August 2017 Minutes

by admin | Aug 17, 2017 | Minutes

MINUTES OF BRIDGE OF ALLAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

HELD ON TUESDAY 15 AUGUST 2017

(held in the Allan Centre )

 Present:

Mike Watson (MW) (Chair); Janie Meikle Bland (JMB); Michael Burt (MB); Siobhan Hencher (SH); Leslie Harkness (LH); Margaret Sprunt (MS); Nicos Yarrow (NY).

In attendance:

Alexander Stuart ( MSP ); Councillor Douglas Dodds, Councillor Graham Houston, Councillor Alastair Majury, Councillor Alasdair Tollemache.

Apologies: 

Joanne Chisholm, Sandra Davidson, Marie Gardner, Iain McCusker. Victoria McDowell, Lucy McCormick, Andrew Davis ( Stirling Council ).

Abbreviations – Community Council ( CC ); Procurator Fiscal ( PF )

B1424  Welcome, Apologies and Conflict of Interest

 MW welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies were received, as indicated above, and the absence of any conflict of interest was noted.

B1425  Approval of Minutes, Matters Arising and Action Log

The minutes of the meeting held on 20^th June 2017 were approved (Proposed: Janie Meikle Bland; Seconded: Michael Burt). There were no matters arising and LH indicated that  two relevant Action Log items would be covered in his Secretary’s Report.

B1426  Police Report

MW welcomed PC Dee Chalmers to her first Bridge of Allan CC meeting. PC Chalmers reported that PC Currie would be away from the local community team for a short period and that a replacement had yet to be appointed. She also indicated that the current area priorities would continue to be Anti-Social Behaviour, Violent Crime, Theft, Road Safety, and Community Engagement and Reassurance.

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

On 9^th August at Vale Grove, a car was vandalised by means of a corrosive substance. Enquiries are ongoing with regard to what is seen as an isolated incident; any person with relevant information should contact 101 with the appropriate reference (Ref: CFO112230817).

DRUG MISUSE

There have been no recorded incidents of drug misuse.

VIOLENT CRIME

– On 30^th June 2017 at Henderson Street, a male was seriously assaulted  by another known male who was later apprehended by police officers and who appeared at Stirling Sheriff Court the following day.

– On 13^th July 2017 at Pullar Avenue, a male was assaulted to his non injury by two males known to him; enquiries are ongoing and a report will be submitted to the PF.

– On 1^st August 2017 at Castleview Drive, a male from outwith the area attempted to break into a house, was subsequently traced and arrested for this offence and for carrying a knife. The male appeared at Stirling Sheriff Court the following day.

HOUSEBREAKING/CRIMES OF DISHONESTY

 – On 10^th July 2017 at Garrick Sport Centre, money was stolen from an unattended backpack. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with relevant information should contact 101 (Ref; CF0097840717).

 – On 27^th July 2017 at the Allan Centre, one of the containers was broken into although apparently nothing was taken. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with relevant information should contact 101 (Ref: CF0106510717)

 – On 4^th August 2017 at Cawder Garden, a male delivery driver was subject to a robbery by a male who threatened the driver with a hammer.. The male was subsequently traced by police officers and has been remanded in custody.

 – 5^th August 2017 at Strathallan Park, a male was assaulted to his non injury by an unknown male. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information should contact 101 (Ref:CF0110070817).

In relation to the Cawder Garden incident, Councillor Dodds asked PC Chalmers  for information which he required for his forthcoming meeting with the area commander, Chief Inspector  Ratcliff.

ROAD SAFETY

– On 20^th July 2017 on Airthrey Road, a male was arrested for being over the prescribed limit for drink driving. A report will be sent to the PF in due course.

– On 3^rd August 2017, a male driver was stopped in Henderson Street; he had his vehicle taken and was issued with a fixed penalty notice for having no insurance for the vehicle.

OTHER MATTERS OF NOTE

Bridge of Allan Highland Games took place over the weekend from 4^th August, with PCs Chalmers and Currie both in attendance; there were no issues of note.

Given a few recent incidents in Dunblane of items stolen from insecure properties, residents are reminded of the importance of ensuring that all windows, doors and outbuildings are secured when not at home or on holiday.

