11 December 2018 09:00
End Date and Time : 17 December 2018 16:00

Location : Gairsay Road

Description : Temporary traffic signals for use during BT works at the junction with Gairsay Drive. Operational 24 hours/day.

Start Date and Time : 01 September 2018 05:00
End Date and Time : 21 September 2018 17:00

Location : Skye Road

Description : The effect of the order, is to close Skye Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Raasay Gardens and Lang Stracht, from 05:00 until 18:00 on 1 September, 2018.

There will then be a one-way restriction on the same stretch of road from 18:00 on 1 September, 2018, until 17:00 on 21 September, 2018.

The permitted direction of travel will be southbound only.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during traffic signal refurbishment works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Aberdeen City Council ITS Unit on 03000 200292, or TrafficLights@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Lang Stracht, Lewis Road and Arran Avenue.

Start Date and Time : 03 September 2018 19:00
End Date and Time : 15 September 2018 07:00

Location : Lang Stracht

Description : Temporary traffic signals for use during remedial works west of the junction with Fernhill Farm Road. Operational 1900-0700 each night.

Start Date and Time : 03 September 2018 19:00
End Date and Time : 15 September 2018 07:00

Location : Lang Stracht

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 19:00 on 3 September, 2018, until 07:00 on 15 September, 2018, is to impose a temporary 20mph speed restriction imposed on Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, between two points 100 metres either side of its junction with the access road to Dobbies Garden Centre.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during carriageway surfacing works. Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed MTM Construction on 01224 790888, or roadworkscoordination@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Start Date and Time : 04 August 2018 09:00
End Date and Time : 04 August 2018 17:00

Location : Fairley Road Edmond Gardens

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 09:00 until 17:00 on 4 August, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Edmond Gardens, Aberdeen, between its southern junction with Fairley Road and the driveway at the side of number 27 Fairley Road.

An alternative route is available via the northern junction of Fairley Road and Edmond Gardens.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on Fairley Road, Aberdeen, between two points 10 metres either side of its southern junction with Edmond Gardens.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during ironwork repairs being carried out by Scottish Water.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to A-Plant Lux on 01698 745069, scotlandtraffic@aplant.com

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via the northern junction of Fairley Road and Edmond Gardens.

Start Date and Time : 04 August 2018 09:00
End Date and Time : 04 August 2018 17:00

Location : Fairley Road Edmond Gardens

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 09:00 until 17:00 on 4 August, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Edmond Gardens, Aberdeen, between its northern junction with Fairley Road and the driveway at number 24 Edmond Gardens.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on Fairley Road, Aberdeen, between two points 10 metres either side of its northern junction with Edmond Gardens.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during ironwork repairs being carried out by Scottish Water.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to A-Plant Lux on 01698 745069, scotlandtraffic@aplant.com

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via the southern junction of Fairley Road and Edmond Gardens.

Start Date and Time : 30 June 2018 07:00
End Date and Time : 01 July 2018 19:00

Location : C93C Borrowstone Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:00 until 19:00 on 30 June, 2018, and from 07:00 until 19:00 1 July, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the C93C Borrowstone Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with the A944 Skene Road and Westholme Cottage.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to AWPR Construction Joint Venture on 0800 058 8350, or community@awprcjv.com

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via the A944 Skene Road, Westhill Drive, and B979 Kirkton of Skene-Tyrebagger.

Start Date and Time : 06 August 2018 08:00
End Date and Time : 11 August 2018 22:00

Location : Old Skene Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on 6th August, 2018, until 22:00 on 11th August, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on either side of Old Skene Road, Aberdeen, from the entrance to Kingswood House to the gable end of number 72 Old Skene Road.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during manhole repair work.

