Minutes of meeting 3rd October 2024
Present: Stuart Freckingham (Chair), Craig Potter (Vice Chair), Alison Limbert
(Secretary), Fiona Shaw (Member), Chelsea McKinnon (Co-optee), Stuart Duffy
(Proposed Co-optee), Sue Bell (Treasurer), Alasdair Street (Member), Laura Shaw
(Minutes)
Apologies: None
In Attendance: Cllr Rosemary Fraser, Brian Docherty, Marco Rea and Lavinia
2) Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minutes from the meeting on 5th September 2024 were proposed by FIona Shaw
and seconded by Craig Potter.
3) Matters Arising
Millennium benches
Alasdair has created a Word document with the maintenance assessment of each of the
millennium benches. Overall they are in reasonable condition, some may need minor
repair/maintenance in the future. The Word document is to be uploaded to the BCC
Google Drive. Action: AS
Clachan Oak
Chelsea contacted the community orchard group about the elder and sycamore tree
growing inside the Clachan Oak. They advised that it is fine to leave it as part of the
tree’s ecosystem. It was discussed that the tree could be added to a registry (Tree
Heritage) for further guidance and protection of the tree. Stuart F will contact Stirling
Council for a second opinion. Action: SF
Christmas tree lights
The warm white Christmas tree lights BCC wishes to purchase are due to be in stock
from 10th October. Alison will check in on this. Action: AL
Community orchard
The community orchard will run Apple Day on 19th October 2024. There are three trees
with ‘dieback’ and the group has asked for these to be removed by Stirling Council and
other trees to be trimmed. The Council advised these are left to foster immunity.
Community Minibus
Stuart D has emailed to gain more understanding about the proposed initiative. He will
update the meeting once more is known. Action: SD
Funding for music workshops
The meeting was attended by Brian Docherty, Marco Rea & Lavinia to discuss their
proposed music workshops for young people. These workshops were delivered in 8
week blocks after school and have been previously run in Balfron. The group is seeking
funding to get this set up again as prior funding streams are unavailable. They currently
run Pump Up the Jam in Stirling, as well as one-to-one sessions. BCC advised that they
contact Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise for advice on becoming a charitable
organisation and this would enable them to apply for grant funding. They also
suggested that they input to https://www.placecheck.info/app/maps/balfron for there
to be facilities in Balfron to deliver creative courses.
4) Declarations of Interest
None.
5) Co-option to Balfron Community Council
It was agreed by BCC members to co-opt Stuart Duffy to the Community Council.
6) Projects
Active Place
The Co-op car park lines still need to be painted.
7) Police Report
Anti-Social behaviour
A report of threatening behaviour was received whereby a local resident received a
voice message which was of a threatening and abusive nature. The perpetrator has
been charged and a report has been sent to the PF.
Assaults
A report of an assault was received whereby a local resident had their money stolen
and was thereafter assaulted within Endrick Gardens woods. They were assaulted by
known associates. All persons involved have been charged and a report has been sent
to the PF.
Road Safety
A local resident has had their vehicle damaged whilst parked near to Balfron High
School. The driver has failed to stop or report the accident to the police. Enquires are
still ongoing to identify the driver.
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.
8) Elected Councillor's report
Cllr Fraser updated the meeting. The full council meeting will meet this week for the first
time since May. The budget is to be decided - the majority of the budget is spent on
statutory requirements. The Council is due to receive Leveling Up funding to redevelop
the former MoD site near the Vue Cinema in Stirling. Proposed plans include housing
development, including social housing, a civic square and green spaces. The plan also
includes a large film production campus with a digital hub and educational facilities for
creative learning (University of Stirling, Forth Valley College and Stirling Council). This
would help support income generation and jobs in the area. The finalised Forthside
masterplan and design guide can be viewed under Item 8 in the agenda for full
meeting of Stirling Council on 10 October, 2024.
9) Treasurer report
Transactions since the last meeting are as follows. BCC has received an additional £60
of donations for the Festiv-ALL lights, grants from FEL for £500 for the Local Place
Plan, and £340 for the Community Orchard. Payments have been made for the storage
facility at Endrick Trading and for last month's minutes.
10) Planning report
There have been three planning applications approved this month. This includes the
new solar farm and new clubhouse at Balfron Golf Club (24/00409/FUL), a new single
story extension to a house at 25 Spoker’s Loan (24/00472/FUL), and a free-standing
non-illuminated directional sign for the Veterinary Practice at Dunkeld Court
(24/00485/ADV).
Planning Applications can be found at
https://www.stirling.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning/view-and-comment-on-planni
ng-applications/.
11) Chair’s report
Residents are encouraged to fill out the following survey about the future of
Stirlingshire’s libraries by 1st November:
https://engage.stirling.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/future-libraries
12) Local Place Plan
‘Celebrate Balfron’ event happening on Sunday 6th October, 10am-3pm. Everyone is
encouraged to complete the Place Check survey (by 1st November) to inform our Local
Place Plan and tell us what you like, dislike and want to change about the village:
https://balfroncc.org.uk/local-place-plan/
13) AOB
The defibrillator was used outside the Saffron, and the pads will need to be replaced. It
is understood that the Trossachs Search and Rescue will organise this and it will be
paid for by BCC.
14) Next meeting 7th November 2024 at 7:30pm in Balfron High School.