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Minutes of Meeting of Bridge of Allan Community Council
Held on Tuesday 18th June 2024 in the Allan Centre.
Present: Amanda Coulthard (AC) Chair; Leslie Harkness (LH) Secretary; Anna Doeser (AD) Vice-Chair); Inga
Bullen (IB) Planning; Rosemary Dodds (RD); Karen McGregor (KmcG); Graham Robertson (GR); Jenny Smith (JS);
Mike Watson (MW)
Apologies: Alasdair Taylor (AT) Treasurer; Shumela Ahmed (SA); Alexander Stewart(MSP); Alyn Smith (MP);
Douglas Neilson (Vice-Chair Friends of Bridge of Allan); PC Siobhan Rennie.
In attendance: Councillor Robin Kleinman; Councillor Alasdair Tollemache; Euan Bain (Chair Discover Bridge of
Allan); Isabel Walter (Secretary, Discover Bridge of Allan); Sarah Cameron (Discover Bridge of Allan); Graham
Russell (Chair, Friends of Bridge of Allan); Gavin Drummond (Former Chair BOA CC); Sheila MacGregor (Dr Welsh
Trust); Douglas Dodds (Co-Option candidate); Kathryn Chadwick (Co-Option candidate); Robert Fleming (Road
Maintenance Team Leader, Stirling Council); Allan Currie (Greystone Partners); 18 other residents; Brian Bullen
(Minute Secretary);
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) , Residents Against Greenbelt Erosion (RAGE); Community Action Plan (CAP); Local Place
Plan (LPP); Friends of Bridge of Allan (FBOA); Community Right to Buy (CrtB); Prospective Parliamentary
Candidate (PPC); Lawn Tennis Association (LTA); School Crossing Patrol (SCP)
B 2371. Welcome, Apologies and Conflict of Interest
Amanda Coulthard (Chair) welcomed those present.
The apologies were noted as indicated above.
There were no expressions of conflict of interest.
B 2372. Approval of Minutes, Matters Arising and Action Log
IB proposed the May 2024 minutes be approved , Seconded by RD.
Matters Arising (LH)
Before proceeding with the Secretary’s report, AC spoke on two items:
• A formal vote of thanks to FBOA for organising the Picnic in the Park event at the Memorial Park on sunday
June 15th . The event celebrating the centenary of the planting of the Memorial Park in 1924. was a success
and very well attended.
• AC invited Councillor Tollemache for an update on the Co-op . He said he had been in communication with
SC. The planning approval was due to expire soon, as it was originally approved in 2021. The stalled
agreement on the transfer of the Fountain Road car park from SC to the Co-op was now resolved, and the
Co-op will start work immediately, with the initial works to be widening of the car park exit for better sightlines.
Building work on the new store will follow in due course.
LH then reported:
Regarding Item B 2368 and the resubmitted primary school CGF application, the Secretary has completed and
submitted to the Civic Panel a fresh Form 1(b), recording the CC’s recommendation and the reasons for it
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In relation to Item B 2366 and the issue of SC’s public toilet policy, Gavin Drummond drew the attention of the CC to
the fact that SC’s budget proposals mentioned the introduction of a 30p charge.
Regarding Item B 2355 and the concerns about the council’s grass cutting operations, Councillor Tollemache raised
the issue with SC. In its response, the council explained that inclement weather at the beginning of the season
hindered operations, only to be followed by a period of warm, ’sticky’ weather causing a spurt in growth, with the
result that the crews have, in effect, been cutting grass for the first time, even though on their second cycle, and this
has resulted in excess risings being left behind. The crews are now back on schedule with an anticipated
improvement in standards over the coming weeks.
(GR reported that the frequence of grass cutting by SC had been reduced and it was apparent that the grass in the
Memorial Park will revert to being long and untidy).
In relation to Item B 2353 and the proposed zebra crossing for the primary school, after the Chair wrote to SC to
voice the CC’s concerns, both Councillor Kleinman and Councillor Tollemache contacted the CC to confirm that the
siting of the crossing was to be reviewed by SC senior management, after which full consultation with residents
would take place before the building of a new crossing.
Action Log.
In terms of the action points, the Secretary wrote to the Community Police for an update on the cat that was shot. In
his response, PC Barclay confirmed that,despite speaking to every resident in the street where the cat’s owner lives
and also to the residents in an adjacent street, nobody witnessed the cat being shot. The case remains undetected.
