Minutes of Meeting of Bridge of Allan Community Council
Held on Tuesday 15th October 2024 in the Allan Centre.
Present:
Amanda Coulthard (AC) Chair; Leslie Harkness (LH) Secretary; Anna Doeser (AD) Vice-Chair); Alasdair Taylor (AT) Treasurer; Inga Bullen (IB) Planning; Kathryn Chadwick (KC); Rosemary Dodds (RD); Karen McGregor (KMcG); Graham Robertson (GR); Mike Watson (MW).
Apologies:
Shumela Ahmed (SA); Jenny Smith (JS); PC Siobhan Rennie; Alexander Stewart (MSP); Councillor
Alasdair Tollemache;
In attendance:
Councillor Thomas Heald; Councillor Robin Kleinman; Councillor David Wilson;
Graham Russell (Chair, Friends of Bridge of Allan); Douglas Neilson (Vice-Chair Friends of Bridge of Allan);
Euan Bain (Chair, Discover Bridge of Allan); Gavin Drummond; 9 other residents; Brian Bullen (BB) (Minute Secretary);
Abbreviations:
Annual General Meeting (AGM), Bridge of Allan (BOA), Community Council (CC), Common Good Fund
(CGF), Councillor (Cllr), 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); Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environment Trust (CSET)
B 2424. 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 2425. Approval of Minutes, Matters Arising and Action Log
IB proposed the September 2024 minutes be approved , Seconded by MW.
Matters Arising (LH)
In relation to the September police report, Jenny Smith wrote to the Secretary to ask if it would be possible to know the specific areas of the town where two of the Anti-Social Behaviour offences, one of threatening and abusive behaviour and one of damage to a parked vehicle, had occurred. She feels this of value in identifying recurring issues. The Secretary wrote to the Community Police and the information was provided and circulated to the CC.
Action Log.
- (from B 2421.3) Vice-Chair has purchased website security certificate.
- (from B 2406 ): Vice-Chair to update website with details of MUGA when confirmed.
And to update website with date of commencement of Tennis court charging – awaiting on info from SC.
- (from B 2409 ): Vice-Chair has contacted UCP about reinstatement of the weir sluice gates.
- (from B 2410): Chair to invite Forth Park Resident’s Association to a forthcoming CC meeting – carried forward.
- (from B 2406 ): Chair to write to owners of derelict building and invite them to a CC meeting – carried forward.
- (from B 2421.2): Chair confirmed progessing a ramp at the Memorial for Remembrance Sunday Service (further mentioned in Chair’s Report).
B 2426. 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 13th September and 10th October 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 13th September and 10th October 2024 a total of 7 crimes occurred within the Bridge of Allan area. The crimes detailed below are those that are of relevance to the local community.
ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
No crimes of this nature reported.
DRUG MISUSE
No crimes of this nature reported.
VIOLENT CRIME
No crimes of this nature reported.
HOUSEBREAKINGS/CRIMES OF DISHONESTY
On 14/09/2024 police received reports of a theft from a motor vehicle. The vehicle was parked outside the local resident’s home address when items were moved from within, and keys were stolen. Enquiries are still ongoing into this incident.
On 23/09/2024 a theft by shoplifting was reported by the Coop, Bridge of Allan. Four females have entered the store and stolen items from within. Enquiries are still ongoing to identify the females involved.
On 03/10/2024 another theft by shoplifting was reported by the Coop, Bridge of Allan. This is not linked to the previous incident. Suspect has been identified and will be cautioned and charged when traced.
ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD TRAFFIC RELATED CRIME
On 23/09/2024 a vehicle has been damaged whilst parked at Stirling University. The driver of the offending vehicle has failed to leave details or report the incident to the police. Enquiries are currently ongoing into this.
On 04/10/2024 a vehicle has been damaged while driving on Airthrey Road, Bridge of Allan. The offending vehicle has collided with their vehicle and has driven off, failing to stop or provide details. Enquiries are still ongoing into this incident.
OTHER CRIME
Nothing of note
OTHER MATTERS
Between the 13th of September and 10th October 2024 there has been a total of 78 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, 0 drugs/substance misuse call, 4 disturbance type calls, 3 neighbour dispute calls, 2 theft type call, 2 assault calls, 0 fraud type call, 1 domestic incidents, 6 assist member of the public calls, 5 concern for person calls, and 6 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 2427. Residents’ View.