A local resident, Sem Curley, raised with PC Chalmers the issue of Cornton Road cyclists using the pavement footpath rather than the identified cycle path and he underlined the potential dangers to life arising from this. Councillor Dodds noted that the same situation existed in Dunblane and he stressed that he had never observed the police stopping cyclists for this practice; he also related the problem in part to the current policing model in Dunblane and Bridge of Allan and he stated his intention to discuss the matter with Chief Inspector Lynn Ratcliff. MW emphasised the need to make cyclists fully aware of the fact that they can cycle in both directions on the cycle path. There was general agreement that appropriate signage was a significant requirement.

 B1427  Parking Restrictions ( MW )

MW initiated a wide-ranging discussion on the issues arising from the current restrictions by explaining that a number of local traders were seeking the support of the CC in terms of easing the parking restrictions, particularly in Henderson Street and Fountain Road, by increasing the limit from 30 minutes to one hour. He underlined his conviction that the local businesses were the life blood of the community and he reminded the meeting that the 30 minute limit had been determined some 6 years ago as a result of a consultation process  involving the police, local businesses, Stirling Council’s roads officials, local politicians and  the CC.

The representative of one trader, supported by another trader present at the meeting, maintained that a timescale of 30 minutes was too restricted to allow potential customers to fully utilise the town’s hospitality businesses and small independent shops. He also suggested that the most inimical impact of the restrictions would be felt by visitors who were unaware of  the unrestricted parking available in the town and that, consequently, this could undermine the local economy. In response, Councillor Dodds wondered if there were not in fact ample parking spaces in the town as a whole and MW agreed that it was important to take into account all off street and alternative parking and that, in this context, the issue of signage was significant.

JMB recalled that the CC had in the past received complaints to the effect that the parking ‘turnover’ was insufficient. It was also noted that that some merchants would park for the whole of the working day ( in at least one case, regardless of parking penalties ). MW suggested that that any approach to the problem had to balance the needs of two distinct groups, namely, on the one hand, those who parked for a very limited time to make a purchase and leave and, on the other, those who needed to park for a longer period. Councillor Houston pointed out that extending the waiting time to 60 minutes could limit the chances of finding a space and he also underlined the fact that the community has long resisted the introduction of parking meters. A trader representative drew attention to other potential options eg having diagonal bays on Henderson Street and having 15 minute slots.

NY emphasised that the views of the residents were of critical importance and he stressed that two major concerns of residents were traffic and parking; he also observed that the 700 plus signatures secured for a survey (organised by Simon Littlejohn) of those in favour of the 60 minute extension represented a substantial sampling of the community.

 Given that the survey only covered 22 of the 50 plus businesses in the town, MW proposed that a more expansive and rigorous analysis of the needs and aspirations of the local traders should be undertaken. This proposal met with the agreement of the CC, and the representative of Simon Littlejohn agreed to undertake further consultation with those businesses not covered by the survey.

MW also proposed that a group similar to that established six years ago be reconvened; this broadly based group would again involve the police, Stirling Council’s roads officials, CC members, local politicians, and local merchants. One trader present at the meeting indicated that he would willing to help to revive a merchants group.

ACTION : MW and LH to provide Simon Littlejohn with the information required to initiate a wider survey of  merchant opinion.

 ACTION : MW and other CC colleagues to plan the way forward in bringing together a revived consultative group.

 B1428  Active Community ( JMB )

 JMB provided a comprehensive update designed to bring together the range of strands falling under the umbrella of the CC’s ‘active community’ focus. She reminded the CC that, in the broad context of the parking issues already discussed earlier, the CC had approached the issue of student parking in the town on an ‘active community’ basis by recognising the need to encourage students to cycle rather than using their cars.

Among the other threads JMB covered were the attention given by the CC to

      – Stirling Council’s low carbon transport policy;

      – the  bid to Sustrans for  getting more students on bikes;

      – the increased parking at Bridge of Allan Station arising from changes in the

        parking at Dunblane Station;

      – the Stirling Cycle Hub project and the unsuccessful joint funding bid to Cycling

        Scotland whose grant fund had been oversubscribed.

JMB indicated that she would put some thoughts together for the next meeting to begin to shape a coherent strategy to approach all these issues, including the cycle path problems, in terms of the overall rationale of the ‘Active Community’ approach.

