Aberdeen City Council Committee

ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL

COMMITTEE: Area Committee South

DATE: 28 May 2009

CORPORATE DIRECTOR: John Tomlinson (Lead for Culture & Learning)

TITLE OF REPORT: Review of Neighbourhood Community Planning, and Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Delivery Programmes for 2009/10

1. PURPOSE OF REPORT

To provide an annual review for the year 2008/09 on progress with Neighbourhood Community Planning, including actions delivered, major and long-term projects and identified areas for development.

The report also provides detail on the Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Delivery Programmes for each Neighbourhood for 2009/10. Elected Members should note that these Delivery Programmes are active documents and will be further populated as Council Service Plans are finalised and new actions agreed.

2. RECOMMENDATION(S)

It is recommended that the Committee: (a) Notes the progress with implementation of the NCAP actions for 2008/09. (b) Notes the identified areas for development of the Neighbourhood Community Planning process. (c) Approve the Annual Neighbourhood Delivery Programmes for 2009/10, as circulated previously to Members. (d) Approve that emergent issues are addressed through line-management/ partnership arrangements and existing budgets, with any resource issues reported to Committee for decision.

3. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Neighbourhood Planning is delivered within current revenue budget streams. The intention is to move towards a position where the priorities identified through individual Neighbourhood Community Action Plans are directly linked to the Service Plans, Team Plans, and the budget-setting process for each of the Services within the new Council structure. Progress on implementing Neighbourhood Community Action Plans is subject to available budgets and priorities within other Plans.

4. SERVICE & COMMUNITY IMPACT

The development and implementation of Neighbourhood Community Action Plans contributes to: • All the Community Plan Challenges, • The Council’s Vision to be “a city which is vibrant, dynamic and forward looking – an even better place to live and work, where people can expect high-quality services that meet their needs”, and, • The Administration’s commitment to consult and work with partners, the private and voluntary sectors and Aberdeen’s citizens. • Relates either directly or indirectly to all 15 National Outcomes of the Single Outcome Agreement between Aberdeen’s Community Planning partnership and the Scottish Government.

5. OTHER IMPLICATIONS

The delivery of neighbourhood planning in Aberdeen is undertaken by five Neighbourhood Community Planning Officers working alongside Community Planning Partners and other agencies. The structure of the service is currently under review to take account of the reduction in staff, re-alignment of Council services and partnership working.

6. REPORT

Background

The first 37 Neighbourhood Community Action Plans were developed between 2003 and 2005, and then published for each Neighbourhood throughout the City, in early 2006, based on information obtained from the Planning for Real exercises carried out the previous year.

These plans were originally produced to cover the period 2006-09 and it was recognised that they would need to be reviewed on a regular basis, to ensure they were responsive to changes within the communities, and that the priorities were still relevant.

It was also recognised that plans would need to respond to ongoing and annual consultation and engagement with local communities, together with feedback and progress from within the Council, and other Community Planning partners, in line with the approved framework for Neighbourhood Networks, which is attached as Appendix 1. The current arrangements for the development and reporting on Neighbourhood Community Action Plans are as follows:

1. The development and format of the 2009/10 Neighbourhood Community Action Plans and their Delivery Programmes conform to a common citywide template, which was considered by the Locality Planning Forum at its meeting on 23 April 2009; 2. The Delivery Programmes contain defined projects developed in response to both strategic and neighbourhood priority issues; 3. Copies of the 2009/10 Neighbourhood Community Action Plans along with the Delivery Programmes have been circulated previously and are deposited in the Members’ lounge; 4. Updates on the implementation of the Neighbourhood Delivery Programmes will be reported twice yearly; namely by way of a six month review in September 2008 and an annual review in March 2009; 5. Elected members, together with other Neighbourhood Network stakeholders will receive Neighbourhood Bulletins on a quarterly basis.

Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Progress for 2008-2009

Throughout 2008/09, progress on annual Delivery Programmes has been reported regularly to Committee. This has included the successful delivery of many actions to meet targets, and reporting on those that are either no longer relevant, or have been delayed for justifiable reasons. In some cases, larger scale, or complex projects have been ‘rolled over’ for inclusion in the 2009/10 Delivery Programmes. Detail on this progress for each Neighbourhood is set in Table 1 of Section 3 of the respective Neighbourhood Community Action Plans which are at Appendix 2 to this report.

Neighbourhood Community Action Plans & Delivery Programmes for 2009/10

The Neighbourhood Community Action Plans, incorporating the annual Delivery Programmes for 2009/10 have been circulated previously and are deposited in the Members’ lounge.

Emerging Priorities for 2009/10

In South Aberdeen, Neighbourhood Community Planning Officers have undertaken consultation with community organisations; including Community Councils; Tenants’ Associations and Community Forums. This has taken place at meetings throughout the year and through the “Have Your Say” leaflets. In January 2009 community representatives were invited to participate in the ‘Spring into Action’ community engagement event in the South area held at Kaimhill School. A market place forum encouraged delegates to raise priority issues and seek responses from a wide variety of partners. The emerging priorities 2009-2010 are summarised as follows:

S1 Culter • Local Development Planning • Western Peripheral Route • Youth Activities • Traffic Management • Profile of Police and Community Wardens

S2 Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber • Local Development Planning • Western Peripheral Route • Youth Activities • The 3Rs Project at Cults Academy and Community Access

S3 Hazlehead • The 3Rs Project at Hazlehead Primary School and Community Access • Youth Participation and Actvities • Local Development Planning • Activities for Older People • Community Newsletter

S4 Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill & Seafield • Local Development Planning • Activities/Services for Young People

S5 Garthdee • Local Development Planning – Garthdee Master Plan • Community Safety including vandalism, anti-social behaviour, graffiti, drug- dealing • Profile of Police and Community Wardens

S6 Ferryhill • Community Safety – wider use of CCTV, use of City Wardens • Road and pavement maintenance • Community facilities – extension to Community centre

S7 Kincorth,Leggart & Nigg • Partnership in Prevention and Intervention • Actvities/Services for Young People • Local Development Planning

S8 Torry • ACC to address funding costs of expanding Torry Neighbourhood Centre • Provision of affordable family homes with gardens • Tackle mental health issues • Develop projects for alcohol and drug abuse

S9 Cove • Progress on Henderson Complex • Protection and enhancement of the Conservation Area of Cove • A new secondary school • Road and footpath improvements • Master Plan for Cove • Local allotments • Teenage use of Cove Library

S10 West End • Increase community engagement • Property management (Factoring) Scheme • Community safety and Community Wardens

Review of Planning Process, 2006-2009

Reflecting on our experience of Neighbourhood Planning to date, we can identify a number of areas for development. These are set out below. In addition there is a need to re-design the detail of our approach to fit the managerial re-structuring being undertaken by both the City Council and Grampian Police. To make the review and design more effective, a small working group has been established by the Locality Planning Forum to report by December 2009 so that any changes can be incorporated into our new management arrangements. The working group will be chaired by Councillor Mark McDonald and include officer representation from CMT, the Head of Community Planning and Regeneration and representatives from Grampian Police, NHS Grampian and the Civic Forum. Proposals will ultimately be reported to TACA and the Policy and Strategy Committee for approval and action on the learning to date in order to achieve effective Neighbourhood Planning in the future.

1. Community Engagement Criticism has been made about the quality and level of community engagement as part of the neighbourhood planning process. This has, in part been generated by the varied approaches across the City and misconceptions created by the different arrangements that existed for Neighbourhood Networks.

Action Points: • Consideration should be given to adoption of a citywide approach to community consultation. • Regular feedback and communication should be integral to effective community engagement by all partners. 2. Issue identification This is the outcome of the stakeholder engagement and analysis of neighbourhood data taking into account national,regional and local priorities.

Over the period wide ranging matters were defined as issues. A particular strength was the diversity of engagement models which had developed in neighbourhoods to facilitate the identification process. This is evidence of a genuine response to local circumstances. However issue identification has been hampered by a lack of capacity to analyse data and provide informed management information together with an inability to extract day to day issues and identify priorities for action. This together with the lack of partnership capacity to respond to the complete range of issues and limited feedback to stakeholders has had negative impact on the credibility of the process.

Action Points: • Citywide use of terminology in relation to issues and priorities should be standardised. • Priority should be given to data analysis and presentation of meaningful management information to present issues and inform prioritisation. • Day to day “issues” should be addressed as mainstream activity allowing priority actions and larger-scale projects to be addressed through multi- agency tasking and co-ordination. • Feedback to stakeholders on prioritising of issues must take place.

3. Service Provider Communication Practice has indicated that communication of neighbourhood issues to service providers has not always been clear enough to elicit a focused response and service providers have not always been receptive to alternative ways of identifying their respective work programmes.

Action Points: • Issues raised for each neighbourhood or across a range of neighbourhoods require to be notified to service providers in a meaningful format capable of initiating a practical service response. • Identified priority actions require to be formatted into operational actions to make the service response effective. Not all actions will have direct community impacts since effective responses require activities that are not always visible.

4. Tasking and Joined up Working This is the core role of the Tasking &Co-ordinating groups. After consideration, issues are allocated to services and/or Partner agencies to initiate appropriate service responses which will include prioritisation in line with national and local priorities and available funding. Community planning requires ‘joined up’ approaches to delivery. The Tasking &Co-ordinating Group provides for the attendance of all appropriate service suppliers in the public and voluntary sectors as a means of ensuring service delivery co- ordination. Poor attendance at Tasking and Co-ordination Groups has clearly negated one of the principle objectives of community planning, namely the requirement to engage partners fully and pool resources in devising collaborative responses to neighbourhood concerns.

Action Points: • Improved attendance at Tasking & Co-ordinating Groups needs to be tackled and ways found to ensure that appropriate attendance can be assured taking into account the capacity of partner organisations. • The composition of Tasking &Co-ordinating Groups is worthy of revision to take account of diminished attendance. Closer linkage to TACA Forums perhaps needs to be considered. • Prioritisation of action must be evidence-based and clearly communicated. • Citywide actions or those common to a number of neighbourhoods should be tackled in a more co-ordinated way. • Community Planning Partners need to embed the neighbourhood planning approach in their service and organisational planning and avoid a cultural attitude which continues to marginalise community/neighbourhood planning in service delivery

5. Monitoring and Review Records are required to support effective monitoring and review of the process; most notably the progress of service responses to priority issues. Service providers need to be accountable for their performance in this process.

Action Points: • Actions in the Neighbourhood Community Actions Plans should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. • Tasking of actions must, necessarily, have a timetable attached and a reporting process in place to allow monitoring and reporting of service response. • Actions should be monitored and reported to stakeholders according to specified timelines – this will provide transparency in delivery. • Recognition of the need for administrative support for the function of performance management and supply of management information is integral to any review of neighbourhood planning.

6. The ‘Golden Thread’

Neighbourhood planning should demonstrate linkage to agreed national, regional and local strategies and objectives thus ensuring a golden thread running through both planning and service delivery. Under the approach adopted in 2006-9, ‘twin track’ planning and performance reporting mechanisms were adopted. A significant amount of service and partner organisation planning developed discretely. In addition, separate and discrete Neighbourhood Community Action Plans were developed for all 37 neighbourhoods city wide. This approach created its own difficulties as it facilitated the separation of neighbourhood planning from service and partner organisation planning and encouraged the perception of the former as a ‘bolt on’ to the latter; it marginalised neighbourhood planning in some service areas; and it created a burdensome ‘paper chase’ for operational personnel which in itself stimulated negative perceptions of the neighbourhood planning process.

Action Points: • Neighbourhood Community Action Plans need to incorporate actions from service and partner organisation plans with clear sign-posting to national, regional and local priorities. • Means of achieving more integrated planning and service delivery should be prioritised across the Community Planning Partnership. • Neighbourhood Planning should have a clear linkage into the TACA framework of Challenge Forums in order to establish a unity of thought and a consistency of action at all levels

7. AUTHORISED SIGNATURE

John Tomlinson Corporate Director, Lead for Culture & Learning [email protected] (01224) 814501

……………………………………………………….

8. REPORT AUTHOR DETAILS

Jane Nicklen – Service Manager (Communities) [email protected] (01224) 522424

9. BACKGROUND PAPERS

Neighbourhood Services (South Area) Neighbourhood Community Action Plans and Delivery Programmes for 2008/09, and 2009/10. NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK Appendix I

TASKING & CO- ELECTED ORDINATING CORE ACTIVITIES MEMBERS GROUP

• Establish an annual planning cycle • Bring together officers from • bring a local perspective Council & Partners to manage • bring a city wide process • Identify issues perspective • Meet regularly (at least 6 per year) • help mediate community • Collate & present issues based on • Agree priorities views analysis of: • use the network to help - community voice inform Council decisions - elected members’ views • Communication (& vice versa) - local data (N’hood Profile) - service providers’ experience • Tasking and Co-ordinating on: • Task & co-ordinate action • NCAP priorities • Establish annual planning & • Closing the Gap issues delivery cycle COMMUNITY • Hot Spot issues REPRESENTATIVES • Performance Improvement • Statutory duties ALL OPERATIONAL STAFF WHO RELATE TO THE • Network events NEIGHBOURHOOD (at least 6 monthly) • bring views, experiences & insights of residents on • On-going dialogue between issues & service provision agencies and the community • identify community • Offer service delivery experience & representatives to thematic overviews participate • Tasked to contribute to integrated service • Community networking • support communication responses to deliver specific outcomes with the wider community • Report on progress of current work • participate in discussion of • Tasked to provide technical analysis of issues, priorities & options performance.

Everyone shown here is part of the Neighbourhood Network. Operational staff includes all teachers, police, housing staff, health visitors, social workers, grounds staff etc, etc, whose work impacts on the neighbourhood 1 Neighbourhood Planning Framework Appendix 2

Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Delivery Programmes for 2009-2010

Please note that these are live documents which are subject to change throughout the year. Current versions will be placed on the Aberdeen City Community Planning website at www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.uk or are obtainable through the Neighbourhood Community Planning Officers. West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 If you need this publication in an alternative format (large print, audio tape etc) please contact the Interpreting and Translating Service. Tel: 01224 523542

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 Contents

Page Section 1 Introduction 1

Section 2 West End Today 3

Neighbourhood Map 5

Section 3 Neighbourhood Planning Progress to Date 6

Table 1 Neighbourhood Planning Progress to 6 Date

Section 4 Priority Issues for 2009/10 7

Table 2 West End Neighbourhood Priorities 15 2009/10

Section 5 Stakeholder and Community Engagement 18

Section 6 Neighbourhood Contacts for West End 19

Appendix I West End Neighbourhood Delivery 20 Programme 2009/10

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 Section 1. Introduction

This Neighbourhood Community Action Plan explains the background to community planning and how this relates to the West End neighbourhood.

The Scottish Government emphasises that community planning is important because of its potential to reduce inequalities and improve everyone’s quality of life. Community planning was made a statutory duty in the Local Government in Scotland Act, 2003.

Aberdeen City Council has the lead role in delivering community planning within Aberdeen, working in partnership with organisations that have a legal duty to participate. These are NHS Grampian, Grampian Police, Grampian Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Enterprise Grampian. Collectively, this partnership is known as The Aberdeen City Alliance (TACA), which must fully involve local communities in planning and providing better public services.

For more information about TACA’s members and their aims, access the TACA homepage:- http://www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.uk

TACA produced the City’s community plan, which was first published in November 2001 and has since been revised to incorporate the Single Outcome Agreement. The Single Outcome Agreement, (SOA), between TACA and The Scottish Government sets out how TACA will deliver on a number of national outcomes that the public sector in Scotland will be expected to achieve. For more information about the SOA, access the TACA website as above.

Community Planning is based on three principles. These are:-

• to listen to what local people want for their City;

• to agree on the priorities (to address the City’s needs); and

• to agree to tackle them together.

Then, real and lasting improvements will be achieved for the City and for the people who live here.

To ensure that this happens, work has continued throughout 2008/09 to develop a Neighbourhood Network within every neighbourhood, including West End. The Neighbourhood Network is not a formal group; it is an informal network of the key stakeholders in the neighbourhood, namely:-

1. Community representatives, which include residents and community members who have an interest in part, or all, of the neighbourhood;

2. Elected Members who are Aberdeen City Councillors with responsibility for part, or all, of the neighbourhood;

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 1 3. The Service Managers (resource holders and decision-makers for local services from Aberdeen City Council and its community planning partners) that sit on the neighbourhood Tasking and Co-ordinating Groups, which have accountability for tackling neighbourhood issues and monitoring progress;

4. Front-line staff whose work relates to the neighbourhood and can inform and implement action on neighbourhood priorities;

The purpose of the Neighbourhood Network is to identify neighbourhood priorities and ways to tackle them and then to regularly report back to stakeholders on progress. The Neighbourhood Network seeks to:-

1. Plan and deliver services and interventions which improve the quality of life for residents in the neighbourhood,

2. Identify local issues and agree on the neighbourhood’s priorities,

3. Encourage services to work together and respond to local neighbourhood priorities in a co-ordinated manner,

4. Create opportunities for on-going dialogue between agencies and with the communities they serve, and

5. Support citizens and community groups to participate at the earliest opportunity in the planning and delivery of local services.

