Causewayhead Community Council

Approved Minutes of the meeting held at 7.00pm on Monday 7^th October 2024

Present: Valerie Sinclair (Chair), Stuart Wilson (Secretary), Joyce Carberry, Darren Draper, Sue White

In attendance: Councillor Jim Thomson, Ward 4, Stirling North, Thema Barron, Gary Neil, Stirling Council Road Services Manager, Stuart Meldrum, Chair Cornton Community Council  plus 20 members of the public

Gary Neil, Stirling Council

Gary came along to give information on the future of Stevenson Bridge. In 2020 barriers were installed to ensure the current bridge was safe as it was known that it was no longer fit for purpose. In 2017, capital funding was paused, SC known what is required to repair the bridge but require building consent which comes with conditions including carrying out a petrographic analysis to ensure the stone is replaced with stone that is as close as possible to the original. The cost of the repair will have increased since 2017 so there is now an issue of time and finance. 

Gary went over SC plans for the bridge:

• They are planning to finalise the detail over the next 12 weeks
• Start the procurement process which is likely to take around 6 months
• The work is likely to take around 12 months and may involve the closure or partial closure of the bridge but a range of options are being looked at to try and keep the bridge open including a temporary bridge, working from the waterside etc.
• The work won’t happen in the next 3 years and there will be at least 6 months advanced warning of any work being carried out

The deterioration of the bridge is being monitored year on year. It was highlighted by a member of the public that there is the need for a no pedestrian sign on the bridge as more and more people are climbing the barrier and walking on the bridge. Gary agreed to take this away as an action. 

Gary also agreed to pick up issues in Dumyat and Dunster Road . There was also a

discussion about the ongoing safety issues on Buchanan Drive. Councillor Thomson has already done a walk through with SC. Gary will also take this as an action. 

Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes were approved by Stuart Wilson and seconded by Joyce Carberry

There were amendments requested to point 7.4.4, replace Lothian Crescent with Chisholm Avenue

Matters arising

• Ongoing issues with the work that is taking place at the Rudby club as part of Walk, Cycle, Live. It was highlighted that the work in this area was left until last as the university were keen to avoid as much distribution as possible for students living in

John Forty accommodation. The CC have highlighted various issues with the work to SC, they asked if the  traffic lights could be removed at the weekend and were advised that the work is being carried out by an external contractor and this isn’t an option, there are plans for the contractor to work at the weekend to speed up the work from this weekend, there was also a request for signage to direct non resident around other routes but no reply has been received to this request. 

• The CC have contacted both Google and Apple, as maps haven’t been updated to make people aware of the current work. The response was that it would take up to 3 years for satnav maps to be updated
• There are still ongoing issues with cars being repaired on the roadside at a private property and then being taken to auction. SC regulatory team are involved and have been in touch with residents.
• Barnwell monument, SC will no longer maintain beds and a grant has been secured to plant shrubs that don’t need to be maintained. There are still issues with the hedge encroaching onto the cycle lane but SC have advised they won’t carry out any work on it until the birds stop nesting. Volunteers have come forward to offer help with the work.
• The plans for flats on the site of the shop near Causewayhead park is going to SC panel on 5^th This is the process when more than 5 complaints are submitted. There is no recourse for appeal once the decision is made by the panel.

Police Report

There was no report submitted and this has now been the case for several months. The police have highlighted staffing issues, sickness and vacancies and no admin support to produce the reports. 

It was highlighted that the 20mph speed limits cannot be enforced as they were put in place by the Scottish Government and not Transport Scotland. 

Treasurers Report

The admin grant has been received which has been reduced since last year. The current balance of the CC account is £6775.28

AOB

• A local graffiti artist has recently painted a mural near the Monument dance school, and it was felt it would be useful to get him involved in other opportunities. Stuart

Meldrum from Cornton CC has been in touch with Cornton Library to link up with the artist. 

• There are issues with the hedge at Moreland Place not being maintained by the factors. Councillor Thomson took as an action
• There are issues with cyclists not using lights, helmets and cycling wearing black clothing. Councillor Thomson will contact Scott Penock at Wallace High school.
• There are large bins at Morland Place that are overflowing. The wheels are broken so they now cannot be moved. Councillor Thomson took as an action. 
• A member of the public asked about the possibility of a park bench being installed in the grass area between the Birds & Bees and the Monument dance school. The CC will look at any grant funding available and investigate if it a possibility.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 2^nd December in the Birds and Bees at 7pm.