New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Springhill Road

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Start Date and Time : 04 May 2022 19:00 
End Date and Time : 04 May 2022 23:59 

Location : Springhill Road

Description : The effect of the order is to impose a temporary one-way restriction on Springhill Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions Lang Stracht and Sheddocksley Drive.

The permitted direction of travel will be northbound only.

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

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during traffic signal detector repairs.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Lochwynd on 0141 781 4477 or at sales@lochwynd.com 

Alternate Route : An alternative route for southbound vehicles is available via Greenfern Road, Fernhill Drive, and Lang Stracht. 

Aberdeen’s Liberal Democrat Budget Proposals

Aberdeen’s Liberal Democrat councillors yesterday proposed investing in education, abolishing the Garden Tax, repairing crumbling roads and pavements, and enhancing Aberdeen’s environment at Aberdeen City Council’s budget meeting. 

Liberal Democrat Group Leader Ian Yuill said: “The Liberal Democrats’ priorities are education, the environment and repairing Aberdeen’s crumbling roads and pavements. 

“Our proposals include investing over £46 million in city schools, abolishing the hated Garden Tax and investing in properly maintaining Aberdeen’s roads and pavements. Things that affect the whole city. It is important that the council gets the basics right.” 

Key points of the Liberal Democrats’ budget proposals included: 

  • Investing £46.4 million in education buildings including a new primary school for Torry, relocating St. Peter’s School, improving nursery facilities at St. Joseph’s School and £2 million to increase capacity at Bucksburn Academy.
  • Abolishing the Garden Tax, the unpopular charge made to collect residents’ garden waste from brown bins. 
  • Investing an extra £14 million over five years in repairing roads and pavements across Aberdeen. This would pay to resurface up to 70 miles of road surface. 
  • Investing in improving Aberdeen’s environment including tree planting and action to enhancing biodiversity. 
  • Improving road safety by creating a Road Safety Fund and rolling out 20mph speed limits in all residential areas in Aberdeen. 
  • Investing £16 million in improving charging facilities for electric vehicles in Aberdeen. This is the equivalent of over 3,200 fast chargers. 
  • Investigating the feasibility of planting rose beds at key points alongside Anderson Drive. 
  • Investigating generating green energy using ground source heat pumps in council playing fields and parks. 
  • A 3.3% increase in council tax. 
  • Cutting by £50 million to £100 million the funds allocated to the City Centre and Beach Masterplans.  

Ian Yuill said, “Despite the huge cuts forced on the council by the Scottish Government, the Liberal Democrat have once again focused resources on our priorities of education, Aberdeen’s roads and pavements and our environment.” 

Bus Route Diversions in South Sheddocksley

Lewis Road is being resurfaced between 28th February and 20th March. As a result of this, the road is closed and only access to homes is permitted. The No 23 bus is currently being diverted around the new development at Maidencraig, missing out the whole of the South Sheddocksley loop. 

Lib Dem councillor Steve Delaney, who lives locally, said, “The resurfacing of Lewis Road is very welcome but of course resurfacing this length of road and maintaining access to people’s homes has been challenging and a few problems have arisen. I have been working with the council to try to resolve as many of these as possible”.

“It was also brought to my attention that a small number of motorists had been driving too fast over the construction site, potentially putting the work force at risk. I would therefore ask that anyone who does not need to take their car out, leaves it at home for the next few days. If you do need to drive, please do so, but be particularly mindful of the safety of staff working on site. Thank you”.

Two issues stood out as affecting quite a sizeable number of people, both  were related to the height difference between footway and carriageway (under construction)as the old road surface was removed. This was causing difficulties for wheelchair users as the step was high for them to get back up onto the footway on the other side. In addition, the gap between the carriageway (under construction) in Lewis Road and that of Barvas Walk was making it difficult for residents to get in and out of Barvas Walk.

Steve continued, “Both the council and the contractor have been amenable to trying to resolve the concerns I have raised with them. Accordingly, temporary ramps are already being put in place at the dropped kerbs as well as at the entrance to  Barvas Walk”. 

In addition, the contractor was making good progress over this first week and we are now looking at a completion date of 9th March for the resurfacing of the entire road. It’s likely some minor works such as lining may need to be done after that date. However, the road re-surfacing should, subject to weather conditions, be completed by then and fully re-opened to all traffic”. 

Meanwhile the council has agreed to put out relevant information through their social media accounts. I appreciate not everyone is online, so please pass the word around your neighbours, especially people who may not  be online and do make regular use of the bus service”.

“With regard to the No 23 bus, this is expected to return to the Sheddocksley loop from Monday 7th March. It will not be able to completely follow the normal  route until the resurfacing has been completed. However, it will follow a modified route which should involve a much lesser walking distance to a bus stop than it has over this past week”.

Details of bus route diversions can be found on the FirstAberdeen website. You can keep up with the latest on the resurfacing and the buses through the council’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

Union Street To Re-Open To Public Transport

The central shopping section of Union Street will re-open to buses and taxis as soon as demolition works are completed on the frontage of the former BHS store. Assurance were given at the time of the initial closure in 2020 that this was being done on the grounds of public safety during the pandemic and it would be re-opened as soon as it was considered safe to do so.

In November last year, Labour and Conservative councillors proposed permanent closure to all traffic and the committee vote was tied 4-4 with a casting vote being needed to pass the proposals. They decided to maintain the ‘temporary closure’ status until such times as the permanent closure could go through the required legal processes.

Since November there has been much political wrangling with the proposals twice being blocked from being debated by the full council. There has also been a public outcry at a decision of this magnitude being approved by just 4 of the city’s 45 councillors. At a Special Council Meeting last month a majority of councillors voted to discuss the matter but that lacked the required two thirds majority.

The matter was up for discussion again on Monday 28 February and this time only a simple majority was required to change the previous decision. Councillors have now voted to re-open this section of Union Street to public transport only, as soon as possible. In effect that means as soon as the hoardings come down from the former BHS building, which should take around 12 weeks.

Kingswells, Sheddocksley & Summerhill councillor Steve Delaney, who voted to re-open the section of Union Street from Bridge Street to Market Street, said, “Pedestrianisation, when carried out in the right parts of the city centre can work particularly well, but we need to ensure that the heart of our city centre remains accessible to all our residents and closing off a section of our main street to public transport just doesn’t work for anyone”.

“In an ideal world we would all like to see the whole City Centre pedestrianised, but we don’t have the luxury of a city built on a grid, so there’s no parallel streets to take the traffic. The temporary closure of the past 22 months has lengthened journey times significantly, which must also be adding significantly to pollution, especially around Guild Street and the Harbour”.

“People are taking longer to get to and from work and the experience is such that anyone visiting the city centre for shopping or for pleasure is unlikely to be coming back any time soon, as it is no pleasure being stuck on a bus entering Aberdeen’s very own Bermuda Triangle, never knowing if you’ll see the other side”.

“The enforced closure has also shown that disability access to Union Street Central , as it’s now being called, is not something that can easily be mitigated against. To close off this section of Union Street makes it a no-go area for many people with limited mobility due to the the lack of Blue Badge parking, the positioning of bus stops, the walking distances, the inclines on Market Street and Bridge Street and much more. People just can’t get where they want to go. As a city we should be removing barriers faced by people with disabilities rather than constructing new ones”.

“I am pleased to see common sense prevail at last. I’m just disappointed it took so long to happen and I still struggle to understand how anyone could have dreamt this up, given the plain to see traffic chaos it has caused over nearly two years”.

The changed priorities will come into effect once the hoardings come down from the former BHS building. The effect of this change will be that buses and taxis (including private hire cars) will be permitted to travel through this section of road but other vehicles will not. There will be bus gates at either end to prevent other vehicles from entering ‘Union Street Central’ but the much hated bus gate on Market Street will be removed, bringing both Market Street and the section of Union Street from Market Street to King Street back into full use for all vehicles.

Key Decisions On City Centre & Beach

The council meeting which took place on 28 February lasted for over 10 hours. As well as reversing the decision to close Union Street Central (the section between Bridge Street and Market Street) to all traffic, a number of key decisions were taken on the City Centre & Beach Masterplans, the first of which was to merge them into a single Masterplan. There was also agreement from all on an initiative to clean up the frontages of all buildings on Union Street.

Kingswells, Sheddocksley & Summerhill councillor Steve Delaney said, “The initiative to clean up Union Street is very much welcomed. This is something that’s brought up time and time again by constituents, just how run down this great street has become. The Lib Dem Group is firmly in favour of moves such as these to breathe life back into our granite mile”.

This scheme is designed to help improve all buildings on Union Street. However, Lib Dem Group Leader Ian Yuill received assurances from council officers that owners who had let their buildings get into a state of neglect would not be find themselves being ‘rewarded for failure’ under the scheme.

Councillors also backed an initiative to expand the cafe culture in and around the Belmont Street area. Steve Delaney was perhaps less convinced than some when he said, “Making the place more attractive and inviting to both local people and visitors is what it’s all about. But why do we have to keep the focus on cafe culture? Sitting out in the sun on a lovely summer’s day sounds just about right when you’re off on your summer break. But we do live in the NE of Scotland where a great summer lasts for little more than a couple of weeks if we’re lucky. The rest of the time we’re either facing blustering gales or running for cover to avoid getting drookit. That’s the simple reason why pavement cafes have never caught on big time in Aberdeen to the same extent as we see them in France, Spain, Italy and other countries which enjoy a Mediterranean coastline”.

“I’m all for people enjoying a seat outside. However, I feel there’s too much expectation being placed around the contribution of cafe culture towards the regeneration of the city centre. Personally I see much more benefit being derived from further enhancing the streetscape and the exterior of buildings to ensure that patrons can still enjoy the warmth of our Scottish hospitality when mother nature awakens them from their Mediterranean dreams”.

Over a dozen new projects make up the Beach Masterplan with only one proving controversial. The Lib Dem Group asked councillors to commit to spending no public money on a Football Stadium to replace Pittodrie. Steve said, “I would like to think that the council will work alongside AFC to help them realise their dream of a new stadium at the Beach. What we can’t do is expect Aberdeen’s residents to pay for it through their council tax. What I can’t understand is why Labour, Conservative and SNP councillors were unwilling to commit to this principle”.

Other projects planned for the beach area include a re-vamped Beach Ballroom fronted by a plaza, an outdoor amphitheatre, an urban park for all ages, a pavilion building, a new sports and leisure centre, a sports area and pump track, new and improved landscaping, a pier and boardwalk, a surfing village and energy centre and more.

The City Centre and Beach Masterplans will be returning to the newly elected council in August with full business cases for each of the component parts. Steve said, “There’s a lot of good ideas in both Masterplans. What we now need is the detail and the costings for each of these projects. It will then be for the council to take a view on both their desirability and affordability”.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Derbeth Crescent

Start Date and Time : 07 March 2022 04:00
End Date and Time : 20 March 2022 17:00

Location : Derbeth Crescent

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 04:00 on 07 March, 2022 until 17:00 on 20 March, 2022, is to impose a prohibition of driving on Derbeth Crescent, Aberdeen, in its entirety.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side of the same stretch of carriageway for any purpose for the duration of the works.

Access will be maintained for disabled badge holders when possible however delays maybe likely in order to move plant to allow safe access.

The restrictions are in the interests of public safety during ACC carriageway resurfacing works.
Alternate Route : Lewis Road, Lang Stracht (A944), Springhill Road, Sheddocksley Drive and vice versa

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Lewis Road

Start Date and Time : 21 February 2022 04:00
End Date and Time : 27 March 2022 17:00

Location : Lewis Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 04:00 on 21 February, 2022 until 17:00 on 27 March, 2022, is to impose a prohibition of driving on Lewis Road, Aberdeen, from Lang Stracht to Benbecula Road.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side of the same stretch of carriageway for any purpose for the duration of the works.

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.

Local access/egress only will be maintained from Benbecula Road side when possible and safe to do so.

The restrictions are in the interests of public safety during ACC carriageway resurfacing works.