JMB also stressed that it was essential to establish a collective community view so that the CC could respond more representatively to major initiatives of this kind, In this regard, Councillor Houston suggested that it might be worth exploring the possibility of securing funding for a survey from Sustrans and MW noted that Dunblane had been particularly successful in securing Sustrans funding. Given the Dunblane experience, JMB felt it would be worthwhile contacting Bridget Clark of Cycling Scotland and Councillor Tollemache volunteered to get in touch with her.

In the discussion which followed it was agreed that any future strategy should avoid viewing the community as having two opposing camps of cyclists and motorists. The importance of encouraging walking was also emphasised.

JMB noted that Joanne Chisholm had indicated that she could arrange for a representative from the local NHS trust to come to a CC meeting to assist the CC with its ‘Active Community‘ strategy. MW agreed that, given the demographic of the community, this would be worthwhile

ACTION :  JMB to begin to plan for a survey of residents’ opinions on the various  strategies the CC has discussed in its ‘ Active Community’ approach.

 ACTION : JMB to liaise with Joanne Chisholm to invite a local NHS trust representative to come to a CC meeting.

 B1429  Flood Group

Sem Curley reported that he and Brian Devlin had attended a Scottish Flood Forum meeting and, as a result, had acquired a broader Scottish and UK perspective on flood issues. He underlined the fact that, as the Chair of the Scottish Flood Forum is an engineer, his views carry a high degree of authority and he also drew attention to the fact that the risk timescale is now 10 to 15 years rather than 25 to 50 years. He is firmly of the view that there is no room for complacency and that Bridge of Allan remains vulnerable to flooding, particularly were the town to experience a combination of heavy rain/snow on the hills and tide water coming up the Forth.

Mr Curley also reported that Stirling Council has indicated that that there is now no funding for what was promised for the burn and that the Flood Group should attempt to acquire some grant funding. He explained that Paul Laidlaw is of particularly help in terms of pointing out potentially problematic issues and also has a series of relevant booklets, copies of which Mr Curley intends to distribute to local shops.

Mr Curley stressed that, since the workload for the Flood Group is likely to increase, an additional 2 or3 members are needed and, to this end, he felt that an appeal notice on the CC website would be helpful. MW accepted that the whole matter is a genuinely real issue and MB asked Mr Curley to provide him with the wording he required for the website item.

ACTION : MB to liaise with Sem Curley on the website item appealing for new Flood Group members.

B1430  Memorial Park

Douglas Neilson of the Friends of Bridge of Allan confirmed that 24 diseased conifers were to be cut down, along with, as a preventive measure, 2 maple trees which were overhanging the road; the trees will be chipped on site and the chips spread over the flower beds. He indicated that the Friends have money set aside for replanting trees

which would be from non-native species. It was agreed that this would clearly make a difference to the park but, on the positive side, it was noted that that the replanted cherry trees were coming on.

Councillor Dodds reported that the contracted work would begin on 4^th September 2017.

MW expressed the appreciation of CC for the outstanding contribution of the Friends towards the enhancement of the environment of the town, both in terms of the magnificent hanging baskets and of the attractive seating area outside Lloyds Pharmacy

ACTION : MB to post the relevant email, detailing the proposed operations, on the CC website.

 B1431  Planning Update. ( MW )

In the absence of  Iain McCusker, MW reported that the CC had received no further planning application referrals from Stirling Council. He noted that the two most recent applications received by the CC had been rejected by Stirling Council.

B1432  Roads and Transport (NY )

NY reported that the work on Alexander Drive had been completed and that work on Blairforkie Drive would commence the next day. He also noted that there was as yet no indication of any allocation of resources for the repair of Inverallan Road.

ACTION : LH to raise again the issue of Inverallan Road with the relevant Stirling Council roads officer.

B1433  Chair’s Report ( MW )

MW indicated that he had nothing further to report beyond the matters already covered in the meeting.

