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Minutes of Meeting of Bridge of Allan Community Council Held on Tuesday 16th August 2022 in the Allan Centre
Present: Mike Watson (MW) Chair; Anna Doeser (AD) Vice Chair & Communications Officer; Leslie Harkness (LH) Secretary; Alasdair Taylor (AT) Treasurer; Alastair Heron (AH) Planning Officer; Sandra Davidson (SD); Bill Fortune (BF); Vicky McDowell (VMcD);
Apologies : Andrew Drummond Baxter (ADB); Emma Fradgley (EF); Siobhan Hencher (SH); Moira Randall (MR) Associate Member; Councillor Ewan Dillon; Councillor Alasdair Tollemache; Alexander Stuart MSP; Alyn Smith MP; Douglas Nielson (Vice Chair, Friends of Bridge of Allan)
In attendance : Councillor Douglas Dodds; Councillor Graham Houston; Graham Russell, Friends of Bridge of Allan; PC Paul Gilliland; PC Ross Barclay; Robin Kleinman.
Abbreviations – Annual General Meeting (AGM), Bridge of Allan (BOA), Community Council (CC), Common Good Fund (CGF), Stirling Council (SC), Wallace Monument Stakeholder Advisory Group (WMSAG). Discover Bridge of Allan (DBOA)
B 2099 Welcome, Apologies and Conflict of Interest (MW)
MW opened the meeting at 7.30pm, welcomed those present, including a potential new co-opted member, and underlined the satisfaction felt by the CC in being able to meet on a face-to-face basis again.
The apologies were noted as indicated above. No conflicts of interest noted.
B 2100 Approval of Minutes, Matters Arising and Action Log (MW/LH)
AT noted that some last minute corrections to the section on the Christmas lights in the June minutes were required. LH agreed that he would make these amendments immediately after the current meeting
The minutes of the June 21 meeting were confirmed, subject to the corrections indicated above; the proposer was AH, and the seconder was BF.
Matters Arising (LH)
LH indicated that there was only one matter to raise, under Item B 2085, and that it also fed into the Action Log.
He reminded the CC that, for months now, a member of the CC has, through challenging personal circumstances, been unable to attend the meetings. He did indicate some time ago that he might have to consider standing down and, at the last meeting, LH agreed to write to him to ascertain his current. Intentions; he has now contacted him but, as yet, has had no response. LH confirmed that, if he has not had a reply in the next week or so, he would seek the full CC’s approval to contact SC to establish the way forward.
In relation to a question from Councillor Dodds, LH explained that, although an associate member had been unable to attend meetings for some considerable time due to health issues, she did offer an important perspective for the CC and, by virtue of her associate status, she was not blocking applications for a co-opted vacancy.
Action Log (LH)
LH indicated that all other other identified actions from the last meeting would be covered in the agenda.
B 2101 Police Report (Duty Officers)
The officers spoke to their report, copies of which had previously been distributed to the CC.
Between 11th of June and 12th of August 2022 a total of 14 crimes occurred within the Bridge of Allan area (which also covers University of Stirling and a section of the M9 motorway). The crimes detailed below are those that are of relevance to the local community.
Antisocial Behaviour
Between the 24th of June and 27th June 2022, two windows in student accommodation were vandalised. On June 24th,in Avenue Park, persons were alleged to have shouted abusive remarks at a resident.
On July 27th, a vehicle parked within the former Tesco car park had a tyre damaged and another vehicle sustained similar damage the following evening.
During the evening of August 6th, a recycling wheelie bin was stolen from a Castle Vale communal area and set alight at a derelict farm building between the river and Borrow Gate, during which time a large group of youths made off.
Drug Misuse
On the 19th of July a vehicle was stopped in the grounds of Stirling University and a male was found to be in possession of Class B drugs (Herbal Cannabis)
Violent Crime
None to report
Housebreakings/Crimes Of Dishonesty
On June 16th, a resident was a victim of fraud having been contacted on social media and asked to transfer money to a friend whose account had in fact been hacked. The officers emphasised the importance of ensuring that vulnerable elderly residents were protected from this kind of criminal activity.