Alternate Route : Lang Stracht, Skye Road, Arran Avenue

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Mastrick Road / Willowpark Crescent / Willowpark Road

Start Date and Time : 28 February 2022 08:00 
End Date and Time : 27 March 2022 17:00

Location : Mastrick Road / Willowpark Crescent / Willowpark 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 28 February 2022, until 17:00 on 27 March 2022, is to impose a temporary no-waiting restriction on both sides of Mastrick Road, Aberdeen, from no. 37 to Willowpark Crescent, both sides of Willowpark Crescent from no. 116 to no. 25, both sides of Willowpark Road from Willowpark Crescent to Willowpark Place.

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 ACC street lighting column upgrade works. 

Holocaust Memorial Day

Photo by Kadir Celep on Unsplash

 Aberdeen Holocaust Commemoration Committee brings to you a series of events to commemorate this day. A special event will be held at the Cowdray Hall at Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill on Thursday 27 January from 11.30am onwards.

Aberdeen will commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) with a special event in the Cowdray Hall at Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill on Thursday 27 January.

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) – is held internationally on 27 January to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution of other groups and in genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. 

The date, 27 January, marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.

Full details of this event and others taking place on 27th January can be found here.

Home Heating Support Fund

The Home Heating Support fund has been launched to help Scots struggling with their energy bills amid a growing cost-of-living crisis. The Scottish Government scheme, administered by Advice Direct Scotland, is designed to prevent households falling into fuel poverty.

Eligibility is based on households which are ‘self-rationing’ their energy, meaning those who are deliberately limiting their energy use so that they can afford to spend money on other goods or services.

Targeted funding from the Home Heating Support Fund will reflect each individual’s circumstances, with extra support available for households where one person is over 75, they rely on electric heating, or live in a remote or island community.

Payments start at £100, rising to £500 to clear outstanding debt, with the money paid directly to suppliers on behalf of the household.

Local authorities and housing associations, as well as charities and organisations which provide energy or debt advice, are encouraged to register online so that they can seek funding for people they support.

Individuals cannot apply directly, but they should contact Advice Direct Scotland for free on 0808 800 9060 or visit www.advice.scot, and trained advisers can assess their eligibility and refer them if appropriate.

Advice Direct Scotland have also recently launched a nationwide debt campaign to encourage Scots to contact the national moneyadvice.scot service for free debt advice if they are struggling with their bills.

The campaign includes adverts on commercial radio, in newspapers, on buses and on digital street hubs across Scotland. The service includes free, impartial and practical advice and a live chat service with their specialist advisors available at www.moneyadvice.scot/.

The service can be contacted for free on 0808 800 9060 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Discussion On Union Street Blocked Again!

The votes of Conservative and Labour councillors blocked an attempt to give all 45 members of Aberdeen City Council the chance to have their say on whether or not to reopen central Union Street.

The vote came at the start of a special meeting of the City Council on Wednesday 12th January which was called by opposition councillors in an attempt to get the Council to reopen central Union Street to buses and taxis. Council rules meant that two thirds of the councillors had to agree to discuss this. Despite 24 councillors backing the proposal, the votes of 21 Conservative, Labour and Independent councillors meant no discussion took place.

Lib Dem councillor Steve Delaney said, “This ongoing saga is an insult to democracy and to the people with disabilities, older people and others who have effectively been excluded from the city centre for most of the last two years. It also means continuing delays caused by diverting bus services along Bridge Street, Guild Street and Market Street”.

“A decision of this magnitude should have been decided by the full council but instead it was approved on a casting vote, following a 4-4 tie in November. A clear majority of councillors voted to discuss the matter on 12th January, yet the minority won the day due to the two thirds rule and they prevented the matter being discussed discussion once again”.

These Conservative and Labour councillors who have blocked discussion will have to answer to the people of Aberdeen at the Council elections in May. That election cannot come a day too soon.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Summerhill Terrace

Start Date and Time : 14 February 2022 08:00 
End Date and Time : 18 February 2022 17:00

Location : Summerhill Terrace

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 Monday, 14 February 2022, until 17:00 on Friday, 18 February 2022, is to impose a temporary no-waiting restriction on both sides of Summerhill Terrace, Aberdeen, from East boundary of number 13 to West boundary of number 19.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during street lighting underground fault repairs. 

Alternate Route : N/A

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Summerhill Road

Start Date and Time : 13 January 2022 08:00
End Date and Time : 18 January 2022 22:00

Location : Summerhill Road

Description : Summerhill Road, Aberdeen, will be one-way southbound between Lang Stracht and Summerhill Drive from 08:00 on 13 January 2022, until 22:00 on 18 January 2022.

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during urgent works for Scottish Water.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Contraflow on 01738 449901, or scottishwater@contraflow.co.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route for northbound vehicles is available via Summerhill Terrace, Stronsay Place, and Stronsay Drive.

Christmas Tree Collections

As normal, the council will be collecting real Christmas trees from the kerbside in January.

Households With Wheeled Bins

Residents with household wheeled bins will have their real Christmas tree collected on their usual brown bin day between 10th and 21st January. Residents are asked to put their tree next to their brown bin. Residents do not need to have a garden waste permit to have their tree collected.

Households With Communal Bins

Communal bin users are requested to leave their tree by their communal bins between 10th and 21st January, allowing access for use and emptying of the bins. 

Residents are asked to take Christmas trees to Household Waste and Recycling Centres outwith these dates.

Park & Ride Waiting Room Now Open

The waiting room at the Park & Ride was closed in March 2020 when the first lockdown commenced. It has not been re-opened since then. Up until that point, an informal arrangement had been in place to open and close the facility but that has now lapsed. With the colder/wetter weather now upon us there have been concerns raised with Steve by Kingswells Community Council and a number of members of the public.

With effect from 10 January 2022 the waiting room will be open from 6.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday. This arrangement is subject to review once the council budget has been approved. On that basis it will operate until at least the start of April.

Steve said, “I’m pleased the waiting room is open once again. This will allow residents to keep warm and dry as they wait for their bus to work. It’s just a pity the cut off point is so early in the evening but the hours of operation should hopefully prove to be sufficient for most people on their outward journey at least. With the lighting recently having been adjusted across the Park & Ride to come on earlier and go off later, these measures will help towards enhancing personal safety”.

ACC Festive Hours & Emergency Contacts

All online council services will continue to be available throughout so can continue to make payments, report issues, make applications and renew library loans.

The council will make use of social media to provide urgent news and service updates. They will not be monitoring social media channels from 24 December to 5 January, so if you need to get in touch, please use the contact details below.

Customer Contact Centre – 03000 200 292

This number will be staffed 24 hours a day from 25th December to 4th January for genuine emergencies only. Please note they will not deal with non-emergencies (other than Housing Repairs on 29th, 30th, 31st, 3rd, 4th from 9am-5pm).

There may be long waits to get through so please don’t call unless it is an emergency, otherwise you may be preventing genuine emergency calls from getting through.

Other Useful Numbers

Antisocial Behaviour (9am-4am) – 0800 0510 434
Homelessness (24 hour) – 0800 9176 379
Social Work (first point of contact, 24 hour) – 0800 7315 520
Support with domestic abuse (24 hour) – 0800 027 123 or 999 in an emergency
Dangerous building call-out (24 hour) – 07860 914726

Covid Support Line – 0800 0304 713

The Council has a free support line for people who are struggling and cannot find support through their dedicated Coronavirus (Covid-19) webpages or existing networks.

You can contact this number throughout the festive period for welfare advice and emotional support, including what to do if you are struggling to get food.

This is not a medical helpline. If you require medical assistance you should contact NHS 24 on 111.

You can make an online application at any time for a crisis grant and self isolation grant. Alternatively, you can call the Support Line for assistance making an application on the following days:

Wednesday 29 December – 9am to 4pm
Thursday 30 December – 9am to 3pm

The above is a summary of information residents are most likely to need, should they encounter an emergency situation during the festive period. Otherwise, the fuller information can be found on Aberdeen City Council’s Website.

Kingswells Park & Ride Update

Lighting Fixed

The lighting at the Park & Ride is now timed to come on earlier and go off later (to coincide with the time the first bus arrives in the morning and the last one departs at night). This follows on from the whole site being in darkness when shift workers were coming off/going on shift. Local councillor Steve Delaney said, “A number of people raised concerns about personal safety and the risk of having an accident as a result of the whole site being in darkness. Thankfully this had just been down to an error in the timer settings which has since been adjusted”.

Waiting Room To Re-Open

The waiting room at the Park & Ride was closed in March 2020 when the first lockdown commenced. It has not been re-opened since then. With the colder/wetter weather now upon us there have been concerns raised with Steve by Kingswells Community Council and a number of members of the public. 

Steve said, “The issue stems from there previously having been no formal arrangement for the facility to be opened and closed. This was being done pre-pandemic by Stagecoach drivers as a courtesy but that arrangement has since lapsed”.

“I have been in regular contact with council officers regarding this matter and I’m pleased to say that they are working on putting in place arrangements to re-open the waiting room. No firm date has been given but I am assured this will happen as soon as possible.”

“I will update everyone here and through my Facebook and Twitter pages as soon as I get confirmation of the re-opening date and the times of day the facility will be available and in use”.

Late Night Disturbances

Unfortunately there have been more reports of late night disturbances being caused by ‘boy racers’ at the Park & Ride to such an extent that people’s sleep is being disturbed. Steve said, “Police Scotland and Aberdeen City Council have both been made aware of this. Their advice is for residents who are experiencing these disturbances to report them when they are ongoing to Police Scotland on 101.

Steve said, ‘Although the police may not attend immediately or at all (if they are tied on on other call outs), the more calls they receive, preferably from a number of different people, the better this helps builds up their intelligence around these activities. Police Scotland prioritise their limited resources around an intelligence led model so the more intelligence they get, the more likely they are to target resources at an issue. Although these activities have been ongoing for some time, very few people have been reporting them to the police. I can’t stress how important it is to report these incidents as they happen, even if it does involve a lengthy wait to get through, otherwise nothing will change”.

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Sheddocksley Road

Start Date and Time : 05 January 2022 04:00 
End Date and Time : 27 February 2022 17:00

Location : Sheddocksley Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 04:00 on 05 January, 2022 until 17:00 on 27 February, 2022, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on both sides of Sheddocksley Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Drive to Maidencraig Place.

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 ACC footway resurfacing works. 

Temporary Traffic Order – Village Centre, Kingswells

Start Date and Time : 10 January 2022 08:00 
End Date and Time : 16 January 2022 17:00

Location : Village Centre, Kingswells

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on 10 January, 2022 until 17:00 on 16 January, 2022, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on either side of Village Centre, Kingswells, from Kingswood Mews to adjacent to Co-Operative Shop.

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 resurfacing works. 

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Mastrick Junction

Start Date and Time : 29 November 2021 07:00
End Date and Time : 03 December 2021 22:00

Location : Mastrick Junction

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on 29 November 2021, until 17:00 on 03 December 2021, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Mastrick Junction, Aberdeen, from the boundary between numbers 18 and 20 Mastrick Junction to its junction with Cairnwell Avenue.

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

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

An alternative route is available via Mastrick Road and Upper Mastrick Way.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during telecom works.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Stronsay Drive

Start Date and Time : 22 November 2021 07:00
End Date and Time : 03 December 2021 17:00

Location : Stronsay Drive

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:00 on Monday, 22 November 2021, until 17:00 on Friday, 3 December 2021, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Stronsay Drive, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Lang Stracht and Stronsay Crescent.

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

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

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during water connection works.

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Sheddocksley Road

Start Date and Time : 30 November 2021 04:00 
End Date and Time : 13 January 2022 17:00

Location : Sheddocksley Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 04:00 on 30 November, 2021 until 17:00 on 13 January, 2022, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on both sides of Sheddocksley Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Drive to Maidencraig Place.

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 ACC footway resurfacing works. 

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – East Main Avenue

Start Date and Time : 30 November 2021 04:00
End Date and Time : 13 January 2022 17:00

Location : East Main Avenue

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 04:00 on 30 November, 2021 until 17:00 on 13 January, 2022, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on both sides of East Main Avenue, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Arnage Drive and Mastrick Drive.

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 ACC footway resurfacing works.

