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Minutes of Meeting of Bridge of Allan Community Council
Held on Tuesday 21st May 2024 in the Allan Centre.
Present: Mike Watson (MW) Chair; Leslie Harkness (LH) Secretary; Alasdair Taylor (AT) Treasurer; Shumela
Ahmed (SA); Inga Bullen (IB); Graham Robertson (GR); Jenny Smith (JS); Rosemary Dodds (RD); Amanda
Coulthard (AC);
Apologies: Anna Doeser (Vice-Chair); Karen McGregor; Linn Kleinman; Councillor Robin Kleinman; Councillor
Thomas Heald; Alexander Stewart(MSP); Alyn Smith (MP); Douglas Neilson (Vice-Chair Friends of Bridge of
Allan); PC Ross Barclay
In attendance: Councillor Alasdair Tollemache; Douglas Ross (Vice-Chair Discover Bridge of Allan); Isabel Walter
(Secretary, Discover Bridge of Allan); Graham Russell (Chair, Friends of Bridge of Allan); Gavin Drummond (Former
Chair BOA CC); 7 other residents; 1 non-resident observer; 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 2352. Welcome, Apologies and Conflict of Interest
Mike Watson (Chair) welcomed those present.
The apologies were noted as indicated above.
There were no expressions of conflict of interest.
B 2353. Approval of Minutes, Matters Arising and Action Log
AC proposed the April 2024 minutes be approved , Seconded by SA.
Matters Arising (LH)
In relation to Item B 2350 and the damaged mailbox lying on its side in Graham Street, Councillor Kleinman reported
that he had contacted Royal Mail and that the mailbox was removed.
Concerning Item B 2335, Councillor Tollemache has asked SC for an update on the temporary closure of part of
Sunnylaw Road and, in particular, on the option of establishing a section of single track road as a temporary
measure; in his response, the relevant council officer has said that, while a single-track option has been considered,
it has to be noted that, should the residents instruct the contractors to undertake work, the access required for this
would necessitate the closure of the road again. The officer has also indicated that, since the TTRO (Temporary
Traffic Regulation Order) is due to expire soon, a decision on the issue will have to be made.
MW referred to the correspondence of a resident with Councillor Kleinman in which they complained about the
location of the planned zebra crossing (by the Primary School – replacing the School Crossing Patrol), and also the
lack of consultation with the community and the school. (This was brought up by GR in B 2335 , April Meeting
Matters Arising, which in turn referred to B 2330) {1} . Councillor Tollemache reported that Councillor Kleinman had in
turn been in contact with SC, and there was no update on the situation, other than that the work was unable to
commence due to a parked car, and that the work was on hold pending discussions with senior management.
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MW relayed the resident’s dismay and anger at the behaviour of SC and expressed sympathy for their situation. One
point is that the location proposed is not at the location currently and historically used by the SCP “lollipop” person
where there is a dropped kerb.{2}, nor the location detailed in the design document as received on March 28th,
( which is close to the SCP crossing).
In the discussion that followed there was a consensus that there had been a lack of proper consultation with the
community on this , and other instances (such as the unannounced Blairforkie road closure) and that SC needed to
present their rationale for the location to the community and that CC should communicate to SC these concerns.
ACTION: CC to express concerns about lack of consultation regarding the planned zebra crossing on
Pullar Avenue, and to ask for the rationale regarding the location.
Regarding item B 2344 (Banking / Post Office service ) AC reported disappointing news from the Co-op, that their
building plans are stalled with SC. Co-op need to start work before planning permission ends, if they cannot then they
may abandon the site, as the current building is no longer fit for purpose. Councillor Tollemache said he is in
communication with SC.
ACTION: CC to communicate concerns to SC re progress of the Co-op plans.
Action Log.
The actions were addressed under their agenda items.
B 2354. Police Report
PC Ross Barclay had emailed the Police report which follows and also announced that as of Monday 3rd June 2024
PC Siobhan Rennie will be filling one of the community posts for Dunblane/Bridge of Allan. .
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 other matters which have occurred between 11th April 2024 and 20th
May 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 11th April 2024 and 20th May 2024 a total of 17 crimes occurred within the Bridge of Allan area. The
crimes detailed below are those that are of relevance to the local community.
ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Between 1300hrs on Wednesday 1st May 2024 and 1100hrs Tuesday 2nd May 2024 a property in New Street, Bridge of Allan
was vandalised with green paint. Investigations into this incident were carried out however the matter remains undetected.
About 2345hrs on Wednesday 8th May 2024 a shed in Lyon Crescent was set on fire. This incident has been crimed as wilful
fire-raising. Enquiries into this incident are currently ongoing. Any information in respect of respect of this incident Police to be
contacted quoting reference number CR/0167241/24 refers.
DRUG MISUSE
None reported.
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VIOLENT CRIME
On Sunday 12th May 2024 an individual was arrested and charged with an assault in relation to an incident which took place at
Bridge of Allan Railway Station
HOUSEBREAKINGS/CRIMES OF DISHONESTY
Around 1100hrs, Saturday 27 April 2024 at Bridge of Allan Hardware, 3 persons consisting of 2 males both in dark clothing and
one female wearing a red hoodie stole several items including 3 wooden platform brushes at £20 each, 2 Flexi tubs at £8 each
and 2 incinerators priced at £16 each from a display outside the premises. Enquiries into this incident were carried out however
the perpetrators were not identified. Any information in respect of this incident Police to be contacted quoting reference number
CR/0159728/24 refers.
About 2220hrs on Saturday 27th April 2024 a theft took place at a residential property in Queens Lane, Bridge of Allan. Police are
currently carrying out several lines of enquiry into this incident at this time.
At some point between the 4th and 6th May 2024 a parcel was stolen from the doorway of an address in Castleview Drive, Bridge
of Allan. Enquiries into this incident were carried out however it remains undetected.
Between 1500hrs and 1600hrs, on Sunday 5th May 2024 two females and a male have gained entry to the Royal Hotel and stolen
from within. Enquiries into this incident are currently ongoing. Any information in respect of this incident Police to be contacted
quoting reference number CR/0167634/24.
On Friday 17th May 2024 a shoplifting occurred within CO-OP, Bridge of Allan. When challenged by staff the perpetrator has
become abusive towards staff. Enquiries into this incident are currently ongoing.
ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD TRAFFIC RELATED CRIME
An individual was charged with being drunk in charge of a motor vehicle on Allanvale Road on Friday 17th May 2024. The driver
will be subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal
OTHER CRIME
Following a disturbance at an address in Henderson Street, Bridge of Allan on Friday 12th April 2024 an individual was arrested
and charged for with several offences including resisting arrest. The individual involved will be subject of a report to the
Procurator Fiscal
OTHER MATTERS
Between the 11th of April and 20th May 2024 there has been a total of 130 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: 4 public nuisance calls, 3
drugs/substance misuse call, 6 disturbance type calls, 6 neighbour dispute calls 8 theft type call, 2 assault calls, 2 fraud type call,
5 domestic incidents, 11 assist member of the public calls, 7 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
SA asked if there had been any news regarding the attack on the cat reported at the last meeting. There was
also some discussion regarding speeding on Henderson street.
ACTION: CC to contact Police for update for the cat shooting.d
ACTION: CC to contact Police on action regarding speeding.
B 2355. Resident’s View
RD drew attention to the hedge encroaching on the pavement outside 105 Henderson St and asked if CC could
request SC to do something about it. There was discussion about the visual state of the village, with derelict
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buildings, grass not getting cut and hedges overgrowing. There was a concern that people would not take pride in
their village, and there would be more litter and vandalism. AT volunteered to contact SC on these issues.
ACTION: CC (AT) to query SC about grass/hedge and derelict buildlings
• grass and hedge trimming on Henderson St.
• derelict buildlings, and e.g. update from SC planning re the Eagleton/Ivy Hotel (103 Henderson St)
The state of the former Police Station was also mentioned, and whether the developer could provide an update.
B2356. Guala Site
IB reported that the Guala Consultant (Allan Currie) was unable to attend the meeting tonight, but he should be at the
June meeting, when he update on developments can answer questions. IB’s reported on a tour organized by the
Consultant, attended by JS and IB from CC, Graham Russell (FBOA), Sarah Cameron (DBOA), 3 representatives
from STEP. The report is attached at Appendix 2. Currently all options are up for consideration.
