It was lovely to be back in the Garlogie Hall for a lively community council meeting! Local planning applications were discussed along with reports from representatives from Echt, Kirkton of Skene and Garlogie on local issues. Chairman, John Foulkes encouraged local youth representatives to come forward to join the group and the community council would be very willing to endorse anyone working towards the Duke of Edinburgh community service award. Grampian Police officers reminded residents to be vigilant and to lock up their vehicles at night after a spate of thefts from cars in the Echt and Skene areas. Crime statistics for the period 7th May-1st July include 4 vandalism incidents, 3 road traffic offences, 4 thefts, 2 anti-social/breach of peace, 2 assaults and 2 fraud enquiries.

Not long back from the Cluny, Midmar and Monymusk Community Council meeting. It was good to put faces to some of the names I had come across in my previous life as a community councillor. We heard from PC Mark Robinson about the ongoing Operation Zenith which you can read about here: http://www.grampian.police.uk/Adviceff23.html?id=430&pid=30;34;16;457

PC Robinson also reported minor incidents in the local area of vandalism, speeding and anti-social behaviour. He reminded us that some of these anti-social behaviour incidents could actually be resolved without police intervention if residents approached neighbours and got to know each other. He also shared a good news story of his recent fundraising motorcycle trip to raise money for the Royal Marines. To find out more about his adventure click on the link http://www.commando999.com/pc-mark-robinson-going-the-extra-mile-debrief/

 I like his “never ever ever give up” attitude!

This week has been a steep learning curve for me! As well as finding out from a concerned resident what the difference between English bluebells and the Spanish variety that are set to take over in a local park, I now know how to treat Japanese Knotweed. Is this something a local councillor needs to know I hear you ask? As Sir Archie Grant, Secretary of Cluny, Midmar and Monymusk Community Council pointed out – the council Landscape Services and Roads Departments may be unwittingly spreading this notoriously invasive weed when cutting verges etc and I now have the secret remedy!