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left952500Westhill & Elrick Community Council14th January 2021 Meeting - Key Points SummaryFestive celebrations Our festive season has come and gone and snowdrops, the first sign of spring, are beginning to appear. Thankfully despite the Covid restrictions it seems that Santa managed to deliver all his presents. The Xmas tree and the Xmas street lights have been taken down. Sincere thanks to all the volunteers who helped place then remove them. WECC received numerous favourable comments on the improved design of the light displays that hopefully added a bit of cheer in our very constrained circumstances. Roads and Paths – winter has announced its arrival with significant snow and ice, leading to treacherous conditions on our roads and pavements. Concerns have been expressed over the apparently reduced gritting programme. Aberdeenshire Council Roads division has advised that gritting of roads and footpaths will both be prioritised and there will be more emphasis on community self help. To support that end they have a Snow Warden Scheme to actively support members of the local community who wish to offer their spare time to manually clear snow from publicly-adopted footways and footpaths. See a local resident David Cowie has set up a Facebook page called Westhill Winter Resilience to help maintain and distribute gritting supplies. Search Facebook for Westhill Winter Resilience.Planning and Development Application APP/2020/2249 – erection of 63 affordable dwelling at the old block works in Elrick. WECC, as statutory consultees have now commented on this proposed development at Gordon Park. While we do not object to the proposed development, indeed we welcome the significant provision of affordable housing, we expressed concerns about the amount of traffic that would be leaving the junction at Gordon Park entering onto the A944 Straik Road, particularly at peak times, especially if traffic lights are not installed at the junction. Another concern we expressed was about the elevation of the two storey houses; as they may look at out of place opposite the local bungalows. Elsewhere at least one resident has raised concerns about lack of parking provision leading to congestion, a concern that the Roads Dept. have also raised in a holding objection. The full application, documentation and comments are available to view on . Put 2020/2249 in search box.Elsewhere in Westhill, there are no current Applications that appear to raise significant concerns or comments. One interesting one though is for the provision of a new ATM (cashpoint) on the sidewall of Greggs in the town centre. This, along with the one recently installed in the Co-op, are welcome replacements for the loss of the RBS one. Presentation on Westdyke Community ClubThroughout this pandemic a number of organisations have been providing food for needy or vulnerable people. One such organisation who did this during the summer school holidays is Westdyke Community Club (WCC), which is a Westhill-based Scottish Football Association Quality Mark Club. As well as providing coaching to youngsters, periodically WCC organisers and members undertake various charitable activities e.g. raising money for “Cash for Kids”. WECC are keen to support such charitable activities and, to learn more about WCC, invited representatives Brian Bridgewater and Gillian Robson to give a presentation.The Club was formed as Westdyke Boys Club in 1996 and their teams are affiliated to the Aberdeen & District Juvenile Football Association. The club, which is run entirely by volunteers, has become a tremendous success and has expanded considerably over the years, with a current membership of around 370 boys/men and 130 girls/ladies from age 5 to 40. For full info see their website (westdykecc.co.uk)This past summer WCC players, coaches and parents delivered 800+ free food parcels equating to 6000+ meals to needy and vulnerable residents in and around Westhill. The exercise was completed in conjunction with Community Food Initiative North East (CFINE) and Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust (AFCCT) with Colin Lawson Transport.WCC is clearly a great example of community spirit in action. Our thanks to Brian and Gillian for giving up time in their busy schedule to provide an interesting and informative talk. Antisocial behaviour/Urban myths? – This months Police Report highlights a continuing concern about anti-social behaviours, particularly by youths. There were another 5 public nuisance calls all relating to potential Covid 19 breaches and these were dealt with in accordance with PSoS strategy of Engage, Explain, Encourage, Ongoing patrols are planned and the police will continue to take robust action to identify and deal those involved. On 15 December a Theft by Shoplifting occurred at Daisychain in Westhill where a substantial amount of clothes was stolen. A male has been arrested and charged and unfortunately only a small amount of clothes was recovered in his possession.Urban myths? - There are a number of stories circulating in Westhill about Police enforcement actions with some severe fines relating to travel during Covid restrictions. Grampian Police have issued the following statement (see link below) clarifying their approach. Whatever your feelings, the best thing for everyone’s sake surely, is simply to avoid unnecessary travel. Fund/Westhill Westie – The first phase of the Phoenix project is now complete. Our twin aims were to express our thanks to Key Workers and NHS staff and to promote Westhill as a good place to shop and socialize. Finding Santa’s missing Westie was part of the promotional elements, with local shops contributing to some ?1200 worth of prizes. Prizes included goods, services and vouchers and were split across three hampers (worth ?600, ?300 & ?300). Our lucky prizewinners received their prizes discreetly in a quiet service area – as due to Covid we did not want to encourage a crowd. To add to the occasion Santa’s Westies (it seems that after all, two were involved!) appeared in the guise of Isla and Skye – two Westies who were brought along by their owners. Our thanks to Steve and Dawn Weisl (and of course to Isla and Skye) for giving up their time to attend. Walk and Cycle Orbital Trail – The wintry weather and festive activities have curtailed our groundwork on the path but we are confident we will get back on plan once the weather improves. Elsewhere have been busy on recruiting volunteers, procurement of materials, and installers. We have also been negotiating with Aberdeen City Council on improved access to Carnie Woods; access that will be wide enough to allow children’s buggies and wheelchairs. WECC Membership Vacancy - Would you like to get involved in helping improve the quality of life in Westhill?The Westhill and Elrick Community Council (WECC) exists in large part to maintain and improve the quality of life in Westhill and we currently have vacancy for a co-opted Community Councillor. So we are now inviting self-nominations from interested parties subject to the conditions below.If you would like to find out more about what is involved in being a Community Councillor please contact weccchair@ Or if you would like to join us please nominate yourself to the WECC Secretary via email to?weccsecretx@. ................
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