Hall Forest Residents Association

Greenbelt Group revise their polices

HFRA Secretary — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:47:16 +0000

In a press release yesterday (17th December 2007), Greenbelt Group announced that having listened to it’s customers, it had revised its policies with regards to Open Area Maintenance, and could now offer a number of options to permit homeowners to self-manage the open areas on their developments.

The press release can be read in full here:

http://www.greenbeltgroup.co.uk/press/16

and details of the various options can be viewed here (needs Adbobe PDF viewer):

http://www.greenbeltgroup.co.uk/mediaLibrary/images/english/2338.pdf

This is a major step forward for residents in Kintore, and assuming there are no hurdles with the detail in the small print, will permit residents to appoint their own land managers (most likely Aberdeenshire Council) with quality standards and prices agreeable to all residents.

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Hallforest Avenue opens at last

HFRA Secretary — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 08:56:08 +0000

I am pleased to report that as of yesterday evening, it is now possible to travel the whole length of Hallforest Avenue - the artificial blockage between the two parts of our estate has been removed, and the final road surfacing work should be completed later today.

This should make a big difference to some people who have been forced to take a long detour going through the centre of the village and past the school, but hopefully it won’t turn the road into a rat-run.

Greenbelt Group contractors drop to even lower standards

HFRA Secretary — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 16:15:40 +0000

Just days after posting an expensively produced Customer Information Pack to over 300 homes in the Kintore area (postage alone was £1.69 per copy), produced no doubt at residents expense, Greenbelt Group contractors arrived on site for a routine visit.

We should expect high standards if we believe everything in the Homeowners Folder, but these photos taken shortly after the contractors appointed by Greenbelt Group (Netherton Plan Hire, based in Ellon) left tell the true story.

1) Unsightly and slippery clumps of rotting grass left on public footpath.

2) Nettles over 6 feet tall growing in a shrub bed!

3) Uncollected litter in the shrub beds. Litter is supposed to be picked up on each site visit.

4) Overgrown shrub bed. The plants are obviously unsuitable for the shrub bed here, and have grown uncontrollably to dominate the shrub bed and giving it a unique “wild and unmaintained” look.

5) Very badly cut grass - woth some bits where a ride-on mower can’t easly reach being left untouched. Note the walls of the house are sprayed with the grass cuttings, and unsightly clumps of grass left to rot.

Hundreds of more images showing the typical quality of the Open Area maintenance performed by Greenbelt Group can be found at the following website:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/407954@N24/pool/

You can see from the images taken over the past 2 years or so, that little improvement has been made of the qaulity of workmanship carried out. Please feel free to join the group and add your own photographs.

Greenbelt Issues discussed at Hollyrood

HFRA Secretary — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 09:55:18 +0000

As you may know, a one-hour debate on Greenbelt Group took place in Holyrood recently.

A full transcript of the debate can be found at:

http://www.24plusnews.co.uk/?p=160

Fergus Ewing, Minister for Community Safety is set to meet with Alex Middleton, MD of Greenbelt Group.

Thanks to eveyone who took time to brief their MSPs ahead of the debate - it was clear that our MSPs had mastered an excellent grasp of this complex issue, and each one did a fantastic job on our behalf. I know that all the MSPs involved are committed to working with us to push for change - please continue to engage with them as you have been.

Action has been happening on a number of fronts in recent weeks - here is a quick overview:

Jim Devine MP has secured a commitment from the Chief Executive of the Office of Fair Trading that he will look into our issues. Jim’s office has compiled a dossier of evidence on behalf of many of the estates affected - thanks to eveyone who took time to submit materials
Jim is also in the process of engaging with Greenbelt Group Limited via Mohammad Sarwar MP, to see if an arrangement can be reached whereby estates can replace Greenbelt Group Limited as the land manager. More information can be found on http://www.jimdevine.org.uk/EZEdit/view.asp?MID=159
Jim has also written to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities [CoSLA] and the Scottish Affairs Select Committee
As you’ll see from the transcript of the debate, many MSPs are actively exploring routes forward for those affected by Greenbelt Group [including new legislation]
Scotland’s MEPs are also looking at this - David Martin MEP has taken a sounding from the European Commissioner for Consumer Affairs regarding our avenues of redress under European and UK law - and Alyn Smith MEP is currently exploring a number of different avenues on behalf of many estates.

