MP takes up community case for Kintore

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 21st Sep 2007

Kintore is the fastest growing community in Scotland and local MP Malcolm Bruce is calling for further development of the local infrastructure

As part of a programme to focus on the development needs of Kintore, the fastest growing community in Scotland, Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce has met Aberdeenshire's Director of Education, Bruce Robertson to discuss his concerns.

Mr Bruce explained, "Kintore has a fine new school opened two years ago. It is now full and some of the community facilities at the school are having to be relocated to accommodate this expansion. The nursery is also full.

"Mr Robertson acknowledged the pressure and explained the council's immediate proposals to meet the needs, which have arisen partly because developers appealed against the council's attempts to limit the development and partly because families have moved out of Aberdeen giving a higher school age profile than predicted.

"It is clear that as further developments go ahead as seems likely consideration will have to be given to expanding primary school facilities and even a possible need for a new secondary school.

"Aberdeenshire is under pressure in this sphere with replacement academies required in Inverurie and Ellon.

"The pressure is not only on the schools but on the need for more recreational facilities for secondary school children who travel to Kemnay for education but need facilities in their home community at evenings and weekends.

"New playing fields are being prepared and there is provision for additional leisure facilities at Gauch Hill.

"Residents have also expressed a wish to have their own GP practice in Kintore rather than being an outreach of Inverurie. This is a matter for NHS Grampian and I will be exploring this with them.

"There is no doubt that the development of Kintore is currently outstripping amenities. The council recognises this and is working to meet the challenge. I hope the Scottish Government will respond positively to the council's need for more capital spending to support a rapidly growing population.

"I will be monitoring the situation closely as will North East MSP, Alison McInnes and local councillors."

Alison McInnes added: "Kintore has grown rapidly over the last few years and the provision of amenities, especially for young people, has not kept pace. I will work closely with Malcolm Bruce, the local community and Councillors to identify solutions to the growing pains being experienced by Kintore at the moment"

ENDS