Ballater & Crathie Community Action Plan

Ballater & Crathie Community Action Plan 2018

Introduction Community Action Plan

This is the Community Action Plan for the Upper Deeside area of Ballater and Crathie. It has been developed under the lead of the Ballater and Crathie Community Council working with Marr Area Partnership and Aberdeenshire Council. A Steering Committee representing various community groups was established in June 2017 and this group has undertaken the task of engaging extensively with the community and stakeholders to produce this Action Plan.

Introduction Community Action Plan

Over a thousand surveys were delivered by For the Action Plan to be delivered hand in addition to online access successfully the community will need to communicated at local events and in social engage in the setting up of various media. Over 600 surveys were completed, workgroups to lead the issues. A and this represented feedback from over ‘Community Action Team’ will be 40% of the community, with over 50% in established as the primary work group to the 16-25, 26-40 & 41-60 age categories. carry out an audit of community assets and monitor the delivery of these actions to improve our community. A number of The information gathered and contained other groups are also envisaged, and all within this booklet can now be used to members of the community are guide the community and the Community encouraged to get involved. Planning Partners in compiling further detailed actions to take forward the top priorities. All the ideas have come from the It is recommended that this Action Plan community. The table at the back shows a has a maximum life span of 5 years. list of the priorities and the relevant lead group along with the various stakeholders.

History, Origins & Development Community Action Plan

The Ballater and Crathie Community Council was constructed at the end of the 19th catchment includes the town of Ballater and century. The building has four halls for the surrounding rural area including the public use and provides space for the settlement of Crathie. The main route public library and an office for the through the town is the A93 from Aberdeen Cairngorms National Park Authority. Given to Perth through the Cairngorms National the age and granite construction of the Park along the newly named tourist ‘Snow building a major refurbishment is underway Road’. The route to the north is the infamous however substantial investment is required B939 Corgaff to Tomintoul road which is to complete this programme. often the first road to be blocked by snow each year. The River Dee which runs Since the demise of the railway the town has alongside the town is the main reason for continued to find its niche as a tourist the settlement’s existence. destination. However, the consequence is that the main employment in the area are There are traces of man living along the lower income industries of retail, hospitality, River Dee for over eight thousand years with agriculture and public sector. numerous Mesolithic and Neolithic finds in the area. There are early settlements at The onward trail through Royal Deeside Tullich and Crathie with remnants of Picts extends west from Ballater along both north and early Christians. The town of Ballater and south sides of the River Dee. The older itself was founded in the 19th Century, one and narrower road sticks to the south bank of the new planned towns built in the before passing the Royal Lochnagar Victorian era. The nearby Pannanich Well Distillery as it approaches Balmoral. The had been attracting visitors for many years main road runs along the north bank of the for its healing properties therefore the local river. The two meet at the large car park that landowner took advantage of the rising serves Balmoral Castle and Crathie Church. Scottish tourism industry and developed the village. Today, tourism remains the main The population of the parish is economy of the area. approximately 2000 with 1200 houses, 10% of which are second homes. 30% of the The railway first came to Ballater in 1866. population are over 65 years old and in Whether this fed the tourist boom, or simply relatively good health. Volunteering is took advantage of the draw created by common with over 40 recreation clubs. Queen Victoria when she purchased Local charitable trusts manage facilities Balmoral in 1852, is debatable. What is including the halls, Caravan Park and the certain is the regular use made of the new community bus service. railway by the area's occasional royal residents and their guests and visitors. Much During December 2015 the area was of the royalty of nineteenth century Europe severely affected by Storm Frank. The heavy passed through Ballater railway station at rainfall caused flooding which affected most one time or another, including the Czar of of the town and access routes. Hundreds of Russia in 1896. This ever more prestigious homes were evacuated. The effects have traffic doubtless led to the rebuilding of the been long lasting, some homes and station to a rather grander scale in 1886. businesses remain closed. The railway service to Ballater was sadly Architect drawing of station Both the fire and the flood set back the among many that were cut in 1966 but has economy of the village with the loss of the remained in use as a visitor centre with an caravan park, the tourist centre and exhibition recording the village's royal numerous businesses. A positive effect has connection until 2015 when unfortunately, it been the realisation that the whole was significantly damaged by a fire. community which worked well together Reconstruction is ongoing, and the station under stress, could harness that energy and returned to its former glory, is due to reopen human assets to develop the community. in summer 2018. The first stage of that development is Many buildings date from the Victorian era engagement with the community and and the centre of the village is a visitors to create this action plan. conservation area. The main public facility is the Victoria and Albert Hall complex which