The annual planning cycle includes neighbourhood network events, which give the opportunity for all stakeholders to come together to agree on local priority issues and review how well the agreed priorities are being addressed by services. Regular updates are also provided to all stakeholders to ensure they are kept up to date on the progress of agreed priorities.

This Neighbourhood Community Action Plan (NCAP) details how this is to be achieved in West End and what actions are taking place, locally, to improve the quality of life for West End residents.

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 2

Section 2. West End Today

The West End neighbourhood is located in the heart of Aberdeen, to the west of the city centre. The neighbourhood is bordered to the west by North Anderson Drive, north by Kings Gate and Fountainhall Road, east by Whitehall Place, south by Albert Street, Waverley Place, Victoria Street, Alford Place, Holburn Street, returning back to North Anderson Drive along Great Western Road.

In 2008, an estimated 9,060 people resided in the West End, a reduction of approximately 400 individuals since the 2001 Census. The 25-34 year age group age group accounts for 20% of the population, a sizeable increase on the city average of 15%.

There are 4588 households in the West End with the housing type being predominately Victorian granite built properties, although many modern flatted developments have been built or converted from original dwellings in the neighbourhood recently. The housing in the West End is predominately private with 77% of houses being owned, a significant increase on the Aberdeen average of 61%.

The West End contains one of eleven conservation areas located within the boundaries of Aberdeen city. Significant listed streets encompass Forest Road, Albert Terrace, Albyn Place and Carden Place including St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and Melville Carden Place Church amongst others. The Queens Cross area, particularly Queens Road and Albyn Place is home to the offices of many finance businesses who have moved into the old Victorian mansion houses. There are also a number of exclusive restaurants and bars in the area, including the l Malmaison boutique hotel which opened in November 2008 on Queens Road.

The West End neighbourhood is serviced by a wealth of education establishments, including both public and private facilities. Harlaw Academy, located on Albyn Place only has 14 pupils attending from the neighbourhood, which is in contrast to Aberdeen Grammar School where West End pupils comprise 29% of the school roll (332/1151 pupils). The majority of primary age school children attend Ashley Road Primary School (286), 53 attend St Joseph’s RC School and 48 attend Mile End School. The three private schools in the West End neighbourhood are St Margaret’s School for Girls, the Hamilton School and Albyn School, which together have a combined roll of 1,100 pupils.

Harlaw / Queen’s Cross Community Council services the West End neighbourhood and has been established for more than two hundred meetings. The Community Council are vocal in the neighbourhood, representing residents on issues of local interest and participating in city wide forums.

The Granite Gazette newsletter is distributed in the West End, and is a community directory with local services and events listed and monthly Community Councils reports.

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 3 A useful source of local information which contains a range of statistical information for the West End neighbourhood can be found in the Neighbourhood Profile, published by Aberdeen City Council’s. Copies of this document are available from the key contacts listed in Section 6, or can be downloaded from the internet from www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 4 "[INSERT NEIGHBOURHOOD MAP]"

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 5 Section 3. Neighbourhood Planning Progress to Date

A three year West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan was published in 2006 for the period 2006-2009. Informed by local consultation, the Plan identified the priorities that local people, Councillors and services wanted to see tackled to improve the quality of life of residents and neighbourhoods as a whole. To keep abreast of new community concerns and emerging neighbourhood needs, consultation has since taken place on an annual basis to inform updated, annual summary plans.

Some of the key issues raised, and actions taken to address them, are presented in Table 1, below:-

Table 1 NCAP Progress to date.

Theme Issue(s) Progress To date • Forest Road does not have a safe • A new pedestrian crossing was installed in pedestrian crossing March 2009.

• To investigate the level of neighbourhood • A multi agency approach between Aberdeen disputes City Council’s Community Safety team and SACRP (Safeguarding Communities- Reducing Conflict) established very low Community Safety levels of dispute at the present. Continued monitoring will appraise the situation.

o To enforce car parking regulations and o City warden teams were launched early in improve community safety 2009 and are addressing hot spots and longer terms areas of concern

o To develop a Property Management o The project has been suspended and is Scheme to ensure all apartment owners anticipated to come back online during contribute to communal charges, repairs 2009/10 with tenders being sought during Environment and improvements autumn 2009.

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 6 Section 4. Priority Issues for 2009/10

Over the past year, community planning partners in Aberdeen City Council, Grampian Police, NHS Grampian, Grampian Fire and Rescue and the voluntary sector have worked to improve the way they work with community representatives to identify neighbourhood priorities.

Neighbourhood priorities have been identified for the 2009/10 West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan by reviewing information from the following broad ranging sources:-

4.1 Previous Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Issues: Assessing progress delivery over the past year and whether issues remain relevant for 2009/10,

4.2 Community feedback: ongoing dialogue between communities, Aberdeen City Councillors and services,

4.3 City/Service priorities: Consideration of community planning partners’ service plans, reflecting available resources and national targets, and

4.4 Statistical information: new or updated neighbourhood statistics

Each of these four strands of information is summarised in Table 2.

4.1 Previous Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Issues

Community Safety • Increased enforcement of car parking and promoting community safety Environment • To develop and introduce a Property Management Scheme for all apartment owners

4.2 Community Feedback

During 2007/8, community organisations, including community councils, tenants’ associations and community forums were consulted at meetings throughout the year and through the “Have Your Say” leaflets. In January 2009 community representatives were invited to participate in the ‘Spring into Action’ community engagement event in the South area held at Kaimhill School. Service presentations included the local environment, community safety and health and well being were well received. A market place forum encouraged delegates to seek responses from a wide variety of partners including NHS Grampian, Grampian Police, Greenspace and council departments and projects such as community planning, waste, community learning, libraries and the ranger service.

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 7 The West End residents raised the following issues:

Environment • Objections to the proposal to erect in Rubislaw Terrace Gardens a glass kiosk to sell snacks and drinks • Objections to the proposed rate of increase for the cost of a second car parking permit Community Safety • Erection of CCTV in the Albyn Lane area

Elected members have participated regularly in community planning discussions at both community council and Tasking and Coordinating meetings, the latter being facilitated by the Neighbourhood Community Planning Officers. Issues of concern to local residents have either been incorporated into the Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Delivery programme or allocated to council services for an immediate resolution.

Issues raised by the Elected Members included:

Environment • Concern over maintaining local green space in view of • development pressure around Rubislaw and Harlaw Playing Fields • To avoid establishing a precedent for the proliferation of licensed premises • To maintain and enhance the neighbourhood ‘village’ character by supporting local shops and small businesses • Overhanging and unkempt hedges affecting access along pavements • Conversion of residential properties to commercial premises adversely affecting the conservation area and community identity Community Safety • To reduce vandalism, particularly incidents of graffiti • The high rate of car crime, particularly along dimly lit side streets • To install brighter street lights in back lanes • Resident parking pressures • Road safety in areas adjacent to schools Community • The erosion of children’s play areas Facilities Health and Well • To promote and increase access to cycle routes and the Being ‘green finger’ corridor through the Kepplestone development to Duthie Park

4.3 Community Planning Partner Priorities

A number of key national, regional and city priorities have been developed to guide the work of community planning partners in the City. The Aberdeen City Alliance (TACA) has focussed on helping partners work together to tackle these priorities, which are summarised in the diagram below.

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 8 West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 9 The Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) between Aberdeen’s Community Planning partnership and the Scottish Government sets out how services will deliver on a number of national outcomes that the public sector in Scotland will be expected to achieve. The National outcomes are:

National Outcomes

1. We live in a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing business in Europe.

2. We realize our full economic potential with more and better employment opportunities for our people.

3. We are better educated, more skilled and more successful, renowned for our research and innovation.

4. Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.

5. Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed.

6. We live longer, healthier lives.

7. We have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society.

8. We have improved the life chances for children, young people and families at risk.

9. We live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger.

10. We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need.

11. We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others.

12. We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations.

13. We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive national identity.

14. We reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production.

15. Our public services are high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsive to local people’s needs.

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 10

4.4 Statistical Information

West End Profiling

Statistical Profiles were published for each of the City’s 37 neighbourhoods in 2004 and updated in 2006. The Neighbourhood Profiles provide information on population and age structure, housing and households, economic characteristics, education, deprivation, accidents, crime, fire and childcare.

In 2008, instead of producing full socio-economic profiles for each of the 37 neighbourhoods, tables of updated statistics were placed on the Community Planning website. These updated tables and the full Profiles published in 2004 and 2006 can be accessed online at:- http://www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.uk

The following statistics are linked to the priority themes:

Community Safety

• Whilst the West End has relatively low rates of drug possession and supply and only an average rate of shoplifting crimes as shared with the rate for Aberdeen (7 per 1,000 population), housebreaking in the neighbourhood is the seventh highest across the city with 61 incidents in 2008 with a rate of 13 per 1,000 population. Car crime in 2008 remained higher than the city average, and was recorded as the tenth worst neighbourhood with 107 crimes.

Prosperity and Jobs

• Unemployment figures have experienced a consistent number of persons unemployed in 2007 and 2008, accounting for less than 0.4% of the working population in the neighbourhood as being out of work.

• The number of people claiming Disability Living Allowance in the West End is 50 accounting for 0.5% of claimants in Aberdeen and is the lowest record in the city. Those claiming Incapacity Benefit are also the lowest in Aberdeen with 45 receiving the benefit in 2008 out of 10,500 claimants. Only 20 claimants claimed Income Support in the West End in 2008.

Health and Wellbeing

• In terms of the health of residents in the West End there has been a reduction in the incidence of cancer related deaths from 186.06 per 100,000 population for the period 1998-2002 to 157.20 in 2003-2007. This is the eighth lowest rate for all neighbourhoods in Aberdeen and a marked improvement for the community. Deaths from heart disease have witnessed a similar reduction, from 158.6 in 1998- 2002 to 127.7 in 2003-2007. A further significant reduction is the rate of death resulting from strokes with a 27% drop between the two reporting periods down to 82.53 per 100,000 population.

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 11 • The rates of psychiatric cases have however witnessed an increase from the period 1998-2002 with 575.79 per 100,000 population to 717.2 for the period 2003-2007; an increase of 25%.

• The number of babies born in the West End from 2003-2007 was 474. Although 2.8 % of babies had a low birth weight and 4.1% were born prematurely, both these figures fall well below the Scottish average of 6.6% and 6.1% respectively.

Community Facilities

• The West End enjoys a high level of child care including 5 Day Nurseries (second only to Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield neighbourhood), 5 After School Care programmes and 4 Private Independent Nursery Schools, both statistics being the highest recorded in Aberdeen.

Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD)

Initially published in 2004 and updated in 2006, the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) collates data from geographic areas (or data zones) with a population of between approximately 700 and 1,000 people). There are 267 data zones in Aberdeen and 6,505 in total across Scotland. The SIMD is the Scottish Government’s official tool for identifying small geographical concentrations of multiple deprivation. Data is collected under seven “deprivation” domains and an overall “combined” domain: -

• Combined (all domains) • Current Income • Employment • Crime • Health • Housing • Education, Skills and Training • Geographic Access to Services

The main changes since the SIMD 2004 are:

• The number of deprived data zones in Aberdeen has increased from 18 in SIMD 2004 to 27 in the SIMD 2006.

• The number of employment-deprived data zones increased from 9 to 27.

The reasons for the changes between SIMD 2004 and SIMD 2006 include:

• A significant loss of working age population in the most deprived parts of Aberdeen.

• The addition of a crime domain.

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 12 • Actual changes in deprivation

• Relative changes in other areas

The West End neighborhood contains several deprived data zones reported in the SIMD in 2006. One data zone is ranked 28/269 in Aberdeen for crime deprivation, reported in the 0-5% most deprived areas in Scotland. Scotland. One other data zone in the West End is reported in the 10-15% most deprived areas in Scotland for housing.

Health Traffic Lights

Another key neighbourhood data source is the “Health Traffic Lights”. Published in 2005 by NHS Grampian, a revised set of traffic light data is due to be issued during 2009. From the data available to date, the West End neighbourhood records significantly higher rates than the Scottish average in a number of Post Code areas for a number of issues including;

AB25 1

• 104% increase in hospital admissions resulting from suicide or self harm • 79% increase in deaths attributable to smoking

AB23 2

• 48% higher death rate than the Scottish average • 6% lower life expectancy for males • 9% lower MMR immunisation rate • 55% increase in deaths attributable to cancer

AB10 1

• 17% rise in teenage pregnancies • 40% increase in hospital admissions resulting from suicide or self harm • 70% increase in deaths attributable to cancer

AB10 6

• 14% increase in rise of low birth weight babies

Work will continue throughout 2009/10 to improve the way in which statistical information about the West End neighbourhood is captured and how it is then used to inform service delivery.

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 13

4.5 Next Steps

The key findings from the four information strands summarised above are presented in Table 2, “Neighbourhood Priorities for 2009/10”.

Table 2 also highlights what the next steps are to tackle the identified priorities. These next steps have been developed into a set of neighbourhood actions for the 2009/10 NCAP Delivery Programme, which can found at the end of this document. The Delivery Programme will develop over the coming year as further statistical information and community feedback is collated and analysed and resources are identified.

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 14 Table 2 West End Neighbourhood Priorities 2009/10

Theme Issues Community Neighbourhood City/Service Next Steps Feedback Statistics Priorities 36% of properties are To develop a Property flats/apartments and The project has been Management Scheme 19% of properties are suspended and is to ensure all apartment An existing issue privately rented, but Wealthier and Fairer anticipated to come owners contribute to raised at community only 2% of housing is back online during communal charges, engagement event council rented Housing 2009/10 with tenders repairs and and considered being sought during improvements since 2006 Has one data zone in autumn 2009. the 10-15% domain for housing Previous NCAP Issue deprivation Trial of resident only Environment bays north of Union Street. Review trial and Continued concern possible rollout of that developments The transport programme across Access and availability are resulting in infrastructure inner city of residents parking further erosion of High levels of car car parking and crime during 2008 Car park to be built in seeking review of Improve sustainable second phase of existing schemes travel options Rubislaw Pavilion

Enable regular communication with community

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 15 Theme Issues Community Neighbourhood City/Service Next Steps Feedback Statistics Priorities

Raised by elected Higher than average Safer and Stronger Identity affected areas members responding rates of car crime and develop service Dim street lighting to community and housebreakings Violence and plan to replace and affecting community concerns; disorder reduction upgrade lighting safety with residents March 2009 feeling unsafe

Overhanging and Largest population unkempt hedges Raised by elected sector increase has Safer and stronger Environmental review affecting access for members responding been in the 45-65 of the affected areas children and older to community age group since the Improve sustainable and residents will be Environment people along concerns; 2001 census. Those travel option asked to responsibly pavements March 2009 aged 45+ account manage the vegetation for 37% of the on their property population

Concern that developments, both Raised by elected Wealthier and Fairer The West End Prepare and publish the commercial and members contains proposed Aberdeen residential are responding to Housing Conservation Area 4 Local Development adversely affecting the community with many areas of Plan conservation area and concerns; The Continued local, regional and local character of the March 2009 Development of national significance Engagement with local neighbourhood and Neighbourhood communities loss of childrens’ play Planning areas

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 16 Community Neighbourhood City/Service Theme Issues Next Steps Feedback Statistics Priorities

2000 secondary school pupils, 400 Healthier To improve and Primary pupils and Raised by elected Review and assessment enhance the cycling 9 nurseries are in members responding The transport of community and walking pathways the West End Environment to community infrastructure considerations and and links to other concerns; requirements neighbourhoods and 9,000 residents; 4th March 2009 Improve sustainable areas of interest highest population travel options of all neighbourhoods

Safer and Stronger Assess traffic safety Raised by elected 2000 secondary budget for 2009/10 and members responding school pupils, 400 Children- Healthy identify priorities to community Primary pupils and Minds and Bodies concerns; children attend 9 Approach local primary Road safety, March 2009 nurseries in the The transport schools with an example particularly in West End on a daily infrastructure school road safety Community proximity to schools Concern documented basis campaign and assist Safety and issue of the on the Ashley Road Improve sustainable with individual volume of parent cars School website by travel options implementation/ update pupils

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 17 Section 5. Stakeholder and Community Engagement

Engaging communities in a dialogue about neighbourhood needs, priorities and responses is an essential element of Neighbourhood Planning.

To ensure communities can influence service delivery in their neighbourhood, they need to be involved in an ongoing dialogue with the other stakeholders and to have an input at critical stages of the annual neighbourhood planning cycle.