Defibrillators For Sheltered Housing

Aberdeen City Council has agreed to investigate the possibility of putting defibrillators into all council owned sheltered housing blocks across the city. A proposal was already before the council recommending this be looked into for schools, with a full business case coming to next March’s council budget meeting.

Speaking in support installing defibrillators in schools, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Ian Yuill put forward a request that all our sheltered housing blocks be included in this initiative. Councillor Boulton agreed to include this with her schools proposal and the committee approved it unanimously. Although we cannot second guess what that business case will recommend, it’s certainly a move in the right direction to bring these life saving devices to both schools and sheltered housing in a welcome show of cross party unity.

Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesman Steve Delaney said, “As I’m out and about visiting residents in sheltered housing, this is at the top of everyone’s list. People are asking how much they cost, if there’s funding available for them and how to go about getting one”

“Where these have already been installed, training is offered and I’m told they are very easy to use. There’s a definite willingness amongst a number of residents to undergo the training, knowing that this could mean the difference between life and death”.

“I look forward to seeing this initiative progressed, both for schools and for sheltered housing. It’s exactly the type of initiative that the whole council can be and should be uniting around”.

Further details can be found here.

Where Does Steve Stand On Union Street Pedestrianisation?

Aberdeen’s ruling Labour and Conservative councillors have pressed ahead with the next phase of their City Centre Masterplan in which they intend to commit up to £150m of public borrowing to deliver on their wish list.

The plans went before the City Growth & Resources Committee on 12th November 2012, rather than being tabled to all 45 councillors at a full council meeting as would be the norm for proposals of this magnitude.

Kingswells, Sheddocksley, Summerhill councillor Steve Delaney gives his views on the handling of this major proposal and, in particular, with respect to the pedestrianisation of Union Street from Bridge Street to Market Street which is effectively being imposed rather than returning to its former (fully open) state and then going through due process to allow everyone to have their say.

Steve said, “Decisions of this magnitude need to be taken by all councillors. That’s what used to happen at full council meetings, but instead, myself and indeed the majority of councillors of all parties were excluded from participating in this debate and from representing their constituents. Having said that, I value and fully support the contributions made to this debate by Liberal Democrat Group Leader Ian Yuill in which he conveyed the agreed position of Aberdeen’s Liberal Democrat councillors.”

“In an ideal word the main shopping section of Union Street should be pedestrianised as we have seen done elsewhere. The main issue is that Aberdeen’s streets were not built in a grid-like fashion as was the case in Glasgow, which makes it difficult to divert traffic easily and creates significant hold ups for all, but in particular, public transport users, as we move towards a carbon neutral economy. In addition we need our city centre to be accessible to all our citizens and there is no possibility of maintaining accessibility to this area for disabled citizens, especially those with mobility issues, if we close it off to all traffic”.

“The closure of Union Street from Union Terrace to Market Street was a temporary measure which was needed on public health grounds and it should now be removed. These plans have been pushed through without full council scrutiny and without giving adequate time for consultation with the Disability Equity Partnership, many of whose users will be unable to access this space. In addition, the inconvenience caused to regular bus users who visit the city centre for reasons other than employment, is likely to make them think twice about future visits to our city centre once this pedestrianisation goes ahead. This is something that nobody would wish to see happen”.

“Splashing the cash to the tune of £150 million without the fullest consultation and maximum scrutiny just shouldn’t be happening. Not only does it burden the repayment of this debt on future generations, it also severely restricts the financial capacity of future councils to do what’s in the best interests of our city. And, though I wish Aberdeen Football Club well, I can see no circumstances under which council tax payers’ money should be used to build a football stadium. Public money must not be used to fund private businesses, no matter what business that is.”

“I remain disgusted by the manner in which Aberdeen’s Labour and Conservative councillors have mishandled a set of proposals which could and should have involved everyone, both within the chamber and in every home across the city. If the city is to invest this much money in its future, it needs to take its citizens with it.”

City Centre/Beach Masterplan & Union Street Pedestrianisation Pushed Through By Just Four Councillors

Commenting on today’s (12th November) decisions about the future of Aberdeen’s city centre and beach, Councillor Ian Yuill, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Aberdeen City Council, said, “The decisions before the Committee were the most important the Council has faced since I was first elected over 27 years ago. They will affect our city for decades to come. Yet the vast majority of councillors had no say – these proposals were voted for by just four councillors and only passed on the Convener’s casting vote.  

“Its shameful that the Conservative and Labour councillors proceeded to make this decision after hearing a plea from a representative of the Chair and Vice Chair of Aberdeen’s Disability Equity Partnership for more time to be allowed for people to be consulted about the proposals.

Turning to the proposals for Aberdeen Beach, Ian Yuill said, “The Liberal Democrats remain totally opposed to spending any council funds on building a stadium for Aberdeen FC. We wish Aberdeen FC well but do not believe public money should be used to build a stadium at the Beach for the football club.

In relation to the temporary “Spaces for People” changes in the city centre, Ian Yuill said, “When these changes were introduced, people were told they were a temporary response to the pandemic emergency. Despite that assurance, the Conservative and Labour councillors voted to keep the central part of Union Street closed to all vehicles – including buses. The Liberal Democrats believe that the City Council should have kept its word, removed all the Spaces for People changes and reopened the central part of Union Street to all traffic.”

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – East Main Avenue

Start Date and Time : 26 November 2021 04:00 
End Date and Time : 12 January 2022 17:00

Location : East Main Avenue

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 04:00 on 29 November, 2021 until 17:00 on 12 January, 2022, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on both sides of East Main Avenue, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Arnage Drive and Mastrick Drive.

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 ACC footway resurfacing works. 

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Sheddocksley Road

Start Date and Time : 29 November 2021 04:00
End Date and Time : 12 January 2022 17:00

Location : Sheddocksley Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 04:00 on 29 November, 2021 until 17:00 on 12 January, 2022, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on both sides of Sheddocksley Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Drive to Maidencraig Place.

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 ACC footway resurfacing works.

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Burnbrae Crescent / Burnbrae Place / Burnbrae Avenue

Start Date and Time : 01 November 2021 04:00
End Date and Time : 14 November 2021 17:00

Location : Burnbrae Crescent / Burnbrae Place / Burnbrae Avenue

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 04:00 01 November, 2021 until 17:00 14 November, 2021, is to impose a prohibition of driving on Burnbrae Crescent, Burnbrae Place and Burnbrae Avenue, Aberdeen for their entire lengths.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side of the same stretches of carriageways for any purpose for the duration of the works.

Restricted access will be permitted if safe to do so via Fernhill Place and Hallfield Road.

The restrictions are in the interests of public safety during ACC carriageway resurfacing works.

Alternate Route : Fernill Drive, Fernhill Road, Fernhill Place or Fernhill Drive, Langstracht (A944), Springhill Road, Hallfield Road

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – City Fibre 45, Mastrick Defects

Start Date and Time : 13 November 2021 08:00
End Date and Time : 05 December 2021 17:00

Location : City Fibre 45, Mastrick Defects

Description : The effect of the order is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the following streets; Lossie Place, Aberdeen, from its junction with Greenfern Road to a point 5 metres in a northerly direction and also on Ness Place, Aberdeen, from its junction with Greenfern Road to a point 5 metres in a northerly direction from 08:00 on 13th November, 2021, until 07:00 on 14th November, 2021 and also from 08:00 on 20th November, 2021, until 07:00 on 21st November, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Greenfern Road, Findhorn Place and Dulnain Road; Brebner Crescent, Aberdeen, from its junction with Hutton Place to the boundary between number 14 and 16 Brebner Crescent from 08:00 until 17:00 on 15th November, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Hutton Place and Cruden Crescent. There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road; Springhill Crescent, Aberdeen, from the boundary between number 29 and 31 Springhill Crescent to the boundary between number 31 and 33 Springhill Crescent from 08:00 on 16th November, 2021, until 17:00 on 17th November, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Springhill Terrace and Byron Terrace.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road; Arnage Drive, Aberdeen, from its junction with Arnage Gardens to the boundary between number 59 and 61 Arnage Drive from 08:00 on 18th November, 2021, until 17:00 on 19th November, 2021.

An alternative route is available via New Park Road, Mastrick Drive and East Main Avenue.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road; Cairnwell Drive, Aberdeen, from its junction with Gairnshiel Place to the boundary between number 3 and 5 Cairnwell Drive from 08:00 on 19th November, 2021, until 17:00 on 20th November, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Gairnshiel Place, Invercauld Road and Long Walk Road.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road; Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side on the following streets; Greenfern Road, Aberdeen between its junctions with Lossie Place and Ness Place from 08:00 on 13th November, 2021, until 07:00 on 14th November, 2021 and also from 08:00 on 20th November, 2021, until 07:00 on 21st November, 2021; Brebner Terrace, Aberdeen, from its junction with Springhill Road to the boundary between number 74 and 76 Brebner Terrace and also on either side of Springhill Road, Aberdeen, from its junction with Lintmill Terrace to the boundary between number 267 and 269 Springhill Road and also on the north side of Davidson Gardens, Aberdeen, from its junction with Springhill Road to the boundary between number 4 and 6 Davidson Gardens from 08:00 on 27th November, 2021, until 07:00 on 28th November, 2021 and also from 08:00 on 4th December, 2021, until 07:00 on 5th December, 2021 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 measures are necessary to protect public safety during duct laying works being carried out by City Fibre.

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – City Fibre Pn224 Sheddocksley

Start Date and Time : 23 September 2021 08:00
End Date and Time : 03 November 2021 18:00

Location : City Fibre Pn224 Sheddocksley

Description : The effect of the order is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Sumburgh Crescent, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Lewis Road and Kirkwall Avenue from 08:00 on 5th October, 2021, until 13:00 on 7th October, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Lewis Road. Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side on the following streets between 08:00 and 17:00 Mon-Sat; Arran Avenue, Benbecula Road, Kirkwall Avenue, Lewis Court, Lewis Drive, Lewis Road, Stornoway Crescent, Sumburgh Crescent, Aberdeen from 08:00 on 23rd September, 2021, until 17:00 on 3rd November, 2021.

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

The no-waiting restrictions will not be implemented for the full duration of the order and will only be implemented as and when required.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones for no more than 100 metres at a time.

For an update as to when the no-waiting restrictions will be implemented please contact GCU (UK) Ltd on 08001114669

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

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Burnbrae Crescent / Burnbrae Place / Burnbrae Avenue

Start Date and Time : 24 October 2021 04:00 
End Date and Time : 07 November 2021 17:00

Location : Burnbrae Crescent / Burnbrae Place / Burnbrae Avenue

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 04:00 24 October, 2021 until 17:00 07 November, 2021, is to impose a prohibition of driving on Burnbrae Crescent, Burnbrae Place and Burnbrae Avenue, Aberdeen for their entire lengths.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side of the same stretches of carriageways for any purpose for the duration of the works.

Restricted access will be permitted if safe to do so via Fernhill Place and Hallfield Road.

The restrictions are in the interests of public safety during ACC carriageway resurfacing works.

Alternate Route : Fernill Drive, Fernhill Road, Fernhill Place or Fernhill Drive, Langstracht (A944), Springhill Road, Hallfield Road 

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Mastrick Drive

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Start Date and Time : 03 October 2021 04:00
End Date and Time : 10 October 2021 17:00

Location : Mastrick Drive

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 04:00 03 October, 2021 until 17:00 10 October, 2021, is to impose a prohibition of driving on Mastrick Drive, Aberdeen, between Lang Stracht and Whitemyers Avenue.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side of the same stretch of carriageway for any purpose for the duration of the works.

The restrictions are in the interests of public safety during ACC carriageway resurfacing works.
Alternate Route : Lang Stracht (A944), Whitemyers Place, Whitemyres Avenue and vice versa

CON, SNP AND LAB COUNCILLORS DECIDE SPACES FOR PEOPLE TO STAY

Sadly, a Council committee meeting on Wednesday 26th August rejected a Liberal Democrat proposal to remove both the “Spaces for People” changes in the city centre and the hospitality marquees in bus lanes. 

Instead Conservative, SNP and Labour councillors decided to leave things as they are discuss the issue again in November.