Themes & Issues Community Action Plan

Theme 1: Our Assets Ballater and Crathie are fortunate to Further consultation with property have many assets that are treasured owners has been suggested to look at by the community. Response to the short term or alternative uses of these Community Action Plan consultation properties as well as lowering rents to highlighted the need to protect and encourage investment. expand on the assets and facilities already available. Development of the old school site was seen as a high priority and current The Victoria and Albert Halls are a plans are being considered. very important central feature to the community. Particular concern was the Paths, parks, signage and general condition of the buildings and the infrastructure improvements have been need to continue to refurbish, highlighted and following the town modernise and improve the facilities. audit, the Community Action Team and The trustees of the Halls have already relevant key partners will identify applied for funding for improvements priorities for the short, medium and and with the creation of a partnership long term. The survey highlighted the with other key stakeholders in the repair of both footbridges at Pollhollick community this can be developed. and Cambus O’May as a priority. Wider uses of the halls facilities have An existing group of key partners been suggested including sports including Aberdeenshire Council, facilities and environmentally CNPA, B & C Community Council, BBA sustainable projects. The partnership and BRD are currently progressing this. could explore the feasibility of further improvements, to develop a marketing strategy and look if hire costs could be The consultation responses indicated made more affordable. It has also that our biggest asset was the been suggested that the halls could community itself and the people within be used as a central community hub. it. There was a substantial response to the survey and now it is hoped that sufficient participation from all sectors The survey showed concern across all of the community will get involved to age groups for the condition of take the actions forward. Ballater Village Green. Following creation of a “Community Action Team” the first action will be to carry out a town audit and working with the existing enhancement group produce a feasibility study of all potential areas of enhancement. Following the flood and recent economic downturn there are several properties that remain empty and reduce the attractiveness of the village.

Themes & Issues Community Action Plan

Theme 2: The Visitor Experience

Ballater has become one of the most One area of improvement could be popular tourist destinations on Royal the signage and means of Deeside, and in an economic context it communication within the village, and is the spending by tourists that has it is important that visitors are able to become a large factor in supporting find out about local attractions, events the economy of the area, our key local and local services in an easy and clear services and social facilities. manner.

Traditionally, the village has always had The survey suggested improvements a diverse range of shops, cafes, bike in promoting existing events and hire, restaurants and hotels to cater for attractions and expanding what is the needs of visitors and tourists, as currently available. In particular, it is well as having the larger scale thought that additional entertainment attractions such as The Old Royal events and cultural attractions would Station, Balmoral Castle, Royal be a way of improving the visitor Lochnagar Distillery and the annual experience, as well as that of the local Highland Games to name but a few. people. It was thought that the The survey highlighted that there is still provision of a cultural museum/ a requirement to maintain these heritage centre would be popular in attractions and to improve the visitor the village, and this could be coupled experience and ensure that the Ballater with the already well supported and Crathie area is viewed as a place Ballater Local History Group so that that can represents the very best of the locals can play an active role in Royal Deeside. creating and maintaining a facility that illustrates Ballater’s rich heritage.

Lastly, there was a keen interest to explore the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities in the area, to increase guided tours and walks.

