LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTS FROM INFORMING BRITAIN

AROOJ SHAH: "DEEPLY DISRESPECTFUL" - LABOUR MEMBERS CONDEMN ROYAL MAIL'S 'INSENSITIVE' SOCIAL MEDIA POST | INFORMING BRITAIN ON LOCAL DEMOCRACY

23/6/2026

Royal Mail have published a promotional post on its official Social Media channels advertising their mail redirection service.

The image shows the iconic black door of 10 Downing Street with the headline "For life's unexpected moves" [sic] and includes a sample redirection form listing "10 Downing Street, London" as the old address.

The post encourages customers who are moving home to update their mail forwarding arrangements through the company's website.

Moving home?

Remember to redirect your mail ✉️ http://t.co/DgDFRfZ1Hk pic.twitter.com/S3mfvvKKyA
— Royal Mail (@ROYALMAIL) June 22, 2026

The advertisement has attracted widespread attention, with many Social Media users praising it as witty and effective marketing.

However, it has also drawn sharp criticism from The Labour Party politicians, who have described the use of the Prime Minister's official residence in this context as inappropriate.

Arooj Shah, Councillor for the St. Mary's ward in Oldham and leader of The Labour Group at Oldham Council, called the post "deeply disrespectful and insensitive".

How deeply disrespectful and insensitive. http://t.co/W0q8hgQZle
— Arooj Shah (@SHAH_AROOJ) June 22, 2026

Former Labour Deputy Leader Tom Watson labelled it "appallingly insensitive".

This is appallingly insensitive. https://t.co/2pN2YXDPDF
— Tom Watson (@TOM_WATSON) June 22, 2026

Labour MP Callum Anderson described it as "unnecessarily poor form".

Really @RoyalMail? Unnecessarily poor form. https://t.co/B2uwWmVvFI
— Callum Anderson MP (@_CALLUMANDERSON) June 22, 2026

Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West, simply says it's a "2nd class response".

2nd class response @RoyalMail - unnecessary. https://t.co/OYTkMC2PcH
— Jim McMahon OBE MP (@JIMFROMOLDHAM) June 22, 2026

Members from The Labour Party have condemned Royal Mail for the timing and poor taste of an advertising campaign.

InformingBritain.com have approached Royal Mail for comment.

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ABERDEEN: NOMINATIONS UNDER WAY FOR GEORGE STREET/HARBOUR WARD VACANCY | INFORMING BRITAIN ON LOCAL DEMOCRACY

13/5/2026

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Nominations opened today for candidates wishing to contest the Aberdeen City Council By-Election in the George Street/Harbour ward.

The poll is scheduled for Thursday 25 June 2026, following the vacancy in the multi-member ward which covers Central Aberdeen areas including the harbour and surrounding residential and commercial zones.

Prospective candidates must submit their nomination papers by the statutory deadline.

The process requires eligible individuals to meet standard Local Government criteria, including residency or nomination requirements within the ward.

The By-Election will use the single transferable vote system typical for Scottish Council Elections.

The ward has historically seen representation from multiple parties, reflecting Aberdeen's diverse political landscape.

Full details on standing as a candidate, including required forms and support, are published online to ensure a transparent and accessible process for all interested residents.

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DUNDEE: TEMPORARY TRAFFIC LIGHTS INSTALLED ON STRATHMORE STREET FOR BT WORKS | INFORMING BRITAIN ON LOCAL DEMOCRACY

21/11/2025

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Temporary traffic lights have been installed on Strathmore Street at Abercromby Street in Dundee.

The measure is in place from Thursday 20 November 2025 for five days to facilitate works by British Telecom.

Motorists are advised to expect potential delays in the area during this period.

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ABERDEEN: DEMOLITION COMMENCES AT DERELICT HISTORIC PERSLEY PARK CARAVAN PARK IN BUCKSBURN | INFORMING BRITAIN ON LOCAL DEMOCRACY

5/11/2025

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Demolition work has begun at the abandoned Persley Park Caravan Park on Mugiemoss Road in the outskirts of Bucksburn, Aberdeen.

