Minutes of Meeting of Bridge of Allan Community Council
Held on Tuesday 17th September 2024 in the Allan Centre.
Present:
Amanda Coulthard (AC) Chair; Leslie Harkness (LH) Secretary; Anna Doeser (AD) Vice-Chair); Inga Bullen (IB) Planning; Kathryn Chadwick (KC); Karen McGregor (KMcG); Jenny Smith (JS); Mike Watson (MW).
Apologies:
Rosemary Dodds (RD); Alasdair Taylor (AT) Treasurer; Shumela Ahmed (SA); Graham Robertson (GR); Councillor Thomas Heald; Alexander Stewart (MSP); PC Siobhan Rennie;
In attendance:
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache; Councillor Robin Kleinman; Councillor David Wilson;
Graham Russell (Chair, Friends of Bridge of Allan); Douglas Neilson (Vice-Chair Friends of Bridge of Allan);
Johnny Dreczkowski (Board Member, Discover Bridge of Allan); Sarah Cameron (Broad Member, Discover Bridge of Allan); Bill Young (Strathallan Community Rail Partnership); Gavin Drummond (Former Chair BOA CC); 1 other resident; 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 2405. Welcome, Apologies and Conflict of Interest
Amanda Coulthard (Chair) welcomed those present.
The apologies were noted as indicated above. Councillor Heald has indicated that he hopes to provide an update on the Sunnylaw Road issue at the October meeting.
There were no expressions of conflict of interest.
B 2406. Approval of Minutes, Matters Arising and Action Log
GD pointed out an error in the August minutes, in the date of the next meeting.
IB proposed the corrected August 2024 minutes be approved , Seconded by AD.
Matters Arising (LH)
In relation to Item B 2403.2 and the defibrillator, Councillor Kleinman sent helpful information on a potential source of funding.
Regarding Item B 2401 and the issue of the non-functioning speed-activated signs, Councillor Tollemache raised this with SC. Following on from Item B 2403.6 and the purported discharge of sewage into the Allan Water, Councillor Tollemache also forwarded a further email from SEPA reporting that two visits after heavy rain had confirmed that the CSO ( the Combined Sewer Overflow) had not discharged.
Concerning Item B 2401 and the fallen tree limb in Sunnylaw Road raised with SC by Councillor Tollemachr, SC, in its response, has reported that the limb has been cleared up.
Regarding Item B 2401 and SC’s road resurfacing works, Councillor Tollemache has written to the council to ask when the road resurfacing on the bridge will recommence and also when the speed safety measures will be in place Classification: Public. Page 2
in Henderson Street. In his communication, the councillor has pointed out that these works will affect traders and that they need sufficient warning.
KMcG raised a concern about the Burgh of Bridge of Allan plaque {1 } on the tree which had a large branch fall across Sunnylaw Road. The plaque states the (Minewood) woods were purchased by the Bridge of Allan town council in 1953.
Cllr Kleinman reported the tree has been made safe.
AD reported that a membership form had been shared by the Allotment Association in an email to CC {2}.
(re B 2393) . There was discussion about derelict buildings. It is proposed that CC will write to owners and also invite them to a CC meeting.
ACTION: AC (Chair) to write to owners of derelict building and invite to a CC meeting.
(re B2395.2) Regarding the Tennis Courts, The agenda item about the Tennis Courts/Muga was brought forward at this point. MW now understood that Active Stirling will be managing the courts. Cllr Kleinman reported that charging will start, but the date is not yet announced. He confirmed that SC will maintain the courts until sufficient income is coming from the charged use. There will be free coaching, details to be announced.
ACTION: AD (Vice-Chair) to update website with date of commencement of Tennis court charging.
Regarding the MUGA, Cllr Klienman hoped to receive confirmed plans in the coming week. MW said it was important to share the update. AC said they will be on the CC website when all confirmed. AD added she will put the date of commencement of charging when known.
ACTION: AD (Vice-Chair) to update website with details of MUGA when confirmed.
AC brought up the topic of the future of the CO-OP and the possible Post Office services. Cllr Tollemache reported on a communication with the CO-OP and that plans are being progressed with building work to start in early 2025.
B 2407. 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 17th August- 13th September 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 17th of August and 13th September 2024 a total of 36 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 17/08/2024 a male attended at Stirling court hotel acting aggressively toward staff. Police were contacted. The male was subsequently arrest and charged for several offences. A report has been submitted to the PF.