Themes & Issues Community Action Plan

Theme 3: Recreation & Social Life

There were 78 different types of Revamping of the play park facilities recreational and social facilities was seen as high priority with highlighted in the survey ranging questions raised on providing play across most ages and types of events. park facilities more centrally in The greatest participation was in village Ballater village e.g. on the Church groups, followed by sports groups and Green. Any revamp of play park then less organised socialising in facilities should also consider an older restaurants and pubs. There was a age range than currently provided for. recognition that events and/or facilities A group is being formed to take this are limited for older children and forward. young adults, with suggestions of more

music events relevant to that age group. Within other age groups in A number of activity & exercise classes general it appears that there are were suggested, some of those are sufficient social events but more already in existence indicating the should be done to communicate and potential benefit of a centralised coordinate the events to ensure calendar/events log for increased attendance is maximised and events communication. The challenge of continue. Suggestions of a new sustaining exercise classes was also theatre/cinema facility were raised, raised. A detailed audit of facilities & along with the requirement for a events/classes is suggested along with community hub/day centre. a further review of likely demand as an initial step.

Sports facilities are limited in the area with the main indoor public location the V&A Halls with a recognition that its multi-purpose usage prevents it from being a top- quality sports facility. There were numerous ideas on what facilities might benefit the community from sports centre, swimming pool, soft play area, Astroturf, skate/bike park, bike/motocross tracks, artificial curling rink, climbing wall, water sports centre.

Themes & Issues Community Action Plan

Theme 4: Theme 5: Environment Care Provision

Being situated in a rural setting, it is With a greater number of residents unsurprising that the natural over the age of 60, (39% in 2011, environment is greatly valued by the compared to the Scottish figure of community. By far the majority of 23%), there was an expectation that respondents thought that it would be this theme would have more issues. hard to improve our natural However, it appears that the older surroundings and that our buildings people of the area are relatively and spaces were generally well cared healthy and do not require a high level for, the consensus was that we should of care. The main issues that were endeavour to enhance what we have. raised by the consultation are the need A view expressed was that any flood for improved access and transport; defence measures proposed should support for carers and requirement for be designed to be sympathetic to the additional daytime activities. natural landscape. Disabled access was an issue around One area of concern was waste the town centre particularly for disposal in general. Recycling should wheelchairs along narrow pavements be better encouraged, and the and entering buildings. The lack of community better educated to act transport was also raised as the buses responsibly regarding litter and dog are not disabled friendly and the A2B waste disposal. Another area service was limited. There is a desire highlighted was the use of alternative for more support and respite for energy sources and energy kinship carers. Although there appears conservation. to be a wide choice of activities for older people, those who have a caring

responsibility are restricted by their Interest was expressed in a community role. There were suggestions for a garden, orchard or allotments. befriending scheme or day care for Options for a potential location and people who are more dependent or the formation of a group to take this vulnerable. Image Attributed to i.telegraph.co.uk forward is in an initial stage.

There were suggestions to develop a Crathie community expressed a similar initiative to that being formed in feeling of isolation with the lack of a Braemar where the community provide focal point in the area. It is hoped that low level personal care and handyman a local group can be encouraged to service. There does not appear to be take this up and bring forward ideas an existing voluntary group in Ballater to address that feeling for further which co-ordinates activities or services discussion within the community. for the elderly who may look at providing care. Given the limited response, further research may be required to identify any unmet needs.