A key stage in the annual cycle is in spring, when communities need an opportunity to review the implementation and impact of the NCAP for the year ending 31 March. This informs and kick-starts the discussion on future priorities.

One of the most critical times in the annual cycle is in autumn, when discussions on future priorities should conclude. The autumn milestone means that neighbourhood priorities can be built into Services’ budget setting processes at an early stage. This also means that the Neighbourhood Community Action Plan (NCAP) for the following financial year only contains actions that have secured the necessary resource commitment from the key service(s) involved.

The result is that communities can have an influence at each stage in the overlapping annual planning cycles.

The effectiveness of community engagement in neighbourhood planning is dependent upon:

• Stakeholders and partners providing relevant data and entering into dialogue with community representatives.

• A networking approach to encourage participation from all sections of each community.

• Adherence to the National Standards for Community Engagement.

• Engagement support for community groups, provided by Community Learning & Development.

• Engagement support for Service representatives, provided by Neighbourhood Community Planning Officers.

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 18 Section 6. Neighbourhood Contacts for West End

Name Tel Email

Aberdeen Ruth Morris 01224 523043 [email protected] City Council Neighbourhood Community Planning Officer Peter Sanderson 01224 868858 [email protected] Principal Community Learning Worker

Craig Singer 01224 311996 [email protected] Principal Community Learning Worker Jane Nicklen 01224 522424 [email protected] Service Manager (Communities)

Community Councillor Jim Farquharson 01224 523041 [email protected] Contacts Councillor Martin Greig 01224 523990 [email protected]

Councillor Jennifer Stewart 01224 523511 [email protected]

Councillor John West 01224 523597 [email protected]

Graeme Craig, Chair 01224 209676 [email protected] Queen's Cross/Harlaw Community Council

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 19 Appendix I. West End Delivery Programme 2009/10 Appendix 1

Ref Project Actions/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links

To develop a Property To re-establish the September 2009 Management Scheme programme, identify area for Andy Pitblado SOA 10. We live in to ensure all test case and put Private Sector Housing well-designed, sustainable places WE. apartment owners consultation to tender Strategy Officer where we are able 01 contribute to Aberdeen City Council communal charges, Scheme to be established April 2010 01224 538034 to access the repairs and on site amenities and improvements services we need.

Ruth Milne To trial ‘resident only’ bays Technical Officer in three of the six inner city April 2011 Road Safety and Traffic parking zones, including the Management Team SOA 10. We live in West Aberdeen City Council well-designed, 01224 523475 sustainable places WE. To develop resident Car park with 52 bays to be where we are able 02 parking scheme built in second phase of to access the Nigel Spencer Rubislaw Pavilion for users amenities and Project Officer of the facility; therefore not services we need. June 2009 Aberdeen City Council adversely affecting 01224 523357 residents parking in the immediate vicinity

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 20 Ref Project Actions/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links To identify specific locations Councillor Martin Greig Review and replace in the West End and report Hazlehead/Ashley/Queen street light bulbs to Aberdeen City Council s Cross (Ward No 10) where considered low Aberdeen City Council SOA 9. We live our WE. lighting levels to May 2009 01224 585549 lives safe from 03 combat community To review street lighting in Brian Strachan crime, disorder and safety concerns the identified areas and Engineer danger. replace bulbs and upgrade August 2009 Aberdeen City Council where appropriate 01224 241565 To identify specific locations Councillor Martin Greig in the West End and report Hazlehead/Ashley/Queen to Aberdeen City Council s Cross (Ward No 10) May 2009 Aberdeen City Council Environmental 01224 585549 review of hedges Occupiers of affected SOA 12. We value and vegetation premises will be issued with and enjoy our built adjacent to a standard letter to address June 2009 and natural WE. pavements and the vegetation within 28 environment and 04 action taken where days Steven Shaw protect it and necessary to Environmental Manager enhance it for promote access for Affected areas will remain Aberdeen City Council future generations. pedestrians under review and further September 2009 01224 489273 action taken where necessary to maintain access

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 21 Ref Project Actions/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links Stage 1: Publish and proves the Development Plan June 2009 SOA 1. We live in Scheme a Scotland that is Stage 2: Publish Main the most attractive Issues Report and issue to September 2009 place for doing persons and key agencies business in Europe. Stage 3: Publish Proposed Aberdeen Local SOA 10. We live in Development Plan and Toby Coke well-designed, September 2010 notify to persons and key Planner (Development sustainable places Formulate, develop agencies – 6 week public Plan) where we are able WE. and publish the new consultation Planning & Infrastructure to access the 05 Aberdeen Local Strategic Leadership amenities and Development Plan Stage 4: Consider November 2010- Aberdeen City Council services we need. objections to the Plan & Feburay 2011 01224 5233778 Environmental Report SOA 12. We value and enjoy our built Submit to Scottish Ministers April 2011 and natural to appoint an Examination environment and of the Plan protect it and enhance it for Receive report of the December 2011 future generations. Examination

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 22 Ref Project Actions/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links Stage 5: Constitute as the WE. new Local Development April 2012 05 Plan

Review and assessment of SOA 6. We live community considerations longer, healthier and requirements September 2009 lives.

SOA 10. We live in well-designed, sustainable places Louise Napier where we are able Senior Planner to access the To develop and WE. (Infrastructure Strategy) amenities and enhance cycling and 06 Aberdeen City Council services we need. walking routes 01224 523327 SOA 14. We Improve cycle parking, March 2010 reduce the local access and route surfaces and global environmental impact of our consumption and production.

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 23 Ref Project Actions/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links Douglas Ritchie SOA 9. We live our Assess traffic safety budget Engineer lives safe from for 2009/10 and identify June 2009 crime, disorder and To respond to Aberdeen City Council priorities and work plans danger. WE. community concerns 01224 523474 07 regarding road SOA 4. Our young safety in proximity to people are schools in the West Approach local primary Dawn Heggarty successful End schools with an example of School Travel Plan learners, confident a local school road safety June 2009 Co-ordinator individuals, campaign and assist with Aberdeen City Council effective individual implementation/ 01224 814685 contributors and update responsible citizens.

West End Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 24 Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Neighbourhood Community Action Plan 2009/10 If you need this publication in an alternative format (large print, audio tape etc) please contact the Interpreting and Translating Service. Tel: 01224 523542

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Neighbourhood Community Action Plan 2009/10 Contents

Page Section 1 Introduction 1

Section 2 Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield 3 Today

Neighbourhood Map 4

Section 3 Neighbourhood Planning Progress to Date 5

Table 1 Neighbourhood Planning Progress to 5 Date

Section 4 Priority Issues for 2009/10 7

Table 2 Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and 14 Seafield Neighbourhood Priorities 2009/10

Section 5 Stakeholder and Community Engagement 17

Section 6 Neighbourhood Contacts 18

Appendix I Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield 19 Neighbourhood Delivery Programme 2009/10

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Neighbourhood Community Action Plan 2009/10

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Neighbourhood Community Action Plan 2009/10 Section 1. Introduction

This Neighbourhood Community Action Plan explains the background to community planning and how this relates to the Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield neighbourhood.

For more information about TACA’s members and their aims, access the TACA homepage:- http://www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.uk

TACA produced the City’s community plan, which was first published in November 2001 and has since been revised to incorporate the Single Outcome Agreement. The Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) between TACA and The Scottish Government sets out how TACA will deliver on a number of national outcomes that the public sector in Scotland will be expected to achieve. For more information about the SOA, access the TACA website as above.

Community Planning is based on three principles. These are:

• to listen to what local people want for their City;

• to agree on the priorities (to address the City’s needs);

• to agree to tackle them together.

Then, real and lasting improvements will be achieved for the City and for the people who live here.

To ensure that this happens, work has continued throughout 2008/09 to develop a Neighbourhood Network within every neighbourhood, including Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield. The Neighbourhood Network is not a formal group; it is an informal network of the key stakeholders in the neighbourhood, namely:-

1. Community representatives, which include residents and community members who have an interest in part, or all, of the neighbourhood;

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 - 1 - 2. Elected Members who are Aberdeen City Councillors with responsibility for part, or all, of the neighbourhood;

4. Front-line staff whose work relates to the neighbourhood and can inform and implement action on neighbourhood priorities;

1. plan and deliver services and interventions which improve the quality of life for residents in the neighbourhood,

2. identify local issues and agree on the neighbourhood’s priorities,

3. encourage services to work together and respond to local neighbourhood priorities in a co-ordinated manner,

4. create opportunities for on-going dialogue between agencies and with the communities they serve, and

5. support citizens and community groups to participate at the earliest opportunity in the planning and delivery of local services.

This Neighbourhood Community Action Plan (NCAP) details how this is to be achieved in Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield and what actions are taking place, locally, to improve the quality of life for Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield residents.

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 - 2 - Section 2. Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Today

The neighbourhood encompasses the whole of the Community Council boundary for Braeside and Mannofield, part of the Community Council area for Ashley and Broomhill and part of the Community Council area for Craigiebuckler and Seafield.

The northern boundary extends from the junction of Springfield Road westwards along Queens Road to Anderson Drive, south to Great Western Road then east to Holburn Street.

The eastern boundary extends northwards on Pitfodels Station Road to North Deeside Road, east to Bairds Road, north west to Friarsfield Road, eastwards to the boundary of Countesswells playing fields and Airyhall Crescent, north west to Countesswells Road then continues along the path behind the properties on Countesswells Crescent, Pinewood Avenue, Macaulay Drive and Springfield Place to Springfield Road.

The neighbourhood has several shopping areas, with the main ones on Great Western Road and Countesswells Road. Retail outlets include banks, supermarkets, a post office, hair salons, pharmacies, newsagents and pet shops. The neighbourhood also has a range of small businesses and private health practitioners. Community facilities include a library at Airyhall, an NHS clinic and a community centre nearby. Mannofield Church is situated on Great Western Road opposite the shopping area, Ruthrieston West Church is on Broomhill Road and St Francis of Assisi RC Church is on Deeside Drive. There is a range of hotels and guest houses in the neighbourhood and Aberdeenshire Cricket Ground has playing facilities and a clubhouse in Mannofield.

There are two primary schools, Airyhall and Broomhill and secondary age children attend either Harlaw Academy or Hazlehead Academy.

The Neighbourhood Profile indicates that the neighbourhood has an estimated population of 11,650, which has decreased by around 430 since the 2001 census. There were decreases in all age groups except the 45-64 and 65+ age groups which rose by around 140. The majority of householders own their own homes (87%), with 77% living in detached, semi-detached or terraced accommodation and 18% living in flatted accommodation. Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield neighbourhood has less than 1% of the city’s housing stock for rent.

Most of this statistical information was published in the Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Profile 2006 by Aberdeen City Council’s Strategic Research and Information Service. This profile is available online at www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.uk

Another source of information is the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD), published October 2006. The Scottish Government uses this tool to identify small

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 - 3 - area concentrations of multiple deprivation known as data zones. Aberdeen has 267 data zones of which 27 are in the most deprived 15% of Scottish data zones.

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 - 4 - Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 - 5 - Section 3. Neighbourhood Planning Progress to Date

A three year Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Neighbourhood Community Action Plan was published in 2006 for the period 2006-2009. Informed by local consultation, the Plan identified the priorities that local people, Councillors and services wanted to see tackled to improve the quality of life of residents and neighbourhoods as a whole. To keep abreast of new community concerns and emerging neighbourhood needs, consultation has since taken place on an annual basis to inform updated, annual summary plans.

Some of the key issues raised, and actions taken to address them, are presented in Table 1, below:

Table 1 NCAP Progress to date.

Theme Issue(s) Progress To date Environment • Reduce the noise and disturbance created Adaptations have been made to the site and the by the recycling site at the rear of Airyhall containers relocated. Completed Action. Library • Provide public conveniences near Airyhall Referred to the Economic and Environmental Library and at the shops on Great Western section in 2008. A review of public conveniences Road is part of the work programme and is likely to commence in autumn 2009.

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 6 Environment • Tackle the backlog of pavement repairs and A series of meetings with residents to agree a plan resurfacing in Broomhill to create a safe of action was held throughout 2008 and essential walking environment health and safety work was completed. Further work is scheduled over 2009/10 and 2010/11. • Monitor the maintenance of the Woodies as a public open space, including the fenced Grass cutting, tree pruning and root pruning has school playing field. been included in the work programme for 2009/10.

Theme Issue(s) Progress To date Lifelong Learning • Successful completion of the 3Rs project of Regular monitoring via site visits has been a new school with community facilities at completed and arrangements are being made to And Airyhall open the new school by July 2009.

Community Facilities. • Complete the community grassed area by This is on target for completion. October 2009.

• Provide support for young people’s groups Community Learning and Development has at Airyhall Community Centre signposted groups to sources of support and funding.

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 7 Community Safety • Provide a pedestrian crossing at Broomhill This work was completed in 2007. School.

• Provide a pedestrian crossing on Broomhill This will be assessed, taking account of the Road, near to South Anderson Drive. number of pedestrians and traffic flows, in 2009.

• Monitor the effectiveness of various Grampian Police have carried out regular speed measures carried out by the Council and checks and regularly report back to community Grampian Police to address speeding and councils’ meetings. The Council’s roads section traffic management issues in Craigton Rd, implemented traffic calming measures and Countesswells Rd and Broomhill Rd. continue to monitor.

• Assess the need for a weight restriction on particular streets in Broomhill where lorries This matter is to be progressed in 2009/10. use narrow residential roads as short cuts

• Address youth disturbances at The Grampian Police is monitoring vandalism and anti- Woodies, Deeside Railway Line footpath social behaviour at the garages in The Woodies and Broomhill School playground. and at the school. Surveillance at the Deeside Line is carried out.

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 8 Section 4. Priority Issues for 2009/10

Neighbourhood priorities have been identified for the 2009/10 Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Neighbourhood Community Action Plan by reviewing information from the following broad ranging sources:-

4.1 Previous Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Issues: Assessing progress delivery over the past year and whether issues remain relevant for 2009/10,

4.2 Community feedback: ongoing dialogue between communities, Aberdeen City Councillors and services,

4.3 City/Service priorities: Consideration of community planning partners’ service plans, reflecting available resources and national targets, and

4.4 Statistical information: new or updated neighbourhood statistics Each of these four strands of information is summarised in Table 2.

4.1 Previous Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Issues

• Continue to carry out pavement repairs and resurfacing in Broomhill • Consideration of the provision of public conveniences at two locations • Completion and opening of the new Airyhall School with community facilities • Assess the requirement for a pedestrian crossing on Broomhill Road • Assess the need for a weight restriction in the Broomhill area roads

4.2 Community Feedback

During 2007/8, community organisations were consulted at meetings and through the “Have Your Say” Community Engagement Programme. Some emerging priorities became part of the 2008/09 Community Action Plan. In early 2009, community organisations’ representatives participated in an engagement event in the South, identifying neighbourhood priorities which include the planning system, environmental matters, community safety, the condition of roads and services for young people. Elected members have participated regularly in discussions at the local community councils’ meetings about issues of concern to local residents and have been involved in various ad hoc residents’ meetings about particular matters in specific parts of the neighbourhood. This local knowledge has been shared with services and local staff.

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 9

4.3 Community Planning Partner Priorities

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 10 Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 11 The Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) between Aberdeen’s Community Planning partnership and the Scottish Government sets out how services will deliver on a number of national outcomes that the public sector in Scotland will be expected to achieve. The National outcomes are:

National Outcomes

1. We live in a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing business in Europe.

2. We realize our full economic potential with more and better employment opportunities for our people.

3. We are better educated, more skilled and more successful, renowned for our research and innovation.

4. Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.

5. Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed.

6. We live longer, healthier lives.

7. We have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society.

8. We have improved the life chances for children, young people and families at risk.

9. We live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger.

10. We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need.

11. We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others.

12. We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations.

13. We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive national identity.

14. We reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production.

15. Our public services are high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsive to local people’s needs.

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 12 4.4 Statistical Information

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Profiling

Statistical Profiles were published for each of the City’s 37 neighbourhood in 2004 and updated in 2006. The Neighbourhood Profiles provide information on population and age structure, housing and households, economic characteristics, education, deprivation, accidents, crime, fire and childcare.

In 2008, instead of producing full socio-economic profiles for each of the 37 neighbourhoods, tables of updated statistics will be placed on the Community Planning website. These updated tables and the full Profiles published in 2004 and 2006 can be accessed online at:- http://www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.uk

Population

The population in Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield has decreased by around 430 since the 2001 Census, with a lower proportion in the 25-34 age group and a higher proportion in the 45-64 and the 65+ age groups.

Crime

Grampian Police recorded 15,799 crimes in the city in 2008. In the Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield neighbourhood, 404 crimes were committed, 2.55% of the city’s total. House breaking rates increased, other break-ins decreased and vandalism decreased from 102 in 2006 to 56 in 2008. Car crime also decreased from 70 in 2006 to 48 in 2008. The rate of vandalism in the neighbourhood reduced from 8 per 1,000 population in 2006 to 5 per population in 2008 which is lower than the Aberdeen city’s average of 20 per 1,000 each year.

