This is the Community Plan for Formartine. It sets out the Formartine Community Planning Group’s main actions for the next four years. If you have difficulty understanding this document and require a translation, or would like a copy in a larger print, please contact the Formartine Area Manager, Keith Newton on 01358 726402.

Cover photograph – Collieston © Ken Ingram www.ingramimages.co.uk date taken - 23 March 2010 Contents

Aberdeenshire Community Planning Partnership...... 2 Formartine Community Plan 2010 – 2014...... 4 1 Purpose of the Formartine Community Plan...... 7 2 The Formartine Area...... 10 3 Aims and Objectives...... 16 4 Recent Achievements...... 18 5 Timetable...... 22 6 Actions and Priorities...... 23 A Community Wellbeing ...... 23 B Jobs and the Economy ...... 32 C Lifelong Learning...... 36 D Sustainable Environment...... 39 E Developing Our Partnership...... 44 7 How Are We Doing?...... 47 8 Contact Us...... 48 Aberdeenshire Community Planning Partnership

Our vision is: Working together for the best quality of life for everyone in Aberdeenshire. Our Principles

The partnership has developed six guiding principles, which we will use to test everything that we do. If something that we are planning as a partnership does not fit with these principles then we should not be doing it.

The principles are:

Inclusion We will ensure that our actions improve all Aberdeenshire citizens’ ability to access our services and will take account of all factors that create a barrier to this. We will do all that we can to ensure equal opportunities and will meet all national requirements on these.

Accountability We will make ourselves answerable to the communities and people of Aberdeenshire and keep them informed of, and seek their views on, what we are doing.

Partnership We will work together with our partners and the people of Aberdeenshire to achieve our vision and will encourage communities to recognise their important role in sharing in community planning work.

Evidence-based We will ensure that our actions are based on clear evidence and information and are derived from what the community wants.

Sustainability We will work to ensure that our actions meet the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future FORMARTINE generations to meet their own needs.

COMMUNITY Efficiency We will aim to be as efficient as possible with resources and use PLAN them to provide as effective services as possible. 2010 – 2014 2 Commitment to Equalities

Community planning involves working with all communities in Aberdeenshire. The Aberdeenshire Community Planning Partnership is aware that certain groups or individuals may be more disadvantaged or vulnerable for reasons such as age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religious or political beliefs or sexual orientation. We will strive to improve the quality of life for all people of Aberdeenshire and will do all that we can to ensure equal opportunities.

Equalities Schemes

Public bodies have a number of legal duties laid upon them in relation to various aspects of equality. A number of our partners have schemes in place. • Aberdeenshire Council Equalities Scheme • Grampian Fire and Rescue Service Race Equality Scheme, Gender Equality Scheme and Disability Equality Scheme • Grampian Police Single Equality Scheme • Nestrans Equality Scheme • NHS Grampian Race Equality Scheme and Disability Equality Scheme • Scottish Enterprise Equality Scheme • Skills Development Scotland Equality Scheme

Community Engagement

Aberdeenshire Community Planning Partnership has adopted a Community Engagement Strategy. The aim of the strategy is to support strong, active and inclusive communities that are both informed and involved in decision making. The strategy is also aimed at enabling partners to improve public services to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Aberdeenshire. The full document is available on the Community Planning website: www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk/library

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 3 Formartine Community Plan 2010 – 2014

Welcome to this, the second, Community Plan for Formartine. This brings together the plans of a range of public services, community groups and voluntary organisations. It sets out how we all contribute to realising the vision of The Aberdeenshire Community Planning Partnership, Working together for the best quality of life for everyone in Aberdeenshire and how, by working together, so much more can be achieved.

The format of the Plan reflects the links between the Plan and the Community, Strategic and other Plans of the Council and its partners. An important new influence is the Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) between the community planning partners and the Scottish Government. We will show how this Plan links with the SOA on the website, www. ouraberdeenshire.org.uk/library

Many of the actions stem from ideas and suggestions made by local communities at the For- martine Forum, at Community Council meetings or through Planning for Real projects. Com- munities such as Oldmeldrum, Udny and Rothienorman have worked through Planning for Real exercises and produced their own community action plans. We hope that reading about their completed projects and plans for the future will motivate you to plan for your community.

Much has been achieved in recent years across the whole of the Formartine area. Communities have been rolling up their sleeves and making improvements, large and small, providing new facilities and services ranging from new halls, community cafes and play facilities to dealing with problems of service provision for young people with autism and addressing road safety issues – a major concern to many in the area. More and more communities are taking part in the Formartine in Bloom competition and making their towns and villages more attractive places to live and visit. Events both long-running, such as the Turriff Show and the Oldmeldrum Sports, and new such as those staged as part of the Homecoming celebrations are an important part of community life and the Council and its partners are pleased to be able to support you in these. There is a huge commitment and I thank you all for your efforts.

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 4 FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 5 We hope that you will find the Plan inspiring, interesting and easy to read. We also hope that you might want to let us have your ideas on new priorities that we should consider for the future.

We know that some of the actions in the Plan are aspirational and will only happen if a range of factors including funding can be brought together. With a shared vision, we can strive to achieve them together.

If you wish to discuss any of the items please do get in touch by phone, e-mail or writing to the address at the back of the Plan. We will be using this document to help us decide on future funding priorities and we do very much welcome your views.

It is important to recognise the tremendous efforts of communities and community organisations, front line staff from the Council and other agencies, and service managers, who work in partnership to achieve community benefits.

Thank you all for your efforts.

Keith Newton

Chair of the Formartine Community Planning Group

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 6 1 Purpose of the Formartine Community Plan

This Plan provides outline information on intended developments and projects within the Formartine Area and will give you a clear picture of our shared vision for the area over the next four years. The action points included in the Plan will be led both by the major service providers and by the communities themselves.

It has been drawn up by the Formartine Community Planning Group (FCPG) which is made up of community planning partners – Aberdeenshire Council, Grampian Fire & Rescue Service, NHS Grampian, Grampian Police, Formartine Partnership Ltd, CVS Aberdeenshire (Central and South), the Formartine Community Councils and the Formartine Community Safety Group. The plan is commented on by Aberdeenshire Councils Formartine Area Committee and is subject to public consultation. This plan will be reviewed bi-annually.

There are currently 12 partner agencies which make up the Community Planning Partnership, some of which do not sit at a local level on the Formartine Community Planning Group (FCPG) but have an influence at a higher level sitting on the Community Planning Executive and the Board. These partners include: • NESTRANS • Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ACSEF ) • Scottish Enterprise • Skills Development Scotland • Alcohol Drugs Partnership (ADP)

The actions identified in the Plan reflect contact and dialogue held with local communities, community groups, organisations and individuals at a variety of events which have been held throughout Formartine by the Community Planning Partners.

These included: • Planning for Real® exercises • Formartine Forum • Youth Engagements • Citizens Panel Surveys • Residents Survey • Balmedie Views Research Project involving Community Action Survey. • With Inclusion in Mind event FORMARTINE • Reports from Community Planning Partners COMMUNITY • Identified actions from Services PLAN • Field of Dreams Report Launch 2010 – 2014 7 Issues that have arisen over the last year include:

Community Wellbeing • Request for a directory of self help services for families with children and young people with disabilities, particularly Autism. • Lack of affordable housing (for purchase or rent) • Concern regarding Anti Social Behaviour particularly driving. • A request to support the work of Meldrum Play, a group looking to develop the facilities at the Pleasure Park in Oldmeldrum. • Lack of facilities / social opportunities of those with Autism. • Concern from Young People that the Nutrition Act within schools is causing more young people to eat unhealthily by eating out with school. • Concern over access to GP’s, by obtaining appointments when they are needed and also out with 8 – 6 pm. • Access to a GP Surgery in Balmedie.

Jobs and the Economy • Concern regarding the lack of employment land in the area and in particular along the Energetica Energy Corridor development. • Concern that young people are all leaving the area due to a lack of work opportunities, which may be alleviated by more support for business development via universities and colleges. • Concern about the distances people are travelling to and from work in the area and suggestion to encourage business development in rural villages and towns to alleviate this. • Continued interest in the tourism development proposed for Menie Estate. • A call for better support and premises availability for small businesses.