Themes & Issues Community Action Plan

Theme 6: Theme 7: Housing Local Communication

There is unanimity that the greatest The Community Action Plan Survey has issue is the perceived lack of given us a lot of interesting information ‘affordable’ housing for rent or about how Ballater communicates. ownership. This was more of a problem Amazingly 115 different ways were for young people and retired older listed as means of communication. View from Craigendaroch people who are looking to ‘right size’, With “word of mouth” as most Image attributed to CNPA either looking for a first home or move common, with The Eagle, Facebook from a large home to something and noticeboards/ posters coming suitable for a single person. slightly behind whilst Alistair Cassie beat Twitter in the number of mentions. In a recent report by Aberdeenshire Council there are 61 people on the social housing waiting list for Ballater. Ballater has a vast range of Groups, The survey responses highlighted that Societies, Businesses, Sports Groups, most employment within Ballater is Events, at the last count there were lower income within hospitality, retail over 40 committees of one shape or and agriculture, and that local people another and they have been all formed Artists impression of old school are unable to afford to live in the town. to fulfil a need in the community. Most Image attributed to RIAS.org.uk of them express a bit of frustration about how to promote events, get new The issue is long standing and is noted members, get anyone to help and find by both Aberdeenshire Council and the out what the other 39 committees are CNPA. There is a proposal by Grampian up to, etc. Housing to construct homes for rent in the planning process. There is also a suggestion that a local housing trust To that end, we need to work out how could be formed to build homes for best to communicate with those who local people. For the long term want to hear what is going on and to economic development of the find the best methods to do so. community this issue is a main priority An audit of current user group’s which will be hard for the community communication methods has been to tackle alone. proposed which will hopefully establish a way forward. Once this has been done suitable platforms

and infrastructure to be developed.

Themes & Issues Community Action Plan

Theme 8: Theme 9: Business & Employment Transport & Infrastructure

Ballater has a predominantly tourism The Community Action Plan survey focussed economy which dates back to highlighted several matters in relation the mid 1800’s and the Pannanich to transport, road and path networks Wells Spa. The development of the in the community that require action. Craigendarroch Timeshare Resort in The main issues stressed were in 1985 provided the village with a solid connection to bus-stops, parking, source of tourism on which many path and bridge repair as well as businesses have and continue to public transport routes. prosper, however the growth of the internet and changing travel patterns In particular, the bus stop situated of the tourism sector has highlighted a outside the Co-op in the centre of need for the businesses to evolve and Ballater was a large area of concern. embrace changes. With the most prevalent view it should be relocated. Discussions have already The development of a sustainable started with Aberdeenshire Council on business plan which embraces the this matter. opportunities that arise from new technologies, changes in the visitors Residents and visitors alike mentioned needs and is inclusive of those that there was a lack of parking and businesses that are not directly electric car charging facilities. Image attributed to Pitchup.com involved in the tourism market, but Numerous responses indicated that a without whom the local economy car park on the outskirts of Ballater cannot function, needs to be would improve things or a traffic developed. warden/management system to improve parking problems in the Local and Central Government policy centre of Ballater village. should include a focus on the rural economy and those agencies which Feedback also suggested that major have ownership for these areas need to path and bridge repairs are required be engaged in any community action to several trails, especially those plan, together with the private sector, damaged during the flooding. Several to ensure the delivery of a sustainable responses thought that there was a economy. lack of signage on walking routes. There is an existing CNPA led ‘Paths & The redevelopment of the Station Bridges’ group that is currently taking Square is the catalyst for further repairs and signage forward. development which requires a village wide focus to combine the heritage

and culture of a Victorian Village with 21st Century, environmentally and socially responsible community.

Themes & Issues Community Action Plan

Theme 9: Action Plan Transport & Infrastructure cont. Stakeholders and partners Public transport was another area that abbreviations the survey highlighted, responses implied that a more direct route to BCCC – Ballater & Crathie Community Aberdeen from Crathie and Ballater is Council; sought and also indicated that BBA – Ballater Business Association; residents found public transport costly BRD – Ballater (RD); and unreliable. AC - Aberdeenshire Council; CNPA – Cairngorms National Park Lastly, concerns were raised regarding Authority; Wi-Fi coverage and whether the EG – Enhancement Group; provision of Wi-Fi hot spots was V&A Trust – Victoria & Albert Hall Trust; feasible. AVA – Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action; OAT – Outdoor Access Trust; Further to the survey and following the announcement of the “The Snow BVW – Ballater Victoria Week; Road”, consideration should be given HG – History Group; to the safe access to the route during WF – Winter Festival; winter. BHG – Ballater Highland Games; WW – Walking Week; HortSoc – Horticultural Society; CHiP – Community Health in Partnership; SDS – Skills Development Scotland; CBP – Cairngorm Business Partnership