The Secretary also wrote to Stephen Barclay to forward to the relevant SC officer, the CC’s concerns about the
overgrown hedges in the town and, in particular, about the uncut hedge at 105 Henderson Street and the property’s
overgrown vegetation which is now intruding onto Henderson Street. SC has now responded by confirming that a
contractor has visited the site and will cut back the hedge and tree vegetation from the footway.
B 2373. Police Report
PC Siobhan Rennie had emailed the Police report which follows. .
Introduction / synopsis of previous month:
This report should provide sufficient information of the police activity since the last community council meeting. If you
have any further questions about the police report or any incidents that you are aware of that are not included in this
report then please email us direct on the above email address and we will answer your questions.
If anyone has any information on any incidents that we have been unable to identify a suspect then please let us know
by email, 101 or by contacting Crimestoppers.
The report encompasses all relevant crime and matters of note which have occurred between 20th May- 17th June
2024.
Current Priorities:
Our current priorities in the Bridge of Allan area continue to be Anti-Social Behaviour, Housebreaking, Road Safety and
Community Engagement and Reassurance.
Main Report:
Between the 20th May- 17th June 2024 a total of 6 crimes occurred within the Bridge of Allan area. The crimes
detailed below are those that are of relevance to the local community.
ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
On 11/05/2024 (however reported on 31/05/2024) a property in Coneyhill Road, Bridge of Allan was vandalised, a window was
smashed. Enquiries into this incident were carried out however the matter remains undetected.
DRUG MISUSE
None reported.
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VIOLENT CRIME
On 25th May 2024 an individual was assaulted when attending an event at Stirling Court Hotel, Bridge of Allan. This
incident has been detected and a report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
On Saturday 8th June 2024 an individual was assaulted while playing a football match at Stirling university by
a member of the opposing team. Enquiries into this incident are still ongoing.
HOUSEBREAKINGS/CRIMES OF DISHONESTY
On 05/06/2024 a resident was subject to a fraud, whereby she has been contacted on Facebook marketplace regarding an
iPad they have been selling. They have sent the iPad to an address in the England area, and they have not received
payment for it. Enquiries are still ongoing into this incident. .
Also, on 05/06/2024 a workman attended an address in Pullar Avenue, Bridge of Allan offering to do garden
work for a resident, which involved the use of their chainsaw. The work was carried out and the residents
paid for the work completed however the resident observed that their chainsaw has been stolen. Enquiries into
this incident were carried out however the perpetrator was not identified. Any information in respect of this
incident, police to be contacted quoting reference number CR/0209701/24 refers
ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD TRAFFIC RELATED CRIME
None reported.
OTHER CRIME
Nothing of note
OTHER MATTERS
Between the 20th of May and 14th June 2024 there has been a total of 74 calls to the Bridge of Allan area (this
includes some calls to the University, Causewayhead and Cornton. A breakdown of some of the calls are as
follows: 3 public nuisance calls, 2 drugs/substance misuse call, 3 disturbance type calls, 0 neighbour dispute
calls 1 theft type call, 5 assault calls, 3 fraud type call, 5 domestic incidents, 2 assist member of the public
calls, 9 concern for person calls, and 7 road traffic related calls.
Community engagement and reassurance:
Activity for forthcoming month:
To be determined.
https://scotland.police.uk/yourviewcounts
Community Police Email Address: DunblaneBridgeofAllanCPT@scotland.pnn.police.uk
B 2374. Sunnylaw Road Closure.
Robert Fleming (Road Maintenance Team Leader, SC) addressed the meeting. Sunnylaw road remained closed due
to safety issues. Regarding the fallen wall, SC had initially sent the residents of the properties involved a 28 day
notice, but it has not yet been enforced. The original road closure order expired on June 4th and is being replaced
with a new order. SC will be discussing with residents.
A resident expressed his anger at the length of time (over 14 months) since the road was closed (in april 2023). He
often had to drive down Sunnylaw road, sometimes 4 or 5 times a day, but now has to go down to Henderson street.
When Blairforkie drive was closed recently for tree works, the diversion was a lengthy one via the single track lanes.
Robert Fleming explained that SC considered the wall repair to be the responsibility of the residents of the properties
concerned. There followed an exchange between him and various residents. Robert Fleming stated that there had
been an independent consultant perform a survey. A resident said that an expert structural engineer had identified the
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cause of the wall collapse to be due to lack of drainage on the road. Another resident mention a report from 10 years
ago about the drainage.
AC asked him about next steps and that the dispute should be further discussed between SC and the residents.