Fire

The number of dwelling fires, 2 per 1,000 households, was lower than the City average rate of 3 per 1,000 households. The majority of fires in the neighbourhood were the result of power supply turned on and/or left on (excluding chip/fat pans).

Education

The majority of young children attend either Airyhall or Broomhill Primary Schools and older children attend either Harlaw Academy or Hazlehead Academy. The number of children that attend the academies is very similar, approximately 190 in both. They also made up the same proportion of the school roll in each, approximately 20%

Economic

The unemployment rate for the neighbourhood was 0.4% in 2006, compared with the Aberdeen average of 1.6%. The number of claimants decreased between 2004 and 2006. There were no youth unemployed claimants in the Mannofield part of the Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 13 neighbourhood but in Broomhill, 45% of claimants were 16 – 24 years of age, the third highest proportion in the city.

Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) Initially published in 2004 and updated in 2006, the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) collates data from geographic areas (or data zones) with a population of between approximately 700 and 1,000 people). There are 267 data zones in Aberdeen and 6,505 in total across Scotland. The SIMD is the Scottish Government’s official tool for identifying small geographical concentrations of multiple deprivation. Data is collected under seven “deprivation” domains and an overall “combined” domain: -

• Combined (all domains) • Current Income • Employment • Crime • Health • Housing • Education, Skills and Training • Geographic Access to Services

The main changes since the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation in 2004 are: • The number of deprived data zones in Aberdeen has increased from 18 to 27 between 2004 and 2006. • The number of employment-deprived data zones increased from 9 to 27.

The reasons for the changes between SIMD 2004 and 2006 include:

• A significant loss of working age population in the most deprived parts of Aberdeen • The addition of a crime domain • Actual changes in deprivation • Relative changes in other areas.

The Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Neighbourhood crosses Ward boundaries and the Airyhall/Broomhill/Garthdee Ward is listed as being in the most deprived 15-20% domain in Aberdeen. However, in the combined list, the Airyhall and Broomhill parts of the neighbourhood do not feature. In the Geographic Access and Telecommunications category, Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield is recorded as being in the most deprived 15-20% data zone.

Health Traffic Lights

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 14 Seafield neighbourhood records green traffic lights for most of the Health and Wellbeing categories although the following is noted: • Road traffic casualties for all ages are higher than the Scottish average • Unintentional injuries in the home by residents over 65 years has a red traffic light indicator • Early death from strokes in the under 75 years old category is higher than the Scottish average.

Work will continue throughout 2009/10 to improve the way in which statistical information about the Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield neighbourhood is captured and how it is then used to inform service delivery.

4.5 Next Steps

The key findings from the four information strands summarised above are presented in Table 2, “Neighbourhood Priorities for 2009/10”.

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 15 Table 2 Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Neighbourhood Priorities 2009/10

Theme Issues Community Neighbourhood City/Service Next Steps Feedback Statistics Priorities Environment To progress the Raised and This links with the To await the full Council pavement and road supported by Ashley national priority to meeting at the end of May resurfacing work and Broomhill improve the 2009. agreed with Community Council. transport residents in Gray St Supported by infrastructure and To then consider the Elected Members. the City’s continued feasibility of the staged To preserve where Questionnaire by development of work programme and possible and replace community neighbourhood advise residents of if necessary the councillors indicated planning. outcome. trees on Gray Street that the majority of residents wish this work to be carried out. Environment Provide public Supported by This links with the To await the outcome of conveniences at residents and by Smarter and the review exercise Airyhall and at the the Elected Greener national planned for autumn 2009. shops at Gt Western Members priorities. Road Environment Monitor the Raised and This neighbourhood This links with the Monitor the effect of the maintenance of the supported by Ashley has limited public national priorities of work programme for Woodies public and Broomhill open space and Healthier and 2009/10 open space Community Council requires access to Greener and the and supported by safe, accessible Council’s local elected areas. development of members. community planning. Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 16 Theme Issues Community Neighbourhood City/Service Next Steps Feedback Statistics Priorities Lifelong Learning To provide a new Supported by This links with the Completion of the new and school and Braeside and Smarter national building and of the Community community facilities Mannofield priority and the NE community grassed areas. Facilities at Airyhall Community Council priorities of Getting it and by the local Right for Every Child elected members. and Healthy Minds and Bodies.

Community Safety Provide a pedestrian Supported by Ashley This links with the To be assessed in crossing on and Broomhill Safer and Stronger 2009/10. Broomhill Rd near to Community Council national priority and South Anderson and by local elected with the City’s Drive members continued development of neighbourhood planning

Community Safety HGVs and lorries Ashley and This links with the Assess the need for a using narrow Broomhill Safer and Stronger weight restriction on residential streets as Community Council national priority and particular streets short cuts in has raised this the NE priority of the Broomhill matter regularly and transport it is supported by infrastructure elected members

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 17 Theme Issues Community Neighbourhood City/Service Next Steps Feedback Statistics Priorities Community Safety Youth disturbances Raised by residents This links with the Continue to monitor in the Woodies, the and by Ashley and national priority of vandalism and anti-social Deeside Railway Broomhill Safer and Stronger behaviour and take Line footpath and Community Council. and with the NE appropriate action. Broomhill School Supported by local priority of Getting it playground. elected members. Right for Every Child Also links with the City’s priority of reduction in violence and disorder.

Community Safety Speeding and traffic Raised by all three This links to the Continue to monitor management in the Community Councils Safer and Stronger actions of Grampian Police neighbourhood. national priority and and Aberdeen City the NE priority of the Council. transport infrastructure. Local Democracy The Planning Craigiebuckler and Policies 8 and 9 of This links with the To investigate interest in System and the Seafield, Braeside the Structure Plan national priorities of local workshops on the impact on the and Mannofield and indicate that Housing, the Planning System to neighbourhood. Ashley and significant housing Transport improve knowledge and Broomhill sites will be Infrastructure and aid understanding. Community Councils developed at Changing have raised this Pinewood and Demography matter as a priority Hazledene

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 18 Section 5. Stakeholder and Community Engagement

Engaging communities in a dialogue about neighbourhood needs, priorities and responses is an essential element of Neighbourhood Planning.

The result is that communities can have an influence at each stage in the overlapping annual planning cycles.

The effectiveness of community engagement in neighbourhood planning is dependent upon:

• Stakeholders and partners providing relevant data and entering into dialogue with community representatives. • A networking approach to encourage participation from all sections of each community. • Adherence to the National Standards for Community Engagement. • Engagement support for community groups, provided by Community Learning & Development. • Engagement support for Service representatives, provided by Neighbourhood Community Planning Officers.

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 19 Section 6. Neighbourhood Contacts for Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield.

Councillor Ian Yuill 01224 310746 [email protected]

Councillor Scott Cassie 01224 326674 [email protected]

Councillor Jim Farquharson 01224 324312 [email protected]

Councillor Martin Greig 01224 585549 [email protected]

Councillor Jennifer Stewart 01224 637434 [email protected]

Councillor John West 07717 715193 [email protected]

R Butler, Secretary, Ashley and Broomhill Community Council G Bennett, Secretary, Braeside, Mannofield 01224 315925 Community Council Mrs J Reid, Secretary, Craigiebuckler and Seafield 01224 317051 Community Council Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 20 Community Airyhall Community Centre 01224 208082 Contacts ctd Airyhall Library 01224 310536

Mannofield Parish Church 01224 310087

Ruthrieston West Church 01224 313075

St Francis of Assisi RC Church 01224 315893

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 21 Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Delivery Programme 2009/10 Appendix 1

Ref Project Actions/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links BMBS To carry out Essential Health and February 2009. Mike Cheyne 1 environmental Safety work carried out Road Manager SOA 10 improvements on Gray St Nicholas House Street Council Committee to 2nd Floor We live in well designed, consider the funding May 2009. sustainable places where bid for the staged work 01224 522984 we are able to access the programme. amenities and services we need.

BMBS Provide public Referred to Economic October 2008. Belinda Miller SOA15 2 conveniences and Environmental Head of Economic section and Environmental Our public services are Sustainability high quality, continually A review of the city’s AECC improving, efficient and facilities, including new October 2009. responsive to local requirements, is 01224 814580 people’s needs. scheduled to be done in 2009/10 BMBS Maintain the Woodies as Work programme to 2009/10 Sandy Scott SOA 12 3 a public open space include grass cutting, Area Officer tree pruning and root St Nicholas House We value and enjoy our pruning 2nd Floor built and natural environment and protect it 01224 523292 and enhance it for future generations. Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 22 Ref Project Actions/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links BMBS Build a new primary Site visits to ensure July 2009 Graeme Traill SOA 15 4 school with compliance 3Rs Education community facilities Advisor Our public services are high in Airyhall Arrange official July 2009 Summerhill Centre quality, continually opening of new school 2nd Floor improving, efficient and responsive to local people’s 01224 346461 needs.

BMBS Assess the Measure foot traffic at Ewen Kay SOA 10 5 requirement for a various times of day Principal Engineer pedestrian crossing Assess traffic flow at St Nicholas House 1st We live in well designed, on Broomhill Road same times March 2010 Floor sustainable places where near South Carry out overall we are able to access the Anderson Drive assessment 01224 522911 amenities and services we need.

BMBS HGV use of Traffic survey required Ewen Kay SOA 10 6 residential streets in to assess need for Principal Engineer Broomhill weight restriction 2009/10 St Nicholas House 1st We live in well designed, Floor sustainable places where we are able to access the 01224 522911 amenities and services we need.

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 23 Ref Project Actions/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links BMBS To address youth Monitor situation in March 2010 Inspector G SOA 9 7 disturbance and The Woodies, the MacDonald and vandalism issues Deeside Line and Inspector D We live our lives safe from Broomhill playground. Chambers crime, disorder and danger. Take action where Grampian Police appropriate. 0845 600 5700

BMBS Understanding the Investigate interest in October 2009. To be advised. SOA 12 8 Planning System local workshops to improve knowledge We value and enjoy our built and aid understanding and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations.

Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill and Seafield Community Action Plan April 2009 24 Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 If you need this publication in an alternative format (large print, audio tape etc) please contact the Interpreting and Translating Service. Tel: 01224 523542

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 Contents

Page Section 1 Introduction 1

Section 2 Cove Today 2

Neighbourhood Map 3

Section 3 Neighbourhood Planning Progress to Date 4

Table 1 Neighbourhood Planning Progress to 5 Date

Section 4 Priority Issues for 2009/10 7

Table 2 Cove Neighbourhood Priorities 13 2009/10

Section 5 Stakeholder and Community Engagement 16

Section 6 Neighbourhood Contacts for Cove 17

Appendix I Cove Neighbourhood Delivery Programme 18 2009/10

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 Section 1. Introduction

This Neighbourhood Community Action Plan explains the background to community planning and how this relates to the Cove neighbourhood.

For more information about TACA’s members and their aims, access the TACA homepage:- http://www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.uk

Community Planning is based on three principles. These are:-

• to listen to what local people want for their City;

• to agree on the priorities (to address the City’s needs); and

• to agree to tackle them together.

Then, real and lasting improvements will be achieved for the City and for the people who live here.

To ensure that this happens, work has continued throughout 2008/09 to develop a Neighbourhood Network within every neighbourhood, including Cove. The Neighbourhood Network is not a formal group; it is an informal network of the key stakeholders in the neighbourhood, namely:-

1. Community representatives, which include residents and community members who have an interest in part, or all, of the neighbourhood;

2. Elected Members who are Aberdeen City Councillors with responsibility for part, or all, of the neighbourhood;

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 1 3. The Service Managers (resource holders and decision-makers for local services from Aberdeen City Council and its community planning partners) that sit on the neighbourhood Tasking and Co-ordinating Groups, which have accountability for tackling neighbourhood issues and monitoring progress;

4. Front-line staff whose work relates to the neighbourhood and can inform and implement action on neighbourhood priorities;

1. Plan and deliver services and interventions which improve the quality of life for residents in the neighbourhood,

2. Identify local issues and agree on the neighbourhood’s priorities,

3. Encourage services to work together and respond to local neighbourhood priorities in a co-ordinated manner,

4. Create opportunities for on-going dialogue between agencies and with the communities they serve, and

5. Support citizens and community groups to participate at the earliest opportunity in the planning and delivery of local services.

This Neighbourhood Community Action Plan (NCAP) details how this is to be achieved in Cove and what actions are taking place, locally, to improve the quality of life for Cove residents.

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 2 Section 2. Cove Today

The Cove neighbourhood is located to the south of the city and encompasses the whole of the Community Council boundary for Cove and Altens. The north western boundary runs from Nigg Bay (including the refuse disposal site) to the eastern edge of Altens Farm Road (passing through the tops of Baron’s Cairn and Cat Cairn), southwards to Crawpeel Road, along Souter Head Road, down Wellington Road and south following the edge of the city boundary. The southern boundary follows the City boundary from that point eastwards to the coast which is the eastern boundary.

Cove has a small shopping area with retail outlets and a public house on Loirston Avenue. Adjacent community services include Loirston Primary School and Community Wing, Cove Library and Cove Bay Health Centre. Loirston Community Annexe is situated on Cove Road and in the Charleston part of the neighbourhood, there is Charleston Primary School. In Altens, there is a community centre and an industrial estate. The nearest secondary school is located in neighbouring Kincorth.

Cove is a mix of old and new: the original part of Cove near the harbour and the sea is designated a Conservation Area and the newer part of Cove is primarily modern, residential houses. There are a number of green spaces in the neighbourhood, including Catto Park, Loirston Green and access to Loirston Loch.

Cove’s Neighbourhood Profile indicates that the neighbourhood has an estimated population of 7,007, with a low proportion in the 65+ age group. The majority of households are owner occupied, 89%, living in terraced, semi detached or detached homes. 7% of residents live in flatted accommodation. In 2006, Cove had 1% of the total council housing stock in the city.

Most of this statistical information was published in the Cove Neighbourhood Profile 2006 by Aberdeen City Council’s Strategic Research and Information Service. This profile is available online at www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.uk

Another source of information is the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD), published October 2006. The Scottish Government uses this tool to identify small areas concentrations of multiple deprivation known as data zones. Aberdeen has 267 data zones of which 27 were in the most deprived15% of Scottish data zones.

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 3 Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 4 Section 3. Neighbourhood Planning Progress to Date

A three year Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan was published in 2006 for the period 2006-2009. Informed by local consultation, the Plan identified the priorities that local people, Councillors and services wanted to see tackled to improve the quality of life of residents and neighbourhoods as a whole. To keep abreast of new community concerns and emerging neighbourhood needs, consultation has since taken place on an annual basis to inform updated, annual summary plans.

Some of the key issues raised, and actions taken to address them, are presented in Table 1, below:-

Table 1 NCAP Progress to date.

Theme Issue(s) Progress To date Community Facilities • provide better sports facilities Plan agreed 2006. Site identified and planning • provide community facilities permission granted Jan 2007. Project Board • build a new church with the community established by April 2007. Start date for facility. construction delayed June 2007. Steering group established Aug 2007 and training for members completed Feb 2008. Failure to agree a financial arrangement with the Church of Scotland in 2008. ACC intend to proceed with the build. At advanced stage and tender documents prepared. Awaiting authorisation to proceed. To be reviewed in May 2009.

Community Safety • parents parking near schools ACC and Grampian Police carried out range of • To improve road safety of children initiatives at Loirston and Charleston, including a • To improve traffic flow around schools and ‘blitz’ in 2007. library at peak times. Roads developed a traffic management scheme at Charleston school and a pedestrian crossing was installed 2007.

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 5 Theme Issue(s) Progress To date Health and Well Being • To provide a medical centre A new facility, Cove Bay Health Centre, was built • recruit NHS dentists and opened in May 2007. Some dentists have been recruited (available for all NHS patients in Aberdeen).

Environment • 30 mile per hour limit needed in Burnbanks Regulation was put in place and implemented in village 2006. Being monitored by Grampian Police and ACC Lifelong Learning • Stop teenagers hanging round shops A range of measures have been implemented • Expand use of existing projects and facilities including CLD outreach youth work. ACC for young people provision has been updated. Blue Horizon operates a mobile bus and has a youth worker. Congregational Church has part time youth worker

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 6 Section 4. Priority Issues for 2009/10

Neighbourhood priorities have been identified for the 2009/10 Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan by reviewing information from the following broad ranging sources:-

4.1 Previous Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Issues: Assessing progress delivery over the past year and whether issues remain relevant for 2009/10

4.2 Community feedback: ongoing dialogue between communities, Aberdeen City Councillors and services

4.3 City/Service priorities: Consideration of community planning partners’ service plans, reflecting available resources and national targets, and

4.4 Statistical information: new or updated neighbourhood statistics

Each of these four strands of information is summarised in Table 2.

