Causewayhead Community Council Minutes of the business meeting held on Monday, 7 November, 2022

Present:

Val Sinclair, Chair;

Joyce Carberry, Member;

Darren Draper, Member;

Fiona Macleod, Vice-Chair;

Sue White, Associate Member

In attendance:

Thelma Barron (Resident and Minutes Secretary; Councillor Jim Thomson, Ward 4, Stirling North. Nine local residents

Apologies:

Sonja Cameron, Treasurer;

PC Greig Lowery and PC Stuart Gray, Community Police Officers.

Absent:

Paul Mcdonald, Secretary.

1. Welcome

The Chair welcomed all attendees to the meeting, and, for the benefit of new attendees, invited all Committee members to introduce themselves.

2. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting

The Unconfirmed Minutes of the meeting held on 5 September, 2022 were approved, having been proposed by Ms Macleod, seconded by Mrs White.

2.2 Matters Arising

Concerns about American Bullies in Cornton (M2.2.1 refers)

Prior to the last Community Council meeting, a report had been made to the Dog Warden, following a sighting of one single individual walking four of the American Bullies, and subsequent sightings of the same individual with five dogs, four on the lead and one From his earlier interactions, the Dog Warden had formed the view that the individual kept good control over the dogs, and there was no immediate issue to address. There is no more to report on this matter at the present time.

Airthrey Park (M2.2.4 refers)

No decision had yet been forthcoming from the Minister regarding the Grahams’ appeal to the Court of Session, although the Reporter’s report and recommendations were submitted to the Minister in early April this year. Following our last meeting, Councillor Nunn had written to Alexander Stewart, MSP, to enquire about the delay in a decision. The Chair was not aware that any response had yet been received to date. Therefore, at this point in time, the Grahams’ planning application should be regarded as active, and the matter was ongoing.

Speeding Issues at Craigmill (M2.2.5 refers)

There was no update available, and nothing further to report at the present The speed limit remained at 40mph and had not yet been reduced to 30mph

Traffic calming, Causewayhead Road and Easter Cornton Road (M 2.2.6 and M6 refers)

Prior to the last Community Council meeting, the residents concerned had hand delivered a document to Carlyn Fraser of the Roads Department, which contained data and photographic evidence in support of their claims. However, as yet, there had been no communication from the Roads This matter would be discussed more fully under A.O.B.

Network Rail: Cornton Level Crossing (M2.2.8 refers)

The was still no timeline for completion of the work to convert the Cornton pedestrian level crossing from a diagonal to a straight

Wallace Park

Scottish Water had agreed to adopt the sewerage at Wallace Park housing estate, once Stewart Milne had competed work to bring the sewerage up to the required standard. Council Officers and Stewart Milne executives had already walked around the estate to identify issues. Once the work was completed, Councillor Thomson had requested that Stirling Council adopt the roads immediately (rather than wait the usual period of a year after adoption of sewerage by Scottish Water), so that the estate could be included in the Stirling CityFibre rollout, from which it had hitherto been excluded, and which would allow residents to access fast fibre broadband.

Installation of double yellow lines at Beech Lane (M2.2.12 refers)

The planned installation of double yellow lines on Easter Cornton Road, on either side of the exit from Beech Lane, and round the corner into Lindsay Drive, had been published in the Stirling Observer. However, the timescale for the work to be carried out was not yet known.

Sustrans, Walk, Cycle, Live: WCLS Uni Route (M2.2.2 refers)

Work to install the cycle lane in Causewayhead Road had fallen behind schedule due to the need to install 40 additional gullies not identified in the plan. In addition, further work on the extension of the pavements at the bus stops needed to be factored The road at Buchanan Drive was currently being resurfaced. Work on road surfaces elsewhere on the cycle route would be carried out towards the end of the financial year.

Inevitably, issues had arisen involving work vehicles blocking access to residents’ driveways. Residents reported that communication with the project manager had sometimes been good, at other times poor, but certainly, on occasion residents were able to raise issues directly with the work force.

Local residents in attendance at the meeting raised a number of concerns and highlighted various contingent issues.

