Arnprior Community Council
Minutes of the Ordinary General Meeting held at 7.30pm on
Tuesday 8th October 2024 at Arnprior Nursery
Present: Iain Breakenridge (Chair), Morag Sheppard (Secretary), Duncan
McEwen, Wendy Weir
In Attendance: PC Matt McCammon, Community Officer
No councillor was in attendance
Apologies: Sheena Adam, Margaret Pitkeathly Residents: No residents were in attendance
1. Welcome and Apologies
The Chair welcomed the attendees to the meeting and Morag Sheppard (MS) gave the apologies.
1.1 Declaration of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
1.2 Approval of Agenda
The Agenda of the meeting was approved having been proposed by Wendy Weir (WW) and seconded by Duncan McEwen (DM).
2. Approval of OGM Minutes and Matters Arising
The draft Minutes of the OGM held on 20th August 2024 were approved, with the addition of the recording of the bank balances as at 19/08/24 supplied by Iain Breakenridge (IB) at this meeting, having been proposed by MS and seconded by DM.
- Matters Arising 1 Re the defibrillator, new bulbs are in place and working – thanks to the Weirs.
Work on the door is continuing.
- MS has obtained the padlock combination for the Nursery gate.
- IB is awaiting a response to his recent email re the Big Conversation.
4. Cardross Bridge
IB reported that there has been a lot of activity since the last CC meeting.
There has been much correspondence, and Councillors McGarvey and Fraser have been helpful in getting meetings arranged and attending them.
The bridge will be closed until at least 22nd February 2025. Bridge works include barriers and sensors on tripods.
Re gritting from Arnprior to the bridge this winter, IB will bring this up at the meeting in Port of Menteith tomorrow. [Action: IB]
There have been some issues with the volume, clarity and sightlines of the road closure signage. Adjustments have been made. Residents can report any problems on the SC website or via the ACC.
After tomorrow’s meeting, the next face-to-face meeting is on 13th November at 11
a.m. in Port of Menteith, followed by a Teams meeting at 6:30 p.m.. IB and MS intend to go to the face-to-face meeting. [Action: IB, MS]
IB reported that at the meeting on 16/09 of contractors’ and CC representatives, suggestions for Community Benefit were asked for. Each ACC is to collate ideas and give to SC. Ideas include a Notice Board and bench replacement. IB will find out more at the meeting tomorrow, including the amount of money available.
5. Roads and Trees
IB noted that a Community Winter Volunteer Information Pack and the Winter Services Strategy have been received, which he will review. The B8034 has apparently been designated Priority 1. [Action: IB]
No update as yet on the 20 mph speed restriction plan, which SC hope will be in by April. Traffic speed will be monitored with sensors before and after introduction of the limit. If still problematic, SC will discuss other solutions with ACC. WW noted that it was important that sensors cover either end of the village as well as the middle, i.e. 3 in total. [Action: IB]
SC has taken action re 3 of the dangerous trees. WW noted that another marked tree (infected ash) has not been done. IB has progressed this with SC.
- Charitable Trust The September meeting included an invitee from Kilmadock Development Trust, who was informative about what money could be used for.
There will be monthly meetings going forward with a view to having the necessary paperwork ready for early next year.
- Your Stirling You Decide/Planning
No update.
8. Community Storage
This is now complete apart from the steps. Shelving is in place. The storage by the bus stop is empty. Stored items include framing, base and canvas for the marquee. There will ultimately be enough space for everything.
Work is now completed on the 2 properties being renovated. IB noted that no further action will be taken by the developer until the properties are sold.
9. Public Transport
It has been confirmed that if the last bus (X10) is cancelled, a taxi should be taken and the cost claimed from Midland (receipt required). This only applies to the last bus. WW noted that a taxi cannot be got from Kippen – IB will enquire further with VB. [Action: IB]
IB noted that the Transport Commission Public Inquiry (re bus fires etc) has given the operators a period of time to sort matters out. The Inquiry will then review performance again.
10. Police Report
A police report for the period had been supplied and the Community Officer was in attendance. A wide-ranging discussion took place.
The CO noted that there had been 1 report re speeding to the Procurator Fiscal in the period. Guidance is as yet unclear as to what the Fiscal will ask police to do re the 20 mph speed limit. The van will not monitor it.
The CO noted that incidents of dangerous and inconsiderate driving can be reported by the public. It is best if there are 2 observers who are competent drivers – dashcam and doorbell cam footage also useful.
The CO is happy to come out on an ad hoc basis and has a pop-up policeman which can be used. He will also send information re community Speedwatch (community pays for a speed gun – 3 residents are trained). He noted that the speed bumps in Kippen are working – ACC has been advised by SC that the A811 is not suitable.
WW noted that nursery traffic reversing onto the main road is a hazard. While this could be reported as above, prevention would be preferable. The CO will email the Nursery, who can pass the email on to parents. The CO will also contact the Nursery and arrange to visit. He will aim to provide an update for the next ACC meeting.
Scams are a particular issue for ACC, given the age profile in our area. ACC would be happy to join Kippen’s session on scams, or to hold in Arnprior as we should be able to get at least 10 people to attend. CO will look at dates.
- Councillor’s Report
There was no Councillor’s Report and no Councillor was present.
12. Finance Report
IB gave the finance report. As of 07/10/24, the balance of No.1 account is £4,279.35 and of No. 2 account is £4,613.20. The Admin grant is being processed and should be received within the next week or so.
13. AOCB
13.1 Concert
Stirling Junior Gaelic Choir concert in Stirling is on 28/10 5-6 pm.
13.2 Doune the Rabbit Hole
Festival organisers are considering a deal for local residents. Their response is awaited.
13.3 ACC Christmas Night
This was agreed for Friday 6th December from 7-10 pm. WW and MP will organise, including a raffle. MS will book the Nursery. [Action: WW, MP, MS]
13.4 Arnprior Sign
WW suggested ACC contact SC to find out when they will install a new street sign. [Action: IB]
13.5 Memorial Service
IB noted that the Laird’s memorial service in Dunblane is expected to be at the end of October. DM will try to find out the date.
16 Date of Next OGM
The next OGM will take place at 19:30 on Tuesday 3rd December 2024. It is intended to take place at Arnprior Nursery.