Lifelong Learning • Concern over the lack of skills that many young people have when they leave school. • Requests for more practical based adult learning classes, which could potentially be self financing. FORMARTINE • Young people want to be learning more practical skills rather than academic skills. COMMUNITY • Concern that a Community School should be just that and involve all aspects of the PLAN community, e.g. groups having to go elsewhere due to costs. 2010 – 2014 8 Sustainable Environment • Young People feel transport costs are still too high for them. • Preservation of Meldrum Town Hall, inside and outside to maintain this valuable resource. • Request for the re opening of the railway line north of Aberdeen to serve the North East. • Concern regarding people walking along parts of the bypasses in Oldmeldrum and Ellon, a call for pavements to be installed. • Concern over the number of people living in fuel poverty. • A call for more allotment space to be available.

Developing Our Partnership • Greater youth involvement on Community Councils to gain the voice of the young people living in the community. • Communication between services needs to be improved.

You will see how we have built these into the Plan by looking at the Actions and Priorities in Section 6. The new plan will be put to the Community Planning Board for Aberdeenshire where the most senior representatives of each of the partners sit to look at emerging priorities.

The FCPG will build on the strong links with Community Councils, Youth Forums and other local groups and organisations. We aim to increase your enthusiasm for involvement in these over the next few years. The plan will be put to Community Councils and other community bodies in Formartine that want to be involved in community planning, to prompt further changes for the future years and to make sure that this document closely fits with the communities’ needs.

Some of the actions in the Plan are aspirational and reflect community, area committee, or partner desires but in some instances no resources have yet been identified to carry them out. Consideration will be given to balance the aspirational aspects of the plan against the realistic delivery opportunities.

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 9 2 The Formartine Area

The Formartine area of Aberdeenshire covers 827 sq. km (319sq miles) / 13% of the land area covered by Aberdeenshire Council, and is defined by an agricultural landscape edged on the east by a dramatic coastline of extensive sandy dunes and rocky cliffs and intersected by the distinctive and internationally renown River Ythan.

The built heritage spans many architectural periods, ranging from ancient villages and market towns, ‘new’ towns from the 17th and 18th centuries, and a recent surge of new houses and developments stemming from the 1970s and 1980s.

Home to a population of 38,419 people, Formartine has 5 main settlements including Ellon (9,712), Turriff (4,686), Oldmeldrum (2,237), Balmedie (2,210) and Newburgh (1,371) with each settlement supporting a number of smaller feeder villages and communities as well as wider dispersed communities, reflecting the increasing demand for homes in this area.

The demand for housing is expected to continue over the next 20 years, leading to concern about the lack of affordable housing opportunities to meet local needs, particularly those of young people and families.

Formartine has a higher representation of younger age groups than Aberdeenshire or Scotland overall. During a 5 year period (2003 – 2008) 1,529 houses have been built in

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN

2010 – 2014 Newburgh and the River Ythan Turriff Town Centre 10 Formartine with a programmed build of 794 between 2008 – 2014, however with these houses being built demand for housing continues to outweigh supply despite the Council and its Partners having strategies in place to address the issue.

Source: Housing Land Audit 2008

The economy in south Formartine is closely linked to Aberdeen and is influenced by the performance of the oil and gas sector. In north Formartine a more traditional rural economy exists, which has attracted, a considerable number of Eastern European workers to the area. While this area’s economy is fragile, it does not benefit from European Union structural fund assistance.

Close integration with the Aberdeen economy means that there is a very low unemployment rate in Formartine, (0.5%), the second lowest of Aberdeenshire’s six areas. However, high proportions of the working population commute to the city for both work and leisure purposes.

This outward migration from Formartine creates concern over the stress on the road networks as well as the constant economic drain from local businesses and for these reasons, as well as to lessen travel to work distances, the Community Planning Partnership is working to encourage industrial, office and business park development in the Formartine area.

The importance of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Bypass cannot be underestimated and that, along with proposals to upgrade the Balmedie-Tipperty section of the A90, provides a significant economic stimulus for the area. This is recognised in the newly completed

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN

Balmedie Beach The Old Bridge crossing the River Ythan, Ellon 2010 – 2014 11 Structure Plan that includes the Blackdog – Ellon stretch in the Energetica proposal, seeking to deliver a high-quality energy-based corridor as a key component of the regional growth strategy. One consequence of this will be the need to accommodate considerable new development in the area and address the issues of service and facility capacity that go along with that. Community planning partners are addressing such issues with proposals for a new Academy in Ellon, improved health facilities in Balmedie and Ellon are under discussion and in working with the development industry to achieve the highest standards of new development. Local communities have a key part to play in identifying needs and working with partners to ensure that facilities provided are appropriate and meet, as far as is possible, community expectations.

With a dispersed population of older people still living in the rural areas, there has been increased demand for rural transport facilities, for both medical and shopping purposes. This issue was raised through public consultation and has now been addressed through local transport initiatives such as the Council run A-B buses, and by transport services run by local groups and organisations. Road safety is a key issue for the Formartine area and is raised at many of the community engagement events that take place and reflects the high number of accidents and fatalities that occur on the area’s roads. Addressing this issue is a key priority for the FCPG and requires a multi–strand approach involving all of the community planning partners.

While historically tourism has been a small part of Formartine’s economy, there are considerable opportunities to further develop the tourism benefits of the area which is home to several significant landmark attractions including Balmedie Country Park, Forvie National Nature Reserve, Pitmedden Gardens, Haddo House, and Delgatie, Tolquhon and

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN

2010 – 2014 Oldmeldrum Sports Formartine in Bloom – Bike in Cuminestown 12 Fyvie Castles. The proposed Trump golf resort development at Menie lies within Formartine and is expected to bring significant economic benefit to the area, while plans are also in hand to bring about a regeneration of Haddo Country Park in a partnership between the Council, National Trust for Scotland, Haddo Estate, the local community and external funders including the Heritage Lottery fund. Active groups in Turriff and at Woodhead/Windyhills are looking to enhance the local tourism offer and there are a large number of community events held across the area that both play an important part in enhancing the quality of life for local people and in strengthening the overall tourism offer.

In support of the tourism industry, many of the towns and villages create stunning floral displays to enhance the area for those visitors who come to some of the many shows, galas and games which are held throughout the summer season. A “Village Enhancement” scheme run by the Formartine Partnership does much to support the work of these communities and there is increasing involvement in the Formartine in Bloom” competition run annually and now being extended to include local primary schools.

The increasing numbers of young people in Formartine has generated a rise in demand for local facilities – both recreational and educational. While the larger areas collectively boast 3 Academy’s, 26 primary schools 2 swimming pools and 4 libraries offering a good range of activities and facilities, there is on going demand for more facilities particularly in the more rural areas, and these are being supported through a range of schemes and funding opportunities offered by the Community Planning Partners. In a number of communities such as Daviot, Rothienorman, Ellon and Oldmeldrum, planning gain funds have been used, or are committed, to supporting new community facilities.

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN

Fyvie Castle Pitmedden Gardens 2010 – 2014 13 Planning for Real and other community engagement exercises can play an important part in identifying how such funds should be used, particularly where there may be competing demands for the available funds. In Oldmeldrum, the town centre working group has brought together a wide range of interests and identified how the available funding should be allocated, with the very successful Planning For Real exercise run by the Community Council providing the bedrock for identifying local priorities. Similarly, in Balmedie, a local group comprising a range of community interests has worked together to bring about improvements in local facilities but perhaps more importantly, through its Action Research project, resulted in the emergence of a number of new community groups and an increase in the number of active volunteers.

Inspired by the Community Action Plans that are already in place other communities are now keen to follow the process and a number have expressed interest in developing plans for their towns and villages. If you feel your community would benefit from such an approach, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Formartine Partnership to discuss how you would go about Community Action Planning. As we are only able to support around three communities in any year to follow this process, an early approach would be welcome.