People were told the Spaces for People changes were only temporary – and the Liberal Democrats believe the Council should stick to this and now remove the changes to roads layouts in the city centre.

The Spaces for People changes have caused disruption to bus services and inconvenience for many bus users. Whist this was an unfortunate consequence of changes made for public health reasons, there can be no excuse for keeping these changes in place any longer than is necessary. My colleagues and I believe it is important buses and their passengers have access to the entire length of Union Street in the run up to Christmas. We also believe it is important buses and cyclists are able to use bus the lanes – and that means removing the hospitality marquees from the bus lanes.

Temporary Traffic Order – Burnbrae Avenue

Start Date and Time : 27 September 2021 08:00
End Date and Time : 10 October 2021 17:00

Location : Burnbrae Avenue

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on 27 September, 2021 until 17:00 on 10 October, 2021, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on either side of Burnbrae Avenue, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Burnbrae Crescent and Fernhill Drive.

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 ACC footway resurfacing works.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – City Fibre Pn224 Sheddocksley

Start Date and Time : 23 September 2021 08:00 
End Date and Time : 03 November 2021 18:00

Location : City Fibre Pn224 Sheddocksley

Description : The effect of the order is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Sumburgh Crescent, Aberdeen between its junctions for the car park entrance between number 8 and 20 Sumburgh Crescent and the entrance to the Sheddocksley Community Centre from 08:00 on 23rd September, 2021, until 17:00 on 24th September, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Lewis Road and also on Sumburgh Crescent, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Lewis Road and Kirkwall Avenue from 08:00 on 5th October, 2021, until 07:00 on 7th October, 2021. An alternative route is available via Lewis Road.

Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible. There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side on the following streets between 08:00 and 17:00 Mon-Sat; Arran Avenue, Benbecula Road, Kirkwall Avenue, Lewis Court, Lewis Drive, Lewis Road, Stornoway Crescent, Sumburgh Crescent, Aberdeen from 08:00 on 23rd September, 2021, until 17:00 on 3rd November, 2021.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. The no-waiting restrictions will not be implemented for the full duration of the order and will only be implemented as and when required.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones for no more than 100 metres at a time. For an update as to when the no-waiting restrictions will be implemented please contact GCU (UK) Ltd on 08001114669.

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

A Guide To The Paralympics

Scottish Disability Sport has produced an excellent guide the Paralympics which runs from 24th August to 5th September in Tokyo. This guide aims to raise awareness of the Paralympic Games and the Scottish para-athletes competing as part of ParalympicsGB in Tokyo.

Within this resource there are many links that you can follow to access more information on many different aspects of the Paralympic Games.

SDS has tried to anticipate questions you may wish to know the answer to such as:
• What are the Paralympic Games?
• What is the Paralympic Symbol?
• Who are the Scottish para-athletes and what sports are they competing in?
• How are Paralympians classified to make competition fair?
• Factfiles and videos about each of the sports that Scottish para-athletes are competing in (except target shooting).
• Where to go for further information.

The guide can be displayed on screen from the link below or downloaded to your computer using the Download button.

Tokyo-2020-Summer-Paralympic-Games-School-and-Branch-ResourceDownload

In addition to the content listed above they have included the SDS Schools Boccia Resource and an Interactive Fact Sheet which learners can use to do their own research about the Scottish para-athletes.

If you require further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. If you or anyone you know would like to engage in disability sport at any level please contact Scottish Disability Sport, by emailing admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or phoning 0131 317 1130 and they will support you/them to get involved.

Sheltered Common Rooms Re-Open

In accordance with the lifting of most covid-19 restrictions across Scotland on 9th August 2021, all sheltered housing common rooms are now permitted to open. A letter sent to tenants jointly by Aberdeen City Council and Bon Accord Care sets out guidance to be followed to ensure residents are able to once again enjoy the facilities but also keep themselves and their neighbours safe. The letter reads as follows:-

To stay safe, you should:

• Get the vaccine when you are offered it

• Wear a face covering when moving around

• Wash your hands regularly, and cover your nose and mouth if coughing or sneezing

• Self isolate and take a PCR test if you have symptoms

• Take regular tests if you don’t have symptoms to reduce the risk of spreading the virus

• Meet outside if you can, and open windows when indoors

• Keep your distance from people not in your group

Staff will continue to clean the common room and anti-bacterial spray will be provided so residents can wipe down areas after use.

Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesman, Steve Delaney said, “I am pleased to see common rooms re-opened at last. It’s been a very difficult time for everyone, but especially people who live alone. The loss of regular activities and social gatherings has hit many people particularly hard”.

“If it’s considered appropriate for society to begin to open up again then it’s only right that common rooms are once again brought into use. This is an issue I’ve discussed with senior officers at various stages during the past 15 months and in particular over the past few weeks in anticipation of the expected opening up on 9th August”.

“I know sheltered residents will take particular care when visiting their common rooms to ensure they keep themselves and their neighbours safe. Just being able to offer activities or even have a cup of tea or coffee together will mean so much to so many people”.

“I appreciate not everyone will be ready to go back to their common rooms just yet as we are all at a different stage of our journey back towards normality. Everyone needs to decide what’s right for them and for some, they will not yet be comfortable mixing with other people, others will be delighted with this news. This announcement gives people choices”.

Spaces For People Update

The Spaces For People measures which were introduced in George Street, Rosemount and Torry to reduce vehicle numbers and provide more space for people to socially distance during the pandemic, are to be removed following the Scottish Government’s decision to move to level 0 restrictions on 19th July.

These works will start in Rosemount on 9th of August and will take about three weeks to remove. George Street works start on 23rd August and will also take 3 weeks. Works start in Torry on 13th September and will take about a week. The removal of City Centre works is subject to a decision being taken at the City Growth & Resources Committee on 10th August. 

Dementia Friendly Sessions At Art Gallery

Aberdeen Art Gallery has put together a series of dementia friendly events and workshops to help combat social isolation and cognitive decline. 

With the first two events having run successfully in July, a further two events are planned for next month. These events will take place in the ground floor Learning Space in Aberdeen Art Gallery. They are called Tunes & Chat and it’s about looking at some artworks and enjoying listening to music together.

These are dementia friendly but not dementia exclusive – they are great sessions for anyone needing a gentle-paced workshop where they can socialise in a comfortable environment. Anyone 16+ is welcome to attend.

The sessions will be led by a community musician called Sarah Eggleton who delivered similar sessions online earlier this year and they were excellent.

In each session, Sarah will introduce the attendees to a couple of artworks and play recordings of music inspired by those artworks. We have found that this type of workshop encourages conversation, memory sharing and friendship through the common love of music.

All sessions are free and can be easily booked via the links below – booking is currently required. Attendees are welcome to bring a supporting person with them also. 

Later in the year, we will host other dementia friendly events such as Connecting to Our Collections, where attendees can learn about our collections and Fly Cup & Blether, where attendees can share memories based on familiar themes such as going out on the town, sports, concerts and local attractions.

Here are the links to Tunes & Chat – please share as far and wide as possible, as they really are a lovely way to enjoy socialising in a relaxed and friendly environment while listing to some wonderful pieces of music together.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Whitemyres Avenue

Start Date and Time : 30 August 2021 07:00 
End Date and Time : 01 September 2021 18:00

Location : Whitemyres Avenue

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 07:00 on 30th August, 2021, until 18:00 on 1st September, 2021 is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on either side of Whitemyres Avenue, Aberdeen, from its junction with Mastrick Drive to the entrance for Booker cash and carry.

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 City Fibre duct laying works. 

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Arran Avenue, Cloghill Place, Derbeth Crescent & Sheddocksley Drive

Start Date and Time : 06 August 2021 08:00 
End Date and Time : 16 September 2021 17:00

Location : Arran Avenue, Cloghill Place, Derbeth Crescent & Sheddocksly Drive

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 is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the following streets: Arran Avenue, Aberdeen, from its junction with Jura Place to the boundary between the rear of number 14 and 22 Stroma Terrace from 08:00 on 6th August, 2021, until 17:00 on 7th August, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Lewis Road; Cloghill Place, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Sheddocksley Drive and Derbeth Crescent from 08:00 on 10th August, 2021, until 17:00 on 11th August, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Drive, Borrowstone Place and Derbeth Crescent; Sheddocksley Drive, Aberdeen, from its junction with Derbeth Crescent to the boundary between number 35 and 37 Sheddocksley Drive from 08:00 on 16th August, 2021, until 17:00 on 17th August, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Windford Road and Sheddocksley Road; Borrowstone Place, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Sheddocksley Drive and Derbeth Crescent from 08:00 on 18th August, 2021, until 17:00 on 19th August, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Drive, Dinbaith Place and Derbeth Crescent; Derbeth Crescent, Aberdeen, from its junction near the boundary between number 64 and 66 Derbeth Crescent to the boundary between number 60 and 62 Derbeth Crescent from 08:00 on 20th August, 2021, until 17:00 on 21st August, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Drive and Dinbaith Place; Derbeth Crescent, Aberdeen, from the gable end of number 46 Derbeth Crescent to the boundary between number 54 and 56 Derbeth Crescent from 08:00 on 23rd August, 2021, until 17:00 on 24th August, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Drive and Dinbaith Place; Dinbaith Place, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Sheddocksley Drive and Derbeth Crescent from 08:00 on 25th August, 2021, until 17:00 on 26th August, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Drive, Borrowstone Place and Derbeth Crescent; Sheddocksley Drive, Aberdeen, from its junction with Borrowstone Place to the boundary between number 46 and 48 Sheddocksley Drive from 08:00 on 27th August, 2021, until 17:00 on 28th August, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Borrowstone Place, Derbeth Crescent and Dinbaith Place; Sheddocksley Drive, Aberdeen, between its junction with Cloghill Place and Springhill Road from 08:00 on 30th August, 2021, until 17:00 on 31st August, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Springhill Road, Maidencraig Place and Sheddocksley Road Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

There will also be a one-way restriction on Lewis Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Lang Stracht and Arran Avenue. The permitted direction of travel will be northbound only from 08:00 on 12th August, 2021, until 07:00 on 14th August, 2021.

An alternative route for southbound vehicles is available via Arran Avenue, Skye Road and Lang Stracht

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side on the following streets between 08:00 and 17:00 Mon-Sat; Arran Avenue, Barra Walk, Borrowstone Place, Cloghill Place, Colonsay Crescent, Derbeth Crescent, Dinbaith Place, Jura Place, Lewis Road, Rona Place, Stroma Terrace, Tiree Crescent, Aberdeen from 08:00 on 6th August, 2021, until 17:00 on 16th September, 2021.

Due to any ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the no-waiting restrictions will not be implemented for the full duration of the order and will only be implemented as and when required.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones for no more than 50 metres at a time.

For an update as to when the no-waiting restrictions will be implemented please contact GCU (UK) Ltd on 07940333452

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 GCU (UK) Ltd on 07940333452, or roadworkscoordination@aberdeencity.gov.uk 

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – North Anderson Drive

Start Date and Time : 17 July 2021 08:00 
End Date and Time : 25 July 2021 17:00 
Location : North Anderson Drive

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on Saturday, 17 July 2021, until 17:00 on Sunday, 18 July 2021, and from 08:00 on Saturday, 24 July 2021, until 17:00 on Sunday, 25 July 2021, is to impose a temporary prohibition of right turn manoeuvres from North Anderson Drive on to Lang Stracht.

There will also be northbound and southbound lane closures on North Anderson Drive approaching the Lang Stracht/Westburn Road junction.

Delays are to be expected.

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

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to GCU Utilities on 0800 1114669 or ronan.duffy@gcultd.com 

Alternate Route : via North Anderson Drive southbound, King’s Cross roundabout, North Anderson Drive northbound. 

New Temporary Traffic Lights Imposed – Springhill Road & Kingsford Road

Start Date and Time : 19 July 2021 08:00
End Date and Time : 30 July 2021 17:00

Location : Springhill Road & Kingsford Road

Description : There will be temporary traffic lights on Springhill Road at its junction with Kingsford Road.

These lights will be in operation from 8am 19th July 2021- until 17:00 30th July 2021, they will be in operation during the working day.