A resident raised the issues of the Post Office and Banking. ??
- resident raised the issue of dog fouling in New Street and other nearby streets. KMcG responded that she could put up some of the posters.
ACTION: KMcG to put up dog fouling posters around New Street.
Another resident drew attention to the litter between the Fountain and the old Post Office.
There was a discussion about SC dog warden service and whether direct contract should be made with the officer.
Cllr Wilson indicated that it was best to follow procedures for reporting issues to SC.
Regarding litter, a resident suggested mentioning the problem to local groups such as Schools and Scouts.
ACTION: CC to contact local youth groups and Schools to raise awareness of littering.
- Updates from BOA Community Groups.
AC brought foward agenda item 9, comprising a presentation from invited groups from the community .
This evening two groups gave an overview of their activities and in addition AD reported on the Dr Welsh Trust and the Allan Community Activity Group AGM.
B 2428.1 Update from Friends of Bridge of Allan (FBOA).
FBOA Chairman Graham Russell report on their recent activities. The hanging baskets are now down and will be cleaned and maintained. Future activities include preparing the Memorial Park for the forthcoming Remembrance Service.They have ongoing work at various sites. The weeds (following treatment by SC) are now dying down.
B2428.2 Update from Discover Bridge of Allan (DBOA).
DBOA Chairman Euan Bain reported.
They have secured funding for their website to be refreshed. It will present two donations buttons.
One for DBOA and the second for the Sunnylaw Land maintenance.
Social media is a works in progress, and there is work to be done.
The application for Charitable Status requires some adjustments, but it is progressing.
DBOA engaged some marketing students from the University over the summer, to do some research.
- couple of key points to emerge from interviews of 40 or 50 businesses where:
- Tourism signs on the A9 and M9 motorway to BOA
- A tourism map of BOA
They have a new board member (Ann Wilson??)
- 3 Dr Welsh Trust
AD reported on enquiries about the possible republication of the book ‘Bridge of Allan A History’ by Craig Mair, and that this was due to be discussed at the forthcoming AGM (21st Nov). GD also said he would raise this at the next meeting of the Trust.
B 2438.4 Bridge of Allan Community Activities Group (The Allan Centre) – AGM.
The AGM of the Community Activities Group (The Allan Centre) is at the Allan Centre on Oct 22nd, and advertised on the CC website (Events).
B 2438.5 CC and DBOA websites
AD suggested that CC and DBOA co-ordinate publications on their respective websites to avoid duplication/conflicts.
B 2438.6 Websites and Copyright, and Police CyberAlarm
Councillor Wilson raised the importance of copyright on published material, particularly photos.
He also mentioned the Police CyberAlarm services which can scan websites for vulnerabilities {1}.
B 2429. Christmas Lights.
RD reported on progress with preparations. She have visited about 40 businesses last friday. KMcG will be visiting some more. The VIP for the ceremony will be Mark Sandford (owner of The Well House). KMcG reported contacting various Schools and Groups who could provide a choir, but had no responses so far.
A Santa outfit has been obtained. As there will be other adults present, Santa is not required to have a Police check. A donkey has been secured to attend. RD reported that the SC license to use the Provost’s Park is in place and that a quote for insurance has been obtained. AT confirmed he could do a bank transfer.
The date for putting up the publicity banner was discussed, and after the Fireworks event was agreed. The Parish Church have proposed an evening event with carol singing (after the Christmas Lights switch-on).
KMcG will remind all the local businesses prior to the event (on Nov 23rd).
AT will be testing the Christmas lights this coming monday.
It was proposed to do some co-ordination with other groups putting on events next year.
- site visit will be held shortly, and also it was planned to talk to Police, also including community traffic concerns.Euan Bain suggested contacting the proprietors of the BawBee Restaurant regarding use of their outdoor space and possiblity of having mulled wine served. KMcG agreed to progress.
MW raised safety concerns regarding the electrical requipment. A taped off zone was suggested.
AD said she would run a crowdfunder nearer the date, with no specific target amount.
MW queried if the car park of the Royal Hotel could be used (for parking). Cllr Wilson mentioned prior concerns about issues such as water runoff from the hill behind freezing.
- Coordination of Events.
