Tree planting and car park repairs are among a range of landscaping projects to be undertaken in Westhill in 2016/17.

The Area Landscape Maintenance and Capital Programme was approved by Aberdeenshire Council’s Garioch Area Committee.

The works include:

• Crombie Wynd, rebuild brick planter (£4,000)
• Denman Park: repairs to car park surface (£10,000); apply dust to paths around bowls pavilion (£2,000); instal anti-slip material to wood bridge (£3,000); extend wildflower areas phase two (£1,000)
• Westhill Road, replacement shrub/tree planting (£7,500)
• Brimmond Drive, beech tree works (£8,000)
• Westdyke Centre, pitch maintenance (£1,000)

The budget was signed off by Aberdeenshire Council in February.

A report from officers for councillors said: “Landscape Services is continuing to work hard toward increased joint working with local communities on maintenance of identified areas and closer working relationships with other environmental groups

“The individual items identified in the work programme have been noted as requiring attention during the past year.

“In the main, they have come from Landscape Services staff, but also take account of queries/comments/requests from Elected Members, communities and members of the public.”

A further £14,000 is available — from developer contributions — for improvement work.

Westhill and Elrick Community Council (WECC) deputy chair Audrey Findlay said: “It is important that local residents views are listened to when spending programmes are agreed.

“WECC works hard to make sure that Aberdeenshire Council is made aware of what local people see as priorities for repairs, maintenance and enhancements to the environment when these annual plans are being discussed.”

Across Aberdeenshire, the council is looking at “alternative maintenance regimes”which include additional tree and wild flowers planting to reduce cost and promote biodiversity.