Action Plan Community Action Plan

Key Key

Partners

BCCC AC BCCC CNPA BBABRD AC BCCC CNPA BBABRD EG AC BCCC CNPA BBA BRD Community Groups AVA AC

Lead

V&A V&A Trust BCCC BCCC/ Action Team BCCC/ Action Team

term term

actions

Long

Formulate along Formulate fora plan term programme rolling to enhancements of centre, village the surrounding and area

site

green

Term actions Term

investment

Investigate the funding options for options thefunding Investigate

Medium

Produce recommendations for village village recommendationsfor Produce improvements and package liaise enhancement each with and groups local with Council a formulate to Aberdeenshire each these of delivering for plan funding asprojects enhancement available becomes rates rents to and Lower encourage school old Develop church Improve

hub

actions

term actions term

village

ordinate

Share CAP feedback with CAPHalls feedback Share Trust to a explore partnership Create of utilisation and opening daily aascommunity halls TeamAction an to Create co with CAP feedback Share andGroup discuss Enhancement is support additional whether required Auditwork and Town out Carry EnhancementGroup existing with all a of studyfeasibility produce to to areas enhancement of potential the in properties empty Enhance to prior term short redevelopment increase number to ways Develop volunteers ofdiversity and

Short

Issues

ThemeOur 1: Assets Victoria &VictoriaHalls Albert complete more,utilised be Could make to attractive, more refurbishments tooexpensive be can CentreVillage andGreen Village Ballater condition of Poor the improvementrequire to areas other centres village BuildingofBetterand care Spaces vil- reduceof attractiveness buildings Empty environment lage Volunteers volunteersof required diversity Greater

Action Plan Community Action Plan

BBA VA BBA BCCC AC BCCC CNPA BBABRD OAT HG BVW BHG WF

Loinmuie Group Loinmuie History Group History Group Loinmuie Project Forest Group History Group Forest

Action Action Team Events Team Heritage Group BBA

all

events throughout throughout events new and existing Create some some Create theme established to year the ofsome compliment existing successful the events annual creation of Possible cultural & term long museum heritage facilities Promote to guides and tours audience, wider a encouraging thus to visitors more the time in spend area

groups

viable

explore methods of funding to make make to funding of methods explore formulate and bodies and Create some new events or the newsome events the or Create existingand events, of enhancement events these the for study a feasibility Instigate a cultural of development and creation or the centre,heritage and at the existingfacilities of enhancement Station tourist with local Liaise tourroutes, newguided potential accessing potential as well as may / who guides companies tour operatethese to interested be

with

activities

requirements

events and establish the potential of of potential the establish and events local any existing identifying Identifying existing communication communication existing Identifying and formulatemethods and signage to improvements & village the within communication area to Centre Information Tourist continue that group the can identify a Form entertainment of calendar existing and events new Form a group local to history liaise with and bodies the cultural in related possible the area, to identify tasked group a Form guidedandtrips, facilities tour tours potential new identify and thearea of

Theme2: ExperienceVisitor Signage within to points information Improvements village the Entertainment& Activities more ofevents entertainment Provision activities and &museum/ cultural a of Creation Centre heritage Areas theLocal of Tours Guided 13

Action Plan Community Action Plan

Key Key

Partners

VA AC CNPAAC BBABRD V&A CNPAAC BBABRD V&A CNPAAC BBABRD V&A CNPAAC BRD BCCC BHG V&A BVW WF WW BCCC BBA BRD BHG Churches Chiels

