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Minutes of meeting 4th August 2022
Present: Colin Cameron (Chair), Alison Limbert (Secretary) Alison Lamont Chalmers, John Nicholson, Donna Dutch (Minutes)
Apologies: Robert Young (Vice Chair), Sue Bell (Treasurer), Alasdair Street, Claudia Duncan, Fraser Allan, Cllr. Rosemary Fraser, PC Graeme McNulty
In Attendance: Councillor Paul Henke, Craig Potter, John Anderson
2) Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minutes from the meeting on 2nd June were proposed by Alison Lamont-Chalmers and seconded by Alison Limbert.
3) Matters Arising -
a) Fraser Allan has resigned from the BCC due to pressure of work. BCC would like to thank Fraser for his contributions and support over the years. The search for new members continues. They can be co-opted once the two current co-opted members are eligible for full membership.
b) A topographic surveyor has been to the lane between Buchanan Street and Endrick Gardens. A report will follow.
c) BCC has delivered a gift to David Ferrie at Shearer’s Garage to thank him for his many years of service to the community.
4) Declarations of Interest
None
5) Projects
a) Phone Box - has been receiving regular donations through the summer holidays from the Co-op. A rota is in place for volunteers to collect and put in the phonebox every evening.
b) Eco Festival - was a huge success and lots of positive feedback from the community. Discussion about another event on a smaller scale if funding is available. Consideration will be given to spending any surplus funds on other climate change related projects. Action AL
c) War Memorial - no change from previous meeting
6) Police Report
The Police report is available on the BCC website and notice boards along with warnings on how to identify fraud and scams. https://balfroncc.org.uk/
7) Elected Councillors Report
Concerns were raised at previous meetings re speeding on Buchanan Street, Station Road and Dunmore Street. Stirling Council has said more 20mph roundels will be painted. The proposed Balfron Active Places changes in Buchanan Street are also designed to slow traffic. A request was made for replacement reactive 20mph signs to be pursued. Action Cllr. Henke
The community is reminded to log road/pavement issues with Stirling council. See link: https://stirling.gov.uk/online-forms/potholes/
8) Treasurer’s Report
a) Shearer’s gift is approved and now completed.
b) A donation has been approved and granted to Balfron Old Crocks for 5-a-side goalposts.
9) Planning
Residents have drawn our attention to a planning application for the establishment of a micro-algae production facility at Claylands Farm. Although the site is outwith our boundary, there are implications for the local road infrastructure, noise pollution, and the creation of an industrial rather than agricultural site. BCC has submitted its views via the planning portal, and encourages other concerned residents to do likewise. The reference number is 22/00384.
stirling.gov.uk/planning-building-the-environment/planning/view-comment-on-planning/
10) Chair
a) ‘A day in the life of a blue bin’ - Colin and Craig Potter visited the Biffa recycling plant at Borxburn in June, and feedback has been circulated.
b) Colin is meeting with Scottish Water at the Endrick Gardens SUDS site on 10th August to try to resolve longstanding issues there. Action CC
c) The Community Council at Gartocharn has given notice of an event on 5th September to discuss the RSPB and Nature Scotland application for a licence to release relocated beavers on the National Nature Reserve on the River Endrick. BCC will attend and report back. Action PH/CC
11) Update on bridge repairs
John reported back on the evening’s Teams meeting with Stirling Council. Branshogle bridge is due for completion on 12th October. Progress is now being seen by residents and there are positive comments regarding this.
Catterburn - work is ongoing a few issues and completion will not be until spring next year.
Cllr. Henke will keep the group updated. Action PH
12) AOB
a) a) Dunkeld woods - John Anderson raised concerns about the height of the trees. He was advised to report online and to email Cllr.Henke.
b) b) John reported a broken newel post on the upper bridge in Donaldson Park. This will be reported to the Donaldson Trust. Action CC
c) c) Weavers Winnell Orchard - As a result of the Eco Festival a volunteer group has started work on rejuvenating the area and are asking for BCC support in this initiative. They have assessed the area and are harvesting the fruits to place in the phone box for the community to help themselves. The area is needing some work which the group will start immediately. The initiative was warmly welcomed by BCC and will be supported through our social media outlets. The group will also be contacting Stirling Council with a request to take over the maintenance of the site. Cllr. Henke offered to help in making contact. Alison Limbert offered help in making any appropriate bid for surplus Eco Festival funding. Action CC/AL
d) d) The administrators of the Balfron Facebook page have contacted BCC with a request for support of a proposal for a Balfron GoFundMe page. This was discussed and a response will be given. Action CC
Next meeting Thursday 1st September 2022 starting at 7.30pm