This is to protect public safety during resurfacing works by Aberdeen City Council.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Willowpark Crescent

Start Date and Time : 05 July 2021 08:00 
End Date and Time : 16 July 2021 15:00

Location : Willowpark Crescent 
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 is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Willowpark Crescent, Aberdeen, from the northern gable of numbers 85-95 Willowpark Crescent to the southern gable of numbers 97-107 Willowpark Crescent from 08:00 on Monday, 5 July 2021, until 17:00 on Friday, 16 July 2021.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side of the same stretch of road. An alternative route is available via Ross Crescent, Willowpark Road, and Willowpark Place.

There will be a temporary prohibition of driving on North Anderson Drive, Aberdeen, on the service road between two points 15m either side of the car park access at the rear of Rosehill House from 08:00 on Tuesday, 6 July 2021, until 17:00 on Monday, 19 July 2021.

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

An alternative route is available via Ashgrove Road West, North Anderson Drive, and Forresterhill Road.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during heating duct installation works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Nicol of Skene on 01224 744473, or enquiries@nicolofskene.com 

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Fernhill Drive and Lang Stracht

Start Date and Time : 25 June 2021 18:30 
End Date and Time : 28 June 2021 06:00

Location : Fernhill Drive and Lang Stracht

Description : Fernhill Drive will be closed from its junction with Lang Stracht to its southern junction with Burnbrae Crescent.

There will be a 10mph speed restriction imposed on Lang Stracht from its junction with Stronsay Drive to a point 100m west of its junction with Fernhill Drive.

There will be a prohibition of right turn manoeuvres from the access road at Lidl on to Lang Stracht.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Nicol of Skene on 01224 744473, or enquiries@nicolofskene.com

Alternate Route : via Lang Stracht, Springhill Road and Greenfern Road. 

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Fernhill Drive

Start Date and Time : 02 June 2021 22:00

End Date and Time : 22 June 2021 06:00 

Location : Fernhill Drive 

Description : Fernhill Drive will be closed from the path leading to numbers 1-11 Fernhill Drive to its junction with Lang Stracht.

There will be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road. Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Nicol of Skene on 01224 744473, or enquiries@nicolofskene.com 

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Lang Stracht, Springhill Road and Greenfern Road. 

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – ACCFibre8

Start Date and Time : 21 June 2021 07:30

End Date and Time : 25 June 2021 21:00

Location : ACCFibre8

Description : The effect of the order is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Skye Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Lang Stracht and Raasay Gardens, from 07:30 on Tuesday, 22 June 2021, until 22:00 on Wednesday, 23 June 2021, and on Lewis Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Lang Stracht and the car park at numbers 23-35 Derbeth Crescent, from 07:30 on Thursday, 24 June 2021, until 22:00 on Friday, 25 June 2021.

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

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to GCU Utilities on 0800 1114669 or ronan.duffy@gcultd.com

Alternate Route : Alternative routes are available via Lang Stracht, Lewis Road, and Arran Avenue, and via Lang Stracht, Skye Road, and Arran Avenue. 

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Mastrick heating duct

Start Date and Time : 02 June 2021 22:00 
End Date and Time : 20 June 2021 22:00

Location : Mastrick heating duct

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 22:00 on 02 June 2021, until 22:00 on 20 June 2021, is to impose the restrictions below to allow heating duct installation works.

The works will be carried out in stages as per the schedule below.

Stage 1; Fernhill Drive will be closed from its junction with Burnbrae Place to its southern junction with Burnbrae Crescent. There will be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road.

Stage 2; Fernhill Drive will be closed from the path leading to numbers 1-11 Fernhill Drive to its junction with Lang Stracht. There will be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road.

Stage 3; there will be a prohibition of right turn manoeuvres from Fernhill Drive on to Lang Stracht, and from Lang Stracht on to Fernhill Drive.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Nicol of Skene on 01224 744473, or enquiries@nicolofskene.com

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Lang Stracht, Springhill Road and Greenfern Road. 

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Mastrick Heating Duct5

Start Date and Time : 17 May 2021 07:00
End Date and Time : 02 June 2021 22:00

Location : Mastrick Heating Duct5

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:00 on Monday, 17 May 2021, until 22:00 on Wednesday, 2 June 2021, is to impose the restrictions below to allow heating duct installation works.

The works will be carried out in stages as per the schedule below.

Stage 1; Fernhill Drive will be closed from a point 10m north of its junction with Hillylands Road to its junction with Burnbrae Avenue. There will be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road.

Hillylands Road will be closed from its junction with Fernhill Drive to the boundary between numbers 29 and 31 Hillylands Road. There will be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road.

The one-way system on Burnbrae Crescent from its northern junction with Fernhill Drive to its junction with Fernhill Place will be suspended. There will be a prohibition of waiting on Burnbrae Crescent from its northern junction with Fernhill Drive to the driveway at the side of numbers 2-12 Burnbrae Crescent.

Stage 2; Fernhill Drive will be closed from its northern junction with Burnbrae Crescent to Burnbrae Place. There will be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road.

The one-way system on Burnbrae Avenue from its junction with Fernhill Drive to its junction with Burnbrae Crescent will be suspended.

There wll be a prohibition of waiting on Burnbrae Avenue from its junction with Fernhill Drive to the driveway at the side of numbers 1-6 Burnbrae Avenue. Stage 3;

Fernhill Drive will be closed from the driveway at number 25 Fernhill Drive to its southern junction with Burnbrae Crescent. There will be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road.

The one-way system on Burnbrae Place from its junction with Fernhill Drive to its junction with Burnbrae Crescent will be suspended.

There will be a prohibition of waiting on either side of Burnbrae Place from its junction with Burnbrae Crescent to the disabled parking bay at the rear of numbers 1-11 Fernhill Drive, and on either side of Burnbrae Place from the footpath at the side of numbers 53-63 Burnbrae Crescent to the southern gable of number 8 Burnbrae Place, and also on either side of Burnbrae Place from its junction with Fernhill Drive to a point 10m in a westerly direction.

Stage 4; Fernhill Drive will be closed from the southern gable of numbers 1-11 Fernhill Drive to its junction with Lang Styracht. There will be a prohibition of waiting on the same stretch of road.

Access to Burnbrae Avenue during stage 2 will be maintained from Burnbrae Crescent.

Access to Burnbrae Place during stage 3 will be maintained from Burnbrae Crescent.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Nicol of Skene on 01224 744473, or enquiries@nicolofskene.com

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

An alternative route for the Hillylands Road closure is available via Croft Road, Croft Terrace, and Arnage Drive.

The Journey Back To Normality Begins Here…

Aberdeen and most of Scotland is moving from covid restriction Level 3 to Level 2. Some of the main changes are as follows:-

  • 6 people from up to 3 households can meet indoors
  • Cafes, pubs and restaurants with indoor facilities can open
  • 6 people from up to 3 households can meet in an indoor cafe, pub or restaurant
  • Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools can open
  • 8 people from 8 households can meet outdoors
  • Tourist accommodation and visitor attractions can open
  • You can travel anywhere in the UK with the exception of Level 3 or Level 4 areas
  • Overseas travel is permitted to a limited number of countries (referred to as the blue list) without the need to quarantine on your return but be aware that the status of countries can change at short notice as we’ve seen in the past.

Commenting on the easing of Covid-19 restrictions from 17th May, Kingswells, Sheddocksley, Summerhill councillor Steve Delaney said,

I’m sure everyone will welcome the latest moves to ease some of the more severe covid restrictions from Monday. We all want to get back to something resembling normality as soon as it’s safe to do so. For me, like so many other people, the ability to reconnect with family and friends remains the top priority.

However, my own view, for what it’s worth, remains that just because we can do something doesn’t mean we have to! It’s all about being sensible when mixing with vulnerable people. It does no harm to wear a face covering in confined spaces during an indoor visit and to remove it when suitably distanced. Same goes for passing gatherings of people outdoors.

Everyone needs to make their own judgements as to what’s needed to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and the level of additional measures you may or may not choose to put in place is likely to depend on the vulnerability and vaccination status of yourself and others.

My main concern with the easing to Level 2 is the opening up of international air travel. I fully understand the difficulties the ban on international flights has caused to those who have family living overseas. I too have family and friends overseas.

However, the opening up of international air travel before we have offered the vaccine to everyone will undoubtedly result in new variants getting into (and out of) the UK and there’s always a risk that our vaccinations may not protect against one of these future variants.

Our vaccination programme is going well, but the sooner we are able to offer the vaccine to everyone, including children (following the normal stringent safety checks) the better. And any overstock of vaccines need to be used to offer protection to people in other countries which may not ordinarily be given access to them. As well as being the right thing to do from a humanitarian point of view, we won’t all be 100% safe until the whole world’s safe.

However, despite my very typically cautionary note, as you look towards Monday, enjoy the return of some of your normal freedoms of life and enjoy the company of family and friends but stay safe and keep your loved ones safe too. We’re maybe not quite out of the woods yet, but there’s certainly good cause for a lot more more optimism looking at the weeks and the months ahead.

An extensive list of what is and is not permitted under newly revised Level 2 restrictions can be downloaded as a PDF here. A briefer summary can be viewed online here.

Wellbeing Cafe Re-Opens

Many of you will be familiar with the Fine Peace Cafe at Sheddocksley Baptist Church which closed for refurbishment in 2019. It was indeed renovated alongside extension works at the church but sadly it never re-opened due to covid restrictions.

Instead the church opened the Wellbeing Cafe last Autumn and they have now re-opened following the post Christmas lockdown. This great initiative offers a safe space to listen, support and signpost people over coffee and cake. Anyone who is struggling with their mental health and wellbeing is welcome to drop in for a chat but numbers are limited due to covid regulations. More information can be found here.

Local councillor Steve Delaney said, “I’m delighted to see the Wellbeing Cafe open once more. Once again Sheddocksley Baptist Church has identified a need within our community and responded positively towards providing the support needed to help people at this difficult time”.

“You don’t need to be a church member to visit the cafe. The offer of prayer is available to those who wish this but it is not obligatory and everyone, regardless of their beliefs, is made very welcome and offered a chat with a friendly volunteer”.

New Temporary Traffic Lights Imposed – Ross Crescent

Start Date and Time : 06 May 2021 07:00 
End Date and Time : 12 May 2021 17:00

Location : Ross Crescent

Description : There will be temporary traffic signals on Ross Crescent with its junction with Mastrick Drive.

These signals will be in operation from 07:00 6th may until 17:00 12th May and will be in operation 24 hours a day.

This is to protect public safety during Scottish Water works. 

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – CITY FIBRE PN296, SHEDDOCKSLEY, ABERDEEN

Start Date and Time : 19 May 2021 08:00 
End Date and Time : 29 June 2021 17:00

Location : CITY FIBRE PN296, SHEDDOCKSLEY, ABERDEEN.

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 is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the following streets: Sheddocksley Drive, Aberdeen, from the boundary between number 149 and 151 Sheddocksley Drive to the gable end of number 165 Sheddocksley Drive from 08:00 on 19th May, 2021, until 17:00 on 20th May, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Drive, Derbeth Crescent, Lewis Road and Taransay Crescent;

Sheddocksley Drive, Aberdeen, between its junction with Wardhead Place and the gable end of number 150 Sheddocksley Drive from 08:00 on 21st May, 2021, until 17:00 on 22nd May, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Wardhead Place, Sheddocksley Road and Harthill Place;

Sheddocksley Drive, Aberdeen, from its junction with Harthill Place to the boundary between number 116 and 118 Sheddocksley Drive from 08:00 on 25th May, 2021, until 17:00 on 26th May, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Wardhead Place, Sheddocksley Road and Harthill Place;

Sheddocksley Drive, Aberdeen, from its junction with Harthill Place to the boundary between number 102 and 104 Sheddocksley Drive from 08:00 on 27th May, 2021, until 17:00 on 28th May, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Harthill Place, Sheddocksley Road and Auchlea Place;

Harthill Place, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Drive and the gable end of number 10 Harthill Place from 08:00 on 31st May, 2021, until 17:00 on 1st June, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Drive, Auchlea Place and Sheddocksley Road;

Harthill Place, Aberdeen, from its junction with Sheddocksley Road to the boundary between number 3 and 5 Harthill Place from 08:00 on 2nd June, 2021, until 17:00 on 3rd June, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Drive, Auchlea Place and Sheddocksley Road;

Auchlea Place, Aberdeen, from its junction with Sheddocksley Road to the boundary between number 3 and 5 Auchlea Place from 08:00 on 4th June, 2021, until 17:00 on 5th June, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Road, Auchlea Road and Sheddocksley Drive;

Sheddocksley Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Kingsford Road and the gable end of number 47 Sheddocksley Road from 08:00 on 7th June, 2021, until 17:00 on 8th June, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Kingsford Road, Springhill Road and Brodinch Place;

Auchlea Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Sheddocksley Drive and the gable end of number 27 Auchlea Road from 08:00 on 9th June, 2021, until 17:00 on 10th June, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Sheddocksley Drive, Auchlea Place and Sheddocksley Road;

Sheddocksley Drive, Aberdeen, from the boundary between number 86 and 88 Sheddocksley Drive to the gable end of number 96 Sheddocksley Drive from 08:00 on 16th June, 2021, until 17:00 on 17th June, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Auchlea Road, Sheddocksley Road and Auchlea Place.