Greenbelt Group issues discussed in Parliament

HFRA Secretary — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 09:19:33 +0000

There was a discussion on the issues surrounding Greenbelt Group held in the House of Commons a few days ago.

A full transcript of the discussions and condemnation of the company’s behaviour can be read at:

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/whall/?id=2007-07-25a.297.0

It is very interesting that other estates are experiencing exactly the same issues as ourselves, with regards poor standards of maintenance, high charges, poor correspondence etc.

Some of you will also be aware that we are in touch with many other groups around the country who are similarly blighted by Greenbelt Group. There is now an action website at:

http://www.greenbelt-action.btik.com/

A list of recent press articles about Greenbelt Group can be found at:

http://www.spanglefish.com/GreenbeltGroupAction/news.asp

A near full page article on Greenbelt Group was published in Scotland on Sunday at the weekend. This article can be read here:

http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1142882007
If you have any photos highlighting poor standards of maintenance being performed by Greenbelt Group, then you are encouraged to upload them to a free photo hosting website at:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/407954@N24/

You can register for a free account if you wish to upload photos and add them to the group.

New Car Detailing (Polishing) Company Opens in Kintore

HFRA Secretary — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 11:26:46 +0000

A new local car detailing company has opened it’s first retail unit in Kintore. The company is called Polished Bliss, and their website is www.polishedbliss.co.uk

They specialise in providing very high quality car care products, and provide lots of friendly free advice on the best products to suit your car, skills and budget. They are also expert car “Detailers”, which essentially means preparing your car to an extremely high standard - in many cases to a better than showroom “new” condition. This could mean anything from a thorough clean and polish, to paint restoration/correction (getting rid of those swirl marks and lights scratches you often see on sunny days).

If you want to learn the best way to look after your car, their website contains very detailed instructions on how to go about various tasks, e.g.

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/guides_wash.html

Their opening hours are: 9.30am - 5.30pm Mon - Fri

Polished Bliss
Unit 7, Craigearn Business Park
Morrison Way, Kintore
AB51 0TH
United Kingdom

0845 4540017

Turn into the Craigearn Business Park ( where the Wee Rascals Nursery is located). Follow the road round, and you’ll see a U-shaped group of small units with blue doors. Polished Bliss are in number 7, with the big black water tank outside.

Petitions

HFRA Secretary — Wed, 23 May 2007 12:36:14 +0000

Most of you should be aware of the petitions that we have been circulating for the past few weeks. We would greatly appreciate it if you could return these by Monday 28th may at the latest, even if they are only partially complete.

This will enable us to proceed to the next stage. You can email us on secretary@hallforest.co.uk if you have a petition form and want it collected.

John Stewart

Secretary

Aberdeenshire Council - your chance to give feedback on future development strategy

HFRA Secretary — Thu, 03 May 2007 17:11:51 +0000

Aberdeenshire Council are holding a workshop to enable local residents to give feedback on their 25 year strategic plan for development of the local area.

This is an important opportunity for local residents to influence the direction of the development of our local area.

Background information and various documents can be viewed on-line at www.acssp.net

The workshop is being held at the Torryburn Hotel on Wednesday 9th May at 7pm, and we are expecting a good turn-out by various residents and local groups.

If you can attend, then you are requested to contact Sharon Larkman on 01224 664221 so that you can be sent a copy of the agenda and background papers.

We would appreciate your support to help influence future development of the Kintore area by attending this meeting.

