CITY COUNCILLOR

COUNCIL officials are delighted with the good start which has been made to the collection of green waste. They hope to buy some more brown bins next year. Meanwhile, if you have one, which you do not always fill, why not ask your neighbours to add to it? The material collected is shredded and composted and will eventually go back into the soil, reducing the pressure on landfill and incineration.

Has anyone seen the phantom dogs and dog walkers? The ones which leave heaps, or worse, a series of 'stutters' along North Deeside Road, Lovers' Walk and all around the rest of the village. There is no way their owners can be unaware of what their pooches are doing. I appeal to dog owners not to let their dogs free in St Peter's car park, but to keep them on a lead until they are past the graveyard and on to Lovers' Walk. If you see a stray dog, or an owner who does not clean up after his or her pet, phone the Evening Express, which is running a campaign at the moment (690222 ext. 3500). Or tell me in confidence  so that I can report it to the dog warden.

There have been reports in the press recently about new arrangements for paying pensions and benefits from 2003 onwards. These give the impression that we will have to accept payments through bank accounts. Many people may not want to do this, and it might reduce the turnover of Post Offices. In fact, I understand that those of us who wish to WILL still be able to get payments in cash from local Post Offices. I expect that letters will go out about this time next year, and you can then ask for the Post Office option if you wish.

I hope you are all able to get an enjoyable holiday this year, in spite of the poor weather. Let's hope for an Indian summer!

PAM MACDONALD