On July 18th,access to a residential property in New Road was gained via an insecure window and items stolen – the Community Police wish to remind the public of the need secure low level windows and doors when residents are out of their property .
Road Safety and Road Traffic Related Crime
On June 17th, two vehicles were involved in a road accident within Keir Street, with one vehicle, driven by an elderly female, failing to stop; the suspect vehicle has yet to be identified.
Matters Of Note
Between the 17th of June and the 12th of August 2022, there was a total of 188 calls to the Bridge of Allan area. Please note this also covers parts of the Cornton, Causewayhead and Stirling University.
A breakdown of some of these calls is as follows, 18 were concern for person type calls,6 were disturbance related, 3 were drugs/substance related, 3 were noise related calls, 3 were fraud related calls, 8 were public nuisance type calls, 2 were neighbour dispute calls, 4 were theft related calls, 4 were domestic related incidents and were 29 were road traffic related calls.
Activity for the forthcoming month
1. Carry out a road traffic operation, date and location to be confirmed
2. Carry out a police surgery, scheduled for the morning of 1 st September in Bridge of Allan library
3. Patrol areas where antisocial behaviour has been identified
4. Approach made to Student Union to participate in Freshers Fayre vin September to discuss issues such as personal and alcohol consumption.
In the discussion which followed, Councillor Dodds reminded the CC that the Tesco car park was private property, maintained by the owners of the flats and he noted that the owners had now placed a chain across the entrance. The councillor reported his concerns about the state of the bins outside Domino’s and he emphasised the need for re- education on proper recycling.
The issue of crypto currency crime was raised, although the officers that there had no reported incident involving this issue within their area of operation. VMcD pointed out that the issue could become significant, given the increasing number people moving from London and buying property in Bridge of Allan
Action: AD will publicise the police surgery on the CC’s social media channels
B 2102 Recruitment (AD)
AD confirmed that, in addition to co-opted applicant Robin Kleinman who was present for the current meeting, two other applicants had expressed an interest in joining the CC. In relation to the two additional candidates, in accordance with correct procedure, AD would arrange another round of applications with a new expiry date of September 1 st. She also noted that, as yet, there had been no applicants for the minute taker vacancy. AD reminded the CC of the option for any member with limited time to become an associate member. VMcD stressed that the main priority was to have a full and active CC.
AD then initiated the formal vote-taking procedure for the election of the co-opted applicant. By a show of hands, Robin Kleinman was unanimously elected.
Action: AD will arrange for a further round of applications
B 2103 Tennis Courts (MW)
MW reported that there had been a successful meeting with SC which had been organised by Councillor Dodds to discuss the potential funding offer from the LTA. He confirmed that SC will come forward with its proposals shortly and that there were a number of options open to it, including a hybrid option. MW stated that it was possible the
courts with their new surface could be in operation by the end of the year.
Councillor Dodds noted that Bridge of Allan would come second on the list for the LTA funding after Glasgow. He also stressed that things were looking very positive.
B 2104 Christmas Lights (AT)
AT stressed that it was essential to avoid a repeat of last year’s situation where it was discovered that a number of the lights were not fully functional; it was for this reason that a priority established at the previous meeting had been for EF to see the lights. AD emphasised that it would be very disappointing to find that any of the blights were not working, given the substantial sum spent last year on repairs.
AD reminded the CC that EF would be assuming responsibility for fundraising this year. It was also agreed that the present storage arrangements were excellent.
B 2105 Community Grit Bins (MW)
MW opened the discussion on SC’s invitation to community councils to submit requests for additional bins.
AD pointed out that the CC already has a map of the location of the existing bins. Councillor Dodds agreed to resend the CC SC’s statement of its gritting policy and he also indicated that the CC could request a meeting with the council’s senior manage responsible for gritting, as Dunblane CC had done. The councillor also suggested that the CC send him a list of its bin requirements so that he could take it forward.
Councillor Dodds reported that he was about to formulate his resilience group to deal with major emergency events in the town.
T was agreed that Robin Kleinman would lead on this issue, supported by MW.
Action: Robin Kleinman will liaise with MW to establish the way forward on this issue.