The larger settlements have attracted increasing interest from out of town stores and have subsequently endured considerable impact on their local retail trade. Local Business and Traders’ organisations do a lot of work locally in an effort to combat this impact, supported by the Council and its Partners.

Community engagement has played a large part in addressing the issues in Formartine, with a number of locally organised consultation events taking place across the area, in addition to the annual Formartine Forum event which is facilitated by the Formartine Community Planning Group. Community Councils play a major role in the consultation process – voicing the concerns and aspirations of the communities they represent across a range of issues concerning economic development, affordable housing, transport, community development and environmental awareness.

NHS Grampian is working hard to bring specialist outpatient services to local hospitals in order to reduce the need for patients to travel to Aberdeen or Elgin. The Formartine area has one Community Hospital in Turriff. These services are instrumental in ensuring whenever possible local outpatient services are provided or will be developed for the area. FORMARTINE The increasing population in the Balmedie/Ellon area in particular is likely to require further investment in medical facilities. COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 14 The main Council staff provision is in Ellon and in Turriff, where issues of access to Council buildings are of concern. A key task will be to look to rationalise provision, including looking at opportunities for shared service delivery with other partners, whilst maintaining levels of service to residents and customers.

Our partners are also adapting their approach to management to align with the Community Planning area structure. Grampian Police have restructured on this basis and there is now a dedicated Inspector for Formartine, who sits on the Formartine Community Planning Group. This approach is intended to prioritise partnership working and community focused policing. NHS Grampian is also developing an area based approach within its Community Health Partnership.

A low crime area, Formartine is an attractive and desirable place to live. However, this status will only be maintained by continued working between the communities and the Community Planning Partners, to ensure that the area develops to suit the fast paced life of the 21st century while maintaining the character and charm of a scenic rural area.

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN

International Market, Ellon Planning for Real, Rothienorman 2010 – 2014 15 3 Aims and Objectives

The Community Plan aims to develop the Partners’ vision by building a sustainable economic and social future for communities in Formartine.

The objectives in the Formartine Community Plan reflect the five themes identified in the Community Plan for Aberdeenshire. These are: • Community Wellbeing – Working together to enhance the quality of every day life by improving health and social care, housing and community safety • Jobs and the Economy – Working together to improve the economy of Aberdeenshire and the employment prospects of the people • Lifelong Learning – Working and learning together to develop opportunities and build stronger communities • Sustainable Environment – Working together to achieve sustainability by reducing resource use, protecting our environment, combating climate change and conserving and enhancing biodiversity • Developing our Partnership – Working together to make our partnership as efficient and effective as possible

Actions are described under the five theme objectives, in some of the themes these are then broken down into sub headings. As far as possible each action in the plan identifies the outcome it seeks to contribute to. These reflect not only issues identified in discussion with local communities, but local actions to implement national and Aberdeenshire wide initiatives. In 2008 the Scottish Government introduced a Single Outcome Agreement which set out the aspirations to focus Government and Public Services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth. The strategic objectives are to be • Wealthier and Fairer • Healthier • Safer and Stronger • Smarter • Greener.

These high level objectives filter through the Single Outcome Agreement to specify actions and outcomes at a local level. FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 16 Cross service working and working in partnership with other agencies and bodies is essential to the successful achievements of the Plans objectives.

The Community Planning structure has been in place for some time now following the review of community planning in Aberdeenshire. In Formartine the Community Planning Group has been set with partner representation and representation from Council for Voluntary Service, Formartine Partnership and Community Councils.

Cross-service working and working in partnership with the partner agencies, the private sector and local communities, is essential to the successful achievement of the Plan’s objectives, and will help us in our aim to promote equality of opportunity for all of Formartine’s residents and for the successful realisation of the Plan’s objectives.

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN

Formartine Community Planning Group meeting Formartine Partnership meeting 2010 – 2014 17 4 Recent Achievements

A selection of achievements from the previous local community plan are listed below. As this is a local community plan it identifies community as well as agency or partnership achievements particularly where community effort has been supported by agency activity or funding.

A Community Wellbeing • Ythan Health and Wellbeing Group established to look at the provision of Health facilities in the Ellon area. • Completion of Meldrum Skate Park. • An Art and Wellbeing programme, “Mindspace” has been established and service users from Ellon have been attending. • Launch of the Field of Dreams report which derived from the Autism sub group of the Formartine Community Planning Group. • Completed review of the mobile library service. • Library service to the housebound in the Turriff Area established. • A visually impaired postal service has been set up by Ellon Library. • A model for reminiscence and friends group has been established. • 74 Affordable Homes built across Formartine 2008/2009. • A large programme of upgrading of kitchens, bathrooms, heating, windows and doors to Council Housing stock. • Ellon Area Tenants Resident Association (EATRA) meeting regularly. • Community Safety Strategy agreed by Formartine Area Committee where annual reports will be available. • Neighbourhood Watch initiatives in Balmedie and Oldmeldrum. • A traffic calming scheme has been implemented on the A947 through Oldmeldrum along with interactive signing on Riverside Road and Castle Road in Ellon. • Local Police Officers have been trained in the use of speed detection equipment. • Implementation of Operation Piston by Grampian Police after a successful pilot in the Formartine Area. • Established Ellon Anti Shoplifting Ring Around scheme. FORMARTINE • Deployment of the Mobile Police Unit on 30 occasions to various events throughout Formartine over the past year. COMMUNITY • Regular contact between Grampian Police and Elected Members. PLAN • Continued support of the Pub Watch Schemes in Ellon and Turriff. 2010 – 2014 18 • Successful Community Development project in Balmedie – Balmedie Views. • Volunteering pack has been produced and is supporting people to become active citizens.

B Jobs and the Economy • Additional industrial infrastructure being developed in Ellon and Balmedie. • Local Saturday Markets now established in Ellon and Turriff. • Continued support to Business Associations in Ellon and Turriff. • Enhanced information facilities installed at Haddo Country Park. • Tourist map for the Formartine Area has been produced highlighting the range of activities and facilities in the area. • Upgrading of TV transmitter facilities at Turriff Caravan site and increased publicity of the site throughout the UK and Europe. • Consultations with Community Councils and Rural Partnerships on the Core Paths Plan • Varied events held throughout the year to celebrate the year of Homecoming with grant aid supplied to a number of groups. • Ellon Business Initiative continues to be active in the community. • Funding secured to give stability to the Formartine Partnership for the Development Officer’s Post. • Increased funding from Aberdeenshire Council to support the work of the Formartine Partnership. • Turriff Library have established an area for young people who need “More Choices, More Chances” to promote life skills and job opportunities. • Publication of the Energetica Strategic Framework Master plan. • Providing guidance, advice and support to school leavers.

C Lifelong Learning • Ellon Community School Network are developing a new approach to tackling mental health issues. • A virtual homework club has been tested at Ellon Library and will roll out to other libraries. • Family Learning Month (October 2009) saw an increase in support offered to the public. FORMARTINE • An Early Literacy programme has been established in all Formartine Libraries. COMMUNITY • Formartine Network Librarians have put in place an active programme of Scottish PLAN Authors. 2010 – 2014 19 • Increased uptake in reading initiatives across the area. • Web based Information Literacy Programmes established in schools across Formartine. • A range of Peer Education projects were undertaken by young people. • Provision of Midnight Football. • Management of One Way Youth Café to provide a venue for a range of Ellon youth initiatives. • Support to Aberdeenshire Youth Forum including running a mammoth annual Aberdeenshire event for young people in June each year. • Providing advice, support, opportunities and accreditation to volunteers. • Promoting the “Valuing Young People” strategy. • Provided support to a range of Social Enterprises groups in Formartine. • Provided a range of activities for young people and families to stimulate learning. • Provided a range of classes, including ESOL classes for adults when English is not their first language. • Community profiles completed for Balmedie, Newburgh and Turriff. • Ellon CDG initiated a grant aided support scheme for new community initiatives.

