Laurencekirk Development Trust, the community organisation dedicated to support the improvement of the social economic and environmental aspects of living in and around this Mearns town, held their AGM on 8th March 2017. The evening’s highlights included:
- Chairman Jim Stuart’s annual report which encompassed the Trust’s efforts in making Capital Asset Transfers for the former Mearns Academy and its playing field,
- Securing funding for a Charrette planning exercise by Planning Assist Scotland which resulted in a new community vision entitled “Shaping Laurencekirk”.
- This has provided the Trust with a sound base for future development plans and a current survey across the community has already attracted over 300 participants ( see online at https://sarahleigh.typeform.com/to/xPTqEH).
- Studies have been made into the options for the development of the old community centre and the St Laurence Hall, both of which Aberdeenshire Council intend disposing of.
- A project to create a safe access foot/cycle path to link residents with the Garvock hill, a favourite walk and view point, currently separated from the town by the A90 dual carriageway.
- Support for a group of local footballers who have initiated work to improve facilities at the Memorial Park, to accommodate more teams and better facilities
- Continued success for laurencekirkab30.co.uk the community website and Lynn Moir, who gives her time to run and maintain the site.
- Annual financial report demonstrating the challenges of funding community groups.
- Most importantly for the future the appointment of four new directors to the Trust, Natalie Lucey, Tero Luoma, Doug Shaw and Alastair Donald, all of whom bring very valuable skills to the organisation.This maintains a full board and provides added business management acumen.
Thanks to all who attended.
Mike Robson, secretary