The absence of a pavement on the side of the Alloa railway line, particularly on the approach to the rugby club, was seen to be hazardous. It was suggested there would be benefit in extending the road here, to allow a pavement to be installed.

Rugby coaches were currently parking in Cornton Road, because the layby on Causewayhead Road was unavailable. It was suggested the changes on Causewayhead Road would make it more likely that rugby coaches in future would need to park on Cornton Road, with their passengers having to make their way on foot from Cornton Road to the Rugby

The tunnel leading to the Rugby Club had been badly flooded to a depth of 7-8 inches, for 4-5 days, with no attempts to drain it. The water did not appear to be draining away naturally, suggesting a It was noted that this was a private road on property belonging to Cowane’s Trust, and leased to the Rugby Club, therefore not the responsibility of Stirling Council. In light of this, the Chair undertook to take a photo of the flood and approach Stirling Rugby Club, to ask them to address the issue. [Action: Chair]

Community Councillors had observed at the last meeting that once the work was completed, it appeared that Causewayhead Road would not be very wide for This perception of insufficient width on Causewayhead Road was strongly endorsed by one local resident, who noted that the allocation of 2.5 m width for a vehicle did not include wing mirrors. He anticipated that if two large vehicles, such as coaches, buses or lorries with newer, larger wing mirrors, passed each other, their wing mirrors would likely collide. Community Councillors encouraged residents to take photos, if they witnessed any such traffic issues arising.

The 20mph limit on Causewayhead Road, combined with the delays arising from the ongoing work, could give rise to impatience and on occasion even lead to dangerous driving. One resident had observed drivers overtaking at red lights and going through red lights, as well as a recent collision between a bus and a car.

Given the narrowness of the road, and the risks arising from that, coupled with the new cycle path, residents present considered that the current 20mph limit should become permanent.

Serious concerns were also expressed about the lack of space for emergency vehicles - ambulances and fire engines - to pass, unless, either they or other vehicles went onto the cycle lane, which could pose dangers for cyclists.

Councillor Thomson confirmed that Sustrans had consulted the Fire and Ambulance Services as part of their project planning, but agreed to double-check. [Action: Councillor Thomson]

Residents expressed concerns about pulling out – often reversing out – of their driveways onto the cycle lane, fearing that if they had to give way suddenly to a cycle or scooter, they might end up trapped in the road, unable to complete the manouevre, and vulnerable to accidents.

It was noted that when the work was complete, drivers pulling out of Buchanan Drive would need to be particularly vigilant for cyclists or scooters, in both directions. There was also an issue with overgrown hedging here, which was obscuring the view.

Community Councillors reminded residents present that recent changes to the Highway Code meant that cyclists had right of way by law. Therefore, all drivers pulling out of, or entering, Buchanan Drive, would need to give way to cyclists.

The point was made that there was a need for signs at key junctions, such as Buchanan Drive, alerting cyclists to beware emerging vehicles.

The narrowness of Causewayhead Road meant that vehicles would now be passing very close to the drains; Community Councillors queried whether the drains were strong enough to withstand the traffic, particularly heavy vehicles.(xiii) It was noted that the kerb had been removed from the pavements, and a kerb installed on the cycle lane to separate it from the road.

3. Police Report

The Chair presented the Police Report, which had been circulated to members by e-mail in advance of the meeting

The Police Report covered a total of nine crime reports from 6^th September to 7^th November, 2022. Four detected cases comprised one drugs offence; one case of threatening behaviour; one case of driving with no insurance; and one case of speeding. Five undetected cases comprised one case of theft; one case involving various road traffic offences; two cases of fraud; and one case of theft and Over the time period, 57 calls were made to police for the Causewayhead area.

4. Treasurer’s Report

There was no Treasurer’s Report for this meeting.

5. Chair’s Report

Planning Applications

There had been two planning applications since the last meeting:

39 Dunster Road, an application for a ground floor extension and dorma extension;
Craigbank, 12 Hillfoots Road, repointing of gable end and

Provost’s Charity of the Year

Stirling Council’s Civic Panel had named the Ist Raploch Scout Group as the new Provost’s Charity of the Year. In addition, a donation of £1000 from the Civic Fund would be made to the Scout Group to go towards recreation

Dunblane Achieves Dementia Friendly Status

Dunblane had become the first town in the Stirling area to achieve Dementia Friendly status.

