Kirstie Topp

2 weeks ago | aberdeenlive.news | Kirstie Topp

Pregnant mothers could be asked to bring their own nappies for their newborns as NHS Grampian plans to stop handing them out to save cash. That is just one of many measures the cash-strapped health board has unveiled as it aims to save £23 million over the next year. A financial recovery plan with 79 proposed savings was developed and submitted to the Scottish Government last month which would reduce its deficit to £45m.

2 weeks ago | original106.co.uk | Kirstie Topp

Pregnant women could be forced to bring their own nappies to the hospital as they enter labour under shock new plans to slash spending on newborn tots. The budget cut would affect expectant parents at maternity wards in Aberdeen, Inverurie, Peterhead and Elgin. Patients will also have to wait longer for non-emergency surgeries, as well as some cancer treatments, as these will no longer be offered on public holidays.

2 weeks ago | original106.co.uk | Kirstie Topp

A Hazlehead landlord has been stripped of his licence after he refused to carry out essential repairs and install necessary fire safety equipment. Steven Geddes was reported to the council’s private sector housing team after his tenant Rebeckah McCandless raised a number of issues with the property. The flat she had been renting at Hazlehead Gardens was indeed of urgent repairs to the roof, and had a loose power socket in one of the bedrooms.

3 weeks ago | original106.co.uk | Kirstie Topp

Plans to build nine new homes in Sandend have been approved despite fears they would “dominate” the picturesque coastal village. Fochabers-based firm Bob Milton Properties lodged proposals for the site behind Seaview Road last year. The housebuilder took inspiration from the traditional gable ends found at the harbour when designing the houses. It proved to be quite a popular plan with 15 letters of support submitted to Aberdeenshire Council.

3 weeks ago | news.stv.tv | Kirstie Topp

Under-threat Aberdeenshire libraries, initially planned to close by the end of last year, will remain open after locals won the battle to save them. The local authority announced plans to close 13 facilities across the region in November, causing uproar in affected areas. Residents were quick to take action against the closures, and five petitions to keep them open were set up, collectively gathering thousands of signatures.