Minutes of Meeting - 23 September 2025

The minutes of the Community Council meeting held on Tuesday 23 September 2025 can be viewed or download by clicking here.

The next meeting of the Community Council will be at the Airyhall Community Centre at 7pm on Tuesday 28 October 2025

ALL WELCOME

SALT BAG and GRIT BINS

Residents across Aberdeen can apply for a free one-tonne community salt bag to treat icy roads and pavements in their neighbourhood during the winter months.

The deadline for applying for the one-tonne community salt bags is Sunday 26 October, 2025, after which applications will not be processed.

The scheme is designed to help communities help themselves when winter starts and in addition, there will again be big community salt bins in strategic locations around the city.

The one-tonne community salt bags, like the salt provided in grit bins, will be for use only on public areas. A secure and accessible area, like a driveway, would have to be available for storing the one-tonne community salt bags.

Any residents or groups which would like a one-tonne bag should apply via One-tonne salt bags | Aberdeen City Council before 26 October. The community salt bags are delivered free of charge and are removed at the end of winter.

The locations for the big community salt bins are Bridge of Don (Laurel Drive), Garthdee (Asda car park – next to recycling facilities), Torry (Girdleness Road), Union Row, Crown Terrace (next to bins), Justice Street (next to recycling bins), Seaton Drive (car park on entry to Seaton Walk), Regent Court (car park), Northfield (Byron Square), Hilton (at the top of Anderson Road, next to Stewart Park), Rosemount (Leadside Road), Kingswells Park & Ride (next to recycling point and bins), Craibstone Park & Ride (west car park), Bridge of Don Park & Ride (next to recycling point and bins), Countesswells Road, Dyce (Asda car park-next to recycling facilities), Fernhill Drive (near Fernhill Road), Johnston Gardens North (at turning area), Tillydrone (Pennan Road beside the library).

More information about gritting routes and winter maintenance from Aberdeen City Council is available from www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/win

There is also a reminder that, if you have Grit Bin near you, to check it is full.  If it requires topping up contact the council through it's website - www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/winter 

Do it NOW before winter arrives

Police Report - August 2025

The following report has been received from Police Scotland's Community Council Liaison Officer:

"Crime Overview
In the Braeside and Mannofield community, there were a total of 145 calls in August 2025. This is an increase of 22 calls compared to July 2025. Calls to Police predominantly related to non-criminal matters including, concern for persons, missing persons, assisting the public and false calls with good intent.

As a result of these incidents, and proactive Police activity, 35 crimes were recorded in the Braeside and Mannofield community during July 2025. This is a decrease of 16 crimes recorded since July 2025.

Antisocial behaviour, Violence and Disorder

On 22 August 2025, in the area of Springfield Road, Aberdeen, Police executed a Drugs Search Warrant due to receiving intelligence that controlled drugs were being stored and sold from the address. A  quantity of suspected controlled drugs were seized and sent to the laboratory for testing. Enquiries are currently ongoing.

Acquisitive Crime
On 18 August 2025, at a premises in the area of Holburn Street, Aberdeen, Police received a report of a theft by shoplifting. A male entered the store, selected items from the shelves and left without making any attempt to pay for same. The incident was fully captured on CCTV and enquiries are ongoing to identify the male involved. 

The community should remain vigilant and consider the following advice.
 Ensure all vehicles and property are secured when not in use.
 Consider the installation of CCTV cameras covering private property.
 Ensure that you are comfortable with the identity of persons before providing personal information over the telephone. If in doubt, hang up contact Police via 101 for further advice.

Road Safety & Road Crime
During August 2025, in the Braeside and Mannofield community area, three drivers were identified as driving whilst using a mobile phone. All three drivers were issued with a conditional offer resulting in a £200 fine and 6 penalty points. 

Two drivers within the Braeside and Mannofield community area were identified as driving with no insurance. One driver was charged and reported regarding driving with no insurance, and one driver was charged and reported with driving whilst disqualified along with driving with no insurance.

On 15 August, 2025, an electric Sur-Ron motor cycle was seized in the area of Airyhall due to being driving on a road with no insurance and being involved in a minor road traffic collision with another vehicle. No injuries were sustained as a result. 

