What you told us - What we're doing

We asked

The Peterhead Town Board, as part of the UK government's Long-Term Plan for Towns programme, aimed to carry out an initial phase of community engagement to achieve the following objectives:

• Gather community input on the prioritisation of planned interventions.
• Raise awareness about the Town Board and its decision-making role.
• Inform the community about the programme’s key themes and timelines.
• Ensure the Board is informed about ongoing projects and local organisations.

Aberdeenshire Council were tasked with supporting the Town Board by developing and distributing a survey, planning and attending events, coordinating the engagement phase, and reporting all collected data back to them.

You Said

The survey ran from early October 2024 to late December 2024, with 673 participants sharing their preferences, opinions, and feedback. Aberdeenshire Council analysed the data, and the key findings are outlined below.

High Streets

• Improve cleanliness by tidying streets, removing weeds, and cleaning buildings.
• Restore and maintain derelict buildings and shopfronts.
• Introduce greenery, street art, and cultural designs to enhance the town’s appearance.
• Support businesses with reduced rates, incentives, and prioritisation of vacant units.
• Develop more leisure, retail, and cultural attractions to increase footfall.

The top 4 priorities chosen were

1. Improving town centre retail and service centre infrastructure (435 – 64.6%) 
2. Improving and supporting sports facilities, tournaments, teams and leagues (358 – 53.2%) 
3. Creating or improving local green spaces (272 – 40.4%) 
4. Supporting social action projects (232 – 34.5%) 

Transport

• Reintroduce free or reduced parking to encourage visitors.
• Improve public transport connections and overall accessibility.
• Develop cycling and pedestrian-friendly routes.
• Enhance town signage and wayfinding for easier navigation.

The top 2 priorities chosen were -

1. Supporting active travel (387 – 57.5%) 
2. Improving bus infrastructure and connection (372 – 55.3%) 

Security

• Increase safety with more security patrols and CCTV in public spaces.
• Address antisocial behaviour to create a safer environment.
• Provide safe community spaces, particularly for teenagers and families.

The top 2 priorities chosen were –

1. Using design and management of streets and landscapes to discourage crime (481 – 71.5%) 
2. Measures to prevent anti-social behaviour, crime and reduce re-offending (371 – 55.1%) 

We Will

Comprehensive reports were prepared by Aberdeenshire Council for each theme and presented to the Peterhead Town Board during the Board meeting on 7^th February 2025.

Three dedicated sub-groups, made up of Board members, have been formed to focus on each theme. Their role is to review the engagement findings, analyse the collected data, and consult with subject experts. The insights from these sub-groups will then be presented to all Town Board members, enabling the development of a detailed plan for submission to the UK Government. This plan will outline the key challenges Peterhead faces and identify priority areas for investment.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views. Your input is invaluable in guiding the next stages of shaping our investment plan for Peterhead.

Aberdeenshire Council publishes information about the Peterhead Long-Term Plan and Town Board here: Peterhead Long Term Town Plan - Aberdeenshire Council

We asked

Aberdeenshire Restaurant Week took place between 4th and 10th November 2024. This was a pilot to test out the appetite for such an event. To help us to understand if this should become a regular fixture in the Aberdeenshire culinary calendar, we wanted to know what you thought of the first ever Aberdeenshire Restaurant Week and if you participated by visiting any of the venues taking part.

We also partnered with the Aberdeenshire Loves Local Gift Card during the Week and so wanted to understand awareness of this scheme at the same time.

You Said

Communication

• When asked where you saw Restaurant Week promoted the most popular responses were Facebook (42%), via email (25%), and in the press (17%)

Feedback on the pilot Restaurant Week

• 85% of respondents rated the choice of venues as excellent or good
• 85% of respondents dined out during Restaurant Week
• Your main reasons for participating in Restaurant Week were – the discount was appealing (36%), to try a new restaurant (34%) and wanting to visit a favourite restaurant (17%)
• 62% of you dined with a partner, whilst 42% dined in a group (family or friends)
• Most people (63%) dined out once, with the majority of people spending between £21-£40 (22%)
• 32% of you also spent money in other businesses as a part of your Restaurant Week visit
• 50% of respondents said Restaurant Week encouraged them to visit a part of Aberdeenshire they don’t normally go to

