The Kingswells Community Council held its monthly meeting on Sunday 22 March to discuss local matters, review ongoing projects and agree next steps on key community priorities.
Administrative matters were considered at the outset, including communications. It was noted that access to the general KCC email account should be reviewed to ensure that more than one office bearer can access it when required.
A finance update was provided, confirming the current bank balance and ongoing management of funds. Members also discussed banking arrangements in relation to project spending and account access. The main anticipated expenditure at present relates to planned environmental improvements at the Kingswells Duck Pond.
Progress on the Duck Pond project was discussed in detail. Members agreed that the main community improvement day will take place on Sunday 3 May 2026. The event will bring together local volunteers, community groups and partners to carry out planting and improvement works. There was support for low maintenance, wildlife friendly planting, including fruit trees, berry bushes and wildflowers. A more detailed planting and layout plan will be developed ahead of the event.
Members also discussed new benches for the area. A meeting is planned with a supplier to explore options, including the possible installation of two elm benches. Design considerations include whether benches should have backs, with accessibility and comfort highlighted as important factors.
The condition of the existing decking at the pond was also reviewed. It was agreed that only limited maintenance should be undertaken at this stage, such as minor repairs and timber treatment, as more extensive refurbishment is unlikely to be cost effective.
Community updates included discussion of local bus services. In the absence of councillors, a full update was not available; however, concerns were raised about accessibility for some residents, particularly those near the former cottages, as well as the lack of suitable facilities for bus drivers. The Kingswells Community Council will continue to engage with transport providers to explore practical improvements.
Preparations are underway for the community litter pick on Sunday 19 April 2026 at 10:30am. This will be a group walk along the Burnsburn trail, including the area behind Dobbies Garden Centre.
Support was expressed for developing a local ‘Tidy Town’ initiative under the Kingswells Community Council. This would bring together activities such as litter picking, repainting signage and small scale environmental improvements, helping to keep Kingswells tidy and well maintained.
A new Kingswells Community Council leaflet will also be produced, outlining who the Council is, what it does and how residents can get involved.
Looking ahead, members discussed a longer term proposal for a community garden shed, which could provide storage and a base for tools and equipment. Potential funding options will be explored.
Concerns were raised regarding the condition of the Village Shopping Centre area and wider environmental issues. It was agreed that formal enquiries will be made through the appropriate channels to seek advice and updates.
The community notice board was also discussed. Members agreed that it is no longer fit for purpose and that replacement, rather than repair, is the preferred option. Suitable replacements will now be explored.
Additional ideas were noted for future consideration, including the potential use of a neglected fenced area near the play park, a local producer market and an informal community picnic. These will be revisited once current priorities are further advanced.
No police report had been received, and a follow up will be made. A planning query was also discussed regarding community council boundary clarification for a property near the Countesswells development.
Funding opportunities were considered as part of a wider discussion on project delivery. Members emphasised the importance of assigning clear leads to projects to ensure steady progress.
The meeting concluded with agreement to focus the next meeting on final preparations for the Duck Pond project. Further details will be confirmed in due course.