On 17/08/2024 a vehicle caused damage to the entrance/exit barrier at Stirling court hotel. The vehicle has failed to stop and driven off. Enquiries are still ongoing to identify the driver.
On 27/08/2024 a member of staff was subject to threatening and abusive behaviour whilst at their workplace, Bridge of Allan Coop. Enquiries are still ongoing to trace the person involved. Classification: Public. Page 3
On 03/09/2024 a local resident’s vehicle was damaged while parked outside their home address. The window has been smashed. Extensive enquires were carried out however unfortunately the person responsible was not identified.
On 07/09/2024 a local resident was within the vicinity of their home address when they were the victim of threatening and abusive behaviour. The perpetrator continually kicked the door and shouted threats towards them. Enquiries are still ongoing to trace the perpetrator.
DRUG MISUSE
No crimes of this nature reported.
VIOLENT CRIME
No crimes of this nature reported.
HOUSEBREAKINGS/CRIMES OF DISHONESTY
On 05/09/2024 police received reports of a theft from a local resident’s home address, whereby their car key were taken. The local resident had been speaking to a male who had been providing a quote for their bathroom in their address and discovered that their key was missing after the male had left. Luckly the vehicle was not taken. All lines of enquiries carried out however the male was not identified.
On 09/09/2024 multiple residents across the Stirling area were victims of frauds/ attempted frauds, whereby a male has contacted elderly residents impersonating to be a police officer. He has stated he was from the fraud department, reporting that their cards had been cloned. Multiple residents realised this was a scam however one resident has carried out their request and withdrawn a four-figure sum of money and thereafter met with the male giving him the money. Enquiries are ongoing currently.
ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD TRAFFIC RELATED CRIME
On 26/08/2024 police were on mobile patrol, when they observed a vehicle driving along Airthrey Road, Bridge of Allan. The vehicle was signalled to stop and as a result the driver of the vehicle has been charged with several driving offences and a report has been submitted to the PF.
OTHER CRIME
Nothing of note
OTHER MATTERS
Between the 17th of June and 15th August 2024 there has been a total of 99 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, 1 drugs/substance misuse call, 6 disturbance type calls, 1 neighbour dispute calls, 2 theft type call, 3 assault calls, 2 fraud type call, 1 domestic incidents, 11 assist member of the public calls, 9 concern for person calls, and 9 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 2408. Strathallan Rail Partnership 40th Anniversary.
Bill Young spoke on behalf of the Strathallan Rail Partnership. He introduced himself as a former member of the CC at the time when there was a campaign for the BOA Railway station to be re-opened, which it was in May 1985.They hoped to do some events to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the re-opening next year. One of the ideas was a poster competition for primary schools, with Scotrail to be asked to donate a prize. They hoped to form a group to organise event(s) and asked if there could be a volunteer from CC. Sarah Cameron indicated DBOA would be happy to be involved and possibly some traders as well. Cllr Wilson mentioned the Stirling and Clackmannan District Model Railway club {3}. Sarah Cameron mentioned the Go Forth Stirling Land Train {4}. Cllr Tollemache volunteered to join the group as did KMcG as well. KC might do, if no confict with her work. AC thanked Bill for his presentation.Classification: Public. Page 4
B 2409. Residents’ View.
GD mentioned the sluice gates of the Allan Water weir, both now gone. AD mentioned contacting UCP who own them.
ACTION: AD (Vice-Chair) to contact UCP about reinstatement of the weir sluice gates.
B 2410. Prison Concerns.
Cllr Kleinman reported that he and Cllr Tollemache, and two Forth Park Residents, had meet with the Scottish Prison Service about the disturbances from the new HMP and YOI Stirling. Various proposed mitigation works were discussed. SPS will be updating the Forth Park Resident’s Association about the mitigation works. It was stated that CC should invite the Resident’s Association to one of the monthly CC meetings.
ACTION: AC (Chair) to invite Forth Park Resident’s Association to a forthcoming CC meeting.
B 2412. Local Place Plan.
B 2412.1 Sunnylaw Meadow.
AC reported that the purchase is still not completed. Sarah Cameron of DBOA is the current chair of the joint DBOA/CC Sunnylaw Meadow group which will be meeting again tomorrow (wed 18th ) with discussion topics such as maintenance and possible plans for wildflower planting. Sarah said she will be stepping back from the chair role, with Linn Kleinman (Treasurer of DBOA) taking on the role. Regarding finance, the intention is to generate some income,
with a ringfenced account. IB mentioned the suggestion of crowdfunding that she had had from residents whilst she was doing some grass cutting. JS commented on the importance of community engagement. Sarah Cameron agreed, and it was planned to have something online as well as an on site event, and that engagement should be on-going (not a once off).