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

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side on the following streets between 08:00 and 17:00 Mon-Sat; Auchlea Road, Harthill Place, Kingsford Road, Sheddocksley Drive, Sheddocksley Road, Wardhead Place, Aberdeen from 08:00 on 19th May, 2021, until 17:00 on 29th June, 2021.

Due to any ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the no-waiting restrictions will not be implemented for the full duration of the order and will only be implemented as and when required.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones for no more than 50 metres at a time.

For an update as to when the no-waiting restrictions will be implemented please contact GCU (UK) Ltd on 07940333452 

Flexible Travel Bundles From FirstAberdeen.

With effect from 26th April 2021 FirstAberdeen are to offer more flexibility on their ticketing options. They have recognised that weekly, monthly and three monthly bus passes may not work for some people as a result of changing working patterns with the working week split between home and office. This initiative will allow customers to purchase a number of individual day tickets in advance at a discounted price.

Flexible Travel Bundles are available in 5, 10 or 15 ticket options, offering a discount over the normal cost of purchasing a day ticket through the APP. These bundles are only available to purchase from the FirstBus APP with validity for 2, 4 or 6 weeks dependent on which bundle you purchase. They can be found under the Day Bundles section when selecting which ticket to purchase.

Full information can be found here.

New Temporary Traffic Lights Imposed – Mastrick Road

Start Date and Time : 04 May 2021 08:00
End Date and Time : 05 May 2021 17:00
Location : Mastrick Road

Description : There will be temporary Traffic Signals on Mastrick Road by the junction with Arnage Place.

These lights will be in operation from 08:00 on the 4th May until 17:00 on the 5th May. These lights will be in operation 24 hours, this is to protect public safety during City Fibre works.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Mastrick City Fibre PN297

Start Date and Time : 18 May 2021 08:00
End Date and Time : 08 June 2021 17:00
Location : Mastrick City Fibre PN297

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 is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the following streets: Hallfield Road, Aberdeen, from the junction with Burnbrae Crescent to the boundary between number 8 and 10 Hallfield Road from 08:00 on 18th May, 2021, until 17:00 on 19th May, 2021. An alternative route is available via Springhill Road, Lang Stracht, Fernhill Drive, Burnbrae Avenue and Burnbrae Crescent;

Greenfern Avenue, Aberdeen, from the boundary between number 9 and 11 Greenfern Avenue to the gable end of number 23 Greenfern Avenue from 08:00 on 20th May, 2021, until 17:00 on 21st May, 2021. An alternative route is available via Greenfern Road, Fernhill Drive and Fernhill Road;

Fernhill Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Greenfern Avenue and Fernhill Place from 08:00 on 24th May, 2021, until 17:00 on 25th May, 2021. An alternative route is available via Greenfern Avenue, Greenfern Road and Fernhill Drive;

Burnbrae Crescent, Aberdeen, from its junction with Hallfield Road and to the gable end of number 9 Burnbrae Crescent from 08:00 on 26th May, 2021, until 17:00 on 27th May, 2021. An alternative route is available via Hallfield Road, Springhill Road, Lang Stracht, Fernhill Drive and Burnbrae Avenue;

Fernhill Road, Aberdeen, from the boundary between number 3 and 5 Fernhill Road to the boundary between number 7 and 9 Fernhill Road from 08:00 on 28th May, 2021, until 17:00 on 29th May, 2021. An alternative route is available via Fernhill Drive, Greenfern Road and Greenfern Avenue;

Fernhill Road, Aberdeen, from the boundary between number 55 and 57 Fernhill Road to the boundary between number 63 and 65 Fernhill Road from 08:00 on 1st June, 2021, until 17:00 on 2nd June, 2021. An alternative route is available via Springhill Road, Greenfern Road and Greenfern Avenue;

Burnbrae Crescent, Aberdeen, from its junction with Hallfield Road to the boundary between number 21-31 and 33-43 Burnbrae Crescent from 08:00 on 3rd June, 2021, until 17:00 on 4th June, 2021. An alternative route is available via Fernhill Drive, Burnbrae Avenue and Burnbrae Crescent;

Burnbrae Crescent, Aberdeen, between its junction with Fernhill Drive and Burnbrae Place. An alternative route is available via Lang Stracht, Springhill Road and Hallfield Road and also on Fernhill Drive, Aberdeen, from its junction with Lang Stracht to the boundary between number 1-11 and 13-23 Fernhill Drive. An alternative route is available via Lang Stracht, Springhill Road and Greenfern Road from 08:00 on 5th June, 2021, until 17:00 on 6th June, 2021.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side of Springhill Road between its junctions with Lang Stracht and Sheddocksley Drive to allow for regular bus services from 08:00 on 5th June, 2021, until 17:00 on 6th June, 2021.

Burnbrae Place, Aberdeen, between its junction with Burnbrae Crescent and a point 15 metres in a northerly direction from 08:00 on 7th June, 2021, until 17:00 on 8th June, 2021. An alternative route is available via Fernhill Drive and Burnbrae Crescent. The one-way system on Burnbrae Place, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Burnbrae Crescent and Fernhill Drive will be suspended during these times to allow egress from properties. Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side on the following streets between 08:00 and 17:00 Mon-Sat; Burnbrae Avenue, Burnbrae Crescent, Burnbrae Place, Fernhill Drive, Fernhill Place, Fernhill Road, Greenfern Avenue, Hallfield Crescent, Hallfield Road, Lang Stracht, Aberdeen from 08:00 on 18th May, 2021, until 17:00 on 28th June, 2021.

Due to any ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the no-waiting restrictions will not be implemented for the full duration of the order and will only be implemented as and when required.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones for no more than 50 metres at a time.

For an update as to when the no-waiting restrictions will be implemented please contact GCU (UK) Ltd on 07940333452

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 GCU (UK) Ltd on 07940333452

Further Covid Easing

A number of relaxations to covid restrictions come into force for Monday 26 April. This represents the most significant changes since December but please remember many restrictions remain, including the need to maintain social distancing and the wearing of masks. Visiting someone in their own home remains banned at this time except for support visits.

Local councillor Steve Delaney said, “It’s good to see things starting to return to normal after such a horrible year. The re-opening of shops and other services is very welcome as is the ability to travel within the UK”.

“My advice remains as it has been throughout, within the scope of what is now permitted do what you and your family are comfortable doing and feel safe in doing. That will be different for everyone and that’s OK”.

From 26 April we move from Tier 4 to Tier 3 restrictions. The main changes are as follows:-

  • Non-essential shops and hospitality can begin to open 
  • Non-emergency indoor works such as painting, decorating and repair work can now be undertaken
  • Informal childcare can be resumed
  • Mobile hairdressers and other close contact services can re-open.
  • Numbers attending weddings or funerals has been increased to 50
  • Cafés, pubs and restaurants can resume full outdoor service, subject to local licensing, and serve food indoors without alcohol until 8pm
  • Travel is permitted throughout the UK  

Further information can be found here. If in doubt you can download a helpful guide here or call the coronavirus helpline on 0808 196 3384.

Stagecoach Returns To Pre-Pandemic Bus Frequencies & Replaces The X17 Service

Stagecoach has announced a number of their bus routes in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. These changes will affect the current X17 & No 14 routes as well as the less frequent 218 service.

With regard to routes 14 and 218, the frequency of these services is now returning to those which had operated prior to the pandemic but please check timetables as the timings may not be exactly the same. It’s also worth noting that the No 14 weekend service which was cut by Aberdeen’s Conservative, Labour and Independent councillors last year is not being restored, so that service will only operate Monday to Friday.

Local councillor Steve Delaney said, “The most significant change for our area is the decision to replace the X17 with three different services, the 4, 5 & 6. Heading to and from the City Centre you can catch one of these three services every 10 minutes (Mon-Sat). If you’re travelling to Westhill, you have a choice of the 5 or 6 (some services are numbered 6A) as the 4 goes to Countesswells. All three routes operate 7 days a week following the current Queens Road route into the city centre”.

The revised timetables should be updated at all bus stops in the next few days. Stagecoach have decided not to print copies of the new timetables but you can find the details for all these routes to view or download here.

New Emergency Road Closure Imposed – Willowpark Crescent

Start Date and Time : 29 March 2021 09:30
Location : Willowpark Crescent

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 09:30 on 29 March, 2021, until emergency works are completed, is to close Willowpark Crescent, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Matrick Drive and and Muirfield Place.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting at any time on the same stretch of carriageway.

The restrictions are in the interests of public safety during ACC emergency resurfacing work due to the sunken carriageway.

Alternate Route : Mastrick Drive, Muirfield Road, Willowpark Place, Muirfield Place and vice versa

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – FERNHILL DRIVE, ABERDEEN.

A New Temporary Traffic Order has been imposed with the following details :

Start Date and Time : 05 April 2021 08:00 
End Date and Time : 09 April 2021 17:00 
Location : FERNHILL DRIVE, ABERDEEN.

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 05 April 2021, until 17:00 on 09 April 2021, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Fernhill Drive, Aberdeen, from its junction with Arnage Drive to the boundary between numbers 51 and 53 Fernhill Drive.

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

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

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side of Springhill Road Aberdeen, between its junctions with Lang Stracht and Sheddocksley Drive to allow for regular bus services.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during works for BT Openreach.

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

Alternate Route : An alternative route is available via Greenfern Road, Springhill Road and Lang Stracht. 

Changes in Temporary Traffic Order – Corse Gardens / Corse Wynd

An existing Temporary Traffic Order has been modified. The details are as follows :

Start Date and Time : 05 April 2021 08:00 
End Date and Time : 23 April 2021 17:00 
Location : Corse Gardens / Corse Wynd

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on 5th April, 2021, until 17:00 on 23 April, 2021, is to close Corse Gardens, Aberdeen, in its entirety and Corse Wynd, between its junctions with Corse Avenue and the North East boundary of number 26, including the cul de sac.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting at any time on the same stretches of carriageway. 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.

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Community Planning Aberdeen has launched an online simulator to enable citizens to express what is important and of value to them and for their community.  The survey is open to any resident of Aberdeen City.

What is important to you?

Community Planning Aberdeen is the name for your local partnership of public, private and third sector organisations and communities all working together to improve people’s lives across Aberdeen City.

We would like residents of Aberdeen to participate in this short exercise to discover what things you value and what is important to you.

Imagine you are responsible for improving the lives of the people of Aberdeen. You only have 500 points to give to various improvement projects. You must allocate all of these points. How would you allocate these points? How you do this will help guide the work of Community Planning Aberdeen and the priorities within the City’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan.  You can, also, give comments and submit ideas. 