Road safety remains a priority for the North East Police Division, and local resources will continue to undertake high visibility proactive patrols to ensure your roads are safe.

Community Safety Advice

In our busy lives, it's easy to overlook simple security measures. Even small preventative actions can significantly reduce crime in our communities. 

Unfortunately, we've seen a concerning trend in the North East over recent months.  Numerous unlocked vehicles have been targeted, with thieves making off with everything from tools to laptops. 

That's why it's absolutely vital to protect yourself from becoming a victim of theft.

Get into the habit of locking your car every time you leave it and always ensure your windows are fully closed. 

Vehicle break-ins are often committed by opportunistic thieves looking for an easy target. Unlocked vehicles offer quick and quiet access to valuables. Whether it's electronics, personal belongings, or even just loose change, anything left inside can catch a thief's eye. Simply put, an unlocked car is an open invitation for criminals.

Why Locking Your Vehicle Matters
A locked car is a much less attractive target for thieves. Breaking into a locked vehicle takes more time and dramatically increases a thief's risk of getting caught. 

Most criminals prefer easy targets. By locking your vehicle, you safeguard any items inside.

Stolen items can unfortunately lead to other crimes. For example, if a thief steals your garage door opener, they now have easy access to your home. Preventing the initial theft can stop a chain reaction of potential criminal activity.

Always Lock Your Vehicle. This might seem obvious, but it's the most effective deterrent. Even if  you are parked in your own driveway or garage, make it a habit to lock your car every time you leave it. Don't just listen for the click of the lock; always check for your lights flashing or mirrors closing and better still, give the door handle a quick tug to be certain it's locked.

Remove Valuables.  Never leave anything valuable in plain sight. If you absolutely must leave items in

your vehicle, store them out of sight in the boot or a locked glove compartment.

Park in Well-Lit Areas. Thieves prefer to operate under the cover of darkness. Parking under streetlights or near motion-activated lights can make your vehicle less appealing.

Activate Your Alarm System. If your vehicle has an alarm, make sure it's armed. If not, consider  installing a car alarm or a motion-activated dashcam. The noise and attention they create can be enough to scare off potential thieves.

Be Vigilant. Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood and report it to the Police. Community awareness plays a huge role in deterring crime. Locking your vehicle at night is a simple in crime prevention. You can protect your belongings, significantly reduce the likelihood of theft and contribute to a safer community.

Remember - lock up, stay vigilant and help keep your vehicle and your neighbourhood safe.

Further advice can be obtained by contacting Police Scotland Crime Reduction Officers at:
NorthEastCrimeReduction@scotland.pnn.police.uk

#northeastcrimereduction

Community Concerns
Please take the opportunity to let us know of any community concerns or issues so that we can explore these issues and take action to address your concerns.

Any updates will be fed back to the Community Council in future reports.

Contact Us
Please also remember you can contact us using any of the following:
🕾 101 – Non emergency;
🖱 Email - AberdeenSouthCPT@scotland.police.uk
🖱 X previously known as Twitter - @NorthEPolice
🖱 Facebook – www.facebook.com/NorthEastPoliceDivision
🖱 Web – www.scotland.police.uk
🕾 999 – Emergency;
🕾 0800 555 111 - Crimestoppers;"

Future Library - Questionnaire

Aberdeen City Libraries are working on a Future Library Model and want to explore ways to enhance the services and support provided, especially in helping you make the most out of digital library services.

To better understand how they can assist you, they have put together a brief Digital Needs Form. Whether you're seeking guidance on using devices, accessing online resources, or honing your digital skills, this form is your chance to let them know what you need.

📝 Complete the form here: https://forms.office.com/e/NCuGuDDN6z

It should take 10 minutes to complete, and your feedback will be invaluable in helping tailor services to better meet your needs. Thank you for helping make libraries more inclusive and digitally accessible.

Meeting 23 September 2025 - Agenda

The next meeting of the Community Council will be at 7pm prompt on Tuesday 23 September 2025 at the Airyhall Community Centre in Countesswells Road.

The Agenda can be viewed or downloaded by clicking here

If there are any queries, please email the secretary on bandmcommcouncil@gmail.com