B 2412.2 Local Place Plan.
AC overviewed engagement events that had happen earlier in the year, including the ‘Our Bridge of Allan’ drop-in presentation and workgroup sessions at the church hall on June 27th, which incorporated themes and actions arising from the earlier engagements. An event with community groups is planned for the end of September, with the emphasis on co-ownership and co-delivery of the LPP. AC spoke of the LPP being about aspirations for the future, and incorporating residents concerns on issues raised in engagement, such as parking, affordable housing, green space. Sarah Campbell reported about 50 invites had been sent out to various organisations and groups. Cllr Kleinman spoke of the importance of protecting green space by incorporating it into the LPP.
B 2413. Level Crossing Vegetation.
KC reported on vegetation that had grown up and was covering the warning sign and flashing light at the Cornton level crossing. Network Rail had responded to her complaint and cleared the vegetation within 24 hours of her complain.
B 2414. Christmas Lights.
KMcG reported working with RD.They had sent emails to last years sponsors and with one business closing they are looking for a replacement sponsor. They hope to find a choir to perform also some entertainment such as a Face Painter and Santa. RD is organising a banner with the date and she has also submitted a license request to SC. They are asking a local celebrity to perform the switch on.
AD suggested running a crowdfunder closer to the date. Existing badges as designed by the local Scouts could be given as a reward to donors. We should ask the Scouts for a new design for next year.
LH emphasised the importance of crowdfunding and not just expecting the traders to fund the lights.
B 2415. Allan Centre.
MW confirmed there is no Wi-Fi at the Allan Centre, and that an alternative provider is being sought.
Cllr Kleinman has chased SC re maintenance of the building. It was reported that the Centre is not open at weekends, and that only 30% of users are BOA residents.Cllr Kleinman added that there were now only 4 trustees and that the treasurer is standing down. It was suggested that a plan to grow use of the Centre was needed.
IB mentioned the lack of activities for teenagers, perhaps a Youth Club be considered.
Cllr Wilson considered that Wi-Fi provision should be a priority, and that SC could be asked to help.Classification: Public. Page 5
B 2416. Updates from BOA Community Groups.
AC introduced an additional agenda item, which will be a standing item for future meetings, and this will comprise a presentation from invited groups from the community .
This evening two groups gave an overview of their activities.
B 2416.1 Update from Discover Bridge of Allan (DBOA)
DBOA Board Member Johnny Dreczkowski listed various activities of DBOA.
The Community Action plan subgroup (with CC representatives) was making good progress.
DBOA were considering possibilities for the GUALA site
A student at the University is to include marketing of BOA in their dissertation
The board has agreed to apply for charitable status
The board has discussed funding of community projects, e.g. via donations made via the website
They are advertising for new board membership
Notes on the June board meeting are now available on the website.
There are now 7 board members and about 250 local resident members.
B 2416.2 Update from Friends of Bridge of Allan (FBOA).
FBOA Chairman Graham Russell report on their recent activities.
The hanging baskets are doing well, but it’s coming to the end of the season, and the last watering will be at the end of the month.
Work in the Royal Park is planned for later in the year.
Grass cutting has been performed on the sides of the avenues in the Memorial Park.
They are attending the SVE Inspire Volunteering event on Sep 18th at the Albert Halls, where FBOA are shortlisted in the Volunteering for Your Environment category.
B 2417. Planning Report.
IB reported on the Edinburgh University woodland project on Dumyat and the latest news on Park of Kier:
B 2417.1 Information on new fences and access points on Drumbrae site for woodland creation.
These will not affect the normal walking routes up Dumyat, but may impact those who choose to roam. Edinburgh University aims to create carbon offsetting, and protect biodiversity, without restricting access. There will inevitably be some restrictions with the formation of deer fences. We have been in contact with their ranger to point out the need for another access gate on the route of the Dumyat Hill race. BB added that in a recent communication the ranger had clarified that the deer fencing would not impact the Hill race route {5}.
B 2417.2. Park of Keir plans withdrawn.