Open until Wednesday 31st of March 2021

Get Started >>

If you have any queries or would like to give us feedback, please use the comments boxes in the link or email us at communityplanning@aberdeencity.gov.uk

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Sheddockley Road

Start Date and Time : 29 March 2021 07:00
End Date and Time : 09 April 2021 18:00

Location : Sheddockley Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:00 on Monday, 29 March 2021, until 18:00 on Friday, 9 April 2021, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Sheddocksley Road, Aberdeen, from the driveway at number 41 Sheddocksley Road to a point 20 metres south-east of its junction with Auchlea Place.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side of Auchlea Place, Aberdeen, from its junction with Sheddocksley Road to the driveway at number 1 Auchlea Place.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during water connection works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Nicol of Skene on 01224 74443, or enquiries@nicolofskene.com

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

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – MASTRICK HEATING DUCT

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Start Date and Time : 07 January 2021 07:00

End Date and Time : 26 April 2021 17:00

Location : MASTRICK HEATING DUCT

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 07:00 on 07 January 2021, until 17:00 on 26 April 2021, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving and prohibition of waiting as per the schedule below.

Advance warning signs will be placed on each road before each restriction begins. Phase 1; Ross Crescent, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Willowpark Crescent and Mastrick Drive. An alternative route is available via Willowpark Road, Willowpark Place, and Muirfield Road. Phase 2; Mastrick Drive, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Ross Crescent and Mastrick Close.

An alternative route is available via Ross Crescent and Arnage Drive. Phase 3; Mastrick Close, Aberdeen for its entire length Phase 4; Hillylands Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Croft Road and Fernhill Drive.

Phase 5; Fernhill Drive, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Hillylands Road and Lang Stracht.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during heating duct installation works.

Any queries regarding this restriction can be directed to Nicol of Skene on 01224 74443, or enquiries@nicolofskene.com

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – CITY FIBRE PN 287, EDAY ROAD, ABERDEEN.

Start Date and Time : 11 January 2021 08:00

End Date and Time : 21 February 2021 17:00

Location : CITY FIBRE PN 287, EDAY ROAD, ABERDEEN.

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 is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the following streets: Eday Crescent, Aberdeen, between its junction with Eday Road and the boundary between number 36 Eday Road and 1 Eday Crescent.

An alternative route is available via Eday Road, Stronsay Drive and Gairsay Road and also the one-way restriction on Eday Crescent, Aberdeen, between its junction with Gairsay Road and the boundary between number 5 and 7 Eday Crescent will be suspended from 08:00 on 19th January, 2021, until 17:00 on 20th January, 2021; Fernielea Place, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Eday Road and Fernielea Road from 08:00 on 19th January, 2021, until 17:00 on 21st January, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Eday Road and Fernielea Road; Fernielea Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Eday Road and the gable end of number 1 Fernielea Road from 08:00 on 26th January, 2021, until 17:00 on 27th January, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Eday Road and Fernielea Place; Gairsay Road, Aberdeen, between its junction with Eday Drive and the boundary between numbers 39-49 and 51 Gairsay Road from 08:00 on 28th January, 2021, until 17:00 on 29th January, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Eday Drive, Eday Road and Stronsay Drive; Stronsay Crescent, Aberdeen, between its junction with Stronsay Drive and the gable end of number 36 Stronsay Crescent from 08:00 on 9th February, 2021, until 17:00 on 10th February, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Stronsay Drive, Stronsay Place, and Summerhill Drive; Stronsay Crescent, Aberdeen, from the footpath between numbers 12 and 14 Stronsay Crescent to the gable end of number 20 Stronsay Crescent from 08:00 on 11th February, 2021, until 17:00 on 12th February, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Stronsay Drive, Stronsay Place, and Summerhill Drive; Fernielea Crescent, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Stronsay Drive and Fernielea Road from 08:00 on 15th February, 2021, until 17:00 on 18th February, 2021.

An alternative route is available via Stronsay Drive, Eday Road and Fernielea Road. Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side on the following streets between 08:00 and 17:00 Mon-Sat; Eday Crescent, Eday Drive, Eday Road, Fernielea Crescent, Fernielea Place, Fernielea Road, Gairsay Drive, Gairsay Road, Lang Stracht, Stronsay Crescent, Stronsay Drive, Stronsay Place, Aberdeen from 08:00 on 11th January, 2021, until 17:00 on 21st February, 2021.

Due to any ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the no-waiting restrictions will not be implemented for the full duration of the order and will only be implemented as and when required. The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones for no more than 50 metres at a time.

For an update as to when the no-waiting restrictions will be implemented please contact GCU (UK) Ltd on 07940333452

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during duct laying works being carried out by City Fibre. Chief Officer Operations, Aberdeen City Council, Town House, ABERDEEN.

A Victory For Disabled & Vulnerable People

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Image by Christian Langballe at Unsplash.com

The Scottish Government’s Covid-19 guidance has been updated to allow visits to offer emotional support to a vulnerable person whose wellbeing is at risk, with specific mention of those who are isolated because of a disability or a caring responsibility.

Kingswells, Sheddocksley, Summerhill councillor Steve Delaney who had previously written to the First Minister on this issue, presented a motion to last week’s council meeting requesting the council seek clarity on whether emotional support to those facing isolation was permitted under current guidance or, if not, for this to be introduced. Steve received cross party support from all councillors last week.

He said, “This change appeared online with no official announcement over the past few days, listed under the permitted activities in all four covid management tiers”.

“To date, both UK & Scottish Governments have based support arrangements around ’social bubbles’ which work well for couples who do not live together and for informal childcare arrangements. Where they fail older people and vulnerable adults is that by forming a bubble with one elderly or vulnerable adult, you exclude doing so with others in your family and many families have more than one relative who lives alone and may be struggling. The other issue with bubbles is that we are told there’s no need for social distancing or face coverings and hugs are allowed. Where an individual in a bubble is vulnerable such an approach is of course potentially dangerous”.

“This clarity is absolutely not a green light to go into people’s homes. It is only permitted where the wellbeing of a vulnerable person living alone is considered to be at risk. Those providing support must follow the clear guidelines set out for carers who tend to people’s physical care needs. Hand hygiene and social distancing are at the heart of the guidance to keep those being visited safe”.

The full guidance can be located at https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/pages/protection-level-4/ under the ‘Meeting others indoors (socialising)’ heading. The same guidance applies to the other protection levels.

Steve continued, “Charities, third sector organisations and individuals who have been highlighting the detrimental effect of loneliness and isolation on those who live alone and cannot get out and about for health reasons, should be congratulated as we see their hard work pay dividends to thousands of Scots”.

Councillors Back Motion To End Pandemic Isolation

Local councillor Steve Delaney’s call for Aberdeen City Council to write to the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary of Health & Wellbeing for clarity on whether or not elderly or disabled people living alone could be visited and if not, to change the legislation to allow this, today received unanimous backing from across the chamber.

Following concerns raised by a number of residents and personal experience in his own family situation, Mr Delaney felt that something had to be done to tackle social isolation and loneliness. Everyone acknowledged it but nobody seemed willing to address it, despite numerous studies highlighting this issue.

Following the second lockdown those who were housebound or in isolation due to underlying health conditions have once again found themselves ‘locked up’ with no more than drop offs of food and medicines permitted as meeting people outside was not an option for them.

At the end of last week a Scottish Government spokesman confirmed that such visits would now be permitted, something he offered a cautious welcome for.

Councillor Delaney said, “My thanks go to all councillors who, in rare show of unity, put their political differences to one side to support people who live alone across our city”.

“I first raised these concerns in a letter to the First Minister on 8th October, and have received no response. It has taken until 12th December for a Scottish Government spokesman to confirm to the Press & Journal that home visits will be permitted for emotional support if someone’s mental health or wellbeing is at risk”.

“According to the report, people across Scotland who are living alone with a disability or mental illness can now have visitors indoors to help combat social isolation without fear of prosecution. I’m just disappointed it has taken so long to get this clarity”.

“Having said that, this is not a free for all, nor should it be. This exemption only applies to people living alone whose mental health or wellbeing is at risk as a result of disability or a caring situation. Even then the guidance on face coverings, hand washing and social distancing should be observed in order to protect those being visited”.

“Charities, third sector organisations and individuals who have been highlighting the detrimental effect of loneliness and isolation on those who live alone and cannot get out and about for health reasons, should be congratulated as we see their hard work pay dividends to thousands of Scots”.

“All we need now is a Ministerial statement in the Scottish Parliament which sets out how this exception works to to whom it applies, both clearly and unequivocally, to ensure that all elderly and disabled people in Scotland who are living alone, are aware of this”.

We Must Address Our Mental Health Crisis

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Since the first lockdown in March, people living alone who are elderly and disabled, have suffered the greatest harm to their mental health and wellbeing as a result of covid restrictions designed to protect them. Each time there’s a surge in covid cases they are effectively locked up in their own homes, recently described by Boris Johnson as being under ‘house arrest’.

Nobody doubts the risks posed by covid to elderly residents and people with underlying health conditions if good clear guidance is ignored but, to date, there has been no attempt to address the harm these restrictions are causing to those who live alone.

People who live alone have been experiencing loneliness and isolation like never before as a result of being cut off from their families. Some people have not had direct contact with anyone other than carers for months.

Others who are self caring but housebound may have seen nobody at all, other than for food and medicine drop offs, made worse by the fact that they are unable to meet people outdoors and, with winter approaching, even more elderly people who normally meet with others outdoors will now find themselves ‘confined to barracks’.

Current guidance permits indoor visits for the purposes of providing care or support a vulnerable person. Such visits should of course be conducted in accordance with guidelines regarding social distancing, face coverings and hand hygiene. However, the guidance is unclear as to whether or not tending to someone’s mental health and wellbeing comes under ‘providing care and support’, with the presumption being that it does not.

Aberdeen councillor Steve Delaney is taking a motion to next Monday’s council meeting seeking to address the issue by asking the council to write to the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing asking for clarification that visits to address mental health needs comes under the definition of providing care and support or, if not, to bring forward appropriate changes to guidance which would allow this.

Councillor Delaney said, “Everyone’s primary aim is to keep people safe but the current restrictions make no allowance for elderly or disabled people who live alone. Visits would almost certainly need to be limited in respect of numbers and it would be expected that the same guidelines applying to paid carers would apply. I’m most certainly not suggesting a complete lifting of restrictions in respect of people living alone. That would put lives at risk”.

“Both Governments have based support arrangements around ’social bubbles’ which work well for couples who do not live together and for informal childcare arrangements. Where they fail older people and vulnerable adults is that by forming a bubble with one elderly or vulnerable adult, you exclude doing so with others in your family and many families have more than one elderly or disabled relative. The other issue with bubbles is that we are told there’s no need for social distancing or face coverings and hugs are allowed. Where an individual in a bubble is vulnerable such an approach would be potentially dangerous”.

“Next Monday I’m asking all parties to put their political differences to one side and come together to support elderly and disabled people who live alone and to do it in a safe way. Indeed the same should apply equally to a younger person who is living alone and struggling with their mental health”.

“We all speak about treating mental health on an equal footing with physical health so lets do something about it”.

“I fully appreciate the guidance requires clarification and/or changes at national level, but that does not preclude Aberdeen’s elected councillors showing leadership by uniting in a common cause and reaching out to our national representatives to make this happen”.

“Accordingly and in the spirit of goodwill, I have written to all five political group leaders in advance of the meeting asking for their support. I’m sure many people across Aberdeen, and indeed across Scotland as a whole, will be looking to them to support this proposal and end the isolation being suffered by those are often unable to speak out for themselves”.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Eday Drive

Start Date and Time : 08 December 2020 08:00

End Date and Time : 08 December 2020 17:00

Location : Eday Drive

Description : In the interest of public safety during City Fibre works Eday Drive will be closed to traffic between Eday Road and the gable end of 1 Eday Drive from 0800 till 1700 on Tuesday the 8th of December, 2020.

The Council regrets any inconvenience that may be caused by this temporary measure, which is in the interest of public safety.

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

Draft Project Closes Pending Hearing

Aberdeen City Council’s Special Licensing Committee met for the first time in five years to consider whether or not to object to a renewal application for the Draft Project, a licensed marquee located on Langstane Place. The Special Licensing Objections Committee is the body which determines whether or not the council should object to alcohol licenses which are then determined by the Licensing Board. The committee meets infrequently and only lodges objections in exceptional cases.

The meeting was called as a result of public concerns raised over the complete lack of social distancing, lack of face coverings, shouting and singing which took place recently, much of which has been circulating on social media.

