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Causewayhead Community Council

APPROVED Minutes of the Meeting held at 7pm

on Monday 29^th April 2024

1. Welcome & Apologies

           The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting and gave the apologies.

2.  Presentation by Stirling Council Waste Management Team

           2.1       Improvements

Stuart and Emma updated the meeting on recent improvement in Stirling Council’s (SC) waste management system. This includes: 

• The purchase of new roll packers to reduce the number of skips on site and allow more bulky items such as mattresses to be recycled.
• Trialling of a polystyrene disposal and recycling system.
• Trialling of plasterboard recycling at Polmaise. New and improved signage being introduced across all sites.

           2.2       New Online Booking System

Emma and Stuart answered question regarding the new online booking system at the Polmaise and Callander recycling centres.

• Why is the system being introduced?
  • For health and safety reasons o To avoid illegal dumping by rogue traders.
• Will there will be publicity advising residents how to use the system?
• How often can the site be visited?
  • Residents with vans can visit up to 12 times a year. How long are the time slots?
  • 10 mins for cars and 30 minutes for vans.
• When does the system go live?
  • On 15th May. The booking system is open from 1^st • What happens if someone doesn’t show up?
  • Their slot becomes available for someone else to use.
• Do you have to book 14 days in advance?
  • No, you can book up to the time you arrive at the site.
• What happens if you arrive late o There is a small window of leeway. Is the site still manned?
• How do householders book if they are not online?
  • Slots can be booked by telephone, through the libraries and face-toface. What about paint? 
  • Currently this cannot be recycled at the sites. Stuart advised that it be donated if possible. If not, it should be allowed to dry out and then bagged and taken to the tip.
• Members of the public expressed concern that the new system would lead to more fly-tipping citing Falkirk as an example. Emma reassured residents that the council has not reported a higher incidence of fly tipping since the new system was introduced. She asserted that it will be much easier for residents to book a slot than to fly tip so they aren’t expecting a problem.
• A member drew attention to a new hazardous waste unit being built at Bandeath, behind the dog training centre. Councillor Thomson (JT) was unaware of this and said he would look into it. [Action: Councillor Thomson]
• Members and council representatives had a lively discussion on various waste management issues, such as compliance, garden waste bins, the washing of recycling and glass boxes. Of particular concern was the large amount of rubbish and overflowing bins in the student areas in the town centre, particularly on Wallace Street. Councillor Thomson and the waste management representatives confirmed that they were aware of the issues and were doing all they could to manage the situation. The enforcement team visited the area last week and have knocked on doors, distributed posters and put on additional bin collections. They currently have no legal grounds to penalise people who leave bins or rubbish out. They can only educate and try to change behaviours. JT confirmed they are hoping to run a pilot in the area where they will replace some parking spaces with a recycling area.    The Chair thanked Stuart and Emma for attending the meeting and their informative presentation.

3. Adoption of Minutes 

         The unconfirmed minutes of the meeting held on 5^th February 2024 were approved having been proposed by Joyce Carberry (JC) and seconded by Valerie Sinclair (VS).

4. Matters Arising

           4.1       Former Johal Convenience Store

The Chair submitted another enquiry regarding this property. In response, SC explained they had sent a warning letter to the owner stating that the warrant would be withdrawn if they did not hear from him. The owner did not respond in time and the application has been closed. The owner will need to reapply. 

           4.2       Safety Issues – Hillfoots Road 

The speed limit has been reduced to 20mph, ‘Slow’ has been painted onto the road and new signage installed outside the Wallace Monument. 

Residents discussed ongoing traffic concerns in the area, such as adverse cambers, narrow footpaths, flooding, broken walls and buses using the narrow roads. JT suggested the councillors go on a walkabout in the area to look into these issues. [Action: Jim Thomson]

Members also discussed the pros and cons of the proposed route changes to the cycle lane. JT expressed frustration that the changes will delay the route by a further 3 years. 

           4.3       Sustrans – Residents’ Concerns 

Residents shared their continued frustration at the inadequacies of the new road layout such as the lack of visibility and too tight turning circle on Dunster Road, as well as the continued confusion for motorists. VS has emailed Craig Brown regarding people still turning into Dunster Road as Satnavs are sending drivers down the road and they do not see the ‘No entry’ sign until it’s too late. 

Initial preparation work has begun on Bridgehaugh Road and will continue over the summer.

               4.4       Post Office Closures

VS has spoken to the Manager of the Co-op and been reassured that the previous difficulties have been smoothed over. 

           4.5       Cornton Railway Crossing

New bollards have now been installed.

5. Police Report

           Nothing of note to report. 