The site, situated near Persley Bridge and the River Don, comprised of 14 caravans and various outbuildings, all of which have deteriorated significantly over time, featuring smashed windows, damaged walls, and scattered debris.

Once a popular residential spot, the park was left to rot and attracted incidents including an Arson Attack on Saturday 26 July 2025 where four caravans were intentionally set alight, prompting attendance by the Scottish Fire And Rescue Service who were assisted by Police Scotland.

The fire on 26 July 2025

No injuries were occurred, and Police Officers have since completed their enquiries, though they continue to seek any additional information.

From the 04 November 2025 fire

Official demolition work began on Tuesday 04 November 2025 where members of staff from Persley Park Ltd, who owns the site, started to dismantle the framework of the former homes, separating the wood, metal, and glass for safe disposal.

As they were in the process of burning old woodblocks a rogue flame caused the blaze to spread like wildfire which caused Scottish Fire And Rescue Service to attend for the second time this year.

Informing Britain approached the Scottish Fire And Rescue Service for comment and a spokesperson for the service has provided this news publication with comments.

A Scottish Fire And Rescue Service spokesperson, said:

"We were alerted at 11.40am on Tuesday, 4 November to reports of a fire at Mugiemoss Road, Aberdeen.

"Operations Control mobilised one fire appliance and firefighters extinguished a fire affecting a large quantity of building materials.

"There were no reported casualties and crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe."

It is unclear what the Leicester-based Persley Park Ltd have planned for the North East's historic Caravan Park, but the site that was once the focal point of journeys along Mugiemoss Road has now been removed indefinitely.

A sad day for the Grampian region as yet another landmark no longer exists.

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ABERDEEN: FAMILIES ACROSS NORTH EAST ARE SET TO BENEFIT FROM AN ENHANCED WINTER CLOTHING PAYMENT | INFORMING BRITAIN ON LOCAL DEMOCRACY

9/10/2025

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Families in The Granite City are poised to receive additional financial support this Winter through an augmented clothing payment scheme administered by Aberdeen City Council.

Eligible households that have already been awarded a school clothing grant for the 2025/26 academic year will automatically receive a supplementary £30 payment by the end of October.

Furthermore, all successful new applications submitted up until 31 March 2026 will include this additional £30 Winter Clothing Payment, disbursed alongside the standard school clothing grant.

Councillor Christian Allard, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council, emphasised the importance of the initiative amid ongoing economic pressures.

Councillor Allard, says:

"Winter continues to be a difficult period for many households, and these payments are crucial in supporting families who are feeling the pinch

"I would urge anyone who is worried about increasing costs or struggling to make ends meet to reach out to our services and partners for the full support available."

Echoing these sentiments, Councillor Desmond Buchanan, Vice-Convener for Anti-Poverty and Inequality, highlighted the scheme's focus on child welfare.

Councillor Buchanan, comments:

"The additional winter clothing payment will help ensure that every child in Aberdeen has the essentials they need to stay warm and comfortable throughout the colder months."

The school clothing grants are accessible to families with children enrolled in Aberdeen City Council schools, including those commencing Primary 1, provided they are in receipt of qualifying benefits such as Council Tax Reduction or Housing Benefit.

Additionally, students eligible for an Education Maintenance Allowance may apply for a school clothing grant independently.

This measure forms part of broader efforts by the council to alleviate financial hardships faced by residents during the Winter season.

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ABERDEEN: CELEBRATIONS MARK OFFICIAL OPENING OF NEW £30.3 MILLION RIVERBANK SCHOOL IN NORTH EAST OF BRITAIN

8/10/2025

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Pupils, parents, and staff gathered today to celebrate the official opening of the new £30.3 million Riverbank School, situated in the heart of Tillydrone within the Grampian region.