John Stewart,

Secretary

No Where To Go? Nothing To Do?

HFRA Chairman — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 22:26:44 +0000

Most residents will now know by now from flyers sent through their doors over last weekend that there is a public meeting is to be held in the Primary School hall to find ways of enhancing the community for the youths living in Kintore. It has been long recognised that facilities for Kintore’s young persons has failed to match the ever growing population brought about by new housing developments.

In association with local organisations and clubs in the community, a publc meeting is to be held to highlight what is already available and allow both adults and young persons a chance to both suggest, support and shape ideas for additional facilities and positive things for young persons to get involved in.

The outcome of this meeting will help local authorities and groups to plan to best provide what they can with limited resources available. This is your community, so come along and have your say.

Kintore Primary School
Friday, 9th March
7:30pm - 9:30pm

Website Forum Maintenance

HFRA Chairman — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 22:25:17 +0000

We have had to temporarily take the website forum offline for essential maintenance and upgrades. We hope to have it back up and running as soon as we can.

Residents Association. Meeting/AGM Tuesday 16th January 2007

HFRA Secretary — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 17:28:14 +0000

The committee are pleased to announce that our next meeting/AGM will take place on Tuesday 16th January at 7:30pm. The meeting will be held in Kintore Town Hall (upstairs).

As always, our meetings are open to every resident, and we warmly welcome new faces and appreciate hearing feedback and new issues.

As you will be aware from our recent newsletter, several committee members are stepping down next year due to being relocated overseas, or work committments. We would very much love to hear from you if you can spare an hour or two every few months to attend meetings (no skills or experience required), to help out our community.

John Stewart
Secretary, Hall Forest Residents Association

Festive Party, Friday 29th December at Kintore Public Hall

HFRA Secretary — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 16:51:16 +0000

The Hall Forest Residents Association are pleased to announce our festive party & disco for 2006. We have booked Kintore Public Hall from 7pm to midnight on Friday 29th December.

Tickets are priced at £2.50 for adults, and children are free (limited numbers). The ticket price will include a finger buffet of sandwiches and other snacks, and unlimited soft drinks and mixers. We shall supply the plastic cups, paper plates etc.

Due to alcohol licencing restrictions, this event will be a Bring Your Own party.

It will be an ideal opportunity to meet some of your neighbours on a social basis, plan New Year parties etc., as well as having a great time on the dance floor.

The event is limited to to 150 people, and we already have pre-orders for over 1/3 of the available tickets before they go on sale from tonight.

To reserve tickets, please send an email to secretary@hallforest.co.uk giving your name, address and number of adult and child tickets and we’ll reserve them for you, and make arrangements for you to pay and collect them. We may also be able to deliver the tickets whilst distributing our latest newsletter, due out shortly.

Kintore Christmas Shopping Evening, Friday 24th November

HFRA Secretary — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 06:18:41 +0000

Kintore 0-3 Group (Baby, Toddlers, and 2’s) is holding a Christmas Shopping Night on Friday 24th November at Kintore Public Hall from 7pm until 10pm.

There will be many varied stalls including Virgin Vie, hand made cards, Usborne books, The Fountain Dress Shop, Fintray Fine Framing, AngelClare Designs, Tavelty Soaps, many craft stalls, Phoenix Cards, Italian Jewellery, Waxed Bears, Chocolate Creations, wooden gifts and The Pet Shop Girls.

There is also a Grand Raffle which will be drawn at 9.30pm. Prizes include a DVD player donated by Donview Vets, £129 voucher donated by The Fountain Dress Shop and 4 tickets to Peter Pan on Ice donated by AECC. Tickets for the Christmas Shopping Evening cost £1, which includes a glass of wine and piece of shortbread. Tickets for both the Christmas Shopping Evening and the grand raffle can be purchased on the night, or in advance from Claire Till 01467 632934.