Start Date and Time : 26 June 2018 07:00
End Date and Time : 17 July 2017 17:00

Location : Borrowstone Road

Description : The effect of the order is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the following roads;

The C93C Borrowstone Road, Aberdeen, between Westholme and Hillside, from 07:00 on 26 June, 2018, until 17:00 on 27 June, 2018, and from 07:00 until 17:00 on 10 July, 2018, and from 07:00 until 17:00 on 17 July, 2018.

There will also be a 20mph speed limit enforced on the same stretch of road from 07:00 on 10 July, 2018, until 17:00 on 17 July, 2018.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during carriageway surface dressing works being carried out by Aberdeen City Council.

Start Date and Time : 04 June 2018 09:30
End Date and Time : 04 June 2018 15:30

Location : C89C Chapel of Stoneywood to Fairley Road

Description : Temporary traffic signals for use during AWPR works at the Dykeside Roundabout. Operational 0930-1530 one day only

Start Date and Time : 09 July 2018 10:00
End Date and Time : 09 July 2018 22:00

Location : Ross Crescent

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 10:00 until 22:00 on 9th July, 2018 is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Ross Crescent, Aberdeen, between its junction with Mastrick Road and a point 10 metres in a southerly direction.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during duct laying works being carried out by City Fibre

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Mastrick Road, Arnage Place, and Arnage Drive.

Start Date and Time : 18 June 2018 08:00
End Date and Time : 24 June 2018 22:00

Location : Old Skene Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on 18th June, 2018, until 22:00 on 24th June, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on either side of Old Skene Road, Aberdeen, from the entrance to Kingswood House to the gable end of number 72 Old Skene Road.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during manhole repair work. .

Start Date and Time : 14 May 2018 09:30
End Date and Time : 18 May 2018 15:30

Location : C89C Chapel of Stoneywood to Fairley

Description : Temporary traffic signals for use during repairs to the verge by Sir Robert McAlpine at the junction with Prime Four Crescent. Operational 0930-1530 each day.

Start Date and Time : 17 May 2018 07:30
End Date and Time : 25 May 2018 17:30

Location : Sheddocksley Road, Bellfield Road, Kingsford Road, Harthill Place, Auchlea Place

Description : The effect of the order is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Sheddocksley Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Springhill Road and Auchlea Road, and on Wardhead Place, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Sheddocksley Road and Sheddocksley Drive, from 07:30 on 17 May, 2018, until 17:30 on 25 May, 2018.

Access to properties will be maintained when possible, but no through traffic will be allowed.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the following roads from 07:30-17:30 Mon-Fri; either side of Sheddocksley Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Springhill Road and Auchlea Road; either side of Wardhead Place, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Sheddocksley Road and Sheddocksley Drive; either side of Sheddocksley Drive, Aberdeen, between its northern junction with Sheddocksley Road and the southern boundary of number 287 Sheddocksley Drive; either side of Brodinch Place, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Road and the northern boundary of number 15 Brodinch Place; either side of Bellfield Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Road and the western boundary of number 27 Bellfield Road; either side of Brodinch Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Road and the western boundary of number 35 Brodinch Road; either side of Kingsford Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Road and the western boundary of number 46 Kingsford Road; either side of Harthill Place, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Road and the eastern boundary of number 1 Harthill Place; and either side of Auchlea Place, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Road and the driveway of number 1 Auchlea Place.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. The measures are necessary to protect public safety during carriageway resurfacing works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Drive.

Start Date and Time : 30 April 2018 07:00
End Date and Time : 15 June 2018 22:00

Location : Lang Stracht, Springhill Road

Description : The effect of the order is to impose a prohibition of right turn manoeuvres from Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, on to Springhill Road, from 07:30 on 30 April, 2018, to 22:00 on 15 June, 2018.

There will be a prohibition of waiting on either side of Springhill Road, Aberdeen, between Lang Stracht and Sheddocksley Drive, from 07:30 on 30 April, 2018, to 22:00 on 15 June, 2018.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. Also, there will be a prohibition of driving on Springhill Road, Aberdeen, between Lang Stracht and Sheddocksley Drive, from 07:30 on 19 May, 2018, until 22:00 on 20 May, 2018.

Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible. The measures are necessary to protect public safety during traffic signal refurbishment works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route for vehicles turning onto Springhill Road is available via Fernhill Drive and Greenfern Road. An alternative route for the closure is available via Lang Stracht, Fernhill Drive and Greenfern Road.

Start Date and Time : 07 April 2018 07:30
End Date and Time : 08 April 2018 18:00

Location : C89C Chapel of Stoneywood to Fairley Road.

Description : Temporary traffic signals in use for AWPR works at Dykeside Roundabout.

Working 07:30 to 18:00 each day.

Start Date and Time : 23 March 2018 19:00
End Date and Time : 26 March 2018 06:00

Location : A944 Interchange – East Kingsford.

Description : From 1900 on Friday 23rd March to 0600 on Monday 26th March, there will be lane one restrictions on the A944 in the vicinity of the AWPR.
This for works associated with the AWPR.

Start Date and Time : 23 March 2018 20:00
End Date and Time : 26 March 2018 06:00

Location : C93C Borrowstone Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 20:00 on 23 March, 2018, until 06:00 on 26 March, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the C93C Borrowstone Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with the A944 Skene Road and Westholme Cottage.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via the A944 Skene Road, Westhill Drive, and B979 Kirkton of Skene-Tyrebagger.

Photo taken on 6th March by a local resident

Yesterday’s heavy downpour combined with melting snow caused chaos across the North East, including flooding in our own area. The rain came down at a horrendous rate and, in some case drains were unable to cope, with sections of the Lang Stracht under water as it had been in 2012. The worst hit areas were the Den of Maidencraig Nature Reserve and Old Skene Road in Kingswells.

In both instances local councillor Steve Delaney was alerted by local residents during yesterday’s council budget meeting. He immediately brought the matter to the attention of the Chief Executive and senior staff who left the meeting to put into place emergency procedures. In addition, a local resident made Hazlehead Academy aware of the situation.

Steve said, “I would like to thank local residents for their prompt action, which prevented these incidents from getting worse than they already ere. Both property and lives could have been at risk had it not been for their quick thinking and prompt action”.

In Kingswells local residents helped dig ditches to divert the water in advance of council teams arriving on site.

Hazlehead Academy staff mobilised to try to divert children from crossing at Maidencraig and assisted those who were already there.

Council squads arrived quickly to evaluated both scenarios and prioritise emergency works to ensure safety.

Steve added, “I extend also like to extend my thanks for council employees for the part they played in yesterday’s operation.

Flood prevention measures planned for the Summerhill area should hopefully eliminate such occurrences in that area but clearly the drainage situation in Old Skene Road needs to be investigated, something I has already been requested.

The photographs below came from a video of Old Skene Road, Kingswells which was made by a local resident.

Countless residents have raised concerns over snow clearing operations by Aberdeen City Council during the wintry weather which prevailed during December.

Local councillor Steve Delaney said, “The main routes were kept clear and for the most part the city was able to keep moving. Unfortunately gritting and clearing of pavements during the previous cold snap left a lot to be desired.”

“There were also a number of complaints relating to how individual operations were carried out in specific streets.”

“The fact that people were stranded in their homes as a result of icy pavements is something which needs to be addressed.”

In response to these and other concerns raised across the city, Councillor Ian Yuill, leader of the Aberdeen Lib Dem Group, has submitted a notice of motion to the 5th March council meeting. It reads as follows:-

That this council:

1. Thanks all staff involved in carrying out winter maintenance (gritting and snow clearing) during the recent cold weather

2. Recognises that many people expressed concern at the slippery condition of many pavements for lengthy periods during the recent cold weather

3. Expresses concern that over 400 requests from residents and community groups for one tonne bags of salt remained unfulfilled at the end of January and that people are now being told they will not receive these bags of salt until winter 2018/19.