Lead

Action Action Team Action Team Action Team Playpark Group Events Team

–

term term

actions

new facility newfacility

Long

Develop feasibility & & feasibility Develop programme funding for produce recommendation

facility

events events

Term actions Term

recommendation

Medium

Identify demand for new for demand Identify & funding feasibility Develop for to improvements programme produce and facilities existing recommendation & funding feasibility Develop and tracks forparkbike or programme produce Develop programme feasibility for produce & skatepark funding and Produce recommendation for partners seekandfunding for park play awhether paid Consider feasible. and beneficial is coordinator

do.

tracks

term actions term

calendar

demand

facilities

facility

Short

develop feasibility and funding funding and feasibility develop Audit of existing facilities and their existing and facilities of Audit & usage to improve work group Identify existing to work consider group Identify new to work group consider Identify park or bike to work group consider Identify askatepark of construction workgroup to lead Identify for demand/need identify playpark and to improvements programme workgroup to lead Identify forevents demand and identify areas what other research communicationplan a Develop central and

quality sporting quality

Issues

Theme 3: Recreation &Leisure Theme3: Recreation Events clash on.Events events going Insufficient attendance poor and

&SportsLeisure Facilities outdatedandpoor Insufficient facilities leisure &

Action Plan Community Action Plan

50’

CNPA BCCC Es- Local AC tates CHiP Evergreens Over Churches

BCCC AC BCCC BBACNPA BRDOAT Group History Group Loinmuie Project Forest

Action Action Team Action Team Action Team young@he artdeeside

’

viewpoints

Initiative

ordinates and promotes promotes and ordinates

area

clubs

landscape

Community garden, orchard, strawberry strawberry orchard, garden, Community Green onconverted Hut Consider beds, flower beds, micro farm beds, flower beds, garden shopforproduce, excess Swap artisans local for outlet carusagecycling, reduce Encourage blend flood that defences Request with top hill Improve with Estates relationships Improve focal Crathie, for isolation Reduce for point &café pavement café to

provide activities and respite. Local Local respite. and activities provide Explore the development of a a the development of Explore similar to scheme care led community Care Braemar to coordinated a approach Develop co group new if develops and activities existing required to meals serviceprovide a Develop lunch or

future

bins

ordinate local activities and and activities ordinate local

Form a group to establish a to establish group a a Form garden community champions forlocal Seek up clean community sources, energy Alternative savings re energy educate population educate more, Recycle Audit and a Village Undertake actionsthe for develop dog more Install the to surveyresponses Feedback Care Social and Health the Partnership the the development of Support Group at Heart Young theLocalissue to the Highlight otherand Partnership Learning suchK&D groupsas stakeholder Befrienders that a group local could Identify co schemeneeded if befriending

help to keep our keepour to help

CareProvision forcare or respite carers morefor Need disabled and elderly

environment free from unsightly rubbish. unsightly fromenvironment free

Theme4: Environment Improving Sustainability Improving could produce local where facilities of Lack thesoldandcommunity. to back grown be encouraged wastebetter be could Recycling self on emphasis with ImprovingNaturalSurroundings and surroundings pre- our local Improve have. we what serve waste high- wasdog for bins of Lack lighted.

Theme 5: Care

Action Plan Community Action Plan

Key Key

Partners

AC All Ballater All Groups Halls V&A CNPA Eagle Ballater All Groups Churches

CNPA AC BRD BBA

Local Est Est Local

Lead

BRD BCCC BCCC BBA BCCC BCCC BRDBBA

term term

actions

Long

s s

’

chores

local housing local

Term actions Term

feasible

Medium

whichplatform suitabledigital a Find usercanuse/educate/ groups all Communica- Community combine tions Person/Office/Equipment BoardDisplay Digital Village contribution/ Funding/support/more Eagle the for future contribution/ Funding/support/more Eagle the for future mouth"of way "word using a of Find better Calendar Online

Investigate and establish and Investigate trustif canthat a group develop to Look people reducethat issues identify their remain in to homes ability groupproject to a provide Develop householdandrepairs simple

