FROM OUR PKC COUNCILLOR  MARCH 2016

Well here we are into another year and hopefully you are all well.

2015 finished rather disappointingly as it looked as if a group that had served Abernethy for over 25 years was about to be unable to get enough members to keep going. I am talking about Abernethy Community Council.

Community Councils are an important part of the community. They are a conduit for people to express their concerns on a whole host of issues that happen in our areas. They promote a good spirit in the community and are proactive when major issues occur within the community. It is voluntary with only expenses available, which most don’t even claim. We had a very well attended meeting in November, and a lot of the frustration was expressed that night. I think that when one has been involved in a group for any length of time the passion for a group can at times be misinterpreted. I can assure readers that Abernethy Community Councillors are passionate about the area and do not do this for their own advantage.

However, we are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel, we are to have a second election in March and we have a few new volunteers prepared to take on the duties of representing the community. We shall wait and hope that we have a team to move forward with.

We also have another contentious issue in Abernethy at present and that is the garage sites that are above the Williamson Hall. After a review of all garage sites and lock-ups throughout PKC, it was decided to consult with the users and find out if these sites are sustainable, or can we find alternative uses for the sites? PKC have a policy to use as much brown site land for social housing as is possible, therefore this has to be a priority consideration. We can through consultation look at other alternatives. Allotments? Parking for Williamson Hall? Sell to hous- ing developer? I am sure I have not exhausted the suggestions. It is for consultation and I would urge the community to be active when the consultation comes Along.

If you wish any help with any matter you have concerns with contact me on 07730132824 or email handerson@pkc.gov.uk or come along to the next Community Council meeting.

H Anderson