B1434  Secretary’s Report ( LH )

LH reported that, on behalf of the Forth Park resident and the Causewayhead representative who had both raised concerns about significant infestations of iant hogweed alongside the railway lines in their communities, he had written to Roy Sexton about their concerns. In his reply, Mr Sexton has confirmed that, with regard to Forth Park, he and his team have helped the Forth Park residents to set up their own spraying team, with the result that the area between the rear of the houses and the Allan has been  sprayed so successfully that the riverbank footpath is open again. In relation to the Causewayhead infestation along the Alloa line, Mr Sexton’s team have been shocked by the scale of the problem and, although Network Rail did not allow access, his team managed to cut those flower heads that could be reached. LH has written to the Scottish head office of Network Rail to ascertain if the organisation is contemplating any future remedial action in terms of spraying their own land and is awaiting a response.

ACTION : LH to invite Roy Sexton to update the CC at a future meeting.

LH has contacted Sergeant Matheson at the Dunblane  police office to ask if he was aware of the issue, raised by a local resident, of heavy lorries allegedly parking overnight in Inverallan Road, in the vicinity of the Allanbridge Social Club. Sergeant Matheson is on holiday and has yet to reply but PC Chalmers has agreed to ask the night shift officers to look into the situation.

B1435  The Residents’ Voice

      – A resident, whose  parent became breathless in Henderson Street, raised the issue

       of the absence of seating on one side of Henderson Street and recalled there used

       to be seating many years ago outside the Westerton Arms.

     –  MB reported that he had received an email from a resident asking about the

       legality of a commercial enterprise taking place on a regular basis at a residential

       property in the town. A resident, present at the meeting, also

       expressed some concerns about the matter. Councillor Dodds explained

       that he has contacted the relevant licensing staff of Stirling Council

       Services on this issue and is awaiting a reply. CC members felt that, in the

       interests of  fairness, where a complaint has been discussed in the public

       forum of a CC meeting, the individual who is the subject of the complaint should

       be informed of the complaint by the CC.

ACTION : LH to write to the person who is the subject of the  complaint.

      – MB reported that a resident has also complained about the safety of the

     Henderson Street crossing at the Treehouse. Councillor Dodds was able to confirm

     that the crossing is being upgraded, both in terms of brighter lighting and

     repainting.

      – In response to a query about disabled parking, NY explained that disabled parking

      was located outside Lloyds Pharmacy, outside the former Lloyds Pharmacy

      premises, outside WoodWinters and, newly established, in the North Car Park in

      Allanvale Road.

B1436 AOCB

 There being no other  business, MW declared the meeting closed at 8.55pm.

The date of the next meeting will be Tuesday, 19^th September 2017 at 7.30pm.

AGM June 2017 Minutes

by admin | Jun 22, 2017 | Minutes

BRIDGE OF ALLAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

HELD ON TUESDAY 20 June 2017 AT 7PM

(held in the Allan Centre)

Present: Sandra Davidson (SD) – CHAIR; Mike Watson (MW),  Janie Meikle Bland (JMB); Marie Gardner (MG); Margaret Sprunt (MS); Vicky McDowell (VMcD); Joanne Chisholm (JC); Leslie Harkness (LH); Michael Burt (MB)

Apologies: PC Gordon Currie, Ian McCusker (IMc); Siobhan Hencher (SH), Councillor Alistair Tollemache

In attendance: Andy Davis (Stirling Council); Lucy McCormick (notes); Councillor Douglas Dodds; Councillor Graham Houston

Abbreviations – Community Council (CC)

Approval of Minutes of Previous AGM

Minutes of the previous AGM held on 17^th May 2016 were approved (Proposer: VMcD; Seconded: JMB).

Matters Arising and Annual Report (SD)

SD opened the meeting by thanking everyone for attending and their contributions over the year.  It was recognised there has been some turbulence over the year, and work is still ongoing to fix the things that caused the turbulence.  Recognised that there are learning points especially in relation to the Christmas Committee.

Approval of Annual Accounts (Marie Gardner)

MG talked through the Annual Accounts.  Key points noted below:

• Bank balance is healthy, sitting at approximately £5019.
• The CC control an account in the name of Bridge of Allan War Memorial Fund with a balance of £2,436.06 at 31 March 2016. This amount is not included in the figures and is held in a separate account.  It should be noted that this amount cannot currently be accessed owing to signatories not identifiable.  The issue has been raised with the Bank who are endeavouring to resolve it.
• Restricted Funds Breakdown – there was an overspend of £492 in 2016 in relation to the Christmas Lights fund. Reason was due a misunderstanding between the CC and Stirling Council, highlighting the need to tighten up controls.