Plan

term actions term

Stakeholders

group

Short

Identify lead on BCCC & establish a on BCCC establish & lead Identify sub Continue to actively lobby CNPA. Plan Dev local into Feed Establish a housing process demand and to minutes CC into incorporate monitor Housing responses to the Feedback Action in is included the thatissue Ensure Issuesand Main CNPA Report the Development Local future

methods Audit Current communication Current Audit user identify and groups methods regular AGMVillage for Establish communication group cross working group Establish for community the IT training Develop

Issues

Theme6: Housing together Improved sharing of local of sharing Improved together Sharing information and workingandinformation Sharing activities, groups,for information, tourism; and working businesses together sharing central for point a for Need information

Theme7: Local Communication Housing housing affordable Insufficient CareHousing and for elderly housing suitable for Need with disabilities people allow responses to intervention early for Need stayinowntheir homes to people

Action Plan Community Action Plan

BRD CNPA BCCC AC BCCC CNPA BCCC BRD CNPAAC VA Business Gateway Team Eagle BCCC AC CNPA VA AC Business Gateway AC SDS

BBA BBA BBA BBA BBA BBA

plan

marketing marketing

Initiate and measureand Initiate housing. affordable to Access

sector sector

funding

politicians

future

required

groups.

skills

be delivered. delivered. be

marketing sought, being and vacant A united and structured approach and united A with otheris aligned which is communities nationalandlocal Lobby An open and collaborative dialogue is required needs and to how these understand while can assisting businesses to achieve be met their sustainability Identify support agencies and existing services and introduce these to public the businesses them need that Introduce mentoring services new and businesses existing for Consider a theEagle like magazine quarterly business with the group a necessary Form AuditVillage and Undertake actionsthe for develop start to access Increase how these training needs and Identify can to relates established also This support in finding and businesses employment jobs to advertise an avenue Create and servicescareers introduce refresher skills

A hurdle hurdle A

New New

Increase andIncrease

A hurdle for new andfornew hurdle A

Identify ways in which in ways Identify

ups need a lot of support to to support lot of a need ups

everything that canbethat everything experienced.

Theme8: Business &Employment to promote the promote to the of members are There Lower Business Rates Lower businesses. existing can only legislative thatis one a issue The national policy.addressedby be Business Rents Property Lower andbusinesses. However, new existing to are busi- village in owners the property the theirinde- are in ownright people ness pendent. Groups Support Business to all the available support improve businesses. Villageof Marketing promote and village the of identity Businesses New for Assistance start business theyears. early in established themselves get Employment Finding with Support employment. assistancesome finding require

Action Plan Community Action Plan

Key Key

Partners

Paths & & Paths BCCC BCCC CNPA BRD AC BBA Scotland Visit Estates Local Bridges Group CNPA OATBRD AC BBA BRDAC BBA MarrBus Forum BRD AC BBA Marr Bus Forum

Lead

BCCC Paths Bridges & Group BCCC BCCC

term term

etc

actions

Long

Ensure that all future future all that Ensure Creation of new of Creation cycle and pathways thearea, in in paths with local conjunction local and landowners walking/cycling groups are disability paths compliant

cyclists

out

options.

Term actions Term

leaflets

using BRD community bus bus BRD community using

–

e.g.

maintenance

disabilities

Medium

path tobe require that paths Identify Identify various packages of repair/ various ofpackages Identify the existing work to enhancement investigateand & funding paths bridges theseto carry possibilities in newsignage for funding Identify community Identify contacts and groups which can help towards bridge and foot for funding establish and Create Information that be people local may Identify withto repairs path help willing rules Bridgesprovidegroup to and Path towardsroutes education using and towards and walkers safely people to for accessprovide upgraded with the use community existing of Promote the reduce activitiesaccess and to buses isolation of feeling other into bus Look often more transport companies the local Lobby need better promote the for and costs transport lower options, transport route wider options and

Audit.