Thoughts about future Restaurant Weeks

• 83% of you would definitely like to dine out again during any future Restaurant Week events
• When asked how long a future Restaurant Week should run for, 33% of respondents said 1 week, 52% said 2 weeks and 15% said 1 month
• 64% of you would like it to run at the same time again (November) or have no preference
• 52% of respondents felt that Restaurant Week should be extended to two weeks, 33% liked the one-week format whilst 15% said it should run for a full month
• 70% of you said the event should run twice a year with March being the most popular other month suggested
• General feedback received was focused on improving awareness/publicity, encouraging businesses to better promote their offer by having the special menu available without having to ask for it and doing their own promotion, increasing geographical coverage and the range of venues taking part

Aberdeenshire Loves Local Gift Card

• 63% of respondents were aware of the Aberdeenshire Gift Card, however the majority of people had not given or received a card
• Supporting the Aberdeenshire economy, receiving discounts and introducing an e-gift card were the most popular options for encouraging people to purchase a gift card in the future

We Will

We will use this feedback to inform our decision-making around the possibility of delivering future Aberdeenshire Restaurant Week events. If it does continue, we will use this information to aid planning and promotion. We will also share this with businesses so that they can understand why they should get involved and how they can improve their offer. As we develop any new plans, we’ll provide further updates so you can stay informed about potential opportunities to dine out and support the Aberdeenshire hospitality sector.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views. Your input is invaluable in helping us shape our work to benefit the Aberdeenshire economy.

We asked

A survey was conducted on behalf of Evolving Inverurie, a charity established in 2022 to enhance recreational, environmental and cultural opportunities in Inverurie. Residents were asked to share their thoughts on recreational facilities in Inverurie.

You said

Over 400 people responded to the survey. The results from the feedback can be found here: Survey Feedback | Inverurie Recreation Survey 2024 | Engage Aberdeenshire

We will

As a result of this survey, we have identified specific projects that we are working on right now. These are:

• Working with landowners to identify ways of increasing the size of Ury Riverside Park
• Working with a cinema company to provide a pop-up cinema
• Identifying ways, we can address the access from Howford Bridge to Ury Riverside Park
• Working with local schools to increase Heritage Trails
• Looking at options for increasing tourism in the area

We asked

Live Life Aberdeenshire (LLA) wanted to understand your interest in potential full-day or full-week multi-activity holiday camps. Specifically, we asked:

• Preferred drop-off and pick-up times
• Ideal age groups
• Willingness to travel
• How far in advance you would like holiday activities to be announced
• Whether you’d like to be contacted about future LLA activities and services

You Said

Participation
We received a strong level of engagement from the community, with many people responding to the survey.

Interest in Full-Day Camps
The majority of respondents expressed interest in full-day, multi-activity holiday camps, indicating significant demand for this type of programme.

Preferred Number of Days

• 2–3 days: Nearly half of the respondents chose this option.
• 5 days: A notable proportion preferred a full week.
• 1 day: A smaller share indicated interest in a single-day format.

Preferred Timings
Over half of the participants favoured a 9:00/9:30 a.m. start with a 4:00/4:30 p.m. finish, suggesting that a standard workday schedule is most convenient.

Age Groups

• 5–8 years: A large portion of responses focused on this age range.
• 9–12 years: Another substantial group favoured slightly older children.
• Only a small number of respondents selected ages outside this bracket.

Willingness to Travel
Most participants were comfortable travelling a moderate distance (around 5–10 miles) for a full-day camp.

Planning Ahead
A significant portion preferred having at least a month’s notice to plan holiday activities.

Future Contact
A substantial majority indicated they would like ongoing updates from Live Life Aberdeenshire (LLA) about future activities and services.

Conclusion
Overall, the majority of respondents prefer a full-day, multi-activity format that aligns with typical working hours. Children aged 5–12 remain the core demographic, with participants showing willingness to travel a moderate distance. Allowing adequate planning time and providing consistent communication will be essential in meeting these community needs.

