Aberdeenshire Council is encouraging property owners in Stonehaven to carry out a 'health check' of homes and businesses, it has been announced.

Stonehaven Town Centre Improvement Group has distributed a guide to households to help locals check if their properties require maintenance.

Areas of the checklist include roofs, stonework, guttering, windows and doors.

Over the past 12 months, group members have been identifying and coordinating improvement works in the town, while also encouraging the community to regularly check for property issues.

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Work includes initial improvements to the town centre, the harbour and removal of graffiti.

In addition, the public toilet at the harbour has been refurbished and benches in the area were repainted. Future proposals involve installing picnic benches along the harbour front.

Kincardine and Mearns Area Manager Willie Munro said: "I'd like to thank property owners for working with us to tackle a number of issues identified by the group last year.

"It is a collective effort and responsibility to keep the town centre looking good for residents, businesses and visitors. Often carrying out repair work sooner can prevent increased costs and problems in the future.

"Keeping our town centre in good condition needn't be a big undertaking. Where cost is an issue we can often co-ordinate works with neighbouring properties to share costs.

"We're also providing advice on how to deter and discourage sea gulls, and we hope the community will join us as the group continues to identify improvements for the benefit of all who live in or visit Stonehaven."

(LM)