4.1 Previous Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Issues

The key priorities in the 2008/09 Plan to be continued include:

• Building the new community facility, The Henderson Complex • Preparation of a Development Brief for Housing for varying Needs • Development of a network of paths as part of the City’s Core Path Plan • Implement improvements to various junctions as part of the strategic corridor • Protect and enhance the Conservation area in Cove • Progress the Master Planning exercise and agree a timetable • Investigate funding for the development of allotments • Investigate funding to provide footpath between library and shops

4.2 Community Feedback

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 7 Elected members have participated regularly in discussions at the local community council meetings about issues of concern to local residents and have been involved in various ad hoc residents’ meetings about particular matters in specific parts of the neighbourhood. This local knowledge has been shared with services and local staff.

4.3 Community Planning Partner Priorities

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 8 Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 9 The Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) between Aberdeen’s Community Planning partnership and the Scottish Government sets out how services will deliver on a number of national outcomes that the public sector in Scotland will be expected to achieve. The National outcomes are:

National Outcomes

1. We live in a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing business in Europe.

2. We realize our full economic potential with more and better employment opportunities for our people.

3. We are better educated, more skilled and more successful, renowned for our research and innovation.

4. Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.

5. Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed.

6. We live longer, healthier lives.

7. We have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society.

8. We have improved the life chances for children, young people and families at risk.

9. We live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger.

10. We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need.

11. We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others.

12. We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations.

13. We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive national identity.

14. We reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production.

15. Our public services are high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsive to local people’s needs.

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 10 4.4 Statistical Information

Cove Profiling

Population

The population in Cove remains at just over 7,000 people, with a low proportion of its population in the 65+ age group. The majority of households are owner occupied, with only 1% of the city’s council housing stock.

Crime

Cove neighbourhood records a low rate of assaults, drug offences, shoplifting and reset crimes. Housebreaking figures remain low when compared with other neighbourhoods in Aberdeen. In 2008, Grampian Police recorded 15,799 crimes in the city and the total recorded for Cove was 122.

Education

88% of the 976 young people attend either one of the two local primary schools or the nearest secondary school, Kincorth Academy.

Economic

The updated statistics indicate that the unemployment rate between 2007 and 2008 increased slightly. Youth unemployment rates remain very low compared with other neighbourhoods in the city. Long term unemployment is rated zero.

Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD)

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 11

• Combined (all domains) • Current Income • Employment • Crime • Health • Housing • Education, Skills and Training • Geographic Access to Services

Cove is included in 15-20% most deprived category for geographic access and telecommunications.

Health Traffic Lights

Another key neighbourhood data source is the “Health Traffic Lights”. Published in 2005 by NHS Grampian, a revised set of traffic light data is due to be issued during 2009. From the data available to date, the Cove neighbourhood’s health indicators show that there are several red traffic light categories, including multiple admission hospital patients aged 65+, road traffic accident casualties – all ages and death from suicide.

Work will continue throughout 2009/10 to improve the way in which statistical information about the Cove neighbourhood is captured and how it is then used to inform service delivery.

4.5 Next Steps

The key findings from the four information strands summarised above are presented in Table 2, “Neighbourhood Priorities for 2009/10”.

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 12 Table 2 Cove Neighbourhood Priorities 2009/10

Theme Issues Community Neighbourhood City/Service Priorities Next Steps Feedback Statistics Community Build a community Raised as an issue The population is The continued Seek agreement at the Facilities facility in Cove through ongoing likely to increase as development of May 2009 Council community more housing is Neighbourhood meeting to fund the consultation e.g. planned through the Planning to deliver construction costs Vision For Cove Master Planning quality of life event and with the exercise. improvements at a local Cove and Altens A variety of groups level. Community Council have signed up to during 2007 – 2009. use the proposed Confirmed at the Henderson Spring Into Action Complex. Previous NCAP prioritisation event Issue held on 27 January 2009. Environment Provision of This matter was first Although the level of This meets the national The City Council’s amenity/sheltered raised at the Vision over 65 year old and North East Housing for Varying housing for Cove event and population is relatively priorities about Needs Project Board to has been low, forward planning improving the range of prepare a development periodically raised indicates that a range affordable housing. brief during 2009. of housing types to by Cove and Altens cater for people with a Community Council. variety of needs will Also flagged up be required within five during the Master to ten years. Previous NCAP Planning events in Issue 2008.

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 13 Theme Issues Community Neighbourhood City/Service Priorities Next Steps Feedback Statistics Environment Improve the Raised in “You Said This meets national Consultation completed coastal path and It” and during Cove and regional priorities in 2008. ACC develop a network and Altens to improve sustainable progressing the of paths Community Council travel options and suggested routes in the meetings in 2007 reduce green house Core Path Plan. and 2008. gases. It is also in line Previous NCAP with the Council’s Core Issue Path Plan.

Environment Implement First raised in “You This links to the Strategic corridor study improvements to Said It” in 2005. national priority, the was completed and various junctions Then “Have Your transport infrastructure improvements identified as part of the Say” in 2007/8. and the NE priority, in 2008. Aim to strategic corridor Discussed at the improve sustainable prioritise the Cove and Altens travel options. improvements in the Previous NCAP Community Council work programme for Issue in 2007/8. 2009/10 or 2010/11. Environment Protect and Raised by Cove and Land and buildings Conservation areas are To undertake a enhance the Altens Community ownership in Cove designated and afforded conservation audit in conservation part Council in 2007/8. Bay’s conservation statutory protection under 2009 and to identify of Cove Bay Prioritised at the area is of mixed the Planning (Listed required actions. Tasking and tenure. Buildings and Conservation Areas) Coordinating Group Previous NCAP (Scotland) Act 1997. Issue Aberdeen City Council is committed to producing appraisals of conservation areas.

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 14 Theme Issues Community Neighbourhood City/Service Priorities Next Steps Feedback Statistics Environment Master Planning One of the Cove Potential sites were This links to the ACC working in required to co- and Altens identified in 2000- national priorities, The partnership with ordinate Community 2010 Greenfield Economy, Changing developers, The developments and Council’s key Housing Allocations Demography and Princes Trust for the create a village priorities for action at Charleston Housing and the NE Built Environment and centre since 2006. Two (OP7), Stationfields priority of Affordable community Master Planning (OP8) and Cove Housing. Part of the organisations to devise workshops in 2008 North (OP9). A City’s priority, ’the and agree a Master were supported by small extension to continued development Plan. This is in the community the employment of neighbourhood progress. Next step is Previous NCAP council and other area is also planning’. to agree a timetable to Issue local organisations. identified at Loirston take the Master Plan (OP98) forward. Environment Identify funding for Suggested by local Site owned by ACC Links with national and Seek sources of development of residents in the “Have identified as suitable NE priorities, Greener, funding and support the allotments Your Say” for development. Improving Health, development of users consultation and Reducing Green House group. Identify staff to supported by Gases and the City’s carry out these tasks. community continued development organisations, including the of neighbourhood community council planning. and by the Tasking Previous NCAP and Coordinating Issue Group. Waiting list in South for an allotment is 70+.

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 15 Theme Issues Community Neighbourhood City/Service Priorities Next Steps Feedback Statistics

Environment Investigate funding Supported by the The development of Investigate sources of to provide footpath Cove and Altens neighbourhood funding, both capital between the library Community Council planning. and revenue. and the shops. in 2008. Noted in the “Have Your Say” consultation in Previous NCAP 2007. Supported by Issue the Tasking and Coordinating Group. Health and Level of teenage The NHS Traffic The NE priority, All services to Well Being pregnancies in the Lights publication in Improving Health and investigate what has Cove post code 2005 identified the the City’s priorities of been done and what neighbourhood AB12 3** Getting it Right for can be done locally. neighbourhood as Every Child and recording a higher Healthy Minds and than Aberdeen Bodies. South average rate and is noted as a red flag indicator.

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 16 Section 5. Stakeholder and Community Engagement

Engaging communities in a dialogue about neighbourhood needs, priorities and responses is an essential element of Neighbourhood Planning.

The result is that communities can have an influence at each stage in the overlapping annual planning cycles.

The effectiveness of community engagement in neighbourhood planning is dependent upon:

• Service managers from all partner agencies providing relevant data and entering into dialogue with community representatives.

• A networking approach to encourage participation from all sections of each community.

• Adherence to the National Standards for Community Engagement.

• Engagement support for community groups, provided by Community Learning & Development.

• Engagement support for Service representatives, provided by Neighbourhood Community Planning Officers.

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 17 Section 6. Neighbourhood Contacts for Cove

Name Tel Email

Aberdeen Patricia Frazer, Neighbourhood Community 01224 523250 [email protected] City Planning Officer Council Ken Locke, Team Leader, Community Learning 01224 291882 [email protected] and Development Jane Nicklen, Service Manager, Communities 01224 522424 [email protected]

Community Councillor Neil Cooney 01224 486920 [email protected] Contacts Councillor Katharine Dean 01224 894866 [email protected] Councillor Callum McCaig 07748 320635 [email protected] Andy Finlayson, Chair, Cove and Altens 01224 897627 [email protected] Community Council Shona Greig, Secy, Cove and Altens Community 01224 891871 [email protected] Council David Swan, Minister, Cove New Parish Church 01224 899933 [email protected] Andy Cowie, Minister, St Mary’s Shared Church 01224 703238 [email protected] Margaret Vieira, Chair, Altens Community Centre 01224 896798 [email protected] Loirston Community Education Centre 01224 878482 [email protected]

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 18 Cove Neighbourhood Delivery Programme 2009/10 Appendix I

Ref Project Actions/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links C1 To build the Section 3 outlines past Nigel Spencer, Project SOA 10. Henderson three years’ activity. Officer. Complex as a Project Board April 2007. Communities Team, St We live in well- community and established. Nicholas House 2nd Floor. designed, sustainable sports facility Steering group places where we are established and training February 2008. 01224 523357 able to access the completed. amenities and services Tender documents we need. prepared and awaiting authorisation by Council May 2009. committee to proceed. C2 Provision of Remit of the Housing 2009. Kenny Paterson SOA 7 and 10 amenity/sheltered for Varying Needs New Projects Officer We have tackled the housing Project Board has been Resources Management, St significant inequalities subsumed by the Nicholas House, 12th Floor. in Scottish society. Housing New Build Project Board. 01224 522131 And Site has been agreed March 2009. for development We live in well- Design brief to be designed, sustainable prepared (12-18 September 2011. places where we are months). able to access the Development to start amenities and services within five years 2015. we need.

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 19 Ref Project Actions/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links C3 To develop a Consultation completed 2008 Rachel Sharp SOA 12 network of paths ACC to implement the Senior Planner and improve the Core Path Plan 2009. St Nicholas House, 9th Floor We value and enjoy our coastal path built and natural 01224 523316 environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations.

C4 To implement Strategic corridor study 2008 Andrew Smith SOA 10 improvements at completed and Principal Engineer various junctions as improvements St Nicholas House 1st Floor We live in well- part of the strategic identified. designed, sustainable corridor Aim to prioritise 01224 522840 places where we are improvements in the able to access the works programme for 2011 amenities and services 2009/10 or 2010/11 we need.

C5 To protect and To undertake a September 2009. Paul Pillath SOA 12 enhance the conservation Team Leader (Conservation conservation part of appraisal/audit and and Design) We value and enjoy our Cove Bay identify required actions St Nicholas House 8th Floor built and natural environment and 01224 522228 protect it and enhance it for future generations.

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 20 Ref Project Actions/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links C6 To agree a Two master planning Sandy Beattie SOA 10 timetable to take workshops for the local Team Leader forward the Master community were September 2008. Physical Development We live in well- Plan (for the completed St Nicholas House 9th Floor designed, sustainable creation of a village Work with developers, June 2009. places where we are centre ) The Princes Trust for 01224 522155 able to access the the Built Environment amenities and services and community we need. organisations to identify key tasks and a timetable to progress. C7 To investigate ACC to consider June 2009. Information not yet available SOA 14 sources of funding allocation of staff to and support for the carry out the We reduce the local development of an investigation and global allotment site. environmental impact of our consumption and production C8 Funding for a Discussed at Cove and October 2008. Information not yet available SOA 15 footpath between Altens Tasking and the library and the Coordinating Group. Our public services are shops Costings high quality, continually obtained.(£7,000) December 2008. improving, efficient and Identify funds August 2009. responsive to local people’s needs.

Cove Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 21 Culter Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10

Culter Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 If you need this publication in an alternative format (large print, audio tape etc) please contact the Interpreting and Translating Service. Tel: 01224 523542

Culter Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 Contents

Page Section 1 Introduction 1

Section 2 Culter Today 2

Neighbourhood Map 4

Section 3 Neighbourhood Planning Progress to Date 5

Table 1 Neighbourhood Planning Progress to 5 Date

Section 4 Priority Issues for 2009/10 6

Table 2 Culter Neighbourhood Priorities 12 2009/10

Section 5 Stakeholder and Community Engagement 14

Section 6 Neighbourhood Contacts 15

Appendix I Culter Neighbourhood Delivery Programme 16 2009/10

Culter Neighbourhood Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009

Culter Neighbourhood Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 Section 1. Introduction

This Neighbourhood Community Action Plan explains the background to community planning and how this relates to the Culter neighbourhood.

The Scottish Parliament emphasises that community planning is important because of its potential to reduce inequalities and improve everyone’s quality of life. Community planning was made a statutory duty in the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003.

For more information about TACA’s members and their aims, access the TACA homepage:- http://www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.uk/

TACA produced the City’s community plan, which was first published in November 2001 and has since been revised to incorporate the Single Outcome Agreement. The Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) between TACA and The Scottish Government sets out how TACA will deliver on a number of national outcomes that the public sector in Scotland will be expected to achieve. For more information about the SOA, access the TACA website.

Community Planning is based on three principles. These are:-

• to listen to what local people want for their City;

• to agree on the priorities (to address the City’s needs) and,

• to agree to tackle them together

Then, real and lasting improvements will be achieved for the City and for the people who live here.

To ensure that this happens, work has continued throughout 2008/09 to develop a Neighbourhood Network within every neighbourhood, including Culter. The Neighbourhood Network is not a formal group; it is an informal network of the key stakeholders in the neighbourhood, namely:-

1. Community representatives, which include residents and community members who have an interest in some, or all, of the neighbourhood.

2. Elected Members who are Aberdeen City Councillors with responsibility for part, or all, of the neighbourhood.

Culter Neighbourhood Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 - 1 - 3. The Service Managers (resource holders and decision-makers of local services from Aberdeen City Council and its community planning partners) that sit on the neighbourhood Tasking and Co-ordinating Groups, who have accountability for tackling neighbourhood issues and monitoring progress.

4. Front-line staff whose work relates to the neighbourhood and can inform and implement action on neighbourhood priorities.

The purpose of the Neighbourhood Network is to identify neighbourhood priorities and ways to tackle them and to then regularly report back to stakeholders on progress. The Neighbourhood Network seeks to:-

1. plan and deliver services and interventions which improve the quality of life for residents in the neighbourhood,

2. identify local issues and agree on the neighbourhood’s priorities,

3. encourage services to work together and respond to local neighbourhood priorities in a co-ordinated manner,

4. create opportunities for on-going dialogue between agencies and with the communities they serve, and

5. support citizens and community groups to participate at the earliest opportunity in the planning and delivery of local services.

This Neighbourhood Community Action Plan (NCAP) details how this is to be achieved in Culter and what actions are taking place, locally, to improve the quality of life for Culter residents.

Culter Neighbourhood Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 - 2 - Section 2. Culter Today

Culter is a neighbourhood situated to the west of Aberdeen on the north side of the River Dee. The neighbourhood sits in Ward 9, Lower Deeside and is also represented by Culter Community Council. The village has a long history dating back to the Roman Camp at Normansdykes. Industrially, the village supported a Snuff Factory and Saw, Grain and Paper Mills. The Paper Mill was the last to close in 1981. Although Culter is administered through Aberdeen City Council the community retains a very clear Deeside identity. The majority of households are privately owned. Culter is bordered by Aberdeenshire Council to the North, South and West and to the East, by Cults Bieldside and Milltimber Neighbourhood.

The neighbourhood encompasses the whole of the Culter Community Council boundary. The northern, western and southern boundaries follow the city boundary. The eastern boundary runs north from the River Dee, along Pittengullies Brae (including the cul-de-sac at the southern end of Pittengullies Brae) to the North Deeside Road to the edge of the playing fields where it turns northwest along the edge of the housing estate to Bucklerburn Road, following that road for a short distance before turning northwest and following field edges to the City boundary.

The area is primarily housing, both private and council properties being well established. Of the 2120 properties, 17% were rented from the council in 2005, compared to a city average per neighbourhood of 23%. However the number of properties privately owned in 2005 was 75% which is far greater than the city average of 61%.

