Last Thursday saw the first meeting of 2014 for Cluny, Midmar & Monymusk Community Council.
The group agreed to finalise their response to the Main Issues Report before the deadline of 1st February 2014. It was emphasised that it was equally important for individuals to submit their comments as well.
I was able to give an update on the issue of having the partial switch-off of street lights reviewed. Infrastructure Services will be in touch via the community council to facilitate a further consultation then the comments and options will go before the Garioch Area Committee over the coming months.
Police Scotland officers were in attendance and gave the following report:
Crime figures remain low in the area with only two offences being reported since the last meeting, both of which are RTOs.
As stated in the last report, the darker nights can lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour type calls; however there have been less calls of this nature than in previous years. Police Scotland secured funding over the festive period (as is normal) which meant an increase in the number of patrol units within the Garioch area during relevant times.
The main reason for these patrols were to carry out checks on all licenced premises and engage with members of the public who are out after dark.
Operation Collinsville targeting driving standards within the area was implemented by Police Sergeant Sawers. As part of the Operation large visible posters have been placed in various locations where offences have been identified in the past. These posters will be moved periodically in order to target a larger number of motorists during this campaign. We have received positive comments from the community.
Police Scotland continues to emphasise the importance of security both in respect of commercial and domestic properties as well as vehicles as the region continues to see instances of theft. Members of the public are encouraged to report any instances of suspicious behaviour or activity.
Though not specifically within the Westhill and Elrick areas, Persons are gaining entry to properties through insecure doors or windows or by using the true key. The most common items stolen include scrap metal, jewellery, electronics, bank cards, money and vehicles. Departments within the Police Service of Scotland along with divisional officers have traced several of the people responsible for these thefts and reported them for their crimes.
Licensing officers have entered most licensed premises within the Garioch area over the festive period with a small number of offenses being discovered. Local officers will continue to monitor all licenced premises in the area.
Police Sergeant Andy Sawers is to leave the Garioch (Westhill) area at the end of January 2014 and take up his new posting in the Huntly area. The Supervisor replacing PS Sawers has not been confirmed.”
Various local planning applications were also discussed at the meeting.
Next meeting in Midmar Hall on Thursday 20th February, 2014.