McInnes pays tribute as Dundee scoops planning gong - Aberdeen commended

2.32.00pm GMT Thu 13th Mar 2008

North East Scotland MSP Alison McInnes today praised Dundee Council and its partners following a triumph at the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning.

This afternoon's ceremony made an award to the Council's Baxter Park project, which has seen the space returned to the original design of Sir Joseph Paxton.

Mrs McInnes, who is Lib Dem Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change spokesperson in the Scottish Parliament, hailed the achievement saying: "Dundee City Council has shown great leadership of this project over the past five years and the city now enjoys a much enhanced public space. This recognition is well deserved."

Dundee City Council Lib Dem Planning & Transport Convener Cllr Fraser Macpherson said: "The City Council is naturally delighted at the national recognition of what has been achieved at Baxter Park.

"The project has been a great success and Baxter Park is an excellent amenity for Dundonians."

Aberdeen Heat and Power company were also commended at the awards for their management of combined heat and power services (CHPs), which seek to cut fuel inefficiencies in the city's housing stock.

Aberdeen Heat and Power have completed two CHPs in Stockethill and Hazlehead and have progressed a third project in Seaton.

Mrs McInnes, who is also Lib Dem Climate Change spokesperson in the Scottish Parliament hailed the achievement saying: "Aberdeen Heat and Power well deserve this tribute. Not only do their activities cut costs and thereby help to tackle fuel poverty, but they contribute significantly to reducing CO2 emissions."

City Council leader Kate Dean added: "I'm delighted that Aberdeen Heat and Power have been recognised at this level. This is a major achievement which assists local people by providing affordable warmth, at the same time as helping the environment."