B 2375. Guala Site.
Allan Currie from Greystone Partners who had been engaged by Guala Closures to examine options for the site
addressed the meeting. Guala Closures is a multi-national company with a presence in over 100 countries around
the world, They bought the site from UCP in Dec 2018. The site makes approx 1.3 billion bottle tops for whisky etc
each year. The BOA site was first developed in the late 1800’s. It has morphed into it’s current production facility, but
is no longer fit for purpose. Guala Closures are investing a significant amount (£40 Million) in a new facility and
depending on when it is ready, they will leave the current BOA site.
Currentlly all options for the site a open ,e.g. Residential, Health, Retail, Private/Public ownership. The 33 acres site
has issues such as the flood risk, and limited road access. The Guala Closures stated aim is to exit from the site in a
manner that is as financially beneficial as possible ( to the company).
The factory building is approx 200,000 square metres with an asbestos roof. There is a mill lade, off the River Allan,
through the site, going under the factory.
JS queried the volume of lorries passing in/out of the site. Allan Currie said that they were not large lorries (bottle
tops being small). A resident asked about housing on the site. Allan Currie explained that SEPA have designated the
site as a flood risk.
A resident asked about a possible direct link to the motorway as the solution to the road access. Allan Currie replied
that this would be very costly. Douglas Dodds queried whether the site would be made safe on exit. Allan Currie said
safety was a big concern. If not sold, then security of the site would be key, possibly the factory would be demolished.
GD asked about the a conversion as had been done by STEP at the old John Player factory. He also mentioned the
lack of storage space in BOA.
A resident asked about an investigation into soil contamination.
MW mentioned that the river side location provided an opportunity for recreation.
AC asked if more details would be available. Allan Currie said he will keep CC informed, the eventual moving date to
the new factory will be governed by the lead time on the manufacture of new equipment.
B 2376. Resident’s View
A resident complained about weeds on pavements and car parks. KMcG commented that she had progressed some
weeding by herself with a few others, including Douglas Dodds. Graham Russell (FBOA) said that the most effective
solution was chemical treatment, but SC will only do a once yearly spray (in August). Douglas Dodds suggested
community action. RD suggested businesses should be encouraged to be responsible for their frontage. KMcG
elaborated on the issue of insurance for a weeding group, and this inhibited the setting up of a group. KMcG
indicated she had joined FBOA. Graham Russell (FBOA) said that their insurance would need to be reviewed if they
were to organize weeding activities. A community weeding action day was suggested by KMcG and Douglas Dodds,
who would discuss the suggestion further.
ACTION: KMcG to discuss possible community weeding action day with Douglas Dodds
B2377. Sunnylaw Land.
AC confirmed that a Management Group had been setup with representatives from DBOA and CC. The legal process
was still underway on the purchase, and though slow there are no concerns. A couple of cuts of the grass so far, but
further cuts will be planned by the Management Group after purchuse.
B 2378. Tennis Courts/MUGA.
B 2378.1 Tennis Courts.
MW reported that the tennis courts continue to be free for now. There was some uncertainty about when charging
would start. Active Stirling were thought to be responsible.
B 2358.2 MUGA.
Councillor Kleinman reported his involvement in facilitating the letter of comfort from SC, which is now resolved. He
stated the ball was now in the court of the CC to sign the agreement. 3 quotes had been received , the preferred
quote accepted. 100% funding is available.
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B 2359: Local Place Plan
AC gave an update on the work of the joint CC and DBOA steering group of which she and IB are members. They have had four
community engagement activities to date
• 12th May – Classic Car Event
• 12th May – Memorial Clock
• 18th May – FBOA Plant Sale.
• Memorial Park Centenary Sat 15th June
Also some engagement with University of Stirling students.
The online surveymonkey site was closed last saturday and about 460 responses have been completed, with the
paper surveys to be added.
The next engagement will be Drop In Sessions where preliminary outcomes from the survey will be presented and
discussed.
IB announced the Drop In Sessions will be on June 27th at the Parish Church Hall, with sessions in the afternoon (4
to 5.30pm) and evening (7 to 8.30 pm).
B 2380. Full Membership Entitlement / Co-opted Vacancy.
B2380.1 Full Membership Entitlement
GR was now entitled to be come a full member, he was asked if he accepted the role and he agreed.
SA is also entitled and being absent she will be asked at the next meeting.
B2380.2 Co-opted Vacancy
Since the last meeting there has been a resignation (Linn Kleinman) hence there are two vacancies for co-option.
