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Minutes of meeting 6th June 2024
Present: Stuart Freckingham (Chair), Craig Potter (Vice Chair), Alison Limbert
(Secretary), Fiona Shaw (BCC Member), Claudia Duncan (BCC Member), Alasdair
Street (BCC Member), Chelsea McKinnon (Co-opted BCC Member)
Apologies: Sue Bell (Treasurer), Stuart Duffy (Co-opted BCC Member)
In Attendance: Cllr Rosemary Fraser
2) Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minutes from the meeting on 2nd May 2024 were proposed by Fiona Shaw and seconded by Craig Potter.
3) Matters Arising
Christmas lights
The Christmas Lights group has raised £3300 so far, and there is the intention to have further fundraising events over the summer/autumn.
Chelsea McKinnon and Stuart Duffy are due to become full members of BCC at the next meeting to be held on the 1st August 2024. They will each have attended the prerequisite 3 meetings as co-opted members at that stage.
At the next meeting in August, it will be Claudia’s last meeting as a BCC member. BCC would like to thank her for her valuable contributions as a member of BCC.
4) Declarations of Interest None.
5) Projects
The Balfron Active Places work is coming to an end. Bollards are still to be installed around the flowerbeds by the war memorial to stop driving on them. Marco Farnocchi at Stirling Council is chasing the works team for a date of installation. There are some snagging issues outstanding (e.g. repainting of road markings, installation of ‘new road layout’ sign).
Pathways Group is to publish a new Balfron Walks leaflet. We have been informed that there will be a launch event on Saturday 15th June at the Library. Fiona said that the Co-op would be willing to have leaflets in the shop and she will inform Pathways.
6) Police Report
Anti Social Behaviour
A person has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for acting in an abusive and threatening manner outside the Co-op.
Road Safety
A driver has been issued with a conditional offer of fixed penalty for careless driving after failing to give way at a junction and colliding with another vehicle. The driver of which sustained a fractured wrist and was treated by paramedics.
Incidents of Note
Please keep in mind that there have been a number of attempted house breakings in other villages and remember to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
7) Elected Councillor’s report
Cllr Fraser updated the meeting. A Special Council Meeting put the Council formally into recess due to the upcoming General Election. Cllr’s are continuing to have informal meetings but normal activity is affected by the election. The Budget, which included £16 million of cuts, went through. There was some brief discussion about Local Place Plans and Cllr Fraser emphasised that they have an important role to play particularly in relation to identifying potential housing development and the types of housing to be built. Cllr Fraser also reminded the meeting of the need for individuals to take ID when voting in the forthcoming General Election.
8) Treasurer report
The term deposit will mature in June. The Treasurer would like to open a savings account with the matured funds - maybe a notice account - to continue to earn interest without losing access. This was agreed and approved.
During May payments were made for the ICO subscription, minutes and fruit and veg for the phone box.
9) Planning report
There were no new planning applications this month.
The Local Place Plan process was discussed. The Steering Group intend to meet in the wk. beginning the 17th June. Craig will conduct a doodle poll to see when members are available. Killearn CC will be undertaking a Community Consultation event (re. Their Local Place Plan) on Sunday 16th June at the Village Hall and also be carrying out a Repair Cafe. Craig and potentially other members of the Steering Group will attend. Thanks was extended to Alison for completing the application for funding, which if successful will help pay for the cost of a consultant to produce the Balfron Local Place Plan. We should know if the application has been successful the week beginning of 17th June 2024.
10) Chair’s report
The Killearn to Balfron active travel path project is led by Killearn pathways. Stage 2 concept complete. Funding requested from Sustrans to move onto detail stages 3-4. Decision expected in July on the funding application.
Trees in the Orchard were damaged by Stirling Council grounds maintenance staff – this has been reported and action taken by SC.
Scamming talk from police at bowling club 18th June at 6pm;
There is a sapling from Clachan Oak - Where should it be planted?
11) AOB
Removal of school crossing patrol staff
We have written to Stirling Council requesting details of when they are planning to remove the school crossing patrol staff and what are their proposals and timescale for traffic infrastructure measures at Balfron Campus. Neither Balfron Primary nor Balfron High have been given any information on timescales or been consulted on the design of any plans. A campus/community group has met twice to collaborate on what positive steps can be taken to maintain existing levels of travel safety for children, families and staff once crossing patrols have been removed. Represented within the group are Balfron Community Council, Balfron Primary School, Balfron High School, Bellrock, Forth Environment Link and Police Scotland.
Orchard Day
There is a proposed Orchard Day planned for the 19th October. The event will be advertised.
Playpark
Ideas are being sought for improvements to the playpark at Donaldson Park using the remaining approximately £5000 that remains in the playpark budget. Balfron Primary pupils have submitted suggestions, an online survey to gather suggestions will close on 15th June. It has been shared on noticeboards, on Facebook and with Balfron High. Alison to summarise the ideas submitted for the next meeting.