.The modern campus on Coningham Gardens represents a substantial investment in the future of local children and the wider community.

This three-stream Primary School replaces the former Riverbank School on Dill Road, offering capacity for up to 651 pupils, alongside early learning and nursery provision for up to 60 children.

The contemporary facility, designed to enhance the educational experience, includes a 3G sports pitch and a variety of outdoor play and learning spaces.

Councillor Martin Greig, convener of Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children's Services Committee, said:

"It is a great pleasure to officially open the new Riverbank School. This building will be an excellent place of learning and care for young people in the area for generations to come. The major investment of £30.3 million that we made in this important project confirms our strong commitment to the local community. Every child deserves to have the best possible learning environment, and it is great to improve the school estate for the benefit of learners."

Councillor Jessica Mennie, Vice-Convener of the Education and Children's Services Committee, added:

"I have enjoyed meeting pupils and staff who have already been enjoying their new learning environment and making the most of the fantastic new resources and spaces. The enthusiasm and positivity from the children and teachers is inspiring, and I look forward to seeing all that will be achieved here in the years ahead."

Councillor Alex McLellan, convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, commented:

"I am absolutely delighted that Aberdeen City Council, in partnership with Robertson Construction, has delivered the new Riverbank School in Tillydrone. Education is a priority for the Council, and our significant investment in our school estate is providing high-quality learning environments for tomorrow’s generation."

Susan Ironside, Head Teacher of Riverbank School, expressed:

"It’s a real privilege to officially welcome our pupils and families into this incredible new building. The enthusiasm and excitement from our school community has been wonderful to see. We're proud to offer a modern, inclusive environment that supports every child to thrive, and we look forward to continuing our strong connections with the wider Tillydrone community."

The school was delivered on behalf of Aberdeen City Council by Robertson Construction Eastern, in collaboration with the Council's design team. Keys were handed over in April 2025, allowing pupils and staff to move in before the summer recess and settle into their new surroundings ahead of the official opening.

Gordon Milne, Regional Managing Director of Robertson Construction Eastern, stated:

"Delivered in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, the school provides a modern learning environment that brings together design quality, innovation, and low-carbon construction. Its official opening marks a new chapter for education in the city and reflects the council's commitment to pupils, staff, and the wider community."

The opening ceremony included two specially composed musical pieces - New School, New Start Tillydrone Fanfare and Riverbank Blues - performed by Riverbank, a group of Primary Five to Primary Seven pupils.

These were written by teacher Alex Dawson to commemorate the occasion.

The new Riverbank School has been built on the site of the former Tillydrone Infant School and part of the former St. Machar Primary School.

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AROOJ SHAH: "DEEPLY DISRESPECTFUL" - LABOUR MEMBERS CONDEMN ROYAL MAIL'S 'INSENSITIVE' SOCIAL MEDIA POST | INFORMING BRITAIN ON LOCAL DEMOCRACY

ABERDEEN: NOMINATIONS UNDER WAY FOR GEORGE STREET/HARBOUR WARD VACANCY | INFORMING BRITAIN ON LOCAL DEMOCRACY

DUNDEE: TEMPORARY TRAFFIC LIGHTS INSTALLED ON STRATHMORE STREET FOR BT WORKS | INFORMING BRITAIN ON LOCAL DEMOCRACY

ABERDEEN: DEMOLITION COMMENCES AT DERELICT HISTORIC PERSLEY PARK CARAVAN PARK IN BUCKSBURN | INFORMING BRITAIN ON LOCAL DEMOCRACY

ABERDEEN: FAMILIES ACROSS NORTH EAST ARE SET TO BENEFIT FROM AN ENHANCED WINTER CLOTHING PAYMENT | INFORMING BRITAIN ON LOCAL DEMOCRACY

ABERDEEN: CELEBRATIONS MARK OFFICIAL OPENING OF NEW £30.3 MILLION RIVERBANK SCHOOL IN NORTH EAST OF BRITAIN

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