AD mentioned the various big events held mainly at the Games Park - the Car Show , Highland Games, Fireworks, Antique Fair. She felt it important to have feedback from locals and to maintain good relations with them, over issues such as road closures, parking, noise.
AC noted that a resident had contacted CC regarding traffic concerns arising from a recent event.
There was some discussion as to whether all organisers of events were warning residents of their event.
It was commented that some had been doing so.
- suggestion was made that DBOA could consider signposting visitors to services in BOA.
AD was proposing an event charter or checklist which would provide organisers with objectives to mitigate the disruptive impact of their events and also for local residents to have expectations of what would be happening. With the Fireworks event forthcoming, it was felt that the Round Table undertake a feedback exercise.
ACTION: AD to contact the Round Table for a feedback exercise after the Fireworks event.
- Our Bridge of Allan Planning.
B 2431.1 Our Bridge of Allan Action Plan and LPP
AC reported on the activities of the joint CC/DBOA ‘Our Bridge of Allan’ Steering Group. The feedback from the community from the engagement events has been analysed and themes identified which will be incorporated into the DBOA Action Plan and the CC LPP. The Action Plan is in design. The themes include concerns regarding the Prison, issues suchs as Affordable Housing, Green Places, Traffic, Littering, Dog fouling, Activities/Places for Young People.
From 500 or so submissions there was a very positive view of BOA, and the plan was to focus on improvements.
The draft of the LPP was being written, to be put out for review by the community in January.
IB commented that the voice of the community needs to be thoroughly considered particularly where there is a potential conflict of interesting, such as with housing and shortage of potential sites, and protection of the Green Belt areas.
MW mentioned the Guala site as being of key importance and must be in the LPP.
AC ventured her opinion that in terms of development, it may come to the least bad options.
LH commented that there would have to be a balancing of the conflicting priorities.
MW mentioned access to community resources, such as the Allan Centre, being important.
AC added that young people’s views must be incorporated. The LPP must also consider sustainability.
B 2431.2 Sunnylaw Land.
AC reported that the purchase by DBOA on behalf of the community is now imminent. Definitions in the sale agreement have been clarified by both parties lawyers.
B 2432. Planning Report.
IB reported there were no new planning proposals of concern.
She will be contacting Guala for an update.
The Blairforkie development was still at Appeal, and that the deadline for new arguments had passed and a decision expected soon.
B 2433. Chair’s Report.
AC reported that Linn Kleinman of FBOA had taken over Chairing the joint Sunnylaw Land Management Committee.
An update from SC regarding the MUGA was still awaited.
She will be contacting the Forth Park Resident’s Group to invite them to the next CC meeting to discuss the Prison. She spoke about the possible co-ordination of the various Christmas festivals. This year there is:
- Event at the Parish Church, after the Christmas Lights switch on , on Nov 23rd.
- Westerton, (Carols), Dec 1st
- Round Table Event, Dec 7th
- Meadow Park, Dec 15th
Preparations for the Memorial Sunday Service are underway. All 3 churches will be attending. Scouts will parade down Kier Street to the Memorial Park.
Various CC members confirmed they would attend.
AT confirmed he is moving out of BOA and will hence resign as Treasurer. AC thanked him for his commitment and his work on behalf of the CC, and wished him well for the future.
The CC now has 2 vacancies. In addition SA is currently on leave of absence. AC said she would confirm with her that she will be returning. LH commented that he considered it useful for potential members to coming to meetings to better understand what is involved.
AC commented that with lack of interest so far from potential new members, it was considered that a wider audience be targeted.
AD noted that there was no need for a short timescale for the recruitment.
B 2434. Secretary's Report..
Communications from SC Elected Members
Councillor Kleinman forwarded the following:
- a communication from Stirling Shinty Club confirming that, after a three=month trial occupancy of Hawes Park, the club has taken out a further 12-month lease of the playing fields and the pavilion and, cost of ground maintenance and utility bills permitting, may well extend this to a longer-term lease;
- confirmation of the part closure of the Lovers Loan Path as SC intends to undertake an assessment of the stability and safety of the neighbouring wall, as well as establishing whether any necessary repair can be funded from the current year’s budget;
- a communication from the Rector of St Saviour’s Episcopal Church providing details of the church’s new community café, Wednesday Welcome, which is open to all every Wednesday from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm:
- confirmation that the planned resurfacing work for Henderson Street will start on November 17th, with a cross-over point at the junction with Inverallan Road to keep traffic congestion to a minimum while the bridge deck is being resurfaced.