4. Notes that officers will be reporting to the appropriate committee on 2017/18 Winter Maintenance Operations.

5. Instructs officers to report by October 2018 on how winter maintenance operations could be improved by:

a. Considering whether additional pavement ploughs / grit spreaders are required and advising on the financial and staffing implications of that.
b. How an appropriate network of grit bins could be provided across Aberdeen.
c. A review of the mechanism for providing one tonne bags of salt to individuals and community groups to ensure these are provided timeously.
d. Considering how best to provide residents and community groups with bulk bags of salt smaller than one tonne in size.
e. Considering how appropriate snow clearing equipment could be provided to community and residents’ groups who wish to make use of such equipment.

Steve said, “This isn’t about looking to unfairly criticise anyone. After all, no matter how much effort the council puts into snow clearing we’ll never be 100% happy. It’s always going to be challenging getting out in wintry weather.”

“It also has to be acknowledged that all of us (who are able bodied) have a role to play in this by keeping the footways beside our own homes clear.”

“I for one appreciate all the hard work undertaken by those working day and night to keep our city moving. However, the intent of this motion is to acknowledge that there were problems and look at how best we can learn from these. We need to look at what we can easily address ourselves such as availability and size of salt bags, availability of grit bins and how the council can help people to help themselves.”

“We also need to take stock and look, with an open mind, at how other areas have overcome some of the difficulties we faced, especially in respect of icy pavements and learn from best practice elsewhere. Just because this is how we’ve dealt with the past 10 or 15 winters doesn’t mean we should keep doing things the same way in the future.”

“The current weather which is engulfing the entire country this week is exceptional and and is stretching resources everywhere. Regardless of the need to learn lessons from the situation which prevailed during December I would like to put on record my thanks to the crews who are currently battling against the elements to keep our city moving and to keep us safe”.

The notice of motion will be taken towards the end of Monday’s meeting and it is hoped that everyone can get on board.

Scottish Water is asking its customers in communities throughout Scotland to help shape water and waste water services in a major consultation.

They are launching a six month long programme which will define service and spending priorities over the next 25 years.

The utility – the fourth biggest in the UK which supplies 1.35 billion litres of fresh clean water a day to its five million customers – is inviting views on its proposals and ambitions for the coming decades.

They are inviting you to participate, have your say and shape the future priorities for Scottish Water.

Stakeholders and communities are being asked to consider three key ambitions which it is proposed will underpin Scottish Water’s activities:

· Delivering a consistently leading customer experience
· Keeping customer prices low by driving further innovation and efficiency through smart investment choices
· Increasing the reliability, resilience and sustainability of their services to new and emerging challenges

Full details of the ambitions are set out in a new publication – Shaping the Future; they highlight how Scottish Water aims to focus on delivering high quality, great-tasting drinking water, manage and treat waste water, reduce rainwater entering sewers and protect the environment.

They are also asking you to consider how Scottish Water supports growth in Scotland’s economy and population through expansion of its infrastructure and networks. The organisation is also seeking views on how it becomes more resource efficient, low carbon and socially sustainable.

Issues such as the impact of climate change and the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation and innovation will be factors in their future activities.

The consultation can be completed online at www.yourwater.scot

Start Date and Time : 01 March 2018 08:00
End Date and Time : 31 August 2019 23:00

Location : Regensburg Court

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on 1 March, 2018, until 23:00 on 31 August, 2019, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting for any purpose on the road on the schedule below.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. The measure is necessary to prevent obstructive parking and thereby ensure emergency vehicle access.

Schedule Unnamed access road to Regensburg Court West side, from its junction with Kingsford Road, northwards, then eastwards and then southwards for a distance of 77 metres or thereby.