In 2008, an estimated 5,000 people resided in Culter; a stable figure with no changes since the 2001 Census. The 65+ age group accounts for 17% of the population virtually in-line with the city average of 16%.

Within Culter there are several retailers situated within the village on the North Deeside Road. There is also a Post Office based within a shop. Within the Neighbourhood there are two churches. Peterculter Sports Centre is situated on Coronation Road.. Culter also has its own registrars office and Library, both situated on the North Deeside Road. Culter Village Hall also has many community groups that operate from it. Details of all local services are contained within the Culter Neighbourhood Directory that is published annually.

The majority of the pupils in the Neighbourhood Attend Cults Academy. At the end of S4, 72% of pupils achieved 5 or more Standard Grades at level 5 or better, the highest percentage of all Academies in the City. The neighbourhood is also served by Culter Primary School. The school role of Cults Academy is 1171 and Culter Primary School is 300.

A useful source of local information which contains a range of statistical information for the Culter neighbourhood can be found in the Neighbourhood Profile, published by Aberdeen City Council’s. Copies of this document are available from the key contacts listed in Section 6, or can be downloaded from the internet from www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.

Culter Neighbourhood Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 - 3 - Culter Neighbourhood Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 - 1 - Section 3. Neighbourhood Planning Progress to Date

A three year Culter Neighbourhood Community Action Plan was published in 2006 for the period 2006-2009. Informed by local consultation, the Plan identified the priorities that local people, Councillors and services wanted to see tackled to improve the quality of life of residents and neighbourhoods as a whole. To keep abreast of new community concerns and emerging neighbourhood needs, consultation has since taken place on an annual basis to inform updated, annual summary plans.

Some of the key issues raised, and actions taken to address them, are presented in Table 1, below:-

Table 1 NCAP Progress to date.

Theme Issue(s) Progress To date Local Democracy • Local Directory of what is available in Culter • Culter Directory established in 2006 and revised and updated October 2008.

Community Facilities • Lack of Shelter Housing for local people • Coronation Court being constructed. Completion scheduled June 2009. • Lack of Activities for Young People • Partnership working between Community Learning and Development, Active Communities and Sports to establish better youth provision Community Safety • Concerns relating to the future of Culter • Series of meetings with Grampian Police Police Station and relocation to Cults. Management to highlight concerns.

• Tackle Safety concerns and anti-social • Community Safety Manager Appointed behaviour in the neighbourhood. Spring 2007, Community Wardens and latterly City Wardens established.

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 5 Section 4. Priority Issues for 2009/10

Neighbourhood priorities have been identified for the 2009/10 Culter Neighbourhood Community Action Plan by reviewing information from the following broad ranging sources:-

4.1 Previous Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Issues: Assessing progress delivery over the past year and whether issues remain relevant for 2009/10,

4.2 Community feedback: ongoing dialogue between communities, Aberdeen City Councillors and services,

4.3 City/Service priorities: Consideration of community planning partners’ service plans, reflecting available resources and national targets, and

4.4 Statistical information: new or updated neighbourhood statistics

Each of these four strands of information is summarised below.

4.1 Previous Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Issues

A range of issues have been identified as ongoing and requiring further action to address them. These include:

Environment:: • Road traffic issues on North Deeside Road

• Lack of parking for access to shops and facilities on North Deeside Road

Community • Provide locally available sheltered housing. Facilities • Young people would like a skateboard/rollerblade park, mountain bike trail Community • Tackle youth anti social behaviour - vandalism, underage Safety drinking etc

4.2 Community Feedback

During 2007/8, community organisations, including Community Councils, tenants’ associations and community forums, were consulted at meetings throughout the year and through ‘Have Your Say’ leaflets. In April 2008, ‘Your Culter Day’ took place in

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 6 conjunction with Culter Community Council. The event gave local people the opportunity to see what goes on in Culter and tell us what their priorities for the future are. In January 2009 community representatives were invited to participate in the ‘Spring into Action’ community engagement event in the South Area, held at Kaimhill Primary School. Service presentations included the local environment, community safety and health & well-being were well received.

A market place forum encouraged delegates to seek responses from a wide variety of partners including NHS Grampian, Grampian Police, Greenspace and Council Services such as community planning, waste, community learning, active schools, libraries and ranger services.

Issues raised by the community included:

Community • Relocation of Culter Police Station to Cults Academy Safety: • Youths Anti-social behaviour • Speeding Traffic on Malcolm Road • Parking on the North Deeside Road • Parking and dangerous driving around Culter School • Number of HGV’s driving through Culter

Local • Ensure a community voice in the process of deciding the route Democracy: of the Western Peripheral Route • Local Development Plan Consultation Exercise

Environment: • Unkempt Gas/electricity boxes • Overgrown Trees in Village • Planning

Community • Changes to the Opening Hours of the Sports Centre Facilities: • Lack of facilities for young people

4.3 Community Planning Partner Priorities

The Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) between Aberdeen’s Community Planning partnership and the Scottish Government sets out how services will deliver on a number of national outcomes that the public sector in Scotland will be expected to achieve. The National outcomes are:-

National Outcomes

1. We live in a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing business in Europe.

2. We realise our full economic potential with more and better employment opportunities for our people.

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 7 3. We are better educated, more skilled and more successful, renowned for our research and innovation.

4. Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.

5. Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed.

6. We live longer, healthier lives.

7. We have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society.

8. We have improved the life chances for children, young people and families at risk.

9. We live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger.

10. We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need.

11. We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others.

12. We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations.

13. We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive national identity.

14. We reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production.

15. Our public services are high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsive to local people’s needs.

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 8 Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 9 4.4 Statistical Information

Culter Profiling

Population

The population in Culter is 5004. There was a higher proportion of 16 to 24 year olds (15%) in Aberdeen, compared to 9% in Culter and 10% for the South Area.

Crime

Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber records low levels of assault, drugs offences, shoplifting and reset crime. Housebreaking figures remain low when compared with other neighbourhoods in Aberdeen. In 2008, Grampian Police recorded 15799 crimes in the city. The total recorded for Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber was 107.

Education

90% of the 642 young people of school age in the neighbourhood attend either Culter Primary School or Cults Academy.

• Combined (all domains) • Current Income • Employment • Crime • Health • Housing • Education, Skills and Training • Geographic Access to Services

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 10 The main changes since the SIMD 2004 are:

• The number of deprived data zones in Aberdeen has increased from 18 in 2004 to 27 in 2006. • The number of employment-deprived data zones increased from 9 to 27.

The reasons for the changes between 2004 and 2006 include

• A significant loss of working age population in the most deprived parts of Aberdeen • The addition of a crime domain • Actual changes in deprivation • Relative changes in other areas.

Culter contains one deprived data zone reported in the SIMD in 2006. The only domain that features is Geographic Access to Services where the zone is in the 5 – 10% most deprived in Scotland. This is a slight deterioration since 2004.

Health Traffic Lights

Another key neighbourhood data source is the “Health Traffic Lights”. Published in 2005 by NHS Grampian, a revised set of traffic light data is due to be issued during 2009. From the data available to date, the Culter neighbourhood records recordshigher than the Scottish average for Road Traffic accident casualties (all ages), deaths from suicide, low weight live births and unintentional injuries in the home for aged under 15.

Work will continue throughout 2009/10 to improve the way in which statistical information about the Culter neighbourhood is captured and how it is then used to inform service delivery.

4.5 Next Steps

The key findings from the four information strands summarised above are presented in Table 2, “Neighbourhood Priorities for 2009/10”.

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 11 Table 2 Culter Neighbourhood Priorities 2009/10

Theme Issue Community Feedback Neighbourhood City/Service Next Steps Statistics Priorities Local Democracy Local Development More community 52 Applications SOA 1. We live in Timetable for process of Planning Process involvement in submitted from a Scotland that is consultation established. consultation exercise local land owners the most attractive /developers in place for doing Lower Deeside business in Europe

SOA 10. We live in well-designed sustainable places where we are able to access amenities and services we need

SOA 12. We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it for future generations. Community Sheltered Housing Lack of Service within Community SOA 10 Access to Completion scheduled Facilities for local people. the area. Council amenities. June 2009

Previous NCAP SOA 11 Strong Issue Communities.

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 12 Local Democracy Ensure that specific Improve engagement Community Council. SOA 11 Strong Consult on Policy and neighbourhood needs and communication Communities Service proposals. are identified and with Community Lack of geographic reviewed access to services SOA15 Quality Support Community Public Services Council where required.

City Priority: Continuation of Service The continued and Community development of Environmental Walkabouts neighbourhood planning

Previous NCAP Issue

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 13 Section 5. Stakeholder and Community Engagement

Engaging communities in a dialogue about neighbourhood needs, priorities and responses is an essential element of Neighbourhood Planning.

A key stage in the annual cycle is in spring, when communities need an opportunity to review the implementation and impact of the NCAP for the financial year ending 31 March. This informs and kick-starts the discussion on future priorities.

The result is that communities can have an influence at each stage in the overlapping annual planning cycles.

The effectiveness of community engagement in neighbourhood planning is dependent upon:

• Service managers providing relevant data and entering into dialogue with community representatives. • A networking approach to encourage participation from all sections of each community. • Adherence to the National Standards for Community Engagement. • Engagement support for community groups, provided by Community Learning & Development. • Engagement support for Service representatives, provided by Neighbourhood Community Planning Officers.

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 14 Section 6. Neighbourhood Contacts for Culter

Name Tel Email

Aberdeen Neighbourhood Community Planning Officer 01224 522424 [email protected] City Peter Sanderson, Principal Community Learning 01224 868858 [email protected] Council Worker Jane Nicklen, Service Manager 01224 522424 [email protected]

Community Councillor Marie Boulton 01224 522186 [email protected] Contacts Councillor Aileen Malone 01224 522356 [email protected] Councillor Alan Milne 01224 522934 [email protected]

Mr James Farquhar 01224 733742 [email protected] Chairperson Culter Community Council Mrs Marjory Skinner 01224 732352 [email protected] Secretary Culter Community Council

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 15 Culter Delivery Programme 2009/10 Appendix 1

Ref Project Action/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links CLT0 Aberdeen Local Report Development 19 March 2009 Sandy Beattie SOA 1. We live in a 1 Development Plan Plan Scheme to 01224 522155 Scotland that is the 2009 – 2012 Planning Committee. most attractive place Consultation Publish Development 31 March 2009 for doing business in Process with all Plan Scheme. Europe. milestones consulting and Process and Assess March to June 2009 SOA 10. We live in involving the Development. well-designed, Community, sustainable places Community Groups where we are able to Draft main issues March to August 2009 and Community access amenities and Report, Strategic Council. services we need. Environmental Assessment Scooping SOA 12. We value and Report and Draft enjoy our built and Monitoring Statement. natural environment Publish Main Issues September 2009 and protect it for future Report and issue to generations. persons and key agencies. Publish Monitoring Statement.

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 16 Ref Project Action/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links CLT0 Send Strategic September 2009 Sandy Beattie SOA 1. We live in a 1 Environmental 01224 522155 Scotland that is the ctd Assessment Scoping most attractive place Report to consultation for doing business in authorities. Europe. Process Comments November 2009 to and Objections to the march 2010 SOA 10. We live in Main Issues Report. well-designed, Prepare and publish March 2010 sustainable places Local Development where we are able to Plan Scheme 2 and access amenities and issue to Scottish services we need. Government. SOA 12. We value and enjoy our built and natural environment Prepare Proposed April to June 2010 and protect it for future Aberdeen Local generations. Development Plan. Prepare draft Action April to August 2010 Programme and draft Environmental Report.

Printing Proposed July to August 2010 Aberdeen Local Development Plan.

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 17 Ref Project Action/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links CLT0 Publish Proposed September 2010 (6 to Sandy Beattie SOA 1. We live in a 1 Aberdeen Local 12 week consultation 01224 522155 Scotland that is the ctd Development Plan and period begins) most attractive place notify to persons and for doing business in key agencies. Europe. Publish Proposed September 2010 Action Programme. SOA 10. We live in Publish Environmental September 2010 well-designed, Report . sustainable places where we are able to access amenities and Notification of September 2010 services we need. Neighbours. Objection and September to SOA 12. We value and representation period. November 2010 enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it for future generations. Consider Objections to November 2010 to Proposed Plan and February 2011 draft Environmental Report. Responses to March 2011 Representatives.

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 18 Ref Project Action/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links CLT0 Report of Conformity March 2011 Sandy Beattie SOA 1. We live in a 1 with Participation 01224 522155 Scotland that is the ctd Statement. most attractive place for doing business in Europe.

Print Local April 2011 SOA 10. We live in Development Plan. well-designed, Submit Proposed Plan, April 2011 sustainable places Action Programme and where we are able to Statement of access amenities and Conformity with services we need. Participation with Notes of SOA 12. We value and Representations and enjoy our built and how taken account of natural environment to Ministers. and protect it for future Publicise submission generations. of Plan.

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 19 Ref Project Action/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links CLT0 Request Scottish April 2011 Sandy Beattie 1 Ministers appoint an 01224 522155 ctd Examination of the Proposed Plan and Environmental Report.

Advertise Examination of Proposed Plan and serve Notice in known Interested parties. CLT With Refuge Report to be presented June 2009 Waste Aware Team SOA 14. We reduce 02. Collection going to Area South the local and global from Weekly to Committee on environment impact of Fortnightly, the relocation of Recycling our consumption and establishment of points for Culter production. Plans to deal with fly-tipping and the development of Recycling Education, Recycling Points and locations and Green Collection

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 20 Ref Project Action/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links CLT Engage community Environmental April 2010 Steven Shaw SOA 15 Public services 03. in identifying local Walkabout and Environmental Manager responsive to local needs. subsequent Action 01224 489273 needs Plan SOA 12 We value and enjoy our environment. Regular Council Ongoing 3 Monthly David Henderson Officer articles Neighbourhood submitted to Culter Community Planning Courier informing and Officer asking the community. 01224 522428

Regular attendance of Monthly David Henderson Community Council Neighbourhood Meetings by NCPO’s Community Planning or agreed service Officer provider

Consult with October 2009 Aftab Majeed community and Planner, Environmental complete Strategy environmental audit of 01224 523464 greenspace.

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 21 Ref Project Action/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links CLT Engage Community Consult the community July 2009 Rhona Jarvis . 03. and Identify local on local learning Head of Planning and Ctd. needs provision and Schools Policy for Education Estates Strategy 01224 522375

CLT Tackle Roads Deliver works 2009/2010 Doug Ritchie SOA 15 Public 04 Maintenance programme for Engineer Services responsive to 2009/2010 01224 523474 needs

SOA 10 Well designed and sustainable place CLT Future of Culter Engage with and Monthly scheduled Inspector Dave SOA Safer lives 05 Police Station and inform Community and Community Council Chambers the targeting of anti- Community Groups. Meetings Grampian Police SOA 11 Stronger social behaviour, 0845 600 5700 Communities and the regular reporting and attendance at Community Council Meetings

Culter Community Action Plan April 2009 22 Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 If you need this publication in an alternative format (large print, audio tape etc) please contact the Interpreting and Translating Service. Tel: 01224 523542

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 Contents

Page Section 1 Introduction 1

Section 2 Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Today 3

Neighbourhood Map 5

Section 3 Neighbourhood Planning Progress to Date 6

Table 1 Neighbourhood Planning Progress to 6 Date

Section 4 Priority Issues for 2009/10 7

Table 2 Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber 14 Neighbourhood Priorities 2009/10

Section 5 Neighbourhood Contacts 17

Section 6 Stakeholder and Community Engagement 18

Appendix I Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Neighbourhood 19 Delivery Programme 2009/10

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Neighbourhood Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Neighbourhood Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 Section 1. Introduction

This Neighbourhood Community Action Plan explains the background to community planning and how this relates to the Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber neighbourhood.

For more information about TACA’s members and their aims, access the TACA homepage:- http://www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.uk/

TACA produced the City’s community plan, which was first published in November 2001 and has since been revised to incorporate the Single Outcome Agreement. The Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) between TACA and The Scottish Government sets out how TACA will deliver on a number of national outcomes that the public sector in Scotland will be expected to achieve. For more information about the SOA, access the TACA website.

Community Planning is based on three principles. These are:-

• to listen to what local people want for their City;

• to agree on the priorities (to address the City’s needs) and,

• to agree to tackle them together

Then, real and lasting improvements will be achieved for the City and for the people who live here.