B2357. Sunnylaw Land.
AC .updated the meeting on the status of the Sunnylaw Land purchase. At the last CC meeting (item B 2340) the
community bid to purchase the land was successful. Solicitors representing CC and DBOA (Mailers) are working on
the legal technicalities. It has been established that the walls are not part of the title, and SC have indicated there are
no orders relating to the trees. The first cut of the grass has been done (by CutMasters) though it’s not formally
owned yet. DBOA will hold the land in trust. Community (through membership of DBOA c)an be involved in deciding
on it’s future. The SAG will now stand down with the first meeting of the Management Committe this thursday.
The Management Committee will have a balance of representatives (including from CC and a resident). AC will
continue to report until the purchase is completed.
B 2358. Tennis Courts/MUGA.
B 2358.1 Tennis Courts.
MW reported that the tennis courts are now open, with access free for the time being, with proposed fee being £5
per hour, £50 per year. MW also mentioned a similar court at Falkirk. There was an outstanding query with SC about
the ring-fencing of the fees to be set aside for maintenance.
B 2358.2 MUGA.
AT reported on a meeting with SC officers, and the issues regarding the contract with CSET. CC and SC need to
jointly sign the CSET contract. SC have a governance process. Regarding insurance, SC will be responsible.
CC will ask CSET for a change in the conditions, and SC will write a letter of comfort regarding the risk.
ACTION: CC to ask CSET for change in conditions.
B 2359: Local Place Plan
AC gave an update on the work of the joint CC and DBOA steering group. They have had three community engagement activities
to date, with input from 300 engagements
• 12th May – Classic Car Event
• 12th May – Memorial Clock
• 18th May – FBOA Plant Sale.
The online surveymonkey site is live {3 and the closing date is currently 31st May, and possibly extended after that.
It is publized on the CC and DBOA websites and social media. Paper copies of the survey will be available and can
be returned at: The Library, Strathallan Pharmacy, Right Medicine Pharmacy and Allan Water Papers.
So far the consultants indicate positive feedback, on issues such as greenspace, affordable housing, with concerns
on dog fouling, road safety, postoffice and banking services.
Next engagement will be at the Memorial Park Centenary Sat 15th June. There will also be some engagement with
University of Stirling students.
A template has been progressed to begin building up the LPP document, including photos. Cornton CC have asked
to share resources. MW asked about funding. AC replied that the CGF award to DBOA for the survey was the first
stage. The LPP subgroup will propose other funding opportunties at the June CC meeting.
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AC suggested asking SC for any unallocated priority funding for developing local place plans. Councillor Tollemache
would raise this issue of unallocated funding to go to groups that could use it. AC said the CC would be keen to share
resources with other Community Groups. AC also mentioned the delay in SC producing local area profiles.
ACTION: CC to query SC about the delay in producing Local Area Profiles
B 2360. Waste Management Centre Bookings / Fountain Road Play Park.
B 2360.1 Waste Management Centre Bookings
JS report that a resident had complained about being turned away from the Polmaise recycling centre because they
had not booked. Councillor Tollemache reported that a motion to discuss the booking system at the last SC meeting
did not happen as there was not a 2/3rd majority.
Normally it is possible to make a phone call for a slot on the same day, GR confirmed this. It would be helpful if SC
provided a FAQ.{4}
B 2360.2 Fountain Road Play Park
JS reported that teenagers have been observed / heard hanging around at the Fountain road play park, playing
music upto 01 hours. There was uncertainty about making noise complaints.{5} SA pointed out there had been no
damage to the park, and the teenagers did seem to be respecting it.
B 2361. Succession Planning/ Co-opted Vacancy
Re the Co-opted Vacancy, posters had been distributed, and social media indicated the closing date for applications
of June 7th. AC requested members cascade this opportunity, with the hope of attracting a young applicant.
LH reminded the meeting that every post would be re-elected at the AGM.
B 2362. Public Liability Insurance
AT reported that the CC was being asked to pay for Liability Insurance which had previously been paid for by SC.
