Have your say on proposed Stirling Council budget cuts

Have your say on proposed Stirling Council budget cuts

Give your views on whether you agree with proposed budget cuts and how you might be affected through a survey, hosted on the Council’s Engage Stirling platform,

Stirling Council has launched an online survey for residents to have their say on proposals to bridge an estimated £13 million budget gap in the next financial year.

The Council must make up this shortfall to balance the budget despite making significant savings of around £6 million in the current financial year.

The majority of Scottish councils’ funding comes from the Scottish Government. In Stirling Council nearly 79% of the budget comes from a Scottish Government grant and our share of the Government’s non-domestic rates or business rates, with the rest raised from council tax to support the budget.

A new round of drop-in events are currently taking place across the Stirling area following community engagement sessions that took place in August and September.

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Chris Kane said: “These are all proposals and no decisions have been taken yet.

“To help us make these difficult decisions when we set the Council’s budget, we need to know how these potential savings or increase in charges would impact you.

“These proposals have been developed by every Council service and cover the likes of schools, nurseries, roads, waste, housing, transport, libraries, community centres and parks and greenspaces. They will impact everyone who lives, works and studies in Stirling. So it’s really important that you take part in this survey and tell us your views.”

Residents can learn more about the proposals and the Council’s challenging financial situation at the latest Big Conversation drop-in events, with staff from various services in attendance at each one.

Cllr Kane added: “The proposed savings make for stark reading and underline the incredibly tough decisions we will have to make to set a balanced budget.

A selection of the proposed savings or increases in charges are listed below:

  • Close or reduce council-managed community centres. 
  • Stop the annual mowing of rural road verges, reduce grass cutting or increase space for pollinator spaces.
  • Closure of some libraries.
  • Reduction in budget for events and festivals.
  • Removal of the ‘road-end’ waste collection policy.
  • Stop the greenspace ranger service.
  • Reduce spending on maintenance at buildings and facilities.
  • Removal of the community grant scheme.
  • Reduce free, confidential and impartial accredited money, debt and benefit advice to residents.
  • Change the operating models (opening times and capacity) at some nurseries.
  • Increase non statutory childcare fees.
  • Reduce or stop the play, creche, play and out of school care service.
  • Reduce teachers in the additional support needs outreach team.
  • Removal of the P5 swimming programme.
  • Reduce the primary school week for pupils.
  • Close some or all public toilets.

More details and the full list of proposals can be found in the online survey on the Engage Stirling platform.

See below for dates and times of the remaining round of Big Conversation drop-in events:

  • Stirling High School – Monday 13 November, 6pm to 7.30pm
  • Balfron High School – Wednesday 15 November, 6pm to 7.30pm
  • Wallace High School – Monday 20 November, 6pm to 7.30pm
  • Bannockburn High School – Wednesday 22 November, 6pm to 7.30pm
  • Dunblane High School – Monday 27 November, 6pm to 7.30pm

For more information, please visit stirling.gov.uk/bigconversation

Remember to use the hashtag #BigConversation2425 to provide feedback and ideas on our social media channels.

Community Engagement on Flooding

Community Engagement on Flooding

You might have taken part in Flood Protection Scheme engagement activities back in March 2022.

T️he process is now continuing with some in person and online engagement session.

Residents are invited to meet with Stirling Council’s flooding team and consultant engineers at Bridge of Allan Library to share their views and ask questions. Monday 13 November: 10am – 3pm Tuesday 14 November: 2pm – 7pm

Online sessions are also taking place via MS Teams for those who can’t make it along in person. Tuesday 20 November: 7pm – 8.30pm Thursday 22 November: 7pm – 8.30pm. The shortlist of options will be published and community feedback will be taken into consideration when progression is made towards a preferred option. To sign up or for more information, email flooding@stirling.gov.uk

September Meeting Minutes now available

September Meeting Minutes now available

Our September meeting minutes are now available to read in full by clicking here

At the meeting we discussed 

  • Having residents voice queries at the beginning of the meeting
  • Septembers Police report
  • Progress reviewing our previous Community Action Plan
  • Local Place Plan – background and progress on an LPP for Bridge of Allan
  • Christmas Lights – sponsorship and fundraising – you can donate here!
  • Refurbishing the MUGA with a possible grant from CSET
  • Vacancies on the Community Council
  • Reports form our Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.

Minutes for the latest October meeting will be available after their approval at the next meeting.  However news on the progress of projects and local issues will also be shared via our website and social media accounts, so sign up to our mailing list or follow us to find out our news. 

Minutes from all our past meetings can be found on our meetings page

Christmas Lights Fundriaser is now Open

Christmas Lights Fundriaser is now Open

We need your help to make Bridge of Allan shine this Christmas!

We love the vibrancy of the village over Christmas, the decorated shop fronts, nights out, carol singing, Christmas trees and the cheer. A big part of this is the Christmas lights.  Each year we aim to raise at least £5500 to ensure the ligths can go on, and that we are prepared for repairs and eventual replacement. 
 
Many of our wonderful light’s sponsors have been with us for over the years, local businesses giving back to the community of families remembering their loved ones.
 
This year we are asking anyone and everyone if they can pitch in no matter how big or small.  You can donate online to the Crowdfinder by following this link.  Download and display a copy of our poster.  Or you can find collection tins in the Hardware Store, Allanwater Cafe and Leanne Kerr Hairdressing.
 
We have set a switch on date of Saturday 2nd December for an event in the Provost’s Park, more details to come soon.
 
So come be part of it, donate what you can. 
 
Together we can brighten Henderson Street this Christmas. 
 
 
October Meeting Agenda

October Meeting Agenda

Our next Community Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 17th October in the Allan Centre GP room.
 
The meeting starts at 7.30pm and any member of the public is welcome to attend.  We will be joined by people and organisations that work together for the people of Bridge of Allan, the community policing team, Friends of Bridge of Allan and elected representatives when their calender permits.  
 
This month we will be talking about:
 
👉 Police report  – officers will be in attendance (link the October report to be added soon) Sept report here
👉 Residents voice
👉 Vacancies and Recruitment – could you be our latest member? Find out more here
👉 Local Place Plan 
👉 Christmas Lights
👉 Publicity and Fundraising
👉 Remembrance Sunday Service
👉 Planning Applications Report
 
Reports from our position holders – Chair, Secretary, Treasurer
Work on Keir Street Tennis Courts progressing

Work on Keir Street Tennis Courts progressing

Work began last week by Construction Management Solutions Fife Ltd who shared the photos of progress below.

The old dilapidated blaes has been lifted out, drainage restored and the site graded and rolled.  The old fence and posts were removed and new fence posts and perimeter kerbs have been installed.

CMS Ltd will continue to carry out ground works and fencing installation, sub base layer and new net socket installation.  Then sportex will install the porous macadam surface.

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