The Murray Play Foundation announced that they will no longer pursue their plans for Park of Keir. This long running controversial plan on greenbelt began in 2014, was submitted in 2015. An unprecedented 1000+ objections led to it being refused at the December Planning Panel of Stirling Council. Objectors initially were concerned about housing on greenbelt, this site had been subject to 2 previous Public Inquiries since 1990 and had been given consent for a hotel and golf course in 2003. Further scrutiny of the plans which incorporated a tennis and golf centre with a hotel, housing and country park led to concerns about the viability of the proposals. These were thoroughly scrutinised following the developer’s Appeal in the resulting Public Inquiry held in Dunblane in September 2016. The Reporter considered all the evidence in detail in his Report, and recommended refusal in December 2016. This was overruled by Scottish Ministers in August 2017, who disagreed and felt that the proposals would have significant regional and national importance in sporting and economic terms. This was subject to Conditions to be negotiated between the developer and Stirling Council. This took an extraordinary 3 years. At the end of this process objectors campaigned to have further information taken into account, this was granted but did not change the decision which finally gave Planning Permission in Principle on December 21st 2021. The conditions included that the houses were not to be occupied before the sports centre was ready for use, and that the sports facilities were to be affordable and accessible to the general public.
Mark Ruskell MSP has asked parliamentary questions regarding funding from the Scottish Government. Local campaign group Residents Against Greenbelt Erosion have made Freedom of Information Requests, most recently to Sportscotland who were tasked to administer public funding and National Lottery funds of £5million towards the construction of the sports facility. The project submitted applications which required further information, ie did not satisfy the Sportscotland criteria of having an operational plan to justify this public funding. This year the Lawn Tennis Association pledged another £5million to the project, but also subject to Sportscotland criteria. Without the sports facility the housing cannot be approved, so in effect this is a win for the local community. Dunblane Community Council were actively opposed and acted on behalf of Bridge of Allan Community Council at the Public Inquiry. Stirling council, RAGE and Arnbathie developments (a rival developer with land around Dunblane), were also Classification: Public. Page 6
opposing the proposals. After a decade this campaign is now over. The campaign has been supported by many local people and local politicians, in many ways, including raising of £10,000 for legal representation at the Public Inquiry in just 6 weeks.
It underlines the importance of Greenbelt designations in protecting the openness of the countryside around our town, avoiding urban sprawl, and protecting the identity of our town. I expect that there will be attempts by developers to reduce the greenbelt in the current consultation process leading to Stirling Council’s next Local Development Plan 2028. The community can express their opinions on this in our Local Place Plan.
AC thanked IB and the RAGE community group for their efforts in protecting the green belt land. Cllr Tollemache commented on how it had a been a long haul and expressed his appreciation to IB and RAGE.
B 2418. Chair’s Report.
AC expressed thanks to GD for the refresh of the Burgh of Bridge of Allan sign {6} which was re-erected earlier this month by GD with help from members of FBOA (Gordon Wilson and Cllr Kleinman). GD’s report had been printed in local papers.
AC reminded the meeting that CC had nominated FBOA for an SVE volunteering award in the Volunteering for Your Environment category and they had been shortlisted, with the award ceremony tomorrow (Wed 18th). KMcG will be attending.
The Remembrance service was discussed.
B 2419. Secretary's Report..
.Communications from SC Elected Members
Councillor Tollemache forward the following:
a communication relating to the next meeting on September 26 of SC’s Informed Communities initiative, along with copies of the April and July newsletters;
a communication from Police Scotland warning that elderly residents were being contacted by a scammer falsely claiming to be from Police Scotland fraud department;
a copy of his own communication thanking Network Rail for updating him on the progress of the repair to the Cornton level crossing
a communication from Network Rail explaining the that the complex power supply fault involving both the barriers and the lights had taken longer to investigate and repair than expected and that the crossing had been opened by early Sunday morning
Councillor Kleinman forwarded the following:
a communication from the Chair of the Friends of Bridge of Allan, reporting that a resident and his young daughter had witnessed a highly inappropriate and deeply unpleasant incident in the Memorial Park; the matter was reported to, investigated by, and addressed by the Police.
an email from SC’s Thriving Engagement Manager notifying community councils of two upcoming events, a Connected Communities session on sustainable transport in Gartmore Village Hall on September 19 and an Informed Communities session for Community Council chairs.
Communications from SC
The CC received the following communications:
a link to the Library Services survey to assist in shaping future provision;
General Communications
The CC received the following communications:
a copy of the September newsletter of our MSP, Alexander Stewart
a communication from the Secretary of the Allotments Association thanking the CC for inviting her to address the CC at the August meeting and enclosing a copy of the association’s membership application form
B 2420. Treasurer’s Report.