Start Date and Time : 12 February 2018 08:00
End Date and Time : 23 February 2018 22:00

Location : SUMMERHILL ROAD

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on 12th February, 2018, until 22:00 on 23rd February, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on either side of Summerhill Road, Aberdeen, between the gable end of number 71 Summerhill Road to the boundary between numbers 81 and 83 Summerhill Road.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. The measure is necessary to protect public safety during Scottish Water works.

Start Date and Time : 15 January 2018 08:00
End Date and Time : 24 January 2018 18:00

Location : B979 Clinterty-Tyrebagger

Description : B979 Clinterty-Tyrebagger between the A96 Inverurie Road and the C92C Clinterty Road from Monday 15/1/18 to Friday 19/1/18.

C92C Clinterty Road between the B979 Clinterty-Tyrebagger and Clinterty caravan park from Friday 19/1/18 to Wednesday 24/1/18.

Alternate Route : Alternative route via A96 Inverurie Road, Auchmill Road, Great Northern Road, A90 North Anderson Drive, A944 Lang Stracht, Skene Road.

Start Date and Time : 03 February 2018 07:30
End Date and Time : 11 February 2018 22:00

Location : U205C Lang Stracht

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 3 February, 2018, until 22:00 on 4 February, 2018, and from 07:30 on 10 February, 2018, until 22:00 on 11 February, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the U205C Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, between its junction with Fairley Road and the access to Mill Cottage.

An alternative route is available via Fairley Road, the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, the A944 Skene Road, and the A944 Lang Stracht-Green Hedges.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during water connection works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Fairley Road, the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, the A944 Skene Road, and the A944 Lang Stracht-Green Hedges.

Start Date and Time : 18 January 2018 18:00
End Date and Time : 26 April 2018 00:00

Location : C89C Chapel of Stoneywood Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 18:00 on 18 January, 2018, until 00:00 on 26 April, 2018, is to impose a temporary 40mph speed restriction on the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with the C88C Newhills Road and Kingswells Crescent.

There will also be a prohibition of right turn manoeuvres at the junction with the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road on to the two new access roads approximately 75 metres north east of Dykeside Steading.

The measures are necessary to protect public safe

Start Date and Time : 13 January 2018 07:30
End Date and Time : 21 January 2018 22:00

Location : U205C LANG STRACHT

Description : THE ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL (U205C LANG STRACHT, ABERDEEN) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2018 Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 13 January, 2018, until 22:00 on 14 January, 2018, and from 07:30 on 20 January, 2018, until 22:00 on 21 January, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the U205C Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, between its junction with Fairley Road and the access to Mill Cottage.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during water connection works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Fairley Road, the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, the A944 Skene Road, and the A944 Lang Stracht-Green Hedges.

Start Date and Time : 17 June 2017 00:00
End Date and Time : 25 April 2018 00:00

Location : C89C Chapel of Stoneywood – Fairley Road

Description : Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 00:00 on 17 June, 2017, until 00:00 on 26 April, 2018, is to impose a temporary 40mph speed restriction on the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with the C88C Newhills Road and Kingswells Crescent.

There will also be a prohibition of right turn manoeuvres at the junction with the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road on to the two new access roads approximately 75 metres north east of Dykeside Steading.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during the movement of construction vehicles associated with the AWPR.

Start Date and Time : 13 January 2018 07:30
End Date and Time : 21 January 2018 22:00

Location : U205C LANG STRACHT

Description : THE ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL (U205C LANG STRACHT, ABERDEEN) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2018. Aberdeen City Council has made the above-named order in terms of its powers under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on 13 January, 2018, until 22:00 on 14 January, 2018, and from 07:30 on 20 January, 2018, until 22:00 on 21 January, 2018, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the U205C Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, between its junction with Fairley Road and the access to Mill Cottage. The measure is necessary to protect public safety during water connection works.

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Fairley Road, the C89C Chapel of Stoneywood-Fairley Road, the A944 Skene Road, and the A944 Lang Stracht-Green Hedges.