Supporting Aberdeen's recovery
Education
The Conservative led Council has seen new schools such as Stoneywood and Lochside Academy opening in the past few years. In addition, its new administration system has significantly reduced the workload on its staff allowing more time to be devoted to teaching. This has helped to ensure a better quality of education.
Housing
I continue to support the Council’s housing programme to build 2000 urgently required social houses to provide quality accommodation. In co-operation with other social housing providers, steady progress towards this target is being made despite the Covid 19 pandemic.
There are 283 houses being built in Stoneywood, near Dyce. Other developments include Auchmill, Smithfield, and the former Summerhill Academy site. The new sites at Mugiemoss and Craibstone provide living spaces with access to both rural and city hubs along with access to AWPR.
Transport
I have fought hard for the delivery of new and refurbished transport hubs. The rail line from Aberdeen Station to Dyce and then from Dyce to Inverurie has been upgraded to allow for newer trains and carriages.
The new harbour at Nigg, the proposed redevelopment at the railway station, the Diamond Bridge over the River Don, the completion of the AWPR, and the Haudagain Roundabout reconfiguration are going to make huge improvements in our city’s infrastructure.
City Centre Regeneration
There are new facilities planned at Guild Street and the New Market. Funds have been made available to upgrade buildings around Union Street, some are being converted to residential accommodation.
The Council is also providing more than £2 million to city centre establishments to help them recover from the Covid 19 pandemic. The Conservatives have led plans for a £150 Million investment for the beachfront and city centre.
Net Zero and Industrial Development
My primary focus has been the delivery of all Council Services at the same time as ensuring that the Net Zero Target is met by 2045. The Conservative led Councils in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire in collaboration have promoted the North East on a global stage by investing in transport Links, tourism and industrial development.
I am also supporting the installation of hydrogen fuel infrastructure which is essential in improving air quality and reducing climate change. Aberdeen city now produces fully ‘green’ hydrogen to cater for the full range of heavy goods vehicles, buses, vans, cars and hydrogen assisted bicycles and is available for both commercial and public use. So far this is unique in Scotland. The hydrogen is generated with off-peak electricity provided from renewables.
The City Region Deal with UK Government will provide £250 million to establish new transport and other infrastructure programmes as part of a long-term strategy to diversify from the oil and gas into other industrial and commercial sectors. The continued investment into new Broadband facilities will enhance employment opportunities for the whole of Aberdeen.
The Covid 19 outbreak has been challenging for residents and businesses alike. In partnership with service providers, the Council has provided essential services for the elderly and vulnerable and I have taken part in visits to vulnerable people to ascertain their individual requirements. The Lord Provost Hardship Fund has raised over £300,000, which has been distributed to charities in the City.
As always, please continue to contact me about any local issue that concerns you.
Avril can be contacted with the following:
07551 176172
[email protected]