B 2106 Henderson Street Speed Restriction Measures (AD)
AD reported that she had posted the PDF plans of the new street designs on the CC’s website. She also read through SC’s responses to the list of questions she had compiled for the council, including the discrepancy involving the infill of the Memorial Park bus stop included in earlier proposals.
In relation to the infill at the stop outside Halliday Homes, Gavin Drummond expressed his concerns about the sight line issues. MW also felt that what SC was proposing in this regard was not sensible.
Councillor Dodds indicated that, at present, the number of activated signs was not known. He also reiterated that the aim of build-outs was to make drivers slow down. The councillor confirmed that in Henderson Street speeding through the day had calmed down while remaining an issue of concern at night.
It was noted that the large yellow lamppost sign in Henderson Street and Cornton Road, indicating possible delays had been up for a year now.
B 2107 Planning Report (AH)
In his report, AH covered a number of current planning matters.
He reported that there is an application to replace a local barn building with a house and garage. He felt this was not a contentious issue.
An application has been for a replacement five bedroom dwelling house at 8 Chalton Road. A neighbour has objected in terms of boundaries and loss of privacy. It was felt that the scale of the dwelling application represented a degree of overdevelopment given the size of the site and it was also felt that car parking/turning provision would be inadequate.
In relation to the Eagleton Hotel (Ivy) site at 103 Henderson Street, new plans have been submitted, with planning application to follow alongside the already live listed building consent, for the creation of 14 two bedroom apartments. It was agreed that this appeared to represent an improved proposal for the site, given that it was not overdeveloped. The proposal may involve 105 Henderson Street for possible future development. Gavin Drummond raised the issue of car parking for the development and this is indeed a concern as is the issue of refuse storage.
In relation to the Blairforkie Drive development, this was still with the DPEA. In relation to the fact that at the time of the application, SC had not formed a new planning committee, MW expressed his concern that elected members had not had an input, a matter which undermined the entire local planning process.
With regard to the Lecropt proposal, AH reported that the developer still wished to have a meeting with the CC, despite having already discussed the proposals with AH. AH confirmed that he had told the developer that, in the view of the CC, this ‘ green belt’ incursion was not an appropriate development.. After some discussion, the unanimous view of the CC was that this was not a proposal that could be supported by the CC and that a meeting with the developer would serve no useful purpose. Gavin Drummond asked if there were implications involving Scottish Water.
B 2108 Chair’s Report
MW congratulated the Highland Games committee on a very successful day. Councillor Dodds agreed that the day was very well organised.
He also congratulated the Friends of Bridge of Allan on the outstanding quality of this season’s floral displays.
On a less positive note, MW expressed his disappointment at the deterioration in the appearance of the railway station now that the Friends were no longer involved, and he underlined the negative impact this had on visitors coming to the town. The option of contacting Network Rail was raised.
The fact that the toilets in the Provost’s park had been closed over a busy holiday time was a matter of concern. Gavin Drummond, who reported that the toilets were now flushing, explained that the problem of the blocked toilets had existed since the toilets were built and that, on this occasion, it had taken Dyno-Rod ten days to unblock. The closing of the toilets overnight was noted and the chair of Causewayhead Community Council noted pointed out that, in Causewayhead, the toilets were closed by7.00/8.00 pm in summer and by 4.00 pm in winter. Councillor Dodds highlighted the need for investment in in the toilets and he reported that one of the radiators was on during the recent hot spell. MW noted that the ramp leading up to the toilets was unsafe.
In conclusion, MW expressed his satisfaction at the appearance of the restored Well House and he emphasised how much of an asset it was to the town.
B 2109 Secretary’s Report (LH)
Communications from Councillors
Councillor Dodds raised the following items with SC:
· the need to have the War Memorial cleaned, as a matter of urgency;
· the ignoring of parking restriction waiting times;
· the importance of having the grass in the Memorial Park cut prior to the formal Queen’s Award ceremony;
· residents’ complaints about the condition of the public toilets in the Provost’s Park;
- overhanging tree and hedge vegetation at a property in Keir Street;
· the delay in getting public litter bins emptied.