Lib Dem councillor Steve Delaney proposed that the council object to the renewal on the basis of public health, public safety and public nuisance.

He said, “Licensed premises are well versed in managing their venues during events, so they should have been better prepared. We’re right in the middle of a pandemic and the event at Draft Project put their staff, their customers and indeed the general public at increased risk”.

“What we don’t need is another local lockdown and the harm that creates to local people, especially those who are housebound, disabled or living alone. Such actions also reflect poorly on the hospitality sector, risking jobs and livelihoods in so many other venues where they are working hard to keep their customers and staff safe”. 

“The Draft Project is run by Soul, one of the premises linked to the August covid spike which led to the three week local lockdown. That was another incident where there was no social distancing and few, if any, face coverings being worn both inside and outside the premises”. 

“During a pandemic everyone needs to take responsibility and we all need to work together to keep our citizens safe. And this is a time when this council needs to show leadership and do right by its citizens”.

“Any premises which demonstrate complete lack of adherence to strict covid regulations would appear to be putting profit before people and putting lives at risk. Not only the lives of customers and staff but also their families and friends and indeed the wider population”.

 Councillor Ryan Houghton, supported by his two Conservative colleagues moved that Aberdeen City Council should not object to the renewal of the license. He won the vote by 3 votes to 2 with Councillors Delaney and Copeland entering their dissent at the decision.

Later in the day the Licensing Board met to consider the renewal application. They have decided to hold a Public Hearing at a future date to determine whether or not to renew the license. This hearing will give those who have objected an opportunity to have their say. The “occasional licence” for Draft Project expires today and they will not be permitted to re-open prior to the hearing being held.

New Covid Travel Restrictions

From 6pm today (Friday 20 November) the guidance on non-essential travel will become law.

If you live in a Level 4 or 3 local authority area you should avoid any unnecessary travel out of the area except for essential travel

If you live in a level 1 or 2 you should avoid unnecessary travel to places in Level 3 or 4 except for essential purposes.

Essential travel is defined by the Scottish Government as:

* Travel for work, or provide voluntary or charitable services where they cannot be done from your home
* Travel for education
* Travel for essential shopping only where it is not possible in your local area
* Travel for healthcare, social care, childcare or other essential services, including recycling, but only if they are not available in your local area
* Travel to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person
* Travel to visit a person receiving treatment in a hospital, staying in a hospice or care home, or to accompany a pregnant woman, vulnerable person or child to a medical appointment
* Travel for shared parenting or travel between the two parts of an extended household
* Travel to meet a legal obligation
* Travel to move house

Further guidance and a full list of essential travel exemptions can be found on the Scottish Government website.

For avoidance of doubt Aberdeen is currently classified as level 2.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – City Fibre 28 Springhill Road

Start Date and Time : 21 November 2020 08:00
End Date and Time : 22 November 2020 17:00
Location : City Fibre 28 Springhill Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on 21st November, 2020, until 17:00 on 22nd November, 2020 is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Springhill Road, Aberdeen, between its junctions with Dickson Terrace and Davidson Place.

There will also be a prohibition of waiting on either side of the same stretch of road Access to properties will be maintained, but no through traffic will be possible.

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 GCU (UK) Ltd on 07940333452, or roadworkscoordination@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alternate Route : An alternative route or light vehicle traffic is via Dickson Terrace, Davidson Drive and Davidson Gardens; For heavy goods vehicle traffic is via Provost Fraser Drive, Byron Avenue, Quarry Road, Granitehill Road and Provost Rust Drive

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Clova Park

Start Date and Time : 20 November 2020 08:00
End Date and Time : 21 November 2020 17:00

Location : Clova Park

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Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on Friday, 20 November 2020, until 17:00 on Saturday, 21 November 2020, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Clova Park, Aberdeen at its junction with Clova Crescent.

Access will be maintained for local residents. 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 owners’ expense.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during works for ACC junction resurfacing works. 

Temporary traffic signals with operate at the junction with Clova Crescent from 0800-1700 on both days.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – ENDRICK PLACE

 

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Start Date and Time : 16 November 2020 07:30

End Date and Time : 27 November 2020 17:00

Location : ENDRICK PLACE

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 07:30 on Monday, 16 November 2020, until 17:00 on Friday, 27 November 2020, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Endrick Place, Aberdeen.

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 owners’ expense.

The measures are necessary to protect public safety during works for ACC footway resurfacing works. 

‘Spaces For People’ Update

Councillors had their first chance to publicly discuss the temporary “Spaces for People” changes made to road layouts in the city centre and elsewhere at a council committee meeting on Wednesday 28th October.

These temporary changes are part of a Scotland-wide initiative funded by the Scottish Government via the charity Sustrans. The objective of Spaces for People is to make it safer for people to walk, cycle and wheel during the pandemic. Aberdeen City Council was awarded £1.76 million of Spaces for People funding. 

As these temporary changes were made as part of the emergency response to the pandemic, decisions were made by council managers and not by councillors. 

The initial changes in the city centre were made without any consultation with residents and businesses. There has been consultation with residents and businesses about the more recent changes – but until the meeting Wednesday 28th October decisions were still being made by managers and not councillors.

The committee meeting instructed council staff to review the impact and effectiveness of the various changes made and report this back to the committee’s next meeting. The committee also agreed to remove most of the temporary changes made at the Beach Esplanade.

Better communication needed
My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I support the objectives of Spaces for People (protecting health and lives) but have made it clear to council managers that we have concerns about some of the specific changes made. We have also repeatedly said that we believe the council needs to improve consultation and communication about these changes.

Introduction Of New smoke Detector Regulations Delayed By 12 Months

The Scottish Government has announced that it is going to ask Parliament to delay the introduction of new requirements for smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors in homes in Scotland until February 2022.

The new regulations were due to come into force from February 2021.

These regulations will apply to all tenures. and I]it is the responsibility of each homeowner or landlord to ensure homes they own comply with the new regulations. 

Key points of the new regulations include:

  • one smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes
  • one smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings
  • one heat alarm installed in every kitchen
  • All alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked.

In addition, where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance – such as a boiler, fire (including an open fire) or heater – or a flue in a room, a carbon monoxide detector is also required. Carbon monoxide detectors do not need to be linked to the fire alarms.

You can find more information about the new regulations on the Scottish Government website.

Clearing Leaves From Footways

Council street cleaning staff have now started the work of clearing fallen leaves from pavements and street gutters across Aberdeen. To work as efficiently as possible, they do this area by area.

This leaf clearing work will be carried out over the next 10-12 weeks.

During that time, council staff do not follow the usual sweeping routes and programmes but concentrate on leaf fall hots spots and areas prone to flooding. That means some places will receive several visits from street cleaning staff over the next few weeks.

If you know of a particular problem area where fallen leaves are a hazard or may cause flooding, please do let me know and I will ask council staff to prioritise it.

Scottish Government Announces Plans For National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher

National 5
There will be no National 5 exams next year. An alternative certification model will be developed based on teacher judgement and this will be supported by resources which are currently being developed and quality assurance measures will be in place to ensure consistency across the country.

Guidance on evidence gathering and estimation was published by the Scottish Qualifications Authority a few days ago and further guidance will be issued on exactly what will be required of schools, staff and of course candidates after October. The focus will be on the quality of evidence rather than on the quantity and teachers’ professional judgement will remain of key importance.

Higher and Advanced Higher
The current planning assumes that exams will go ahead but the exams will start two weeks later than usual, on 13th May 2021, giving an additional two weeks of teaching time compared to previous years. A contingency plan is also being developed should exams not be able to proceed again next year as a result of the pandemic.

We Must Protect The Elderly and Disabled Without Placing Them Under House Arrest

Whilst it’s important that public health concerns are acted upon and restrictions observed, both Governments are causing confusion with the ever changing regulations and more so with some of the mixed messages they are sending out.

You can meet loved ones in a pub full of strangers but you can’t meet in your home or theirs where there will be less people and where you can put in place your own safety measures. That’s only one of a handful of conflicting messages being promoted at Government level.  

Lib Dem councillor Steve Delaney said, “It’s vital that all restrictions must be complied with and we cannot pick and chose which ones we can ignore, unlike some prominent individuals who really should have known better”.

“There’s no excuse for breaking the law but I believe the time has come to challenge those who represent us to explore how we can better support those who live alone. We need to end their isolation and give them hope”.

“Accordingly I have written to the First Minister asking her to work with her medical and scientific advisors in order to put an end to this cruel loneliness which is being imposed on our elderly relatives, especially those who are disabled and/or housebound”.

“I wish to be clear that elderly and disabled people should not be put at greater risk as a result of any change. Instead, what I’m proposing is a “safe visiting protocol” with appropriate restrictions where necessary, to allow for visits to resume with everyone knowing what precautions need to be observed to help them keep their loved ones safe”.

“Although it’s vital that we keep at risk groups safe from covid, we need a rethink in order to end their “house arrest” and take care of their mental health and wellbeing”.

My letter to the First Minister can be viewed here.

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Eday Road City Fibre PN273

Start Date and Time : 22 October 2020 08:00 


End Date and Time : 02 December 2020 17:00

Location : Eday Road City Fibre PN273

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 22nd October, 2020, until 17:00 on 2nd December, 2020, is to impose a temporary prohibition of waiting on either side on the following streets between 08:00 and 17:00 Mon-Sat; Bressay Brae, Cava Close, Eday Court, Eday Gardens, Eday Road, Fara Close, Lang Stracht, Ronaldsay Road, Ronaldsay Square, Samphrey Road, Shapinsay Court, Shapinsay Road, Shapinsay Square, Swannay Road, Swannay Square, Aberdeen.

Due to any ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the no-waiting restrictions will not be implemented for the full duration of the order and will only be implemented as and when required.

The no-waiting restrictions will be demarcated by the use of no-waiting cones for no more than 50 metres at a time.

For an update as to when the no-waiting restrictions will be implemented please contact GCU (UK) Ltd on 07940333452

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 GCU (UK) Ltd on 07940333452 

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – Sumburgh Crescent Lewis Road

Start Date and Time : 05 October 2020 08:00 

End Date and Time : 16 October 2020 17:00 
Location : Sumburgh Crescent Lewis Road

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 08:00 on Monday, 5 October 2020, until 17:00 on Friday, 16 October 2020, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on Sumburgh Crecent, Aberdeen, between its northern junction with Lewis Road and the parking bay 15m in a southerly direction.

Once works are completed at the junction there will then be a one-way restriction on Sumburgh Crecent, Aberdeen, from the junction at the southern boundary of number 8 Sumburgh Crescent to Lewis Road.

The permitted direction of travel will be northbound only. An alternative route for both restrictions is available via the western junction of Sumburgh Crescent and Lewis Road.

For the duration of the order there will be a prohibition of waiting on the east side Sumburgh Crecent, Aberdeen, from the junction at the southern boundary of number 8 Sumburgh Crescent to Lewis Road, and on the west side of Sumburgh Crecent, Aberdeen, from the junction at the southern boundary of number 8 Sumburgh Crescent to Hillswick Road, and also on either side of Lewis Road, Aberdeen, from its junction with Orkney Avenue to a point 25m north of its junction with Shetland Walk.

Illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owners’ expense. The measures are necessary to protect public safety during works for BT Openreach.

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

Alternate Route : An alternative route for both restrictions is available via the western junction of Sumburgh Crescent and Lewis Road. 

New Temporary Traffic Order Imposed – C128C Cults-Kingshill Road, Aberdeen

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Start Date and Time : 21 September 2020 06:00 
End Date and Time : 20 December 2020 22:00

Location : C128C Cults-Kingshill Road, Aberdeen

Description : The effect of the order, which will operate from 06:00 on 21 September 2020, until 22:00 on 20 December 2020, is to impose a temporary prohibition of driving on the C128C Cults-Kingshill, Aberdeen, between its junction with Kingswells Roundabout and Nether Kingshill.

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

The measure is necessary to protect public safety during carriageway reconstruction works.

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 the A944 Skene Road, B9119 Skene Road, Queen’s Road, King’s Gate, Anderson Drive, Seafield Road, and Countesswells Road.