Building Briefs – August 29th

• Work starting on replacement River Don footbridge

The new Far Burn Bridge will complete a 4km continuous section of an all-abilities path and also provides a long-distance route into Aberdeenshire, via the old railway line route the Formartine and Buchan Way which is part of the Nation Cycle Route network.

The bridge will be 14m in span which will ensure the path is suitable for wheelchair users and increase the flood capacity of the burn which it crosses. In addition, the Far Burn is in a quite steep valley and a long bridge is necessary for it to span across.

The new bridge will provide health and environmental benefits by encouraging people to walk and cycle along the peaceful river setting rather than using their cars. This project will be a fantastic addition to the existing path network in Aberdeen and will provide an opportunity for people to enjoy the attractive setting and wildlife of the River Don.

The bridge will have an attractive hardwood timber decking and rails to be in keeping with the natural surroundings, with steel supports and rested on gabion stone baskets. The path adjoining the bridge will be a 3m wide sealed surface path.

The work is scheduled to be carried out until 11 October, and the contractor is CR Contracting Ltd. The bridge is being made off-site and will likely be put together in sections which will mean that the path will be closed for the duration of the works. A signed diversion is in place during the works, and the contractor has put out signs on site advising of the path closure. This time of year has been chosen for the construction in order to avoid the bird nesting season.

The project is being funded by Transport Scotland and delivered though the Sustrans Community Links (now Places for Everyone) programme by walking and cycling charity Sustrans. The programme supports projects which make towns and cities friendlier and safer places for people to walk and cycle.

• East Lothian approves plan to review school learning estate

East Lothian Council is to conduct a comprehensive review of its school estate to make sure that it is fit for the future and delivering maximum educational benefits for children and young people.

Gathering the views of our communities will be key to this process.

It will also consult with communities and stakeholders to gather their views on East Lothian’s future learning provision. The moves were unanimously approved by councillors at a full council meeting yesterday. 

East Lothian is one of Scotland’s fastest growing local authority areas, which presents challenges to deliver a modern school estate that can accommodate the increasing population while meeting learners’ needs. The council has already committed £154 million in its five-year capital budget to deliver new build, expanded and modernising programmes at education facilities across the county. 

The council’s School Learning Estate Review will consider how the existing capital programme can meet the challenges of population growth and expanded early years’ provision (1140hours), while maintaining and improving existing properties to create environments that support excellence and equity. 

• East Ayrshire Council welcomes new apprentices to Housing Asset Services

Ten new apprentices have been welcomed to East Ayrshire Council’s Housing Asset Services.

Councillor Elena Whitham, cabinet member for housing and communities visited the Housing Asset Services depot to meet the new recruits.

Six young people and four adult apprentices have been recruited by the council. They will be specialising in several different trades including electricians, joiners, plasterers and plumbers. During their four-year apprenticeship, they will receive on the job training while studying at college for qualifications in their chosen trade.

The apprentices will also be working within the award-winning Housing Asset Services team that has successfully achieved the Scottish Housing Quality Standard for all properties in East Ayrshire. Together they will continue to ensure that homes are maintained to a high standard and achieve appropriate standards of energy efficiency to help tackle fuel poverty.

Working within local communities, the team is in a unique position to provide support to local people and recently adopted a ‘people first, not fabric first’ approach to their work.

Initially developed in Bellsbank, the team created a strong partnership with the NHS with person centre support being provided to communities in several important areas including Pharmacy First, alcohol and drug concerns and the promotion of NHS initiatives to reduce demand on services.

Councillor Elena Whitham said: “Our apprentices will be learning a trade but they will also be working to ensure that communities are at the heart of everything we do. The ‘people first, not fabric first’ approach began in Bellsbank. The work carried out by the team ensured physical improvements to the landscape and positive changes to the lives of local people. By working with our partners we can ensure that our communities are supported to drive forward positive change and make a real difference to the lives of their friends, family and neighbours.”

She added: “The work carried out by the award-winning Housing Asset Services team within our communities demonstrates the importance of transformational change, and why we should put people at the heart of everything we do. Each small act of kindness creates a ripple effect that positively impacts on local people and neighbourhoods.”