Any event that CC organisers should have Public Liability Insurance cover. There was discussion about the annual
Remembrance Service, which MW has organised recently (and before him, the other Chairs of CC). It was
mentioned that where there is an active Royal British Legion branch they might organize the Remembrance event.
It was felt that it was a positive activity for the CC to be involved with. Graham Russell (FBOA) reported that the
FBOA pay for public liability insurance to cover their activities. AT indicated that CC should further consider the issue
of Public Liability Insurance.
B 2363. Reported Drug Issue.
.JS reported being contacted by a resident who had concerns about a person smoking an unknown substance late at
night, observed on a number of occasions on Blairforkie Drive.
B 2364. Planning Report.
IB reported that The Court of Session have published their Opinion on the Mossend Appeal, rejecting their appeal.
The Blairforkie Appeal was one of a number of similar cases “sisted” by the DPEA until this decision which has
clarified the position of the new National Planning Framework 4. The Mossend developers still have 28 days to
appeal this ruling, but if they do not, the Blairforkie Appeal should recommence in the near future, and is more likely
to also be refused.
SC currently have plans for 200 flats /houses at the Linden Avenue car park/Old Viewforth site, with a consultation
survey on the engage Stirling website (ending 14th June).
IB mentioned the old stable building in Allan Vale rd which is owned by SC, but is apparently in need of renovation.
It was commented that it is not well known that the building is available, and also that apparently it is in a dangerous
state.
B 2365. Chair’s Report.
MW thanked CC members for their work in his absence of the last few months.
B 2366. Secretary's Report..
.Communications from Councillors
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Councillor Kleinman reported that, at his request, SC had replaced the rotting tree bark laid around the swings in
the Fountain Road play park with longer-lasting wood chips.
Councillor Tollemache has raised the following items with SC:
• the damaged post in Fountain Road;
• any future plans the council might have for the Haws Park pavilion;
• a potential danger to cyclists arising from ruts in the road when leaving Bridge of Allan heading towards the
Keir roundabout over the bridge; in its response SC has indicated that, although the relevant section of road
will be resurfaced in June, the ruts will be made temporarily safe.
In addition, Councillor Tollemache raised with SC the issue of whether the local public toilet would be operating on
the basis of financial charging. In its response, SC has confirmed all SC public toilets will remain free to the public.
Communications from Residents
A resident wrote to express disappointment that the delayed Henderson Street traffic calming measures might be
subject to a further consultation process. The matter was taken up by Councillor Tollemache and SC, in its response,
has confirmed that there would be no further consultation process and that the measures would be implemented in
the current financial year. Councillor Tollemache confirmed this again today.
A resident wrote to express concern that SC had decided to fill in the flower beds in the Memorial Park without
consultation.
Gavin Drummond has raised again the blocking off by SC, for safety reasons, of the core path from the electricity
substation at the bottom of Alexandra Drive to Sunnylaw. Councillor Tollemache has agreed to raise the issue with
SC officers.
Bridget Clark of the Glen Road project wrote to explain that, since the impact of heavy rain on the road has
generated a new active landslide area, necessitating stabilization works, she will be applying to the Forth Valley
Community Led Local Development Fund for a grant of £8,100 to meet a funding shortfall. To be successful, she
requires two community support letters and MW has indicated that he is ready to provide one, particularly since this
is an important and well-used route for walkers, cyclists and dog walkers.
ACTION: MW to send letter of support re FVL CLLD grant for Glen Road project.
Communications from SC
There is nothing to report.
General Communications
The CC has received the following:
the minutes of the May meeting of the Friends of Bridge of Allan;
the May issue of the Scottish Community Councils’ Newsletter;
a notification from Public Sector Executive of recent PSE podcasts of relevance for councillor (ie elected
member) training;
the May newsletter of Scottish Rural Action as well as an invitation to join an online meeting of the Cross
Party Group on Islands.
the May newsletter of MSP, Alexander Stewart;
B 2367. Treasurer’s Report.
AT reported the bank balance of £14,149.45. The larder continues to operate at the (Cornton) Baptist Church.
The detailed statement is at Appendix 1.
B 2368. CGF Resubmitted Application.
LH explained that as members have already evaluated and scored the Primary School application to the CGF, he will
now resubmit, and believes he can send directly to the relevant SC officer.
