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Minutes of meeting 2nd June 2022
Present: Robert Young (Vice Chair), Alison Limbert (Secretary), Christine Wilson
(Treasurer), Alison Lamont Chalmers, Claudia Duncan, Fraser Allan, Luci Rooney, Sue Bell,
Donna Dutch (Minutes)
Apologies: Colin Cameron (Chair), PC Steven Graham, Alasdair Street, John Nicholson
In Attendance: Councillor Paul Henke, Councillor Rosemary Fraser, Dorothy Henke, Craig
Potter
2) Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minutes from the meeting on 5th May were proposed by Alison Limbert and seconded
by Alison Lamont-Chalmers.
3) Matters Arising
a) Welcome was extended to newly elected councillors Paul Henke and Rosemary Fraser.
They informed the meeting that they will generally be attending on a rota basis. Paul Henke
also intimated that he would like to attend every meeting if possible. Gerry McGarvey has
also been elected as a Ward councillor and will attend on a rota basis.
b) Confirmation was given that Sue Bell and Alasdair Street have been approved by Stirling
Council as co-opted members of BCC. This was welcomed by all.
c) BCC will commemorate the changeover of Shearer’s Garage when the time comes.
Planning is still pending.
4) Declarations of Interest
Cllr. Henke declared an interest in matters related to the pathway between Buchanan Street
and Endrick Gardens, to be discussed under Any Other Business.
5) Projects
a) Phone Box - The flow of food coming in and out of the phone box is high. More is required
and a fresh appeal will be done via social media. The application for financial support was
completed by CW. The Phone box Food Exchange will be officially opened at the Eco Festival
on 11th June. New signage recognising contributors to its refurbishment and permanent
information board inside will be completed. Phone box budget is now complete and will be
officially closed(CW). Action LR
b) Eco Festival - finalising arrangements underway. Posters have been displayed around
the village and further social media publicity will be shared. The Library will have a stall at the
event. Feedback postcards will be distributed on the day. The event is within budget and
may have some surplus. Action AL
c) War Memorial - CW has contacted the War Memorial Trust and they are satisfied that the
work needs to be completed following the inspection. Quotes will be obtained and CW will
continue to liaise with The Trust re recommendations of stonemasons. Action CW
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/
Concerns were raised at a previous meeting re speed of drivers on Buchanan Street. A
request for a survey on speed monitoring would be useful to determine the effectiveness of
20mph limit. Also the speed signs are limited on this stretch, in comparison to Killearn, where
there seems to be an abundance of signs. A request was made for replacement reactive
20mph signs to be pursued. Cllrs Henke and Fraser undertook to contact the relevant people
at Stirling Council. Action PH/RF
7) Elected Councillors’ Report
a) Branshogle Bridge work is delayed by two months. It is a priority to get the work completed
as it is causing problems for businesses and commuters. The farmers are having to divert
and this is causing economic hardship. Concerns shared about the lack of work that appears
to be going on. Communication has been poor and residents require better and more
frequent updates. This is ongoing and both councillors present have a meeting to discuss the
issues and the impact it is having on the communities.
b) Catterburn bridge: no dates yet given when work will commence.
c) PH had been approached about the hygiene of the public toilets on Buchanan street - this
is being investigated. Action PH
d) Concerns over the neglected roads and pathways have been expressed and they are
becoming dangerous for the community. PH has a meeting with Brian Roberts re
road/bridges. Action PH
The community are reminded to log road/pavement issues with Stirling council. See
link: https://stirling.gov.uk/online-forms/potholes/
Councillors Henke and Fraser want the community to know that they are happy to meet and
are available for any concerns you may have. They are hoping to hold drop-in sessions going
forward. Action PH/RF
8) Treasurer’s Report
a) Phone box - budget is now complete and closed
b) Shearers gift is approved
c) Donations have been made to the Queen’s Jubilee Party and the “Old Crocks” Village Fete
out of CC general budget
d) 3 tables purchased which will be available for use within the community
e) ICO privacy for website has been paid
f) Insurance/war memorial paid.
9) Planning
Revised drawings for the petrol station have been submitted and a decision is awaited.
Details of planning can be found at the the link below:
stirling.gov.uk/planning-building-the-environment/planning/view-comment-on-planning/
10) Chair
a) Invitation extended to consultant advising on Killearn to Balfron Pathway to attend
September meeting to update BCC on current status and progress Action CC
b) Re-pointing works on two structures on B818 to be undertaken (for approx 5 weeks) -
stop/go boards will be in place.
c) ‘A day in the life of a blue bin’ - Colin and Craig Potter to visit contractor’s establishment in
Edinburgh on 8th June and will attend and feedback to group. Action CC/CP
d) Strathendrick Care Home - BCC are seeking confirmation from Stirling Council whether
the home has been sold. Still on-going but apparently it hasn't been sold. Action PH/RF
11) AOB
a) Food donated by the Co-op for the Phone Box will be collected on Mondays and Fridays.
Action LR
b) A request to the new Deli in Killearn regarding surplus food to be made to see if they would
be willing to contribute to the phone box. Action CD
c) Dorothy Henke informed the meeting that she had had a ‘Teams’ meeting with
representatives of Stirling Council to discuss the situation regarding the strip of land between
11A/B/C and 15 Buchanan Street and the formation of a pathway between Buchanan Street
and Endrick Gardens. Dorothy confirmed the willingness of herself and her husband Paul
(who took no part in the discussions having left the meeting) for this to happen but expressed
concerns principally regarding their privacy and overlooking of their property and the dangers
presented by the inactive building site to the rear of 15 Buchanan Street.
A proposal has been put to Stirling Council by Dorothy and Paul Henke which includes the
purchase of a strip of land from SC and the erection of a fence along their boundary.
A further meeting on site with SC is required to look at the boundaries, differences in levels
and the location of a manhole to determine a way forward with the formation of a pathway.
Fraser Allan expressed his views on the matter as a Balfron resident and Councillor Fraser
expressed some views on behalf of Balfron Pathways following representation from the
Group.
Dorothy Henke shared sketch plans and undertook to email them to BCC.
The AGM will be held by Zoom on Tuesday 14th June at 7.30pm.
Anyone wishing to attend should contact hello@balfroncc.org.uk.
Next meeting Thursday 4th August 2022 starting at 7.30pm