To ensure that this happens, work has continued throughout 2008/09 to develop a Neighbourhood Network within every neighbourhood, including Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber. The Neighbourhood Network is not a formal group; it is an informal network of the key stakeholders in the neighbourhood, namely:-

1. Community representatives, which include residents and community members who have an interest in part, or all, of the neighbourhood;

2. Elected Members who are Aberdeen City Councillors with responsibility for part, or all, of the neighbourhood;

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Neighbourhood Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 - 1 - 3. The Service Managers (resource holders and decision-makers of local services from Aberdeen City Council and its community planning partners) that sit on the neighbourhood Tasking and Co-ordinating Groups, who have accountability for tackling neighbourhood issues and monitoring progress;

4. Front-line staff whose work relates to the neighbourhood and can inform and implement action on neighbourhood priorities;

1. plan and deliver services and interventions which improve the quality of life for residents in the neighbourhood,

2. identify local issues and agree on the neighbourhood’s priorities,

3. encourage services to work together and respond to local neighbourhood priorities in a co-ordinated manner,

4. create opportunities for on-going dialogue between agencies and with the communities they serve, and

5. support citizens and community groups to participate at the earliest opportunity in the planning and delivery of local services.

This Neighbourhood Community Action Plan (NCAP) details how this is to be achieved in Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber and what actions are taking place, locally, to improve the quality of life for Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber residents.

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Neighbourhood Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 - 2 - Section 2. Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Today

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber is a wealthy ,semi rural neighbourhood sitting to the west of the city on the north bank of the River Dee. It covers three distinct areas; all of which are situated in the Lower Deeside Ward. The neighbourhood comprises of the Community Council area for Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber but excludes a few properties to the north of Skene Road.

The northern boundary runs east from Bishopdams Bridge along the A944 to a point just west of the roundabout at the junction of the A944 and the A9119. The eastern turns southwards along field boundaries and tracks Countesswells Road. The line runs east along Countesswells Road, down the edge of Robert Gordons College’s playing fields and southwest along Craigton Road. The line runs southeast down Bairds Brae, along North Deeside Road and down Pitfodels Station Road. The boundary falls around Station Cottage and along the path to follow the City boundary mostly along the line of the River Dee. The western boundary follows the line defined for the Culter Neighbourhood.

The majority of houses are privately owned (86% compared to the city average of 61%) with house prices considerably higher than the city average.

In 2008, an estimated 9737 people resided in Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber, a stable figure with no change since the 2001 census. The 65+ age group accounts for 14% of the population; slightly less than the city average of 16%.

Within Cults, there are several retailers situated along the North Deeside Road and a further small shopping arcade situated adjacently. There is a Post Office in the square in Cults. Bieldside has very limited retail units, again situated on the North Deeside Road. Milltimber has no shops. There are Community Centres based in both Cults and Milltimber and four churches of different Christian denominations within the neighbourhood. A new swimming pool, sports hall and fitness suite will be included in the new Cults Academy.

The majority of pupils in the Neighbourhood attend Cults Academy. At the S4 year end , 72% of pupils achieved 5 or more Standard Grades at level 5 or better; the highest percentage of all Academies in the City. The Neighbourhood is also served by Milltimber and Cults Primaries. Culter Primary School also is a feeder primary to Cults Academy. The school role of Cults Academy is 1171, Milltimber Primary 233 and Cults Primary 543.

A useful source of local information which contains a range of statistical information for the Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber neighbourhood can be found in the Neighbourhood Profile, published by Aberdeen City Council’s. Copies of this document are available from the key contacts listed in Section 6, or can be downloaded from the internet from www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Neighbourhood Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 - 3 - Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Neighbourhood Community Action Plan 2009/10 April 2009 - 5 - Section 3. Neighbourhood Planning Progress to Date

A three year Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Neighbourhood Community Action Plan was published in 2006 for the period 2006-2009. Informed by local consultation, the Plan identified the priorities that local people, Councillors and services wanted to see tackled to improve the quality of life of residents and neighbourhoods as a whole. To keep abreast of new community concerns and emerging neighbourhood needs, consultation has since taken place on an annual basis to inform updated, annual summary plans.

Some of the key issues raised, and actions taken to address them, are presented in Table 1, below:-

Table 1 NCAP Progress to date.

Theme Issue(s) Progress To date Community Facilities Improved Community Centre facilities and • The new Cults academy will have café Community Cafe facilities available to the community. • Cults Parish Church has also opened a café on the former East Kirk site 2 days a week. Pensioners Club • Club established by Cults Parish Church

Environment Provide recycling facilities • Kerbside recycling introduced in 2006.

Community Safety Speeding/dangerous driving problem on Kirkbrae • Abbotshall Road and Abbotshall Gardens Ave, Cults Ave, Abbotshall Road, Friarsfield Road subject to 20’s plenty with calming and Abbotshall Gardens. measures on most streets.

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 6 Theme Issue(s) Progress To date

Community Safety Tackle safety concerns and anti-social behaviour in • Community Safety Manager appointed ctd the neighbourhood Spring 2007, Community Warden Service and latterly City Warden Service established. • Neighbourhood Police team members regularly attend Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber Community Council Meetings Lifelong Learning New build Cults Academy Work to be completed late 2009 early 2010

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 7 Section 4. Priority Issues for 2009/10

Neighbourhood priorities have been identified for the 2009/10 Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber Neighbourhood Community Action Plan by reviewing information from the following broad ranging sources:-

4.1 Previous Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Issues: Assessing progress delivery over the past year and whether issues remain relevant for 2009/10,

4.2 Community feedback: ongoing dialogue between communities, Aberdeen City Councillors and services,

4.3 City/Service priorities: Consideration of community planning partners’ service plans, reflecting available resources and national targets, and

4.4 Statistical information: new or updated neighbourhood statistics

Each of these four strands of information is summarised below.

4.1 Previous Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Issues

Community • Building of the new 3R’s Cults Academy and community sports Facilities: facility

Environment: • Development of a network of paths as part of the City’s Core Path Plan • Progress the Master Planning process and agree and timetable

4.2 Community Feedback

During 2007/8, community organisations, including Community Councils, tenants’ associations and community forums were consulted at meetings throughout the year and the ‘Have Your Say’ leaflets. In January 2009 community representatives were invited to participate in the ‘Spring into Action’ community engagement event in the South Area, held at Kaimhill Primary School. Service presentations included the local environment, community safety and health & well-being were well received.

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 8 A market place forum encouraged delegates to seek responses from a wide variety of partners including NHS Grampian, Grampian Police, Greenspace and Council Services such as community planning, waste, community learning, shelter and environment, sport and libraries.

Issues raised by the community through these feedback exercises included:

Community • Increases in drugs misuse Safety: • People racing motorbikes at night

• Parking in the cycle lanes on the North Deeside Road

• Speeding around Cults Primary

• Poor Street Lighting around Cults Primary School

• Pavement parking on Abbotshall Road

• No lollipop person at dangerous crossings

• Lack of Police presence in the area

Local • Ensure a community voice in the process of deciding the route Democracy: of the Western Peripheral Route

Environment: • Litter being dropped by Cults Academy pupils at lunchtimes

• Unkempt Gas/electricity boxes

Health and • Dog Fouling throughout the neighbourhood Wellbeing:

4.3 Community Planning Partner Priorities

National Outcomes 1. We live in a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing business in Europe.

2. We realise our full economic potential with more and better employment opportunities for our people.

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 9 3. We are better educated, more skilled and more successful, renowned for our research and innovation.

4. Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.

5. Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed.

6. We live longer, healthier lives.

7. We have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society.

8. We have improved the life chances for children, young people and families at risk.

9. We live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger.

10. We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need.

11. We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others.

12. We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations.

13. We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive national identity.

14. We reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production.

15. Our public services are high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsive to local people’s needs.

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 10 Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 11 The Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) between Aberdeen’s Community Planning partnership and the Scottish Government sets out how services will deliver on a number of national outcomes that the public sector in Scotland will be expected to achieve. The National outcomes are:

National Outcomes

1. We live in a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing business in Europe.

2. We realize our full economic potential with more and better employment opportunities for our people.

3. We are better educated, more skilled and more successful, renowned for our research and innovation.

4. Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.

5. Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed.

6. We live longer, healthier lives.

7. We have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society.

8. We have improved the life chances for children, young people and families at risk.

9. We live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger.

10. We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need.

11. We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others.

12. We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations.

13. We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive national identity.

14. We reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production.

15. Our public services are high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsive to local people’s needs.

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 12 4.4 Statistical Information

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Profiling

Population

The population in Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber is 9737. The highest percentage of people are aged 45-64, accounting for 29% of the neighbourhood. 7% of the population were between 25-34; half the City average.

Crime

Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber records low rates of assault, drugs offences, shop lifting and reset crime. Housebreaking figures remain low when compared with other neighbourhoods in Aberdeen. In 2008, Grampian Police recorded 15,799 crimes in the city and the total recorded for Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber was192.

Education

81% of the 1341 young people of school age in the neighbourhood attend either one of the two primary schools, Cults and Milltimber, or Cults Academy which is the secondary school.

• Combined (all domains) • Current Income • Employment • Crime • Health

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 13 • Housing • Education, Skills and Training • Geographic Access to Services

The main changes since the SIMD 2004 are: • The number of deprived data zones in Aberdeen has increased from 18 in 2004 to 27 in 2006. • The number of employment-deprived data zones increased from 9 to 27.

Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber neighbourhood contains very few deprived data zones reported in the SIMP in 2006. The only domain that features is Geographic Access to Services where it has 2 data zones in the 5-10% most deprived, 2 data zones in the 10-15% most deprived and 4 data zones in the 15-20% most deprived. It must be recognised that this shows a deterioration since 2004.

Health Traffic Lights

Another key neighbourhood data source is the “Health Traffic Lights”. Published in 2005 by NHS Grampian, a revised set of traffic light data is due to be issued during 2009. From the data available to date, the Cults Bieldside and Milltimber neighbourhood records higher than the Scottish average for the number of issues including unintentional injuries in the home for aged over 65, unintentional injuries in the home for aged under 15 and deaths from suicide. .

Work will continue throughout 2009/10 to improve the way in which statistical information about the Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber neighbourhood is captured and how it is then used to inform service delivery.

4.5 Next Steps

The key findings from the four information strands summarised above are presented in Table 2, “Neighbourhood Priorities for 2009/10”.

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 14 Table 2 Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber Neighbourhood Priorities 2009/10

Theme Issues Community Neighbourhood City/Service Next Steps Feedback Statistics Priorities Community Lack of access to Lack of access to SIMD -Geographic SOA 10 Access to • Keep community Facilities local facilities local facilities Access to Services amenities. informed about relocation and Previous NCAP events in issue community facilites.

Local Democracy Local Development Involvement in 52 Applications SOA 1. We live in a • Timetable for Planning Process consultation submitted in Lower Scotland that is the process of exercise Deeside most attractive place consultation for doing business in established. Europe

SOA 10. We live in well-designed sustainable places where we are able to access amenities and services we need.

SOA 12. We value and enjoy our built natural environment and protect it for future generations.

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 15 Theme Issues Community Neighbourhood City/Service Next Steps Feedback Statistics Priorities Local Democracy Ensure that specific Improve Community Council SOA 11 Strong Consult on Policy and neighbourhood engagement and Communities Service proposals. needs are identified communication with SIMD – Geographic and reviewed Community access to services SOA 15 Quality Support Community Public Services Council where required.

Previous NCAP City Priority: The Continuation of Service Issue continued and Community development of Environmental neighbourhood Walkabouts. planning

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 16 Section 5. Stakeholder and Community Engagement

Engaging communities in a dialogue about neighbourhood needs, priorities and responses is an essential element of Neighbourhood Planning.

The result is that communities can have an influence at each stage in the overlapping annual planning cycles.

The effectiveness of community engagement in neighbourhood planning is dependent upon:

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 17 Section 6. Neighbourhood Contacts for Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber

Name Tel Email

Aberdeen Neighbourhood Community Planning Officer [email protected] City Peter Sanderson 01224 868858 [email protected] Council Principal Community Learning Worker Jane Nicklen 01224 522424 [email protected] Service Manager (Communities)

Community Councillor Marie Boulton 01224 522186 [email protected] Contacts Councillor Aileen Malone 01224 522356 [email protected] Councillor Alan Milne 01224 522934 [email protected]

Mr Peter Reiss 01224 734592 [email protected] Chairperson Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber Community Council Mr Alistair Annand 01224 732892 [email protected] Secretary Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber Community Council

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 18 Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Delivery Programme 2009/10 Appendix 1

Ref Project Action/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links CBM. Aberdeen Local Report Development 19 March 2009 Sandy Beattie SOA 1. We live in a 01 Development Plan Plan Scheme to Scotland that is the 2009 – 2012 Planning Committee. most attractive place Consultation Publish Development 31 March 2009 for doing business in Process with all Plan Scheme. Europe. milestones consulting and Process and Assess March to June 2009 SOA 10. We live in involving the Development. well-designed, Community, sustainable places Community Groups where we are able to Draft main issues March to August 2009 and Community access amenities and Report, Strategic Council. services we need. Environmental Assessment Scooping SOA 12. We value and Report and Draft enjoy our built and Monitoring Statement. natural environment Publish Main Issues September 2009 and protect it for future Report and issue to generations. persons and key agencies. Publish Monitoring Statement.

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 19 Ref Project Action/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links CBM. Aberdeen Local Send Strategic September 2009 Sandy Beattie 01 Development Plan Environmental ctd 2009 – 2012 Assessment Scoping Consultation Report to consultation Process with all authorities. milestones Process Comments November 2009 to consulting and and Objections to the march 2010 involving the Main Issues Report. Community, Prepare and publish March 2010 Community Groups Local Development and Community Plan Scheme 2 and Council. issue to Scottish Government.

Prepare Proposed April to June 2010 Aberdeen Local Development Plan. Prepare draft Action April to August 2010 Programme and draft Environmental Report.

Printing Proposed July to August 2010 Aberdeen Local Development Plan.

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 20 Ref Project Action/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links CBM. Aberdeen Local Publish Proposed September 2010 (6 to Sandy Beattie 01 Development Plan Aberdeen Local 12 week consultation ctd 2009 – 2012 Development Plan and period begins) Consultation notify to persons and Process with all key agencies. milestones Publish Proposed September 2010 consulting and Action Programme. involving the Publish Environmental September 2010 Community, Report . Community Groups and Community Council. Notification of September 2010 Neighbours. Objection and September to representation period. November 2010

Consider Objections to November 2010 to Proposed Plan and February 2011 draft Environmental Report. Responses to March 2011 Representatives.

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 21 Ref Project Action/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links CBM. Aberdeen Local Report of Conformity March 2011 Sandy Beattie 01 Development Plan with Participation ctd 2009 – 2012 Statement. Consultation Process with all milestones consulting and Print Local April 2011 involving the Development Plan. Community, Submit Proposed Plan, April 2011 Community Groups Action Programme and and Community Statement of Council. Conformity with Participation with Notes of Representations and how taken account of to Ministers. Publicise submission of Plan.

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 22 Ref Project Action/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links CBM. Request Scottish April 2011 Sandy Beattie 01 Ministers appoint an ctd Examination of the Proposed Plan and Environmental Report.

Advertise Examination of Proposed Plan and serve Notice in known Interested parties. CBM With Refuge TBC TBC Waste Aware Team SOA 14. We reduce 02. Collection going the local and global from Weekly to environment impact of Fortnightly, the our consumption and establishment of production. Plans to deal with fly-tipping and the development of Recycling Education, Recycling Points and Green Collection

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 23 Ref Project Action/Milestones Timescales Lead Contact Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Links CBM To provide better Completion of 3R’s November 2009 Graeme Traill, SOA 10. We live in 03. Community Cults Academy. 3R’s Education Advisor well-designed, Facilities Aberdeen City Council sustainable places 01224 346461 where we are able to access the amenities Completion of 3R’s January 2010 and services we need Cults Academy Sports Facilities and Swimming Pool

Cults, Bieldside & Milltimber Community Action Plan April 2009 24 Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 If you need this publication in an alternative format (large print, audio tape etc) please contact the Interpreting and Translating Service. Tel: 01224 523542

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 Contents

Page Section 1 Introduction 1

Section 2 Ferryhill Today 3

Neighbourhood Map 5

Section 3 Neighbourhood Planning Progress to Date 6

Table 1 Neighbourhood Planning Progress to 6 Date

Section 4 Priority Issues for 2009/10 8

Table 2 Ferryhill Neighbourhood Priorities 16 2009/10

Section 5 Stakeholder and Community Engagement 20

Section 6 Neighbourhood Contact for Ferryhill 21

Appendix I Ferryhill Neighbourhood Delivery Programme 22 2009/10

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 4 Section 1. Introduction

This Neighbourhood Community Action Plan explains the background to community planning and how this relates to the Ferryhill neighbourhood.

For more information about TACA’s members and their aims, access the TACA homepage:- http://www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.uk

Community Planning is based on three principles. These are:-

• to listen to what local people want for their City;

• to agree on the priorities (to address the City’s needs); and

• to agree to tackle them together.

Then, real and lasting improvements will be achieved for the City and for the people who live here.