MG confirmed the Independent Examiner’s Statement, detailed below:

I have examined the Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 March 2017. 

In connection with my examination, subject to the matters noted below, no matters have come to my attention to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

In relation to the Bridge of Allan War Memorial Fund account, all efforts should be made by the Community Council to regain control over the account. 

An overspend of £492 was noted in the funds allocated to the Christmas Lights Fund.  I recommend that any potential variance from the original budget is highlighted and approved by the CC.

MG emphasised that as noted above, there are two areas the CC need to work on 1) control over the Bridge of Allan War Memorial Fund account and 2) increased controls over budget variances.

The Annual Accounts were approved (Proposed: LH; Seconded: JMB).

Office Bearers – appointed as below:

Chair: Mike Watson (proposer SD, seconded LH)

Vice Chair: Sandra Davidson (proposer LH, seconded JMB)

Secretary: Leslie Harkness (proposer SD, seconded MG)

Treasurer: Marie Gardner (proposer LH, seconded JMB)

The A.G.M closed at approximately 7.25pm

June 2017 Minutes

by admin | Jun 21, 2017 | Minutes

MEETING OF BRIDGE OF ALLAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

HELD ON TUESDAY 20 June 2017

(Allan Centre)

Present:  Mike Watson (MW) – CHAIR (elected at the AGM on 20 June 2017), Sandra Davidson (SD), Janie Meikle Bland (JMB); Marie Gardner (MG); Margaret Sprunt (MS); Vicky McDowell (VMcD); Joanne Chisholm (JC); Leslie Harkness (LH); Michael Burt (MB)

Apologies: PC Gordon Currie, Ian McCusker (IMc); Siobhan Hencher (SH), Councillor Alistair Tollemache

In attendance: Andy Davis (Stirling Council); Lucy McCormick (notes); Councillor Douglas Dodds; Councillor Graham Houston

Abbreviations – Community Council (CC)

B1412  Welcome and Apologies

MW welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked DD for his contribution as Chair of the CC until he was appointed a Councillor and thanked SD for standing in as Chair in recent months.  Apologies were received from PC Gordon Currie, Ian McCusker (IMc), Siobhan Hencher (SH) and Councillor Alistair Tollemache.

B1413  No conflicts of interest were noted

B1414  Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting & Matters Arising

Correction noted to the minutes of the 16^th May 2017.  Councillor Douglas Dodds to be noted as in attendance at this meeting.

The minutes of meeting held on 16^th May 2017 were approved (Proposed: MG; Seconded: SD).

B1415  Police Report 

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR: On 23rd May a male was seen running around in bare feet, standing in front of traffic and attempting to open car doors in Henderson Street.  The male was traced by Police and charged with a breach of the peace for causing alarm to members of the public.

DRUG MISUSE:  On 16th June a female was found in possession of a quantity of herbal cannabis at Pendreich Road.  Following testing of the substance she will be reported to the procurator fiscal.

VIOLENT CRIME: There have been no reports of violent crime.

HOUSEBREAKINGS/CRIMES OF DISHONESTY

• On 18th May money was stolen from an unattended bag at the gym at University of Stirling. Enquiries are ongoing.
• On 25th May a male was seen by a resident acting suspiciously in the rear of properties at Cawder Gardens, the Police were called and the male was traced and subsequently charged with intended theft.
• On 14th June a property near Lecropt church was broken into and property from within was stolen. Enquiries are on-going.
• On 15th June a large quantity of alcohol was stolen from a shop in Fountain Road. Enquiries are on-going to identify the suspects.
• On 17th June a high value mountain bike was stolen from a male who was camping at Cocksburn reservoir. Enquiries are on-going.

ROAD SAFETY

• On 24th May a road traffic collision occurred at university of Stirling and the driver failed to stop and report the accident. The registration of the offending vehicle is known and the driver will be charged accordingly.
• On 25th May a female was traced in Henderson Street driving a motor vehicle with only a provisional driving licence whilst not being supervised and having no valid car insurance. She has been reported to the procurator fiscal.
• On 1st June a male was traced driving in Queens Lane. The male was found to be over the prescribed drink drive limit and was reported to the procurator fiscal.
• On 6th June a male was traced in Fountain Road driving erratically. The male was stopped by police and he was found to be over the prescribed drink drive limit and was reported to the procurator fiscal.

