A project which aims to empower people in Balmedie to have a say on the future of their area gets underway this week.

Three local people have been employed as community action researchers, to help give others in the area the chance to determine the village’s future.

The project aims to re-establish a sense of community and clearly identify Balmedie’s needs, aspirations and issues.

This will include the identification of key gaps in provision and facilities and the establishment of a sustainable community plan to address local need - and there will be lots of different ways for local people to become involved and have their say.

The community action researchers who form the team are: Becka Gauld, who runs Balmedie’s popular café, Tarts & Crafts; Barbara Davies, who has been involved in many community activities with her children; and Fiona Clark, formerly co-ordinator for adult education in the village.

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"We are very lucky to have recruited a really positive team of community researchers in Balmedie," said Nicola Twine, senior community learning and development worker for Aberdeenshire Council.

"This is a really good opportunity for the people of Balmedie to have their say and help to develop and shape future plans that will affect the quality of life in the village."

Over the next few months the researchers will be meeting with individuals and groups.

They hope to engage with families, young people and adults, working as a team to gather information.

They are also available at these weekly drop-in sessions:Tuesdays 7-9pm, Balmedie Leisure Centre - Barbara, Wednesdays 1-3pm, Tarts & Crafts café - Becka and Thursdays 10am-noon Balmedie Library – Fiona.

Alternatively you can contact the team on 07789 654273 or email: [email protected]

The community will be supported in whatever way it identifies as being most appropriate to advance plans resulting from the research by the council’s local community learning and development team.

(GK/KMcA)