Coastal communities in Kincardine and Mearns are being consulted on regeneration priorities to help them develop in coming decades.

The Aberdeen City and Shire Structure Plan, prepared jointly by Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils, represents a shared vision for the future of the area.

Its aim is to provide a framework for investment decisions which will help to grow and diversify the area over the next 20 years.

Regeneration is a vital part of the plan and the need to address inequalities is essential for communities to reach their full potential.

The coastal strip of Kincardine and Mearns has been designated as a regeneration priority area and has received funding of £75,000 to address some of the issues. It may also be possible to match fund some of this money for specific projects.

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Priority areas for the coastal strip have been put together using local knowledge and existing good practice. They are: transport, childcare, skills and employment, mental health and wellbeing and the physical environment.

Aberdeenshire Council staff, area partnership volunteers and partner agencies have undertaken to widely consult the coastal communities.

The aim is to build on existing knowledge and form an action plan for development and delivery in Kincardine and Mearns.

Once the consultation is complete, an action plan will be formed to take into account identified priorities.

Kincardine and Mearns area manager Willie Munro said: “I would encourage people living in the area’s coastal communities to take part and help us identify the things which require to be done and how.

“Greater collective knowledge of the issues will enable the delivery of better solutions.”

The consultation team will be going out to meet and discuss a questionnaire with community groups and councils.

The questionnaire will also be distributed throughout schools, libraries and businesses in the area.

(GK/KMcA)