We Will

Based on these insights, we will use this feedback to inform our planning and explore options for future holiday programme provision. As we develop any new initiatives or pilots, we’ll provide further updates so you can stay informed about potential opportunities for your children.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views. Your input is invaluable in helping us understand community needs and consider how best to deliver holiday activities in the future.

We asked

We asked residents in Aberdeenshire for their thoughts on a range of saving proposals to help balance the books for 2025/26. A survey took place between 28 October 2024 and 20 December 2024, with space for comments and feedback.

You said

We received over 4000 responses to the survey, along with a wide range of feedback. The survey results and feedback can be found here: Budget Engagement for 2025/26 | Engage Aberdeenshire

We will

The report, along with the feedback, has been shared with Councillors for consideration. The budget for 2025/26 will be discussed at the full Council meeting on 20 February 2025 and further details will be shared following the meeting.

We asked

The three deteriorating swing sets at the Play Park on Blairythan Terrace, Foveran require replacing. We asked for your views on replacing the play equipment to help inform us on the type of new play equipment to install in the play park.

You Said

From the survey responses we received people were keen to maintain swings on the site. Having equipment aimed at both the early years and junior age ranges was also identified through the survey. Views expressed stated the play park should have equipment for all ages and abilities.

We Will

The project to replace the Swing sets at Blairythan Terrace will proceed and the feedback has helped in the consideration of what type of play equipment to install at the site.

We will install new Swings sets for both early years and junior age groups including a Basket Swing for inclusive play, with future consideration being given to installing and upgrading other pieces of play equipment.

We asked

Within the Play Park at Panmure Gardens, Potterton the Multi-play Unit reached the end of its serviceable life and required removal. The Multi-play Unit now needs to be replaced.

We asked for your views on replacing the Multi-play Unit to help inform us on the type of new play equipment to install in the play park.

You Said

The survey responses provided insight to the variety of activities people would like to see included in a new piece of play equipment. The range of activities most popular included sliding, climbing, balancing and interactive panels. The responses were in favour of equipment suitable for both the early years and junior age group. Comments made also suggested new play equipment should be inclusive and accessible for children with a broad range of ability.

We Will

The project to replace the existing Multi-play Unit will proceed and the feedback has helped in the consideration of what type of play equipment to install at the site. We will replace the Multi-play Unit with a new updated inclusive unit which will include a slide, provide a variety of climbing and balancing activities aimed at covering children of a broad age range and ability.

We asked

The Multi-play Unit within the Play Park at Denview Crescent in Potterton was identified as reaching the end of its serviceable life and requires replacing. We asked for your views on replacing the play equipment to help inform us on the type of new play equipment to install in the play park.

You Said

The survey responses helped provide insight into the age ranges and activities people were keen to see included in any new piece of play equipment.

The responses were in favour of a Multi-play unit that provides climbing, balancing and sliding activities suitable for juniors (age 5-12). The unit should be inclusive and accessible for children with a range of ability. Comments made were keen to see upgrades to the play equipment.

We Will

The project to replace the Multi-play Unit will proceed and the feedback has helped in the consideration of what type of play equipment to install at the site. A new Multi-play Unit will be installed that provides sliding, climbing and balancing activities for children of a broad range of ability.

We asked

Belhelvie Community Trust (BCT) made an Asset Transfer Request (ATR) to extend their existing ATR lease of the Sand Bothy building in Balmedie Country Park. BCT plan to continue to provide a community facility with exhibition space and a kiosk selling drinks and snacks. The community were asked for their views on whether they supported or objected to the proposal.

You said

We received no representations in relation to the proposal. All of the documents relating to the Asset Transfer request can be viewed on the Council’s website by clicking on the following link:- https://publications.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/asset-transfer-sandy-bothy-balmedie-country-park

We will

The Asset Transfer Request was considered by the Formartine Area Committee on 2 July 2024 and it was agreed that this request should be agreed. The Council will continue to lease the Sand Bothy building to BCT.