Fashion Show, Kintore Primary School, Friday 17th November at 7PM

HFRA Secretary — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 10:20:35 +0000

In association with The Fountain (Elphinstone Rd, Port Elphinstone, Inverurie), the Kintore Parent Teachers Association (PTA) would like to invite you to an evening full of glamour. Clothes ranging from casual day wear to full wedding dress will be on show.

Tickets cost £6 and includes a glass of wine and shortbread. They can be purchased from Julie Neish (01467 634880).

Residents Encouraged to report Anti Social Behaviour

HFRA Secretary — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 12:08:10 +0000

In the past few weeks, there have been some reports of anti-social behaviour by illegal use of motor-cycles and “mini-moto” bikes in some parts of Kintore.

Grampian Police have advised us that all such incidents of this nature should be reported immediately to them on 0845 600 5 700. You do not need to give your name or telephone number when reporting such an incident.

The more residents that report each incident, the higher priority it will be given, especially if the anti-social behaviour is being repeated on a regular basis. Please do not assume that because 20 residents have been inconvenienced by the anti-social behaviour, that someone has reported it. If a large number of residents report anti-social behaviour, Grampian Police will treat the incident as serious, and respond accordingly.

Police forces now have the powers to confiscate these mini-moto bikes, as well as charging the offenders with a number of traffic offences.

Kerbing Installation gives hope for Final Road surfacing

HFRA Secretary — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 11:31:14 +0000

Persimmon Homes have been installing kerbing along Hallforest Avenue for the past week.

We hope this means that the remaining part of Hallforest Avenue will be treated to the final surface of tar in the very near future, finally putting an end to the slalom course of potholes that residents have been enduring over the past 12 months.

There have been concerns raised by some residents that continually driving over this very poor road surface is damaging the suspension components of their cars.

Persimmon Homes remove bollards built in wrong place

HFRA Secretary — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 11:23:36 +0000

Persimmon Homes have now removed the bollards/pedestrian crossing/streetlamp which had been built opposite the entry road to their site, effectively blocking entry/exit for larger vehicles.

At present, we are unsure whether the fixture will be built further along Hallforest Avenue, as was originally planned.

Kintore’s first Indian Take-away is now open

HFRA Secretary — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 22:00:32 +0000

Kintore’s first Indian Take-away restaurant opened for business on Tuesday 22nd August

The sign on the door reports that it will be open from 4:30pm to 11pm, 7 days a week.

It certainly seemed to be doing a roaring trade last night when I passed about 7:30pm.

They also take telephone orders, though I don’t believe they offer a delivery service yet.

If anyone has sampled their goods, we’d love to hear some feedback on whether it is any good or not.

Greenbelt Maintenance Standards slipping again

HFRA Secretary — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 15:50:08 +0000

When out walking last night, I was dismayed at how poor some of the areas were just around my house. Just a month or two ago, these areas looked OK, but they have been badly neglected since.

Large and tough weeds ever present in the grass. The grass edges next to the wall were strimmed down to ground level a few months ago, and they never recovered.

No grass on the corner, and full of stones.

Full of weeds and grass badly overgrown in the areas which haven’t been “scalped” and subsequently burnt by the sun. Weeds sprouting out of the footpaths also.

Police Crackdown On Unruly Behaviour

HFRA Chairman — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 10:55:45 +0000

As part of a zero tolerance approach Police have vowed to crack down on unruly revellers. Officers made eight arrests last weekend in Inverurie, ranging from breach of the peace to assault. Of the eight arrests, three were women (two aged 18 and one 24) and five were males (aged between 16 and 26). All of those dealt with had been drinking.

A police spokesman said: “Behaviour which can be interpreted as threatening or disturbing to those members of the public out enjoying themselves will not be tolerated and I can assure the communities of Aberdeenshire that Grampian Police will take a hard line on the minority of people who act in this way. A similar stance will be taken by officers patrolling this weekend and indeed in future.”