LH said that the SC rules are that of the full members present, there must be a 2/3 majority in favour of a candidate
, and with 9 members present that would be 6 or more votes.
Voting slips were passed to the members and passed to AC who announced the result for each candidate:
Douglas Dodds – 3 votes
Kathyn Chadwick – 8 votes.
AC invited Kathyn Chadwick to take her seat with the members of CC, but Douglas Dodds had insufficient votes.
B 2381. Planning Report.
IB stated there were no new proposals of concern. She did however report on Scottish Water’s proposed tree
planting at the Cocksburn Reservoir. She had been in touch with Scottish Water, and she was planning to meet wtih
their representative , and representatives from Scottish Wildlife and Forth Naturalist and Historian organisations.
After IB’s report Councillor Kleinman introduced Sandy Slater representing the Stirling Camanachd (Shinty) Club {1}.
The club is keen to develop the sport and has been introducing the sport to primary schools, and are starting senior
teams this spring. They are looking for a permanent place to train and play and have considered using the Haws
Park. They have just had a trial junior match at the Haws Park. Grass of course needs to be cut. They will be holding
training sessions 7.30 on thursday evenings for seniors (King’s Park initially) and 9 to 10.30 sat am for juniors ( which
in the winter was in the Stirling Baptist Church hall).
AD mentioned the pavilion at Haws Park, which might need some refurbishment. AD suggested that the club take on
guardianship of the pavilion.
Sandy Slater explained some more about the sport, and that Women can play in either Women’s only matches, or in
Mixed matches. MW commented it was good to have the Haws Park used again. AC thanked Sandy Slater for
coming to the CC meeting.
B 2382. Chair’s Report.
AC said as she had only been in the Chair’s role for an hour or so, she asked the former Chair to speak. MW spoke
briefly to thank FBOA for organising the successful Picnic In the Park event.
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B 2383. Secretary's Report..
.Communications from SC Elected Members
Councillor Tollemache wrote to provide confirmation of the two-week carriageway resurfacing work on Henderson
Street. The councillor also forwarded an email from Scottish Water outlining its plans to create a native woodland
around Cocksburn Reservoir. The councillor has asked SC to consider having double yellow lines at Casleview Drive
close to the playpark entrance.
Councillor Kleinman wrote to confirm that SC has advised that the agreement for the redevelopment of the Co-op
store will begin soon, with the smaller works at the car park starting on June 17. This work will involve the car park
exit being blocked although the car park will stay open.
Communications from Residents
Two residents have contacted the CC about the uncut grass and other encroaching vegetation alongside the
‘Chicken Run’. In response to AD, Councillor Kleinman has confirmed that the area is owned by UCP and that, while
SC has, in recent years, cut back the grass on either side, the reduction in the grass-cutting budget may mean that
the council is no longer able to maintain this area of non-responsibility. However, Councillor Kleinman has since
reported that the encroaching vegetation has now been cut back by Guala Closures UCP.
A resident has also expressed concern about the uncontrolled giant hogweed vegetaton in the vicinity of the railway
line and, in particular, two flowering plants close to the entrance to the station. Councillor Tollemache is taking up the
issue with SC.
A resident has reported the depositing of a large heap of rubble across the Well Road footpath making it impassable.
Councillor Kleinman added that he had spoken to the workmen working on repairing a wall and the work will be
finished in a matter of days.
Communications from SC
• details of a series of online information sessions on the launch of a new community council self-evaluation
tool, the Community Council Health Check, first piloted in 2022
• a communication from Land Services relating to the possible adoption of annual flower bedding areas;
• a further communication from Land services relating to a consultative survey on possible clarification of Park
Management rules;
• a communication from the Stirling Maker accompanying a survey on poetry and the role of the Makar which
the Secretary has completed and which he has circulated to all CC members.
General Communications
The CC has received the following:
the minutes of the May meeting of the Friends of Bridge of Allan;
B 2384. Treasurer’s Report.
The treasurer being absent there is no June report. As this role is critical it was discussed if there should be a
secondary treasurer. GR volunteered.
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B 2369 AOCB.
None
B 2386. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting is Tue 20th August 2024, at the Allan Centre, 7.30pm.
Action Log Summary:
1. (from B 2376): KMcG to discuss possible community weeding action day with Douglas Dodds
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Appendix 1 – Treasurer's Report June 2024
TBC
NOTES – useful links to clarify items
1 Stirling Camanached Shinty club on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shintyinstirling