The Treasurer’s detailed statement is at Appendix 1. LH, in the Treasurer’s absense, report that the Treasurer had explained .in an email his mistake in transfering the Larder funds to the Cornton Baptist Church, leaving a negative balance of -£40 in the Larder fund.
The treasurer suggested the meeting discuss two options:
Ask Cornton Baptist Church for a cheque back for £40 to balance our accounts
Classification: Public. Page 7
Write off this amount as an extra seasonal donation to the Larder funds
It was agreed by members to treat this as a donation .
The Treasurer had also noted:
I have been in contact with George Barry from Gordon Electrical to arrange a visit for Graham and myself to see the Christmas Lights tested. Unfortunately Gordon Electrical have been too busy to support this over the last two weeks, so I will follow up again this week to try and set a suitable date.
Just a reminder that I have not taken out the events extension to our insurance yet. This was because we were not in a position to define fully what we wanted cover for, as the cost delta can be considerable, and is dominated by what we do for the Christmas Lights switch-on. Hence there is currently no PL insurance in place for the Remembrance event or for the Christmas Lights switch-on event.
AD suggested asking the insurers for a quote for the Remembrance Sunday Service first.
ACTION: AT (Treasurer) to progress insurance for the Remembrance Sunday Service.
B 2421. AOCB.
B 2421.1 Scottish Water Top up Taps
KMcG spoke about Top Up Taps that Scottish Water have been installing at public locations across Scotland {7} and that they have a large number of suggestions (1500) for new locations. They have reached their target for 2024, and BOA is on the waiting list.
B 2421.2 Accessibility Issue at Memorial Park
JS reported wheelchair users require a ramp at the Memorial (to lay or inspect) wreaths. Members agreed this was necessary.
ACTION: AC (Chair) to progress a ramp at the Memorial for Remembrance Sunday Service
B 2421.3 Website Security Certificate.
AD reported that a website security certificate is needed to ensure visitors to the site are not blocked by their browser
or see warnings. The annual cost would be £29 + VAT. Members agreed to obtain the certificate.
ACTION: AD (Vice-Chair) to purchase website security certificate.
B 2422. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting is Tue 15th October 024, at the Allan Centre, 7.30pm.
Action Log Summary:
(from B 2406 ): Chair to write to owners of derelict building and invite them to a CC meeting.
(from B 2406 ): Vice-Chair to update website with date of commencement of Tennis court charging when date is confirmed by Active Stirling.
(from B 2406 ): Vice-Chair to update website with details of MUGA when confirmed.
(from B 2409 ): Vice-Chair to contact UCP about reinstatement of the weir sluice gates.
(from B 2410): Chair to invite Forth Park Resident’s Association to a forthcoming CC meeting.
(from B 2420): Treasurer to progress insurance for the Remembrance Sunday service.
(from B 2421.2): Chair to progress a ramp at the Memorial for Remembrance Sunday Service
(from B 2421.3) Vice-Chair to purchase website security certificate.
.
Classification: Public. Page 8
Appendix 1 – Treasurer's Report September 2024NOTES – useful links to clarify items
1
The Burgh of Bridge of Allan plaque on a large tree at West end of Minewood states: “THESE WOODS LONG PRESERVED AS A PLEASANCE AND BIRD-SANCTUARY WHEN PART OF THE WESTERTON ESTATE WERE PURCHASED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL TO COMMEMORATE CORONATION YEAR 1953. PLEASE HELP TO PROTECT THE AMENITY. THOS. O. REID. PROVOST”2
Allotment Association contact email: bofaallotments@gmail.com3
Stirling and Clackmannan District Model Railway Club facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StirlingMRC/?locale=en_GB4
GO Forth Stirling Land Train, believed not to be currently in service – tripadvisor entry: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g191266-d17415747-Reviews-Go_Forth_Stirling_Land_Train-Stirling_Scotland.html5
A recent communication clarified that the existing stockfence around Yellowcraig wood is being left as it is, but they may be able to discuss the broken stile with the landowner. Deer fence plans are on their website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/atoms/files/drumbrae_access_and_protection.pdf6
The Burgh of Bridge of Allan sign is on the side of the A9 (heading downhill from the West) opposite the railway station steps.7
Scottish Water Top Up Tap website - https://www.yourwateryourlife.co.uk/find-my-nearest-tap/