D Sustainable Environment • Production of new Aberdeenshire Council Sustainability Charter 2008 – 2012. • Management Plan for McDonald Park in Ellon completed and implemented. • Current phase of planting completed at Balmacassie Community Woodland, Ellon and the woodland is now in an established phase, unlikely to need any infrastructure work over the next few years. • Major upgrading of Gordon Park, Ellon as per community aspirations including tarred path ways, picnic and bbq platforms and installation of exercise equipment. • Completion of a new shelter in Gordon Park by the Princes Trust. • Ongoing discussions regarding the reopening of Ellon Castle Gardens. • Aberdeenshire Councils’ Waste Team attended over 40 events in the Formartine Area in 2009 to raise awareness of waste minimisation. • 28 Community Groups have received bedding plants from Landscape Services during FORMARTINE 2009 with 29,546 bulbs donated. COMMUNITY • 16 communities participate in Formartine in Bloom competition. PLAN • A site has been identified for a new Civic Amenities site in Ellon and is currently going through the planning process. 2010 – 2014 20 • Cultural Services Team Leader for Formartine appointed with responsibility for coordinating local cultural opportunities. • Friends of Haddo Country Park group established with an excess of 100 members. • Stage 1 Heritage Lottery Funding secured for Haddo Country Park. • Coastal Path Improvements at Collieston. • Collieston secured a Blue Flag Beach award. • Review completed on youth transport costs on the A947 Corridor. • Greater number of schools participating in the School Travel Planning Initiative.

E Developing Our Partnership • Planning for Real exercises held in Balmedie, Methlick, Udny and Pitmedden. • Turriff, Balmedie and Autism Sub-Groups set up from the Community Planning Group. • Balmedie Views Report completed. • 2009 Formartine Forum held which highlighted a number of issues to be included in the new Community Plan. • Continued meeting of the Community Council Forum on a regular basis. • Established board of members on the Formartine Partnership including Community Council reps. • E-Bulletins by the Formartine Partnership proving successful. • Re/establishment of three Community Councils across Formartine. • The Formartine Partnership took the lead in the Smart Metering and Carbon Reduction Hall Energy Audits. • Rothienorman Bowling Club, Turriff and District Agricultural Association, St Ninian’s Church, Windyhills and Woodhead Community Trust and Udny Community Wind Turbine were the main benefactors in Formartine to receive LEADER funding. • Budget provision from Area Top Up has been allocated to a number of projects across the area. • Community Development Groups (CDG’s) have identified new approaches to working. • Community profiles completed for Balmedie and Newburgh. • Community Learning and Development continue to work with Schools and Careers to secure destinations for all school leavers. FORMARTINE • Young People are being recognised for the achievements through accreditation such as COMMUNITY Duke of Edinburgh, Dynamic Youth Award and Youth Achievement Awards. PLAN • Oldmeldrum Town Centre Working Group has been successful in attracting Town Centre Regeneration money to upgrade Meldrum Square. 2010 – 2014 21 5 Timetable

January 2010 Draft Formartine Community Plan sent out to all partners for consultation within their organisations

January 2010 Meeting with Formartine Area Committee, Formartine Local Community Planning Group and Area Management Team to comment on the draft Formartine Community Plan

End January 2010 Draft Formartine Community Plan consultation period ends

February 2010 Final Formartine Community Plan approved by Formartine Community Planning Group

Early March 2010 All six Community Plans presented to the Aberdeenshire Community Planning Board

June 2010 Formartine Community Plan 2010/14 published

Spring 2011 Workshops for Partners in relation to Community Planning themes and consultation with communities using the current plan as a basis for consultation

Autumn 2011 Work to update the Plan following consultation

January – March 2012 New Plan drafted and confirmed

FORMARTINE April 2012 COMMUNITY New Community Plans for 2012/16 presented to the Aberdeenshire PLAN Community Planning Board 2010 – 2014 22 6 Actions and Priorities

A Community Wellbeing

Working together to enhance the quality of everyday life by improving health, social care, housing and community safety. Health and Leisure Health Inequalities

A1 Targeting health inequalities in Formartine including:

a) Promoting active lifestyles, well-being and social cohesion through a variety of projects including gardening and allotments. b) Developing Community Led Health initiatives through the provision of training and support for specific groups of health professionals. c) Developing a community based smoking cessation service. d) The roll out of Sexual Health and Relationship Education. e) (SHARE) in schools and development of a sexual health drop-in service in for young Community Wellbeing Community people. Target Date: 2014 Lead Partner: NHS Grampian Lead Contact: Calvin Little, Public Health Co-ordinator

A2 To improve mental wellbeing, reduce the prevalence of common mental health problems and improve the quality of life for those experiencing mental health problems. Raise awareness, reduce stigma and develop strong, resilient and inclusive communities by:

a) Progressing with the development of a Shire-wide strategy for mental health that takes into account the needs of communities in Formartine. b) Developing opportunities for positive mental health through arts and wellbeing initiatives. FORMARTINE Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) COMMUNITY Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure PLAN Lead Contact: Carla Angus, Arts Development Officer 2010 – 2014 23 c) Supporting the roll out of appropriate Choose Life / suicide prevention training and self harm training. d) Supporting Community School Networks to endorse the ‘Mental Health In Schools – It’s Everybody’s Business’ action plan. e) Running a Community Schools Network Community Wellbeing Event/Week. f) Supporting follow up work associated with local ‘With Inclusion In Mind’ consultations. g) Supporting the redesign of Dementia Services. Target Date: 2014 Lead Partner: NHS Grampian Lead Contact: Mike Ogg, General Manager/ Calvin Little, Public Health Co-ordinator

A3 People with a disability, who require community care services, are enabled to sustain and improve their health, manage their disability and live as independently as possible. Target Date: Ongoing Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work Lead Contact: Head of Service (Community Care)

Health Promotion

A4 To support the Sport and Active Lifestyles strategy within the Formartine Area, to link the work of Ellon, Meldrum, Turriff Community Schools Networks, and in particular to promote the use of existing sport and leisure facilities. Target Date: August 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Claire Russell, Community Leisure Team Leader

A5 Develop links in Formartine between the Council’s Transport and Access Strategies and Health and Fitness Plan and the relevant officers. Target Date: March 2011 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation and Infrastructure Community Wellbeing Community Lead Contact: Peter MacCallum, Transportation Manager

A6 To develop and implement a detailed local information directory for the Ellon area on Services and Organisations to support families with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to increase communication between the mentioned services and organisations. Target Date: December 2011 Lead Partner: Formartine Community Planning Group Lead Contact: Autism Sub Group or equivalent Other Partner: Community Learning and Development

A7 To enable older people to sustain and improve their health and well being; manage long term health conditions; cope with disability; and to live as independently as possible. FORMARTINE Target Date: December 2010 COMMUNITY Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work PLAN Lead Contact: Head of Service (Community Care) 2010 – 2014 24 A8 To reduce alcohol misuse by young people in Formartine. Target Date: March 2012 Lead Partner: NHS Grampian Lead Contact: Mike Ogg, General Manager/ Calvin Little, Public Health Co-ordinator

A9 Oral Health – supporting the national oral health Childsmile nursery and school programme in local community school networks. Target Date: March 2012 Lead Partner: NHS Grampian Lead Contact: Mike Ogg, General Manager/ Calvin Little, Public Health Co-ordinator

A10 Develop a community based approach in Formartine to promoting healthy eating and nutrition messages. Target Date: March 2012 Lead Partner: NHS Grampian Lead Contact: Assistant Health Improvement Officer (AHIO)

Care and Services

A11 To look at the provision of services and activities for the over 65’s – transition from services for people under 65. Target Date: March 2012 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work Lead Contact: Ritchie Johnson, Director of Housing and Social Work

A12 To research, implement and develop a befriending service. Target Date: March 2012 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council

Lead Contact: Strategic Development Manager, Social Work Wellbeing Community

A13 To assess the need of independent living skills / life skills of young people and older people. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work Lead Contact: Ritchie Johnson, Director of Housing and Social Work

A14 To improve services and opportunities for young people aged 12 plus who cannot readily access mainstream services. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Formartine Community Planning Group Lead Contact: Autism Sub Group or equivalent Other Partner: Social Work, Voluntary Organisations, Community Learning and FORMARTINE Development COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 25 A15 To implement a better range of work placements and supported employment opportunities for those with additional support needs in the Ellon area. Target Date: March 2011 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work Lead Contact: Head of Service (Community Care)

A16 To enable young people, adults, service users and their carers to be involved in planning the design and delivery of services, recognising their unique knowledge and contribution, to achieve better health and well being outcomes for all. This will be achieved by using a range of methods to limit barriers to participation. Target Date: December 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work Lead Contact: Head of Service (Strategic Development)

A17 Services will focus on supporting recovery, equipping people and communities to avoid harm, improving outcomes in the key areas of homelessness, employability and family support and improving access to services. Service users, their families and communities will be involved in decision-making to ensure services are commissioned on the basis of need. Target Date: December 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work Lead Contact: Head of Service (Community Care)

A18 Ensuring appropriate protection measures are in place to support and protect vulnerable adults and children across Formartine. Target Date: December 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work Lead Contact: Head of Service (Community Care)

A19 To support the provision and promotion of school holiday activities provided by Aberdeenshire Council and local partners for children and young people in the Easter, Summer and October 2010 holidays.