Councillor Tollemache forward the following:
- details of SC’s 2024/2925 Premises Improvement Grant derived from the funding allocated to SC from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with a closing date of Tuesday,12th November 2024 for applications from businesses and social enterprises;
- confirmation that, in addition to removing the Cornton Road cycle lane markings, new giveway markings will have to be installed on Lyon Crescent.Orchard Road, Pullar Avenue and Westerlea Drive;
- confirmation from the Coop authorities that it is hoped to start the work on the new store early in 2025 although this date could readily slip given the variables involved.
Communications from Residents None were received.
Communications from SC
None were received.
General Communications
The CC received the following communications:
- the October newsletter from Alexander Stewart, MSP;
- a communication from the Chair of Causewayhead Community Council informing the CC that cows have damaged the Harris fencing covering two holes in the fencing running alongside the cycle lane between the railway line and Graham’s Dairy land and noting that, since the land for the lane was apparently gifted to SC, it is the responsibility of the council to repair the fencing.
B 2435. Treasurer’s Report.
AT reported this would be his last CC meeting, as he was moving out of the village.
He will a quote for the Christmas lights storage / test / put-up / take-down from Gordon Electrical, and that the switch on will be on Nov 23rd.
He explained the error in the Larder Fund transfer that was reported at the September meeting, and confirmed the suggestion made (in his absence) at that meeting of settling the error with a donation from the unrestricted fund.
With an underspend on the Admin Grant from SC our grant for 2024/2025 has been reduced.
It was agreed to spend what we have for the LPP engagement in January, and then apply for a new grant.
The Treasurer’s detailed statement is at Appendix 1.
B 2436. Nominations for Treasurer.
AC nominated GR as the new Treasurer, GR having indicated his willingness to undertake the role. LH seconded, and GR was confirmed as the Treasurer.
B 2437. AOCB.
B 2437.1 Cones in river.
MW mentioned when the Henderson Road works recommence (at the Allan Bridge) that the cones that have been dumped in the river be removed. CC to contact SC.
ACTION: CC to contact SC regarding cones in river under Allan Bridge.
B 2437.2 Darn Walk, damaged wall.
Cllr Wilson reported on the poor state of the Darn Walk, with bulging damaged wall ( after the footbridge over the Wharry Burn, near Kippenross House). AC suggested contacting the Dunblane CC. IB mentioned they have a footpaths group,
B 2437.3 Allan Centre pavement
- resident complained of the uneven pavement (due to tree roots) at the Allan Centre. MW said he would raise this at the Allan Management meeting.
ACTION: MW to raise issue of uneven pavement at the next Allan Management meeting.
- 4 Going Back in Time in BOA
KMcG said she had attended the recent Open Doors event at the Well House and that this was an excellent event. She had this idea of a having a going Back in Time in BOA event. She said there were was much heritage in BOA. AD mentioned signage to heritage items, and a map. IB mentioned the Doune heritage map and also black plaques on buildings (apparently there are some in BOA as well). IB said that there could be a digital trail as well as paper. DBOA had posted an item on their facebook page about the Copper Mines digital walk {2}
B 2438. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting is Tue 19h November 2024, at the Allan Centre, 7.30pm.
Action Log Summary:
- (from B 2427 ): KMcG to put up dog fouling posters around New Street..
- (from B 2427 ): CC to contact local youth groups and schools to raise awareness of littering.
- (from B 2430 ): AD to contact the Round Table for a feedback exercise after the Fireworks event.
- (from B 2437.1 ): CC to contact SC regarding cones in river under Allan Bridge.
- (from B 2437.3 ): MW to raise issue of uneven pavement at next Allan Management Meeting.
.
Appendix 1 – Treasurer's Report October 2024
NOTES – useful links to clarify items
- The Police CyberAlarm services include both analysis of logs from an organisations internal network for malicious activity from the internet and perform vulnerability scan of websites: https://cyberalarm.police.uk.
- The digital Airthrey Copper Mines surface walk, about local mining history, including the newly restored Well House: https://www.mining-landscapes.org/route/40