OTHER MATTERS OF NOTE

Rural Watch Scotland

“‘Rural Watch Scotland’ is an extension of the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland movement and endorsed by  the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) and Forth valley Rural Crime Group aimed specifically at the rural communities of Scotland and aims to bring all the benefits of Neighbourhood Watch to all rural communities irrespective of location, size or demographics.

Rural watch is an online community for any member of the public where appeals, crime prevention tips and safety alerts can be posted by those who subscribe which can be viewed by all members. Subscription is free and the sharing of information on the forum is a great example of real time crime prevention in action.

The objectives of Rural Watch Scotland are to:

• Reduce crime and the fear of crime by providing the right information, to the right people, at the right time.
• Encourage people to think about safety and security for themselves, their neighbours and their community.
• Improve community cohesion and well-being by supporting communities to develop ‘their watch, their way’.
• Work in partnership with national and local service providers to develop more resilient communities that are better prepared against threats, intentional or unintentional, such as crime or extreme weather.

The experience of Neighbourhood Watch throughout Scotland and elsewhere across the world is that members of Rural Watch Scotland will be less likely than non-members in the rural community to be a victim of crime.

By joining the Rural Watch Scotland scheme members can receive alerts and advice by phone, text or email. By keeping members informed about crime and other threats in specific areas, Rural Watch Scotland can help prevent crime, keep communities and residents safe, and members responses to these alerts can help catch criminals or be better prepared to deal with other threats to communities. To join Rural Watch Scotland simply:

– Log onto www.ruralwatchscotland.co.uk

– Click the green JOIN button at the top of the page.

– Follow the on screen instructions.”

ACTION: Information on Rural Watch Scotland (noted above) to be put on Community Council Facebook page (MB).

ACTION: Noted that this is the second meeting with no police presence.  It was raised that it would be good to have Police presence at the next meeting (MW).

B1416  Financial Control Policies (MG)

MG drafting a Financial Control Procedure to be reviewed by the CC.   Two points MG highlighted:

• Grant Funding (where CC raises funds on behalf of other committees).  As the CC is raising funds in their name, the CC is accountable and liable for them.  More controls need to be put in place, especially once the funds have been transferred to other committees, to ensure that they are spent in accordance with the agreed objective, and in compliance with any terms and conditions.  The CC should maintain some oversight and control of these funds once transferred.
  • Project budgets e.g. Christmas lights.  Again more control required.  Going forward a budget should be set out at project initiation stage by the project owner with status updates to the CC on the spend position, in particular any risk of overspend should be reported.  The year end financial accounts as noted in the AGM reported a £492 overspend on the 2016 Christmas lights.  Consideration also to be given to delegated authority limits.

For the Christmas Lights, a separate committee remains to be formed.  Currently, 3 parties are interested in forming this committee, supported by SD as the CC lead on this project.  JMB offered to support SD with posters etc.  Suggestion raised by resident was to raise money for the Christmas Lights at various events e.g. ‘can boxes’ at the Bridge of Allan Highland Games. 

ACTION: Christmas lights to be put on August CC Agenda.  (LH)

ACTION: Meeting hoping to take place on Wed 28^th June at 7.30pm with sole purpose to focus on Christmas Lights.  SD to confirm location but likely to be Allan Centre if available. (SD)

B1417  Community Development Planning – collaboration with the University of Stirling and Developing our Active Community Programme (JMB)

JMB met with Cathy Gallagher (Director of Sport at the University of Stirling).  Overall, there was a positive response to the Marathon Fun Day. University was a good vantage point for spectators as they could see the runners entering and leaving.  Facilities which were free to use at the University were well used.  The weather was not great on the day but still an overall positive response.  There were some lessons learned for future years, including the activities available could be better signposted and the people who were there, were there to watch the Marathon and any ‘side shows’ were not that well attended, this was also evidenced at the finish line when the runners finished as they were keen to leave. 

The University are very keen to work with the CCs (Causewayhead and Bridge of Allan) to have a Saturday Family Fun Run on the campus the day before the marathon as this would be the best day for a Community based event.  

Cathy Gallagher will talk to her faculty leads about the possibility of incorporating community engagement in the curriculum.  CC very keen to open dialogue with the University on how the CC can work with the University and for it to be wider than Sport e.g. IT, student representation at the CC.