Community Wellbeing Community Target Date: November 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council Lead Contact: Rachel Boal, Sports Development Officer

A20 To consider the needs of all ethnic minority groups including Gypsies and Travellers by developing the Gypsies and Travellers Action Plan. Target Date: Review 6 monthly Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work Lead Contact: Moyra Stephen, Strategic Development Officer (Social Inclusion)

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 26 Facilities

A21 To work with local partners including youth groups to ensure the provision of sufficient high quality community meeting places to meet the needs of all sections of the community. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Bob Leonard, CLD Team Leader

A22 To undertake a survey of all village halls with a view to securing funding via a composite or series of individual projects. Target Date: September 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council Lead Contact: Bob Leonard, CLD Team Leader, Education, Learning and Leisure Keith Newton, Area Manager, Chief Executive’s Service

A23 To work with local communities in Daviot, Greeness and Colliestion to bring forward proposals for enhanced village hall facilities. Target Date: April 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Bob Leonard, CLD Team Leader Community Wellbeing Community A24 To support the work of the Ythan Health and Wellbeing Group to look at the development of a purpose built unit in Ellon providing Day Care Services, with varying degrees of chronic diseases, dementia, physical disabilities and acquired cerebral injuries. Target Date: April 2012 Lead Partner: NHS Grampian Lead Contact: Calvin Little, Public Health Coordinator Elizabeth Towsey, District Nurse, Ellon Health Centre

A25 To establish a Working Group to look at the future health related facilities in the Ellon Area including the continued planning of a replacement Health Centre in Ellon as the population outgrows the existing building and submit a report to the Area Committee within 12 months thereafter. FORMARTINE Target Date: June 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council and NHS Grampian COMMUNITY Lead Contact: Keith Newton, Area Manager, Chief Executive’s Service PLAN Cameron Matthew, Locality Manager 2010 – 2014 27 A26 To progress with the feasibility of new settlement Primary Care Health Services within Udny, Potterton and Balmedie. Target Date: April 2012 Lead Partner: NHS Grampian Lead Contact: Cameron Matthew, Locality Manager

A27 To develop and investigate the potential of using a room / space at Esslemont school to support young people and young adults with additional support needs particularly with autism to supplement their learning and social needs. Target Date: April 2011 Lead Partner: Formartine Community Planning Group Lead Contact: Autism Sub Group or equivalent. Other Partner: Community Learning and Development

HOUSING

A28 To update the Local Housing Strategy annually with the local community and partner organisations. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council Lead Contact: Janelle Clark, Housing and Social Work

A29 Work in Partnership with the Scottish Government, Private Developers and Registered Social Landlords to ensure the delivery of affordable* housing to address identified housing need and to sustain existing communities within Formartine. * Affordable – housing for persons unable to enter the open market. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work Lead Contact: Elise Young, Development Officer (Affordable Housing) Elaine Reid, Strategic Development Officer, Housing

A30 To work towards improving the Council Stock to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard

Community Wellbeing Community by 2015 by developing a rolling 3 year stock improvement programme and complete the improvements. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work Lead Contact: Dave Thomson, Principal Policy Officer

A31 To support existing tenants groups and encourage new groups to form and register as Registered Tenants Organisation (RTO’s) and to contribute to the development of policies and the improvement of services. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work Lead Contact: Kathleen Allan, Senior Housing Officer (Estates) FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 28 A32 To improve the quality, sustainability, quantity and range of private housing stock consistent with planning policies and objectives. Target Date: April 2015 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work Lead Contact: Melanie Booth, Strategic Development Officer,

A33 To encourage development of energy efficiency via NEEDS and links with our Local Energy Advice Centre’s (LEAC’s) such as Save Cash and Reduce Fuel (SCARF) and the Aberdeenshire Energy Efficiency Advice Project (AEEAP) cited as an example of good practice by the Scottish Government. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work Lead Contact: Dave Thomson, Principal Policy Officer

A34 To review the issue of youth homelessness in Formartine and to consider a programme for the prevention of homelessness and the provision of supported accommodation, advice and assistance to young tenants with links into the Integrated Community Schools framework. Target Date: April 2011 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work Lead Contact: Audrey Johnson, Strategic Development Officer (Homelessness)

A35 To implement and monitor a Common Housing Register with partner Registered Social Landlords to simplify and maximise access to housing across Formartine. Target Date: May 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work Lead Contact: Brian Cumming, Principal Policy Officer, (Estates)

COMMUNITY SAFETY

A36 To support the Formartine Community Safety Group:

a) By ensuring integration within the community network across Formartine. b) By ensuring its action plans are supported. Community Wellbeing Community c) By ensuring local feedback and implementation of the Community Safety Strategy. d) By being involved in the review of the Aberdeenshire Community Safety Plan in so far as it relates to Formartine. Target Date: August 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Community Safety Partnership Lead Contact: Kate Rigby, Strategic Development Officer, Community Safety

A37 To work in partnership with all agencies and local business and community representatives to respond to issues of anti-social behaviour. Target Date: Ongoing Lead Partner: Grampian Police Lead Contact: Insp. Steve Pratt FORMARTINE Other Contact: Kathleen Power, Corporate Policy Officer (ASB) Aberdeenshire Council COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 29 A38 To develop a multi – agency response to youth related issues across Formartine. Target Date: March 2011 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure. Lead Contact: Bob Leonard, CLD Team Leader

A39 To promote safety issues in regard to housing developments through incorporation in Development Briefs and site layouts throughout Formartine. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Jane White, Area Planning Officer / Peter McRae, Team Leader

A40 To promote and assess traffic calming projects in Formartine and introduce measures in accordance with the Council’s prioritisation policy. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation & Infrastructure Lead Contact: Ian Rendall, Local Roads Manager (Formartine & Garioch)

A41 To ensure that the needs of pedestrians and cyclists are provided for in all new developments and a programme of provision of cycle routes and footpaths is undertaken in partnership with local communities. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council Lead Contact: Jane White, Planning and Environmental Services Ian Rendall, Transportation & Infrastructure

A42 To support the “Kill your Speed” campaign run by Grampian Police to address issues of anti- social driving and undertake other activity with a view to reducing road accident rates. Target Date: December 2010 Lead Partner: Grampian Police Lead Contact: Insp Steve Pratt Community Wellbeing Community

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN

2010 – 2014 The Kill Your Speed Campaign promotional flyer 30 A43 To review road accidents and other information and achieve a sustainable reduction through appropriate measures including route action proposals (in regard to A947 and B999 in particular) and other community safety initiatives. (See A.42) Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council / Grampian Police / GFRS Lead Contact: Peter MacCallum Transportation & Infrastructure Service Insp Steve Pratt Grampian Police /GFRS Road Safety Unit

A44 To support “Shop Watch” and other anti-shoplifting efforts as well as “Pub Watch”, to reduce the number of shoplifting and alcohol related incidents in the Formartine area. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Grampian Police Lead Contact: Insp Steve Pratt

A45 To increase the use of the Police Mobile Office to raise the profile of policing in the smaller communities. Target Date: March 2011 Lead Partner: Grampian Police Lead Contact: Insp Steve Pratt

A46 To increase joint working with Elected members to raise the profile of the police work required / being done in the Formartine area. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Grampian Police Lead Contact: Insp Steve Pratt

A47 To implement a number of Community Safety Initiatives to:

a) achieve a sustainable reduction in accidental house fires. b) achieve a sustainable reduction in false alarm calls from automatic fire alarms and to give advice to property owners and occupiers. c) achieve a sustainable reduction in chimney fires.

d) achieve a sustainable reduction in wilful fires involving refuse. Wellbeing Community

Target Date: Review annually Lead Partner: Grampian Fire and Rescue Service Lead Contact: Denis Beedie, Station Manager, Aberdeenshire Command

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 31 B Jobs and the Economy

Working together to improve the economy of Aberdeenshire and the employment prospects of its people.