We Asked

Aberdeenshire Council, as Licensing Authority, are statutorily obliged to review and fix the maximum fares that taxis in Aberdeenshire can charge every 18 months.

To gather opinions, before fixing the maximum fares, we undertook two distinct consultations. We conducted a pre-consultation exercise with the taxi trade which is not statutorily required. This sought the views of the trade in respect of the proposed fare scale to be taken forward to the statutory consultation phase. Views were sought on all aspects of the fare scale and the survey was active between 1 July 2024 to 22 July 2024. A link to the survey was sent to all relevant licence holders within the trade.

The statutory consultation was open to the public and the taxi trade. Views were sought on the proposed fare scale with a view to fixing the final fare scale. The survey was active between 4 September 2024 and 4 October 2024. A link to the survey was sent to all members of the trade, a notice was published in the Press Journal on 4 September 2024 and the consultation was also publicised through the Council’s social media channels. The notice provided details of the proposed scale, the dates of the consultation and detail as to how parties may respond.

You Said

Initial Consultation With The Trade

• We received 31 responses to the pre statutory consultation with the taxi trade;
• The majority of the respondents from the taxi trade sought no change;
• The highest level of support was in relation to the standard initial charge (19.4% of respondents seeking an increase);
• Support in respect of change to other aspects of the fare scale range from 0.0%-16.1%;
• Some respondents indicated issues with practicalities of the current fare scale (need to carry change) and impact of the festive season rate in December in addition to costs increasing for operators;

Public Consultation

• We received 29 responses to the statutory consultation – 21 from members of the public and 8 from the taxi trade;

Taxi trade respondents:

• 50.0% did not agree with the proposed fare scale. The majority of those indicated that an increase was needed to cover increasing costs;
• 42.9% stated that the incremental charges caused an issue in terms of the need to hold change. However, the majority indicated no issue with this as they tended not to charge the pence and more and more people were paying by card;
• A large proportion of those who responded felt that the inclusion of all weekends in December within the festive season rate did have a negative impact on their business.
• Those who sought an amendment to the fare scale proposed various increases ranging from higher set amounts to inflationary increases across the Board.

Members of the public:

• 76.2% did not agree with the proposed fare scale;
• Those who agreed felt it was fair and reasonable, given the costs faced by the trade.
• Those who did not agree felt it is too expensive, with the majority stating that their main issue is in relation to the inclusion of weekends within the festive season rate. They felt that was unfair and had too much of an impact on those who were reliant on taxis to get around or required such transport to get to and from work;
• Some of those who disagreed with the proposed scale put forward proposals for consideration with the majority of these relating to the removal of weekends in December from the festive period something which was also supported by some of the trade when responding to the initial consultation (15.4% of the trade).

We Will

A report summarising the engagement with the taxi trade during the pre-statutory consultation was presented to Licensing Sub-Committee on 30 August 2024. Committee considered the views of the trade and agreed that the current scale with no changes should be taken forward for public consultation. This being the view of the majority of the trade who had responded. Committee also instructed officers to seek further details in respect of the issues raised by some of the trade in respect of the current scale and for this to be done as part of the statutory consultation so that they were fully aware of the impacts before fixing the final scale.

A report summarising the second round of statutory engagement with the taxi trade and members of the public was presented to Licensing Sub-Committee on 11 October 2024. Committee also heard from a member of the trade. The Committee sought answers from the speaker in respect of some of the practicalities caused by the current fare scale as well as the impact that this has had in terms of their business. The speaker had previously responded to the consultation and also spoke to their responses.

On considering the responses in front of them the Committee were split in their decision. The majority voted to approve a 5% uplift in the initial and additional charges across the board with the festive season rate being retained for weekends in December on a temporary basis with this being reviewed at the next pre-consultation phase.

We will seek further feedback from the trade in early 2025 in terms of of how their business was impacted by the decision to retain the festive season rate across all weekends in December and with a view to establishing whether this remains appropriate moving forward.

The fare scale was set as agreed and there were no appeals lodged with the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland. The fixed scale was therefore published in the Press and Journal on 5 November 2024, in line with the statutory requirements, and came into effect on 1 December 2024.