ACTION:  Cathy Gallagher to update JMB with outcome of engaging with the faculty leads.  Next steps will then be agreed. (JMB)

B1418  Roads and Transport (NY)

All work listed in the programme has been completed.  NY continuing to monitoring websites.

VMcD raised ongoing issue of Allanvale Road i.e. speeding, cycle path not clearly marked. 

Action: DD to log onto enquiry system.

B1419  Planning Update (MW)

Key points noted below:

• A new planning representative will be required to take forward the planning given MW is now CC chair.
• 2 Gordon Crescent – the CC have raised an objection on the grounds of access and parking.
• A number of enforcement issues have been raised with the Council including 1) the signage on the new Turkish Barbers on Henderson Street. There is a meeting planned with the owners of the building and the tenants and 2) 79 Henderson Street and the fence which has been an enforcement for 6-9 months, Action: DD agreed to raise with Council.
• Queens hotel – planning has been approved.
• Red bins moved from outside Lloyds Pharmacy and has been replaced with seating and a planter which seems to be well used. Friends should be commended for this.
• Bus shelter outside The Royal Hotel has been damaged and needs to be replaced (needs to be a like for like).

B1420  Chair’s Report (SD) – nothing to report

B1421  Treasurer’s Report (MG) – nothing to report

B1422 Secretary’s Report (LH)

• LH wrote to Mark Fitzpatrick (Stirling Council) to thank him for coming to last meeting to discuss new parking enforcement measures. He confirmed he is happy to attend future meetings when he has more detailed figures.
• LH received a letter from Ross Garland (Assistant Flood Officer at Stirling Council) to advice CC as part of proposed Flood Alleviation Scheme the council will be undertaking preparatory survey works which will include the use of a GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) survey to be carried out June to Sept 17. Survey will involve accessing a number of private gardens and private land. Survey will be non-destructive and all land will be left in original condition. 
• Inverallan Drive road surface concerns raised with Jim Hamilton, Stirling Council Area Roads Officer and David Crighton (Council’s Services Manager for Roads and Land Services. Response was prompt and full. Due to competing needs in terms of roads, Inverallan is not included in the 2017/18 resurfacing programme.  He is aware of condition of road but stresses other roads and streets are in a worse condition e.g. Blairforkie Driven and Pendreich Road.  Mr Crighton confirmed he is happy to share his current plans with the CC 

B1423 Resident’s Voice

• Resident raised the concern of there being a lot of Giant Hogweed along Causewayhead road with railway on the left. Since Bill Sexton’s update at the CC, a resident association of Forth Park has been set up and 5 volunteers have come forward to help with the spraying.  This has been trained and funded by Forth Fishers. 

Action: MW/ LH to raise with this issue with Bill Sexton and Network Rail

AOB

• JC raised ongoing concern about zebra crossing outside the Treehouse on Henderson St. JC was coming from Dunblane on 19^th June in daytime, but car from opposite direction failed to stop so emphasised it is an accident waiting to happen. DD advised that it is in train to get updated.  The issue is also compounded by the hedge from no 49 and the wheelie bins that are placed nearby. 
• JMB raised the point that it would be helpful for the CC to meet all of our new Elected Members. This would be in the interest of getting to know all of our Councillors and to present to them our community priorities and plans.
• VMcD updated on St Saviours Church and their plans for extensive roof renovations. Unlikely to need planning permission but would like to make CC aware of the proposed works.  Once timeline has been confirmed, the CC will communicate.
• Fracking – received a number of responses from other CCs in the vicinity. If CC were in a position to influence on that subject, there is an appetite for the CCs to work together on this.
• MB hasn’t made a much progress as had hoped in relation to the re-branding of the website but it is work in progress and future updates will be provided.                 
• JMB updated on active schools and is talking to Stirling Cycle Hub who has appointed a new community officer and meeting planned for 21 June about working together. The Cycle Hub is running some free bike maintenance sessions and is also hosting a ride out to Stirling to promote a safe and scenic route. Communications have been put on the CC Facebook page.
• Adopting the Red phone box. Action: MG to email MW with further details.

Meeting closed at 8.55 pm

The date of next meeting will be 15^th August and will start at 7.30pm.