Councillor Tollemache raised the following items with SC:
· graffiti on the sandstone archway located on The Avenue and in the ladies public toilet off Henderson Street;
· the C48 bus service to and from Kinbuck;
· the need for the contractor working in Queen’s Lane to have a sign indicating that businesses are still open;
- the issue of the location of the bus stops in relation to the Henderson Street traffic management proposals;
· the dangerous condition of the Orchard Road play park;
- mattresses on the Glen Road
He has also forwarded from ScotRail details of the extra seats and later trains in place for the Edinburgh Festival, and, from SC, has forwarded details of the temporary closure of part of Cornton Road. He has informed the CC that he is working with the Friends on a disability table in the Blairforkie picnic area, has been contacted by an organist offering a ‘warm space’, and has submitted an objection to the Blairforkie Drive development.
Councillor Houston informed the CC that he had been briefed by the police on a serious and ultimately tragic incident involving a young person in difficulty in the River Teith. The councillor also wrote to inform the CC that SC had recently inspected Fountain Road car park and had decided that six Ash trees were suffering from Ash Die Back disease and would, regrettably, have to be felled.
Councillors Dodds , Houston and Tollemache have all raised with SC the issue of the cost of the traffic management cones for the Highland Games and the matter has now been resolved.
Communications from Stirling Council
SC has confirmed the process for CCs to submit notes of interest to have community grit bins installed in their areas.
SC has indicated that work on the four phases of the Causewayhead and Dunster Road sections of Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling was due to commence on Monday,1st August for a ten-week period. It has also confirmed that a new phase of the Covid Recovery Community Consultation project, the Analysis of Information Gathered, has begun.
Communications from Residents
A resident expressed his gratitude to the CC and elected members for their work in having additional bins located in the Blairforkie Drive picnic area.
A resident is concerned that SC failed to provide feedback on written comments on the Henderson Street speeding proposals and he has now raised a formal complaint with the council.
A resident expressed concern that the public toilets in the Provost’s Park were still locked on one of the busiest weekends of the year.
A regular correspondent, while fully appreciative of the wonderful floral displays in the town, has underlined the importance of weeding the public spaces He also wants SC to explain why Allan Lodge is still empty and he suggests the telephone kiosk be painted green and be used as a food bank outside Lloyds. In relation to the Allan Lodge, Councillor Dodds explained that it may soon be subject to a leasing agreement .
General Communications
The CC has received the following:
· the July issue of the Scottish Community Councils Newsletter;
· the July issue of the Accounts Commission Newsletter;
· a communication about the recent cancelling of the proposed maintenance works on the A9 after the Keir Roundabout;
· a communication from a Stirling University lecturer in Aquaculture about possible collaboration with the CC on establishing a sustainable aquaculture initiative in Bridge of Allan involving primary school pupils and elderly residents.
B 2110 Treasurer’s Report (AT)
AT reported that very little had changed since the June report.
He confirmed that the funds available stood at £12,271 although the actual adjusted bank balance would be £10,731. AT explained that, in relation to the Playpark noticeboard, there are still some costs to be taken into account.
B 2111 Residents’ Voice
Gavin Drummond raised the possibility of the CC and elected members opening a dialogue with UCP to establish its future plans for the site after the move from Bridge of Allan. One option might be the small business approach although the most probable development could well be housing. MW felt there was an opportunity for a mix of housing and business and he agreed that it was legitimate for the CC to raise the issue of converting the site into business units. Councillor Houston indicated that he would be happy to open the conversation by discussing the matter with the Community Development team.
The issue of SC allegedly permitting the placing of advertising signs on property in the town was raised. Councillor Dodds agreed to investigate the matter with the council.
Graham Russell reported that the Friends of Bridge of Allan had recently installed a new picnic bench which is fully accessible to wheelchair accessible in the Blairforkie picnic area. He also confirmed that there had been no progress on the “Royal Gardens” initiative.
B 2112 AOCB
There was no other business to report
B 2113 Date of Next Meeting
The meeting closed at 9.03 pm
The date of the next meeting is Tuesday, 20th September 2022
Action Log Summary
1. AD to publicise the police surgery
2. AD to arrange for a further round of applications
3. Robin Kleinman to liaise with MW on taking forward re the Community Grit Bins LH ( August 2022)