Orienteering for Primary 7 classes, Abbey Craig, 6 December

An orienteering activity for Primary 7 pupils would take place on Abbey Craig, on 6 December, up until 1.00pm.

Stirling Christmas Lights Switch-On

The Christmas Lights Switch-On would take place in Stirling City Centre on Saturday 19 November, when a full day of festive family entertainment was planned, including pipe bands, dancers, panto performers, and Santa Stirling Council and Go Forth Business Improvement District had made a substantial investment of £105, 000 in upgraded lighting, which aimed to capture the City’s heritage, and help support local businesses over the festive period, by encouraging people into the City Centre

Stirling Council Leadership Courses

Stirling Council was offering Community Councillors the opportunity to undertake leadership courses. The Chair invited any member of the Community Council who was interested in undertaking such a course, to let her know.

Stirling Council

Stirling Council had run the 2022 Residents’ Survey, which opened on 15 September and closed on 20 October. Comparison of the 2019 and 2022 results would enable the Council to understand shifts in opinion, evaluate their performance over a longer term, and make informed decisions on how to deliver better services.

Remembrance Sunday Service

The Chair would be taking part in a wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial in Causewayhead Park.

Evening Reception with Brigadier Ben Wrench

An evening reception, ‘An evening with your Army in Scotland’, was being held on 16 November at 30pm in the Rugby Club, including a presentation led by the Army Engagement Team, with Brigadier Ben Wrench, the head of the Army in Scotland, following which there would be a questions session. The event aimed to promote awareness of what the army is doing in Scotland, opportunities it offers to the public and grant funding opportunities for a range of initiatives to promote community integration. It was agreed that the event should be highlighted to Wallace High School, as it may be of interest to pupils. The Chair undertook to forward details to Darren Draper, who would send them on to a contact at Wallace High School.

[Action: Chair; Darren Draper]

Vegetation on Hillfoots Road cut back

Vegetation on Hillfoots Road which had been obscuring road signs at the Innovation Park had been cut back.

Stirling Council – Identification of local flooding issues

Stirling Council had asked Community Councils to identify local flooding issues. After discussion, the Community Council listed the following areas in Causewayhead, where flooding issues regularly occurred:

Easter Cornton Road, at the intersection with Castle Road;

at the entrance to Beech Lane; opposite the Birds and Bees (though to be due to overflowing cattle trough in Graham’s field opposite);

Causewayhead Roundabout;

Airthrey Road, beyond the traffic lights.(Note: this may fall into the area of Bridge of Allan.)

University Roundabout (Note: Concerns were expressed about damage done by articulated milk lorries turning there, causing damage to the road and causing drains to sink. Community Councillors were firmly of the view that Graham’s Dairies should improve access to their plant to avoid the necessity of articulated milk lorries having to turn at the roundabout);

Craigmill.

Tidying up on Abbey Craig and Blairlogie Parks – Volunteers sought

Staff from Stirling Council’s Ranger service were tidying up the parkland around Abbey Craig and Blairlogie, and were seeking volunteers to assist in the work on these areas.

Relocation of Community Council Notice Board from Causewayhead Park

Discussions were ongoing regarding the relocation of the Community Council Notice Board from Causewayhead Park.

Winter Volunteer Scheme for Communities

Stirling Council was looking for local Winter volunteers to help address wintry conditions, including snow and flooding. Equipment including high vis jackets, salt and shovels would be provided. A Team Leader and Deputy Leader were required for the Causewayhead area.

Issue with foliage growing into resident’s fence

Stirling Council’s Ground Team had effectively dealt with foliage growing into a resident’s fence.

Reporting Local Issues to Alyn Smith, MP.

Alyn Smith, MP, was keen to assist with any local issues, and happy to hold virtual meetings.

Difficulty in Contacting Officials in Stirling Council

It was noted that some residents were experiencing difficulties in contacting officials of various departments within Stirling In part this was seen to be a consequence of the policy that staff work from home during the height of the pandemic. Even now, it was reported that staff were coming in to the office three days a week, within a controlled environment.