Infrastructure / Economy

B1 To produce an annual report in regard to Economic Activity in Formartine as a basis for future action and priorities. Target Date: June 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation & Infrastructure Lead Contact: Douglas Rennie, Senior Business Development Executive

B2 Review opportunities for additional industrial infrastructure particularly in Tarves, Ellon, Pitmedden, Balmedie, Turriff (including Rosehall) and Oldmeldrum. Target Date: June 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation & Infrastructure Lead Contact: Gordon Daniels, Estates Manager

B3 To protect existing industrial land provision and review annually the amount of such land lost to other development. Target Date: June 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Peter McRae, Team Leader-Sustainability, Info. & Research

B4 To give support to Business Associations in order to assist them to respond to local priorities and initiatives and to achieve long term sustainability and to enhance Formartine as a business location. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually)

Jobs and the Economy Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation & Infrastructure Lead Contact: Douglas Rennie, Senior Business Development Executive

B5 To encourage the early upgrading of the Balmedie-Tipperty section of the A90 and the construction of the AWPR (Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route) in the interests of economic development and road safety. Target Date: December 2013 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation & Infrastructure Lead Contact: James Black, Principal Engineer (Roads)

B6 To examine how links between schools and employers might be strengthened with a view to improving opportunities for vocational training and work placement. FORMARTINE Target Date: June 2011 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure COMMUNITY Lead Contact: Alex Bain, Education Officer PLAN 2010 – 2014 32 B7 To work with the developer of the Menie development to ensure maximum benefit for the communities around Balmedie. Target Date: March 2012 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council Lead Contact: Area Manager, Chief Executive Service

ENERGETICA ENERGY CORRIDOR PROJECT

B8 To develop initiatives and support projects in the Blackdog-Ellon area as part of the ACSEF Energetica concept. Target Date: June 2014 Lead Partner: Scottish Enterprise Lead Contact: Nicola Moore, Project Manager

Energetica Energy Corridor and Menie Estate

B9 Consider transportation opportunities within the corridor and develop proposals as appropriate. Target Date: June 2014 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation and Infrastructure Lead Contact: Peter MacCallum, Transportation Manager

B10 Work with Scottish Enterprise to progress employment land development in Ellon. Jobs and the Economy Target Date: June 2013 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation & Infrastructure Lead Contact: Gordon Daniels, Estates Manager

B11 Advance discussions with local training providers on the provision of people and skills solutions to meet the ambitions of Energetica. Target Date: June 2012 Lead Partner: Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Lead Contact: Moira Whyte, Area Manager (SDS)

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 33 TOURISM

B12 To work proactively with VisitScotland, other agencies and the community to promote Formartine as a visitor destination. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Chief Executive Service Lead Contact: Keith Newton, Formartine Area Manager

B13 To develop proposals, and secure funding, for the regeneration at Haddo Country Park. Target Date: December 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Chief Executive Service Lead Contact: Keith Newton, Formartine Area Manager

B14 To negotiate extended tourist trails and their promotion in Formartine. Target Date: December 2011 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Peter McRae, Team Leader-Sustainability, Info. & Research Other Partner: Rod Gunson, Development Officer, Formartine Partnership Ltd

B15 To maintain, enhance and promote the facilities at Turriff Caravan Site. Target Date: June 2012 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation & Infrastructure Lead Contact: Graham Waters, Landscape Services Officer

B16 To work with existing groups to determine local priorities, and with the established Aberdeenshire Local Outdoor Access Forum to help deliver the core paths networks. Jobs and the Economy Target Date: December 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Colin Miller, Outdoor Access Officer

B17 To produce a new, revised edition of the Formartine and Buchan Way leaflet. Target Date: Summer 2010 Lead Partner Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Fiona Chirnside, Environment Planner (North)

B18 To work with other parties to secure the restoration of Ellon Castle Gardens as a visitor destination and local amenity. FORMARTINE Target Date: July 2014 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Chief Executive Service COMMUNITY Lead Contact: Keith Newton, Formartine Area Manager PLAN 2010 – 2014 34 B19 To continue work to develop the coastal paths network along the eastern edge of Formartine. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Fiona Chirnside, Environment Planner (North)

FORMARTINE PARTNERSHIP

B20 To work with Tourism Initiatives in promoting Formartine for outdoor pursuits i.e. golf, walking, water activities and bird watching. Target Date: October 2010 Lead Contact: Formartine Partnership Ltd Lead Contact: Rod Gunson, Development Officer

B21 To work with the Formartine Partnership, in particular to support the agricultural industry and its related business and community infrastructure. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Chief Executive Service Lead Contact: Keith Newton, Formartine Area Manager

B22 To secure a stable funding regime for the Partnership to enable it to meet its responsibilities and intended role in Community Planning and provide annual funding support through a Service Level Agreement identifying specific work tasks, targets and outcomes. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Chief Executive Service Lead Contact: Keith Newton, Formartine Area Manager

B23 To ensure a wider dissemination of information on the Formartine Partnership and encourage increased community involvement with its works. Target Date: July 2010 Lead Partner: Formartine Partnership Ltd Lead Contact: Rod Gunson, Development Officer Jobs and the Economy

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 35 C LIFELONG LEARNING

Working and Learning together to develop opportunities and build stronger communities.

EDUCATION, LEARNING AND LEISURE

C1 To progress towards meeting the development priorities in the Ellon, Meldrum and Turriff Community Schools Networks (CSN) cross-service/multi agency development plan. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Alex Bain, Education Officer

C2 To forge closer working links with the three CSN’s in Formartine, particularly to support the I.A.F. (Integrated Assessment Framework) development in terms of support for young people. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Grampian Police Lead Contact: Insp Steve Pratt

C3 Aberdeenshire Library and Information service will develop support services for reading, literacy and information handling for all ages across home, school and community. Target Date: Ongoing Review Annually Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Helen Dewar, Cultural Services Team Leader Other Partner: Community Learning and Development

Lifelong Learning Lifelong C4 Support schools in Formartine in raising overall performance by actively encouraging reading and writing through specific reading programmes including visits from Scottish Authors. Target Date: August 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Service Lead Contact: Helen Dewar, Cultural Services Team Leader / Alex Bain, Education Officer

C5 To progress the consolidation of Ellon Academy onto one site. Target Date: April 2012 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Alex Bain, Education Officer

C6 To bring forward proposals of future Primary School provision in Turriff. Target Date: December 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure FORMARTINE Lead Contact: Alex Bain, Education Officer COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 36 C7 To provide a range of accredited and informal learning opportunities to meet the needs of adult learners in Formartine. Target Date: April 2011 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Bob Leonard, CLD Team Leader

C8 To monitor funding requirements for replacing the small Astroturf carpet at the Sports Centre in Turriff. Target Date: March 2011 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education Learning & Leisure Lead Contact: Stephen Brown, Community Leisure Officer

C9 To support Turriff Play Group’s ambitions to find and develop new premises. Target Date: March 2012 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Alex Bain, Education Officer

C10 To review the provision for arts and heritage in Formartine with a view to bringing more opportunities into Formartine. Target Date: March 2012 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Lorraine Grant, Cultural Services Manager