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AC commented on the processes regarding the CGF and that the view of the community should be taken into
consideration by the SC Civic Panel. AC had discussed with Dunblane CC about speaking at the June meeting of the
Civic Panel, whereas normally CC members can only observe. It was suggested she ask the Chair of the Civic Panel.
ACTION: CC (AC) to ask Chair of Civic Panel for permission speak at June meeting.
B 2369 AOCB.
The ‘Stirling Walking the Marches’ event is open to all who wish to participate, and commences at 10:45 from the
Stirling City Centre {6}.
The issue of the Co-op and whether they could provide Post Office services was mentioned.
B 2370. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting is Tue 18th June 2024, at the Allan Centre, 7.30pm, to be preceded by
the AGM at 7pm.
Action Log Summary:
1. (from B 2353): CC to express concerns about lack of consultation regarding the planned zebra crossing on
Pullar Avenue, and to ask for the rationale regarding the location.
2. (from B 2353): CC to communicate concerns to SC re progress of the Co-op plans.
3. (form B 2354): CC to contract Police for update for the cat shooting.
4. (from B 2354): CC to contact Police on action regarding speeding.
5. (from B 2355): CC (AT) to query SC about grass/hedge and derelict buildlings.
6. (from B 2358): CC to ask CSET for change in conditions re Muga grant.
7. (from B2366) : MW to send letter of support re FVL CLLD grant for Glen Road project
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Appendix 1 – Treasurer's Report May 2024
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Appendix 2 – Guala Tour Apr 26 2024 Report IB
Inga’s report:
We were offered a guided tour of the factory.
Jenny and I from the Community Council attended
Graham Russell from Friends of Bridge of Allan, (they have a container on the site for storage) Sarah Cameron from
Discover Bridge of Allan
3 from STEP via Graham Robertson
Jen Treasure local resident
We gathered at reception where we were given safety gear. This is a 2 storey office block. We had a tour of the main
processes in 4 large buildings which make the bottle caps. We went outside to see the Mill Lade, which goes under
part of the factory, a relic of previous times. We walked to the locked gate onto the footpath which links the footbridge
to Inverallan Road (known as the Chicken Run). There were various other buildings and containers.
There is a large car park. The land to the west of the car park has been recently planted with young trees. The land
to the south of the factory site looked wet/boggy. We did not see the field to the south which is used for grazing, a line
of trees divides it from the rest of the site.
There is a 2 storey office block and car park on the right just inside the entrance which is owned by another company
and is not part of the Guala site.
The entrance road is narrow and has a blind bend, Inverallan Road has many parked cars. Guala operate traffic
management for the HGVs using the site. There are about 300 people working on the site although 200 of those are
shift workers so the numbers on site at any one time is much less.
Guala is relocating to a more suitable site at Gartcosh. The machinery will mostly not be moved to the new site as it
is quite old. There will be a lot of equipment to move off the site.
Allan Currie is going to come to our May Community Council meeting, so he will be able to update us on any
developments and answer queries. We had asked if he could give us figures for the number and size of vehicles
using the site currently. Traffic is a big issue for those living nearby.
NOTES – useful links to clarify items
1 Though CC received an email (before the March meeting) notifying of the intention to replace the SCP in
Pullar Avenue with a zebra crossing, the detailed proposal was only received on Thu 28th March, (the day
before Easter Friday) with work to start after Easter Monday on Tue April 2nd.
2 The SCP crossing point is diagonally adjacent the Primary School on Pullar Avenue just before the
junction with Carlie Avenue. The new zebra crossing is further NorthEast, between nos 8 and 10 Pullar
Avenue, approx 40m from the SCP crossing.
3 Bridge of Allan Community Survey “Our Bridge of Allan” https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BoA
Community-Survey
4 There is a FAQ halfway down the SC website page about the new Polmaise recycling booking system:
https://www.stirling.gov.uk/news/online-booking-system-goes-live-for-stirling-s-household-waste-recycling
centres/
5 Stirling Council portal for non-emergency issues: https://www.stirling.gov.uk/report-it/
6 Website for the Stirling Walking the Marches: https://www.stirlingwalkingthemarches.org/the-day