Turriff Community Council discuss community issues, including vaccines, parking and rewilding concerns
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From vandalism to vaccines, and growing gardens to growing wild, there was plenty to talk about at this month's meeting of Turriff And District Community Council.
There is concern amongst residents that many who have previously been treated in Turriff are now being asked to attend Macduff for their flu and covid booster vaccinations, especially many older and disabled people who will find it difficult to attend the new location.
It was presumed that this is due to vaccinations now being organised by NHS Grampian instead of Turriff Medical Practice, however it was shared that anybody who is unable to attend Macduff due to transportation issues can call the phone number on their appointment letter and be assessed for an at home appointment.
Residents living around the BP Centre continue to be plagued by hall users parking poorly and causing problems for neighbouring properties.
The advice is to use the car park behind the hall where possible, which can be accessed via Forglen Crescent, and to be mindful of where you park your car as it could be hazardous for both other vehicles and pedestrians in addition to blocking passage for residents.
The town centre has noticed an increase in vandalism, with flower tubs dug up and shop workers coming into work to find fast food smeared on windows and doorways.
It was agreed that this is disappointing and unwelcome behaviour, and anybody affected or who witnesses such incidents is encouraged to report it to Police Scotland on 101 so that CCTV footage can be accessed if available and appropriate action taken.
Anecdotally members had heard of increased incidences of 'spiking' - possibly via injection - in Banff, which was causing concerns and again anybody with any information or who finds themselves targeted should contact police.
Police were not in attendance on the night to confirm or provide further insight into the allegations.
The final issue up for discussion this month was rewilding in the Haughs, specifically around the Boating Pond area.
Visitors and residents alike have been heard to complain about how area appears "abandoned", with grasses growing so high that view of the pond is blocked in some areas.
While the boating season is now over, concerns are already active for next year's season.
Members agreed that rewilding is important and a good idea, however only if it is done in the right areas and it was raised that the current rewilding locations in the Haughs may not be the correct ones.
It was also noted that a certain level of maintenance is still required which does not appear to be happening, and it was felt that further enquiries were needed to find out more about future of rewilding in Turriff.
The search is now on for a town orderly for 2023.
Discussion turned to what to be done with the trophies from the gardening competition, which last ran in 2018, and members asked if it could be considered to bring the competition back in 2023.
Upcoming events in the community include a coffee morning to raise money for Turriff Christmas Lights on October 22 and the Turra Spooktacular at the end of the month.
The group's next meeting will take place in Turriff Primary School on November 7 at 7pm and anybody is welcome to attend.
Alternatively you can contact the group by e-mailing turriffanddistrictcc@gmail.com.