C11 Work in partnership to support communities in Formartine to develop plans for the use of “a percent for art” funds, if these have been allocated to their area, by enabling them to work with creative practitioners and makers in the arts and crafts sector. The aim is to improve the infrastructure, facilities, marketing or activities in the area. Target Date: March 2012 Lifelong Learning Lifelong Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Sally Thomson, Environmental Planner (Public Art)

C12 To investigate the potential to enable the development of a museum in Ellon involving local groups. Target Date: December 2011 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Lorraine Grant, Cultural Services Manager

C13 Work to integrate migrant workers and other ethnic minority groups within Formartine Communities, secure ESF funding to accomplish work place learning in partnership, and audit the number of ESOL learners. Target Date: August 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Bob Leonard, CLD Team Leader FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 37 C14 Work with young people and other partners to secure properly managed meeting places for young people in Balmedie, Meldrum and Turriff. Target Date: March 2011 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Bob Leonard, CLD Team Leader

C15 Work alongside partners to ensure that young people have access to a range of opportunities which will give them More Choices and More Chances to secure a better future. Target Date: March 2011 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Bob Leonard, CLD Team Leader

C16 Develop opportunities for volunteers so that they can use their skills and knowledge to benefit the community and themselves. Target Date: March 2011 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Bob Leonard, CLD Team Leader

C17 Use a Community Development approach to assess need and tackle issues which arise in communities. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Bob Leonard, CLD Team Leader

C18 Aberdeenshire Library and Information Service will roll out the “Library Direct” service to housebound readers in Turriff, Ellon and Oldmeldrum.

Lifelong Learning Lifelong Target Date: March 2012 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Helen Dewar, Cultural Services Team Leader

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 38 D SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

Working together to achieve sustainability by reducing resource use, protecting our environment, combating climate change and conserving and enhancing biodiversity.

DEVELOPMENT

D1 To use the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan to develop comprehensive environmental policies and in particular to ensure the encouragement of good development in gap sites and redundant buildings and land in villages and towns. Target Date: September 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Piers Blaxter, Team Leader (Policy)

D2 To encourage good standards of design across Formartine through using techniques and practices such as Enquiry by Design, Master Planning, Development Briefs and Design Statements. Target Date: Decemebr 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Jane White, Area Planning Officer (Formartine)

D3 To identify developments, which are considered to represent quality design and which could be suitable contenders for the next available Design Award scheme. Target Date: Review 6 monthly Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Shaun Norman, Environment Planner (North)

D4 To complete the provision of Community Woodland at Balmacassie, Ellon and Daviot Community Trust. Target Date: August 2010 Sustainable Environment Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Kevin Wright, Environment Planner

D5 To continue the upgrade of Gordon Park, Ellon with improvements to the all weather court and landscaping around the new shelter. Target Date: Summer 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation and Infrastructure Lead Contact: Graham Waters, Landscape Services Officer

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 39 D6 To bring forward proposals for the future upgrading and management of ‘The Den’ at Turriff in line with community aspirations with proposed WIAT (Woodlands In and Around Towns) funding. Target Date: September 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation and Infrastructure Lead Contact: Graham Waters, Landscape Services Officer Keith Newton, Formartine Area Manager (Chief Executive Service)

D7 To continue with regular beach management and promote and enhance the resorts / rural beaches by entering selected beaches for award status. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Keep Scotland Beautiful Group Lead Contact: Jim Stevenson, Principal Officer, Landscape Services

D8 The Ranger Service will:

a) Run guided walks throughout the year to: • Introduce local people and visitors of all ages to the cultural and natural history of the Formartine Area. • Promote responsible access to Formartine’s countryside under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC). • Increase the general health and wellbeing of the community through opportunity for health promoting activity and leisure. b) Run events in partnership with the Forestry Commission Scotland Rangers, the National Trust for Scotland, the Forest Education Initiative (FEI), Haddo Estates and the Scottish Wildlife Trust to promote biological recording and raise awareness of the Formartine area’s biodiversity. c) Run at least one event in September as part of Scottish Archaeology Month (SAM). d) Provide environmental education to over forty Aberdeenshire Schools (approx 450 school children) by both leading visits to inland and coastal sites and visiting schools. e) Work in Partnership with groups such as the Grampian Squirrel Group and the Water Vole Project to enhance, protect and promote the Formartine Area’s wildlife. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually)

Sustainable Environment Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: David Brown, Formartine Countryside Ranger

RECYCLING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

D9 Continued awareness raising activities and promotion of waste hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) through local events community interest groups and dedicated Waste Aware events. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services FORMARTINE Lead Contact: Matt Davis, Waste Management Officer (Strategy) COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 40 D10 To work with local communities in maintaining and enhancing the appearance of towns and villages in the area through the Formartine in Bloom competition, provision of planting material and associated activities. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation and Infrastructure Lead Contact: Graham Waters, Landscape Services Officer

D11 To continue the Village Orderly and the Tidy Village schemes and to encourage local setting of priorities for attention while publicising the work that has been carried out and promotion of the schemes. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Claire Loney, Principal Waste Officer (Central)

D12 To implement proposals for a new Household Waste Recycling Centre at Ellon. Target Date: September 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Jack Clark, Waste Manager (Environment)

D13 Continued monitoring of the kerbside recycling and waste collection service, including helping householders to adjust to the new service together with monitoring and enforcement of “No Excess Waste” policies. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Jack Clark, Waste Manager (Environment)

D14 To examine the potential for allotment provision in communities across Formartine. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Housing and Social Work Lead Contact: Mark Mitchell, Community Planning Officer Sustainable Environment

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN

Balmedie World Cafe Event 2010 – 2014 41 HERITAGE

D15 To support Collieston Pier Trust in sourcing funding for the upkeep of Collieston Pier. Target Date: September 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Chief Executive Service Lead Contact: Keith Newton, Formartine Area Manager / Collieston Pier Trust

D16 To undertake a comprehensive review of the Tarves & Oldmeldrum Conservation Areas and to attract outside funding to instigate enhancement works to the townscape of Tarves. Target Date: Summer 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Shaun Norman, Environment Planner (North)

D17 To undertake a review of other Conservation Areas in Formartine and consider other areas for such designation. Target Date: September 2014 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Shaun Norman, Environment Planner (North)

D18 To bring forward and implement a programme of works to maintain the Prop of Ythsie and consider its longer-term use as a public facility. Target Date: September 2012 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Planning and Environmental Services Lead Contact: Irina Birnie, Team Leader Environment (North)

D19 To secure the continued use of the Cransdale Car Park at Collieston as an important community and visitor asset. Target Date: April 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Chief Executive Service Lead Contact: Keith Newton, Formartine Area Manager

TRANSPORT

D20 To investigate and promote the potential for Park and Ride on the Turriff, Oldmeldrum, Dyce route. Sustainable Environment Target Date: August 2011 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation & Infrastructure Lead Contact: Peter MacCallum, Transportation Manager

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN

2010 – 2014 Ellon Park and Ride 42 D21 To link with the Formartine Partnership to assess the need for and viability of alternative community based transport systems. Target Date: September 2010 Lead Partner: Formartine Partnership Ltd Lead Contact: Rod Gunson, Development Officer

D22 To extend the Safer Routes to School initiative by ensuring that all Formartine schools have a school travel plan. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation & Infrastructure Lead Contact: Joanna Stewart, Strategy Officer

D23 To identify opportunities to implement cycling strategies in Formartine. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation & Infrastructure Lead Contact: Ian Rendall, Local Roads Manager (Formartine and Garioch)

D24 To promote tourist use of public transport and cycling and walking facilities, having due regard to future maintenance costs in each case. Target Date: September 2011 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation & Infrastructure Lead Contact: Peter MacCallum, Transportation Manager

D25 To improve accessibility within Formartine and reduce the need for car based journeys through promotion of affordable public transport. Target Date: March 2012 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation and Infrastructure Lead Contact: Richard McKenzie, Public Transport Manager

D26 To protect the former railway line between Aberdeen and Peterhead through Formartine from developments which would prevent reinstating these as future transport corridors. Target Date: Ongoing on a long term basis Lead Partner: NESTRANS Lead Contact: Rab Dickson, Transport Strategy Manager, NESTRANS Sustainable Environment

D27 To explore the feasibility of restoring a rail link from Aberdeen to Peterhead and Ellon. Target Date: Ongoing on a long term basis Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Chief Executive Service Lead Contact: Keith Newton, Formartine Area Manager

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 43 E DEVELOPING OUR PARTNERSHIP

Working together to make our partnership as efficient and effective as possible.