Group

term actions term

information

Review

them

Short

paths and routes e.g. walking walking e.g. routes and paths are issues these that Ensure Identify or confirm who is who is confirm or Identify Bridges and Paths for responsible theknownmake to identified Once for who responsible is community totouch in how and get areas what with these the frequentof users Identify etcwalkersDog / groups networks and key path of Audit record Crathie Ballaterareas of and Identify signage better require that Town in the included Feedback the responses Working Path to the Feedback the responses Area to the Management Traffic Team and to safety lobby for Continue Golf Road on improvements theCo outside to look group issues at Establish buses Stagecoach and with throughbus existing communicate forum

signage. Lack of of signage. Lack

Op Op

Paths and bridges inmajorbridges Paths and

Issues

Op.

Duration, reliability and price of of price and Duration, reliability

what. Lack Lack what. of

repair. Lack of knowledge as to who to asrepair. of Lack knowledge

Theme 9: Transportation & Infrastructure & Theme9: Transportation Improve access and transport for elderly and and elderly transportfor and access Improve Paths and Bridges Bridges and Paths of need after looks Local pathsusing responsibly. in education unknownto Bridges group and Paths community. with disabilities. people Co Outside Stop Bus safety concerns and Significant with the busstop raised issues theCo outside Service Bus toAberdeen service bus

Action Plan Community Action Plan

Police Scotland Police BRD AC BBA Marr Bus Forum BRD AC BBA CNPA BCCC BBABRD AC CBP AC Cllrs Local

BCCC Action Team Action Team BCCC

Recommend Recommend furtherof installation carcharging electric points

options.

using BRD community bus bus BRD community using

–

e.g.

Look into other into bus Look often more transport companies the local Lobby need better promote the for and costs transport lower options, transport route wider options and review managementtraffic Undertake options recommend and Develop toimproveplan Establish safetyplan a Implement

Fi Fi status

hotspots.

spots

sites

Station

parking safety improve to options Explore Establish group to look group issues at Establish buses Stagecoach and with throughbus existing communicate forum existing to investigate Team Town carand charging parking car exploring and facilities newcar potential and improvements beingcharging Car park Electric the car inparksmall behind installed Old current Wi Map Create group to review Wi and develop next forhot demand steps and test

’

Snow causing serious ac- serious causing Snow

SnowRoad

‘

Duration, reliability and price of of price and Duration, reliability

Lack of parkingand inofBallater Lack

Poor coverage Poor

Fi Fi

Theme 9: Transportation & Infrastructure & cont. Theme9: Transportation cess issues on A939 & B976 exacerbated by by exacerbated A939 & B976 on issues cess Bus Service Service Bus toAberdeen service bus Parking electric for Community.Facilities No Crathie parking. car Wi Road Safety Winter theof promotion 19

Community Action Plan

This booklet is one of a series This information can now It is important that this booklet produced by the Local Rural guide the community and is seen by all concerned as an Partnerships for a number of Community Planning Partners account of the community’s communities in Aberdeenshire. in drawing up detailed action views at the time of the latest plans to implement the top consultation, and that it will have priorities as well as addressing to be regularly updated. As This initiative is sponsored by the other issues which have some projects are completed, Aberdeenshire Community been identified. other issues will arise and take Planning Partnership and run their place in future versions of by Aberdeenshire Local Rural For each priority or issue this the community plan. Partnerships. The aim is to will involve agreeing who provide community action should be involved, what It is recommended that this plan plans in an attractive, easy to resources will be needed and has a maximum life of five years. read, professionally printed target dates for completion. It format is hoped that this process will be driven by representatives of the community with support -moral, technical & financial - from the relevant Partners.

Thanks are due to all of the Ballater & Crathie Community who submitted their views, contributed to the validation of priorities and helped finalise the actions. Thanks to the Community Groups who provided resources. Thanks to those who provided photography. Also, thanks to the agencies who supported our Community to undertake this process.

For further information Ballater and Crathie Community Action Team

Email: [email protected] Marr Area Partnership Cairngorms National Park Offices • Victoria & Albert Memorial Hall Station Square • Ballater • AB35 5PQ

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