Proposal for Local Newsletter

Discussion was deferred to a future

6. Any Other Business

Speed Table Issues, Easter Cornton Road

Four residents from the top end of Easter Cornton Road, close to the intersection with Dunster Road, in properties adjacent to one of the speed plates, were in attendance to highlight an apparent impasse in their communication with the Roads Department over the past three months, and to seek, through Councillor Thomson, an urgent meeting with Dot Reid, the new Head of the Roads Department.

In particular the residents had been experiencing repeated loss of roughcasting from garden walls, over the last ten years or more, which they attributed to vibration caused by vehicles, especially HGVs, hitting the speed table at speed, and which they maintained to be travelling in excess of the current 20mph speed limit. They now wished urgently to discuss with the Roads Department the vibration issues stemming from the speed tables, together with related speeding issues, and what could be done to address these problems.

It was noted that over three months had elapsed since a site visit, which included an officer from Stirling Council Roads Department staff, together with Councillor Nunn and the Community Council Chair, following which Mr Robert Polland had submitted to the Roads Department data on traffic speed and photographic evidence, which he and another resident had compiled, and which he had followed up by an e-mail, setting out all the issues.

As previously reported, Roads Department staff had explained that there was no budget to remove the speed plate at the present time, but one of the new Heads of Service at the Roads Department had suggested that the residents pay for a vibration test, to demonstrate there was problem with vibration, and that, if the test confirmed there was, Stirling Council would reimburse the cost. However, the residents remained sceptical about the usefulness of data obtained from such a test. Moreover, they believed that speed of vehicles, particularly HGVs, passing over the speed plate was a key contributory factor, so were pressing for alternative traffic calming measures to be put in place.

Back in 2008, when traffic calming measures were first considered for Easter Cornton Road, there was a 30mph speed limit in operation, and the original proposal was for speed cushions along the length of the road, a mini roundabout at Ballater Drive, and to take additional steps to improve pedestrian safety for the new Wallace High School. Following strong opposition to speed cushions from the local residents, the compromise solution was the installation of two speed plates at the top end of Easter Cornton Road, together with the mini-roundabout at Hamilton Drive. Following initial vibration issues with the speed plates, experienced by those same households in close proximity, the Roads Department had flattened off the speed plates to alleviate the problem. However, Mr Polland made the point that, once the work to flatten off the speed plates was competed, no evaluation had been carried out to check for vibration.

Councillor Thomson recalled that speeding issues had been much worse, when the speed limit was 30mph. Following the relocation of the Wallace High School to its present site in 2008, the speed limit on Easter Cornton Road had been reduced to While there were mixed views about the extent of speeding currently on Easter Cornton Road, it was recognised that more delivery vehicles now travelled down Easter Cornton Road than was the case fourteen years ago. However, Mr Polland suggested that 85% of vehicles on Easter Cornton Road were exceeding the 20mph speed limit, some excessively. The Community Council agreed that Councillor Thomson should enquire about the traffic survey being redone.

[Action: Councillor Thomson]

One resident of Easter Cornton Road expressed particular concerns about drivers exceeding the 20mph speed limit, when large numbers of pupils of Wallace High School made their way daily, along and across Easter Cornton Road, on their way to and from The school represented an important part of this community; its pupils and their movements needed to be taken into account when considering alternative traffic calming measures. One Community Councillor suggested that consideration be given to electronic speed signs and speed cameras.
After a prolonged discussion, Councillor Thomson was willing to support the removal of the speed plates, provided ‘Give way’ signs were installed on Easter Cornton Road at the intersection with Castle Road and Ballater He agreed to e-mail Dot Reid, Head of the Roads Department, conveying that the residents concerned required a resolution of these issues, as a matter of urgency. [Action: Councillor Thomson]

Transfer of AirBNB to long-term let

6.8 The AirBnB at 6 Beech Lane had just been transferred to a long-term let.

7. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting would take place on Monday 9 January, 2023, at 7.00pm in the Birds and Bees Function Room.

The meeting concluded at 9.00pm.

November 2022 Minutes