E1 Continue to:

a) Develop the Formartine Community Planning Group to become an effective joint working and engagement mechanism. b) Support the Formartine and Community Ward Forums and develop other opportunities for community engagement in community planning. c) Use other opportunities for engagement through communities and communities of interest to influence the provision of services. d) Use the outputs from the Community Planning Group to influence higher level community planning groups and partner agencies where appropriate to raise and deal with community issues. e) Use the outputs from community engagement of all kinds to create actions in the Formartine Community Plan. f) Ensure co-ordination of existing and future plans within the community planning process in order to make community consultation more effective. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Chief Executive Service Lead Contact: Keith Newton, Formartine Area Manager

E2 Support the development of partnership working between Community Planning Partners and the local community, using the National Standards of Community Engagement. Act as community advocates, encourage and offer support to people working to achieve their community aspirations. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Formartine Partnership Ltd Lead Contact: Rod Gunson, Development Officer Developing our Partnership Developing our Partnership

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN

2010 – 2014 Balmedie World Cafe Event 44 E3 Identify around three communities per year interested in developing a community action plan including the provision of community profiles and support them through the process and to provide statistical evidence to support those plans. Target Date: Annually Lead Partner: Formartine Partnership Ltd Lead Contact: Rod Gunson, Development Officer

E4 To develop community skills and capacity to take forward Planning for Real®, parish appraisals and other methods as means of identifying community aspirations needs and priorities. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Formartine Partnership Ltd Lead Contact: Rod Gunson, Development Officer

E5 To strengthen the effectiveness of Community Councils across Formartine:

a) By developing the Formartine Community Council forum as a means of exchanging information and providing training. b) By seeking annual reports from Community Councils outlining activity and communication with the wider public. c) By increasing the involvement of all Community Councils in the work of the Formartine Partnership. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Chief Executive Service Lead Contact: Keith Newton, Formartine Area Manager

E6 To enhance the public role in the development of the Education, Learning and Leisure Service and Community Development Groups and to integrate the work of the Community Schools Network more closely with these groups and the Area Committee. Target Date: August 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Chief Executive Service Lead Contact: Keith Newton, Formartine Area Manager

E7 Empower members of the Community Development Group by improving meetings and ensuring all relevant interests are represented including young people.

Target Date: September 2010 Developing our Partnership Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Bob Leonard, CLD Team Leader

E8 Improve partnership involvement in development and delivery of community learning and development. Target Date: September 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Education, Learning and Leisure Lead Contact: Bob Leonard, CLD Team Leader FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 45 E9 To support the work of the Community Planning sub groups which derive from the work of the Community Planning Group and other community bodies. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Formartine Community Planning Group Lead Contact: Mark Mitchell, Community Planning Officer

E10 To support local groups to secure funding from the EU Leader Programme. Target Date: December 2013 Lead Partner: Formartine Partnership Ltd Lead Contact: Rod Gunson, Development Officer

E11 To review service provision on a settlement by settlement basis and develop an Asset Management Strategy to provide a framework for future investment including opportunities for joint working between partners. Target Date: June 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Chief Executive Service Lead Contact: Keith Newton, Formartine Area Manager

E12 To co-ordinate and monitor funding received as Developer Contributions (“planning gain”) and work with local communities to maximise the benefits from such funding. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Chief Executive Service Lead Contact: Keith Newton, Formartine Area Manager

E13 To seek more specific revenue plans from council services with a view to ensuring co-ordination and effective service delivery. Target Date: March 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Chief Executive Service Lead Contact: Keith Newton, Formartine Area Manager

E14 To review redundant and underused Council property with a view to encouraging alternative use or disposal. Target Date: Ongoing (review annually) Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation and Infrastructure

Developing our Partnership Developing our Partnership Lead Service: Gordon Daniels, Estates Manager

E15 Develop proposals to relocate Hospital Road Ellon depot and investigate optimum re-use of the site including possible use for health provision. Target Date: August 2010 Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council, Transportation and Infrastructure Lead Service: Gordon Daniels, Estates Manager

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2010 – 2014 46 7 How Are We Doing?

For the plan to be effective, it is important that it is monitored and kept under review. Each six months we will produce an update on the progress made with the Formartine Community Plan. This will be made available on our website: www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk/formartine

We will make sure that all information gathered from future consultation events will be collated and used to inform future versions of the Community Plan.

We will also make sure that information from sources such as Residents Surveys, Citizens Panels and Community Council views are listened to.

We will try to ensure we have good attendance at the Formartine Community Council Forum meetings, Formartine Partnership Ltd meetings and the Formartine Forum. We will also work with the local newspapers and radio stations to tell the people of Formartine what we are doing.

In addition, progress made on the actions contained within this plan will be discussed with Councillors on the Formartine Area Committee, and each of the partner agencies will have a mechanism in place to monitor and progress their agency’s actions.

FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN

Community Consultation 2010 – 2014 47 8 Contact Us

Formartine Community Planning Group • (Mark Mitchell) ...... 01358 726406 Aberdeenshire Community Safety Partnership • (Kate Rigby) ...... 01224 748994 BRIDGE CVS, Mintlaw (CVS North Aberdeenshire) • (Maureen Stephen) ...... 01771 624787 CVS Aberdeenshire Central and South • (Alan Young) ...... 01467 629072 Aberdeenshire Council Formartine Area Manager • (Keith Newton) ...... 01358 726402 Formartine Partnership Ltd • (Rod Gunson) ...... 01358 726452 Community Learning and Development • (Bob Leonard) ...... 01467 629356 Grampian Fire and Rescue Service • (Denis Beedie) ...... 01224 696666 Grampian Police • (Inspector Steve Pratt) ...... 0845 600 5 700 NHS Grampian Locality Manager • (Cameron Matthew) ...... 01467 672753 Public Health Coordinators: • (Caroline Clark) North Formartine ...... 01779 482405 • (Calvin Little) South Formartine ...... 01467 672729 Scottish Enterprise / ACSEF • (Martin Barry) ...... 01224 252000 NESTRANS • Kirsty Morrison ...... 01224 625524 Alcohol Drugs Partnership FORMARTINE • (Chris Fyles / Elaine Youngman) ...... 01224 665176 COMMUNITY Skills Development Scotland PLAN • (Moira Whyte) ...... 01224 285255 2010 – 2014 48 Partner Websites: • NHS ...... www.nhsgrampian.org • Grampian Police ...... www.grampian.police.uk • Grampian Fire and Rescue ...... www.grampianfrs.org.uk • Aberdeenshire Council ...... www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk • Formartine Partnership ...... www.formartine.org.uk • CVS Central and South Aberdeenshire ...... www.aberdeenshirecvsnetwork.org.uk • Skills Development Scotland ...... www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk • NESTRANS ...... www.nestrans.org.uk • Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future . . . www.acsef.co.uk • Alcohol Drugs Partnership (ADP) ...... www.aberdeenshireadp.co.uk • Scottish Enterprise ...... www.scottish-enterprise.com

Formartine Community Councils • Auchterless, Inverkeithny and Fisherford • Belhelvie • Ellon • Foveran • Fyvie, Rothie and Monquhitter • Meldrum, Bourtie and Daviot • Methlick • Tarves • Turriff • Udny • Ythan • Collieston and Slains

In Writing: Formartine Community Planning Officer Aberdeenshire Council 29 – 31 Bridge Street Ellon Aberdeenshire FORMARTINE AB41 9AA COMMUNITY Email: [email protected] PLAN Website: www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk 2010 – 2014 49 Produced by Aberdeenshire Council GDT12354 June 2010