6.  Councillor’s Report

           6.1       Buchanan Drive 

JT spoke to the legal office regarding cars parked on Buchanan Drive while awaiting repair. He confirmed that nothing can be done about this if the cars are taxed and legally parked. A resident noted that some of the vehicles do not have bumpers, which he believes is illegal. JT agreed to look into this. [Action:

Councillor Thomson]

There is remedial work still to be undertaken on Buchanan Drive. The double give way will be replaced with a single give way and SC will request that the hedge is trimmed.  Double yellow lines will be painted on the road. JT will do a safety audit once the work is finished. [Action: Councillor Thomson]

           6.2       Flooding on Easter Cornton Road 

SC responded promptly once contacted by Causewayhead Community Council (CCC) and have been out to investigate the drains. It appears that tree roots growing inside the pipes are causing the blockage. The next step will be to dig for further investigation.

           6.3       Roundabout Flooding

This appears to be getting worse. SC are awaiting survey results.  

           6.4       Uncollected Road Signs

Members expressed frustration at the number of uncollected road signs in the area. JT concurred with their frustration on this issue. 

           6.5       Private Ambulance Parked on Road

A member complained about a private ambulance being parked on the end of the road. JT agreed to look into this during his planned walkabout. [Action: Councillor Thomson]

           6.6       Stirling 900 

The official opening ceremony took place last week. There are a lot of great events planned. JT encourages residents to check out what’s going on via the website.  

7.  Chair’s Report

           7.1        Empty Homes Partnership Meeting

VS and Stuart Wilson (SW) attended a meeting of the Empty Homes Partnership with Allyson Alison, SC Empty Homes Officer. Her role is to identify empty properties, find out why they aren’t in use and prompt people to take action. VS emailed Allyson about 2 houses in the Causewayhead area. SW suggested CCC put a call out to find out if there are similar properties in the area. [Action: Stuart Wilson]

           7.2        Stevenson Bridge

SW submitted an enquiry regarding the refurbishment of the bridge. SC replied that there is currently no budget for renovation. JT has also queried this, but SC have confirmed that the bridge is regarded as safe. SW expressed concern about the safety of the bridge and the impact on residents if the bridge is closed. JT suggested CCC contact SC again.

           7.3        Christie Clock

JT confirmed that SC have been quoted £870k for repairs to the clocktower and officers are currently looking for a cheaper alternative. 

Considering the state of the clock, the bridge and the recent fire at Langgarth

House, members expressed concern about what is happening to infrastructure around Stirling. 

           7.4        Constituency Boundaries Change

It is proposed that Causewayhead, Cornton and Cambuskenneth will become part of the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency at the next election for the Scottish Parliament. The boundary change is for Scottish Parliamentary elections only. JT has challenged this and will do so again. 

           7.5        Invitation to Marco Farnocchi

Members had previously discussed inviting Marco Farnocchi to attend the next CCC meeting. The Chair recommended this be postponed to the following meeting as the next meeting is the AGM.

           7.6        Speed Bump, Dumyat Road

A member of the public drew attention to a speed bump which has been removed on Dumyat road with the result that cars are travelling down the road at speed and not slowing down for the lights. JT agreed to look into this. [Action: Councillor Thomson]  

           7.7        Signage for Cyclists Buchanan Drive

Joyce requested signage instructing cyclists to slow down on the cycle lane on Buchanan drive 

           7.8        Castle Road Junction

A member drew attention to the obscured ‘Give way’ sign at the Castle Road junction and asked JT when the trial period for the junction comes to an end. JT was unsure and agreed to check this out. [Action: Councillor Thomson]

           7.9        Cycling on Pavements

A member expressed concern that a cyclist is regularly using the pavement at the Corrieri end of Causewayhead Road and has narrowly avoided a collision with a pedestrian on a few occasion. JT confirmed that the cyclist should not be using the pavement but there was no easy way of dealing with this kind of behaviour.

8.  Treasurer’s Report

          There was no Treasurer’s Report. CCC are currently in process of removing the previous treasurer from the CCC bank account and adding the new one. 

9.  Any Other Business

           9.1       Pavement Parking

A resident emailed CCC to express concern at the large number of cars parking partially on the pavement near the junction of Dumyat Road / Moreland Road forcing drivers onto the other side of the road. Residents have taken to facebook and Causewayhead Cares to complain. The Chair suggested the residents speak to the householder directly to discuss the matter. JT confirmed that anyone is at liberty to park any car on the public road as long as it is taxed and legally parked.  SC has not yet implemented the recently introduced pavement parking laws.

10.  Date of Next Meeting

          The next meeting of CCC will take place at 7pm on Monday 3^rd June 2024 following the AGM in the Function Room of the Birds & Bees.