FROM OUR COUNCILLOR DECEMBER 2016

First of all I must congratulate Abernethy in Bloom for their fantastic achievement in the Pride in Perthshire competition. Well done to all for making this possible. The Competition is not all about flowers, but everyone taking pride in their environment and I think the people of Abernethy rose to the challenge. We can all continue to play our part by not dropping litter and dare I say to the few dog owners who don’t clean up after their dog. Please do not let this be the most talked about subject in Abernethy in 2017.

Last time in the Crier I mentioned that Perth & Kinross Council were in the process of establishing Community Action Partnerships, Kinross & Almond Earn held their first meeting at the beginning of October at Loch Leven Campus. Members include six P&K Councillors, six community representatives, one from Abernethy, representatives from senior managers from the Council and one of the partner organisations. The community representatives will serve for a 12 month interim period. At the first meeting the group discussed - What is good about living in this area? What is working well ? What could be better ? Rural transport was one of the issues. Your opinion will be sought in the coming months probably through social media.

I attended a seminar on Community Transport recently at Birnam. Most Community Transport schemes are as the title suggests community led. A need is identified by a group and the community responds by providing transport by volunteer drivers. Some volunteers are needed to take people to hospital and doctor appointments, some are shopping trips. We used to have volunteer drivers in Abernethy who drove people to hospital for appointments, we tend now to ask friends to help out. The need can be social. Community Transport depends on volunteers. Happy to hear your views.

The environment is important to us all. I am pleased that P&K council responded to my plea to cut the verge from Aberargie – Newburgh and by the time you read this I hope the overhanging branches will be cut. Road patching on Perth Road and Back Dykes now complete, hopefully Station Road next year. All of this helps to make the area more attractive. The gully boxes and culverts have all been cleaned from Aberargie - County border. No water lying today after torrential rain !

Please remember not all roads and paths are owned by P&K council, landowners have a responsibility to trim overhanging branches. I have been liasing with P & K council officers and various residents to find out who owns and is responsible for the road and bridge near the former Loanhead quarry. We all agree the bridge needs repaired but whose bridge is it?.

Councillors and Education Children Services are now back at 2 High St, contrary to press reports Councillors are not in swanky new offices. Same offices with a coat of paint. Council meetings will be on the ground floor making access easier for the public.

As the year draws to a close I would like to thank all the volunteers in the village who give of their time freely whether it be a leader in uniformed organisations, museum volunteers who provide social events for the community to enjoy. Thank you to everyone who volunteers in any way to make Abernethy what it is whether it be looking out for a neighbour or caring for the environment. A special thank you to the few members of Abernethy Community Council who have tried so hard to keep the Community Council quorate. Another by–election is imminent. I am sure you will read more about the Community Council elsewhere in the Crier. Thank you to CC members who all give of their time freely.  I do hope members of the community will consider being a candidate for the forthcoming Community Council by-election. The CC meetings are held in public. P&K Councillors attend CC meetings when they can. I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and A Happy Healthy 2017.

If you wish to discuss any matter with me please contact me kathleenbaird@pkc.gov.uk 07584206839