Greenbelt quizzed over grounds maintenance

5.00.00pm GMT Mon 17th Nov 2008

Greenbelt Ltd's Director Alex Middleton today visited the offices of Aberdeenshire parliamentarians Malcolm Bruce MP and Alison McInnes MSP in the wake of controversy surrounding estates managed by the Glasgow company.

Mr Bruce and Mrs McInnes have been contacted by residents unhappy with the grounds maintenance carried out by Greenbelt.

During the meeting Mr Middleton committed to carrying out all Greenbelt's obligations at Insch, Kemnay, Ellon and Kintore, as well as other sites in North East Scotland. He also agreed to provide written updates outlining the status of grounds maintenance at sites of concern and explanations where maintenance has not been carried out satisfactorily.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Bruce said: "We had a constructive meeting with Mr Middleton but it remains to be seen whether or not Greenbelt are able to fulfil their responsibilities to residents of Aberdeenshire.

"Residents have complained about being charged for services not rendered, and have withheld payment as a result of this. It is in everyone's interest for this to be resolved quickly."

Mrs McInnes added: "These issues have become something of a saga which must not go on and on. We need a quantifiable action plan from Greenbelt and we need to see it bear fruit sooner rather than later."