Column: We all have to take responsibility for the environment by not littering
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Littering is an issue that I hear more and more about in my inbox.
Whether it’s carelessly discarded fast-food wrappers or the dumping of furniture in the countryside, the disregard for our environment is all too common.
As I've advocated for easier access to recycling centres in Banff and Buchan, I've also supported initiatives to tackle fly-tipping more aggressively.
I’m old enough to remember regular public service broadcasts on TV promoting environmental responsibility, which are absent in today’s digital streaming age.
Beach cleans and litter picks in which I have participated often feels like just scratching the surface, but I am glad of their existence and I encourage anyone organising such events to contact my office, so I can help publicise for others to participate.
But we all must take responsibility in not introducing litter to the environment in the first place.
Maintaining our green spaces pristine is crucial for attracting visitors.
I regularly call for the council to enhance our green spaces and celebrate the commendable efforts of community volunteers who contribute to our local beauty with flower baskets and planters.
However, these efforts that significantly contribute to the aesthetic appeal of our towns and rural areas are undermined by the littering behaviour of the more selfish.
It's essential to address this challenge head-on, ensuring our beloved area remains a welcoming and attractive destination for tourists and residents alike.
Recently, four businesses in our area were honoured at Scotland’s Business Awards 2024, highlighting the diverse talent and dedication within our local economy.
The Dolphin Cafe in Peterhead, crowned Aberdeenshire’s Best Fish & Chip Shop, MortaTattoo, also in Peterhead, awarded Best Tattoo Shop, Wheelie Clean, securing the title of Best Cleaning Business, and Krafty Hoose n’ Coo in Mintlaw, recognised as the Best Craft or Creative Business, all exemplify the excellence that our local enterprises strive for.
Well done to all.
Moreover, the commencement of the improved access project at The Haughs in Turriff signifies another step towards enhancing our communal spaces.
Through the collaborative efforts of Aberdeenshire Council and The Haughs Regeneration Steering Group, this project will not only improve accessibility but also encourage more active and environmentally friendly travel within this beloved green space.
Finally, I want to update residents on my efforts in the realm of local healthcare.
I have contacted Ayrshire Medical Group and will be meeting with them shortly to discuss the concerns over recent changes at Central Buchan Medical practice, and An Caorann practice.
I will also be meeting with Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership to discuss GP coverage as well as the recent disappointing decision to close the overnight service in Fraserburgh and Peterhead minor injury units (MIUs).
I have long campaigned for a return to pre-Covid levels of service at our GP surgeries and local hospitals, including at MIUs such as Turriff and Banff.
But these latest decisions are taking local health care in the opposite direction.
Increased centralisation and closing down of rural facilities may seem more ‘efficient’ to the health board managers but perhaps local healthcare provision isn’t meant to be ‘cost-effective’ – just, ‘effective!’
It is hard enough to attract medical professionals, not to mention teachers and other occupations to our rural locations.
Shutting down ever more local services and forcing people to travel further, only to be faced with bottle necks, is not the answer.