To ensure that this happens, work has continued throughout 2008/09 to develop a Neighbourhood Network within every neighbourhood, including Ferryhill. The Neighbourhood Network is not a formal group; it is an informal network of the key stakeholders in the neighbourhood, namely:-

1. Community representatives, which include residents and community members who have an interest in part, or all, of the neighbourhood;

2. Elected Members who are Aberdeen City Councillors with responsibility for part, or all, of the neighbourhood; Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 1 3. The Service Managers (resource holders and decision-makers for local services from Aberdeen City Council and its community planning partners) that sit on the neighbourhood Tasking and Co-ordinating Groups, which have accountability for tackling neighbourhood issues and monitoring progress;

4. Front-line staff whose work relates to the neighbourhood and can inform and implement action on neighbourhood priorities;

1. Plan and deliver services and interventions which improve the quality of life for residents in the neighbourhood,

2. Identify local issues and agree on the neighbourhood’s priorities,

3. Encourage services to work together and respond to local neighbourhood priorities in a co-ordinated manner,

4. Create opportunities for on-going dialogue between agencies and with the communities they serve, and

5. Support citizens and community groups to participate at the earliest opportunity in the planning and delivery of local services.

This Neighbourhood Community Action Plan (NCAP) details how this is to be achieved in Ferryhill and what actions are taking place, locally, to improve the quality of life for Ferryhill residents.

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 2 Section 2. Ferryhill Today

Ferryhill is sited to the south of Aberdeen city centre and is bordered to the south by the River Dee from the Victoria Bridge down to the Brig O Dee, returning along South Anderson Drive to the old Deeside Railway line, which makes its northern boundary.

In 2008, an estimated 8,346 people resided in Ferryhill, a reduction of approximately 300 individuals since the 2001 Census. The 25-34 year age group age group accounts for 25% of the population, a significant increase on the city average of 15%.

The type of housing in Ferryhill is predominately Victorian granite built properties, although many new modern flatted developments have been built in the neighbourhood in the last twenty years. The Ferryhill neighbourhood housing is predominately private with 69% of houses being owned. This is a slight increase on the Aberdeen average of 61%. Of 4,704 properties only 8% were rented from the council in 2005, compared to a city average per neighbourhood of 23%. However the number of properties privately rented was 17%, being almost double the city average of 9%.

Ferryhill neighborhood contains one of eleven conservation areas located within the boundaries of Aberdeen city. Of national importance and categorized in 1967 are the three historic bridges; Brig O Dee, Wellington Suspension Bridge and Victoria Bridge. One particular area of regional importance is the Allenvale Cemetery on Allenvale Rod including the Lodge and James Saint Monument, which was categorized in 1999.

Ferryhill social and community facilities include the historic Duthie Park, donated to the City Council in 1880 and first opened to the public in 1883. Duthie Park enjoys a wealth of historic amenities, including a bandstand, fountain and ponds. The David Welch Winter Gardens were rebuilt in 1970 and provide access to exotic plants, including the largest cacti collection in Britain. A restoration programme is underway with a bid being made to Parks for the People, the Heritage Lottery Fund's latest programme, which aims to show how high quality local environments can make a real difference to people's lives and how important it is for communities to feel pride in their local area. Ferryhill also enjoys having Bon Accord gardens within its boundaries.

Other community facilities include Ruthrieston Library, Ferryhill Community Centre and Ruthrieston Community Centre and Ferryhill Medical Practice. Sporting facilities in Ferryhill include the Albury Outdoor Sports Centre and Polmuir Bowling Club, which is an outdoor lawn bowling facility.

Ferryhill neighbourhood is serviced by Harlaw Academy, where 67% of pupils from Ferryhill Primary attend, although they make up only 19% of the school roll. In 2007 308 pupils attended Ferryhill Primary School, although only 188 were from Ferryhill. 70 pupils also attended Broomhill Primary School.

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 3 Ferryhill enjoys both an active Community Council and Residents’ Association. Both groups are vocal in the neighbourhood, representing residents and tenants on issues of local interest and participating in city wide forums. The Ferryhill Focus newsletter is now accompanied by the neighbourhoods’ own website at www.ferryhillcc.org

A useful source of local information which contains a range of statistical information for the Ferryhill neighbourhood can be found in the Neighbourhood Profile, published by Aberdeen City Council’s. Copies of this document are available from the key contacts listed in Section 6, or can be downloaded from the internet from www.communityplanningaberdeen.org.

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 4 Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 5 Section 3. Neighbourhood Planning Progress to Date

A three year Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan was published in 2006 for the period 2006-2009. Informed by local consultation, the Plan identified the priorities that local people, Councillors and services wanted to see tackled to improve the quality of life of residents and neighbourhoods as a whole. To keep abreast of new community concerns and emerging neighbourhood needs, consultation has since taken place on an annual basis to inform updated, annual summary plans.

Some of the key issues raised, and actions taken to address them, are presented in Table 1, below:-

Table 1 NCAP Progress to date.

Theme Issue(s) Progress To date Community Facilities • Ferryhill Community Centre was in need of • The extension has been built and will be larger and more modern facilities opened in May 2009

• To improve play and sports facilities in parks • North play area in Duthie park has received and open spaces £19,000 funding from OK2 & the Wooden Spoon to create more Disability Discrimination Act compliant play facilities • £25,000 funding from Aberdeen City Council to improve accessible play opportunities in the north play area at Duthie Park • The restoration of Wellington Suspension • Successfully opened to pedestrians and Bridge cyclists in November 2009

• Supporting local heritage • The Engine Shed project was approved at Resources Committee in 2008 and has secured its lease. The project will now develop its own fundraising strategy

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 6 Theme Issue(s) Progress To date Environment • Bon Accord Park requires developing and • Considerable herbaceous borders have maintaining been planted. Alcohol bylaw signs have been erected to combat antisocial behaviour • Path repairs and regular maintenance of bins and furniture undertaken • New tree bed and hanging basket frame erected • Need for dog bins • Response to local concerns has led to installation of new bins where required • Improvements to bus services and shelters • Review of routes completed in 2008. New service implemented to provide free transport on a weekly basis to shopping centre from a residential home • Bus shelters have been upgraded including raised kerbs at principal stops • Need for enhanced street lighting • Programme of lamppost replacement was undertaken during 2008-09

Community Safety • Reduce speeding traffic • Albury Road has received traffic islands to reduce traffic speed Local Democracy • Ferryhill Community Council wanted to • Ferryhill Focus Newsletter has received improve communication to and amongst funding from Shell. It is presently under local residents development and is expected to be published again in June 2009 • The Community Council has developed it’s website for the neighbourhood at www.ferryhillcc.org

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 7 Section 4. Priority Issues for 2009/10

Neighbourhood priorities have been identified for the 2009/10 Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan by reviewing information from the following broad ranging sources:-

4.1 Previous Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Issues: Assessing progress delivery over the past year and whether issues remain relevant for 2009/10,

4.2 Community feedback: ongoing dialogue between communities, Aberdeen City Councillors and services,

4.3 City/Service priorities: Consideration of community planning partners’ service plans, reflecting available resources and national targets, and

4.4 Statistical information: new or updated neighbourhood statistics

Each of these four strands of information is summarised in Table 2.

4.1 Previous Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Issues

Local Democracy

• Although a Community Newsletter has been established by Ferryhill Community Council it is presently being redeveloped and will be re-launched in summer 2009. The existing web editor will be responsible for producing the newsletter and funding has been secured from Shell for the newsletter development.

Community Safety

• Community desire to see a widespread implementation of CCTV resulted in a short term project at Millburn Street, which has not satisfied the existing issue.

Community Facilities

• Concern regarding young people and access to facilities and diversionary tactics has seen the implementation of street workers where issues are arising. The Community Learning and Development team are currently supporting youth work in Ferryhill Community Centre at the Wednesday evening Youth Club for young people aged 13-16 years.

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 8 Environment

• The Heritage Lottery Bid for the development and restoration at Duthie Park has been partially successful. The implementation of the development will commence summer 2009. However the play areas are excluded from the Heritage bid and require further planning and development subsequent to the restoration project. • The maintenance and development of Bon Accord Park is in progress and plans to enhance the area are in place. • A review of Controlled Parking Areas was undertaken in 2008, but Ferryhill continues to experience resident parking concerns. • Concerns have not been addressed in regards to the Bridge of Dee junction. • To improve links for the walking and cycling routes along the Deeside Line

4.2 Community Feedback

Ferryhill residents raised the following issues:

Community • Extension of CCTV down Holburn Street to Bridge of Dee Safety • Increase City Warden presence • Tackle graffiti • Address the Bridge of Dee junction and install traffic lights

Environment • Seeking an improvement to paving in the Ruthrieston area • Tackle congestion and flow • Protect and enhance local area • Protection of ‘free parking’ areas • Poor road surface along Riverside Drive • Overdevelopment and high density housing • Development of Duthie Park • Install adequate and safe cycling lanes

Health and • Promote cycling for police and the public Well Being

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 9

4.3 Community Planning Partner Priorities

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 10 Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 11 The Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) between Aberdeen’s Community Planning partnership and the Scottish Government sets out how services will deliver on a number of national outcomes that the public sector in Scotland will be expected to achieve. The National outcomes are:

National Outcomes

1. We live in a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing business in Europe.

2. We realize our full economic potential with more and better employment opportunities for our people.

3. We are better educated, more skilled and more successful, renowned for our research and innovation.

4. Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.

5. Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed.

6. We live longer, healthier lives.

7. We have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society.

8. We have improved the life chances for children, young people and families at risk.

9. We live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger.

10. We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need.

11. We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others.

12. We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations.

13. We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive national identity.

14. We reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production.

15. Our public services are high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsive to local people’s needs.

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 12

4.4 Statistical Information

Ferryhill Profiling

The following statistics are linked to the priority themes:

Community Safety

• Ferryhill has a relatively moderate crime rate, accounting for approximately 3.6% of crime in Aberdeen in 2008 (566 incidents out of 15,799). The neighbourhood experienced quite high levels of car crime, vandalism and ‘other thefts’ when compared to other neighbourhoods in south Aberdeen. Callouts for house fires dropped in 2008 from 2007 with only 7 incidents being reported. This accounted for less than 2% of call outs for the Fire and Rescue Service in Aberdeen in 2008.

Prosperity and Jobs

• Unemployment figures have experienced only a very small reduction from 27 persons unemployed in 2007 to 23 in 2008, accounting for less than 0.6% of the working population in the neighbourhood as being out of work.

Health and Wellbeing

• In terms of the health of residents in Ferryhill there has been an increase in the incidence of cancer related deaths from 269.27 per 100,000 population for the period 1998-2002 to 283.39 in 2003-2007. This is only slighter higher than the average rate for all neighbourhoods in Aberdeen. Conversely, death from strokes have seen a reduction during the same reporting period, experiencing a 17% reduction, whilst still remaining the fourth highest neighbourhood with 158.98 per 100,000 for the period 2003-07. Deaths from heart disease have risen and remain one of the highest rates of incidence in Aberdeen for the same period.

• The number of babies born in Ferryhill from 2003-2007 was 430. Although 4.3% of babies had a low birth weight and 4.1% were born prematurely, both these figures fall below the Scottish average.

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 13 Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD)

• Combined (all domains) • Current Income • Employment • Crime • Health • Housing • Education, Skills and Training • Geographic Access to Services

The main changes since the SIMD 2004 are:

• The number of deprived data zones in Aberdeen has increased from 18 in SIMD 2004 to 27 in the SIMD 2006.

• The number of employment-deprived data zones increased from 9 to 27.

The reasons for the changes between SIMD 2004 and SIMD 2006 include:

• A significant loss of working age population in the most deprived parts of Aberdeen.

• The addition of a crime domain.

• Actual changes in deprivation

• Relative changes in other areas

Ferryhill contains several deprived data zones reported in the SIMD in 2006. Ranked 9th in Aberdeen Ferryhill has an area housing deprivation, reported in the 5-10% most deprived areas in Scotland. A further two areas are recorded, one in the 10- 15% and one in the 15-20% most deprived areas. In terms of ‘all domains’ Ferryhill shares a series of data zones with Torry, the highest being ranked 3rd in Aberdeen and experiencing 0-5% of the most deprived areas in Scotland. A further 6 data zones occur within the 5-10% and 10-15% most deprived areas and a further two are shared with Torry in the 15-20% areas in Scotland.

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 14 Health Traffic Lights

Another key neighbourhood data source is the “Health Traffic Lights”. Published in 2005 by NHS Grampian, a revised set of traffic light data is due to be issued during 2009. From the data available to date, the Ferryhill neighbourhood records significantly higher rates than the Scottish average for a number of issues including;

• hospital admissions resulting from external causes • hospital admissions attributable to alcohol • deaths from heart disease • a lower than average life expectancy for men • 20% reduction in the number of 15 year old males reaching 65 years • 38% increase in teenage pregnancies • 9% reduction in the immunisation of infants, including a reduction in the MMR immunisation programme

Work will continue throughout 2009/10 to improve the way in which statistical information about the Hazlehead neighbourhood is captured and how it is then used to inform service delivery.

4.5 Next Steps

The key findings from the four information strands summarised above are presented in Table 2, “Neighbourhood Priorities for 2009/10”.

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 15 Table 2 Ferryhill Neighbourhood Priorities 2009/10

Theme Issues Community Neighbourhood City/Service Next Steps Feedback Statistics Priorities

Raised by Ferryhill Smarter To improve Community Council communication in initial community Close the Gap Develop existing between residents SIMD: Area of most Local engagement event. Community Council the and deprived for all Democracy Existing newsletter Improving adult newsletter and launch in community council domains has secured external literacy and Summer 2009 funding to develop numeracy and relaunch Previous NCAP Issue

Concerns over Safer and Stronger Review the junctions at the To improve the congestion and Bridge of Dee junctions at the safety of road The Transport Community High levels of car Bridge of Dee crossings at the Infrastructure Safety crime during 2008 Establish community Bridge of Dee. concerns and possible Raised again in Jan Improve Sustainable solutions 2009 consultation Travel Options Previous NCAP Issue

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 16 Theme Issues Community Neighbourhood City/Service Next Steps Feedback Statistics Priorities

Need for community safety measures Concerns for Modernisation of including increased geographic locations Relatively low crime existing CCTV is use of CCTV beyond that of the rate of 3.6% of scheduled earlier pilot. Seeking incidences in Safer and stronger Community greater use of Aberdeen with most Community Safety Safety CCTV. Concerns in reported in car Partnership forthcoming regarding antisocial crime, vandalism ‘Strategic Assessment’ Previous NCAP Issue behaviour related to and ‘other theft’ due to be published drug and alcohol shortly related incidents

Maintain existing youth work provision at Ferryhill community Centre with view to responding to changing Healthier need Concern that Young people access present activities are 38% higher rate of Close the Gap to facilities and Liaison with not widely teenage pregnancies Community activities neighbourhood policing Facilities accessible to all age Getting it Right for where street work may groups 20% fewer 15 year Every Child be required in future old male surviving to 65 years Develop separate strategy to develop play area and all weather surfaces at Duthie Park

Previous NCAP Issue

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 17 Community Neighbourhood City/Service Theme Issues Next Steps Feedback Statistics Priorities Plans are in place to develop the Maintain and planted areas, including an develop Bon extensive annual summer Greener planting programme. Accord Park Raised by both elected members SIMD: Area of Healthier To monitor restoration needs of and residents to Environment most deprived for the listed monument on the enhance the area all domains Improving Health terrace. and combat antisocial behaviour Climate Change To repair and replace damaged Previous NCAP ornate railings Issue

Heritage Lottery Bid has partly Long-term support been successful in March 2009 to develop all Improving Health aspects of Duthie To appoint committee working Maintain and group and Project Coordinator Environment Park, including SIMD: Area of Greener develop Duthie historic, most deprived for Park To plan the implementation of the conservation and all domains Healthier heritage works play areas. Raised at every community Climate Change To identify areas of development engagement event excluded from the Heritage Bid Previous NCAP and to seek funding and resources Issue

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 18 Theme Community Neighbourhood City/Service Issues Next Steps Feedback Statistics Priority

Trial of resident only bays north Continued concern The transport of Union Street Access and that developments infrastructure availability of are resulting in Review trial and possible rollout High levels of car residents parking further erosion of of programme across inner city crime during 2008 car parking and Improve seeking review of sustainable Enable regular communication existing schemes travel options with community regarding Previous NCAP concerns and developments Issue Environment

To enhance Healthier Longstanding connections along interest further Deeside Line for The transport Improvements programme supported at walking and SIMD: Area of infrastructure continuing along Deeside Line January 2009 cycling most deprived for engagement event. all domains Stairs on north side of Anderson Support to expand Improve Drive are under review Previous NCAP cycling routes and sustainable Issue safer cycling travel options

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Community Action Plan Summary 2009/10 April 2009 19 Section 5. Stakeholder and Community Engagement