April 2021 Minutes

Minutes of meeting Wednesday 7th April 7.30 Zoom Meeting

Present : Janet Billett ( Chair ) , Wayne Glasse-Davies, Ian Dinwoodie , Colin Scrimgeour, Katie Goldie , Gerry McGarvey

Apologies : Cllr Martin Earl, Michelle Flynn ( Stirling Council ), Police Scotland In Attendance : Cllr Evelyn Earl , Willie Nisbet ( LLTNP) , Cllr Jeremy McDonald

1. Declarations - none

2. Adoption of previous meeting minutes - Minutes agreed by the members Proposer- Colin Scrimgeour

Seconder- Ian Dinwoodie

3. Matters Arising

Gerry asked for clarification that the Archway Wood felling license has been granted.

Katie said that it had as she had a copy of the application. Willie Nisbet said there will be conditions attached to the application that will need to be adhered to. He will get clarification from Simon Franks (LLTNP). The contractor, Douglas Hyslop, has agreed to meet Ruth Holmes and Katie Goldie to discuss the squirrels , but no meeting date has been forthcoming from him.

The three Core paths requested around Gartmore have been approved by the Reporter. Thanks were given for the hard work of Dave Robinson and Kenny Auld as part of the Access team for LLTNP. It was noted that the stile has been repaired and the tape and notices removed form the top of Ladies Walk in Gartmore Estate

Gerry Asked what progress had been made regarding the road safety analysis of Gartmore Main Street . Evelyn has emailed Carolyn Fraser to get this followed up.

4. Police Report

There have been reports of breaches of Covid regulations in the Gartmore area Reports have been made about the noise and speed of motorbikes on the A81

5. Planning

An application for a hut in Crinigart woods was made. GCC suggested that this should include the requirement for a composting toilet

An application for an extension to the Crooks was made — no objections have been received so the GCC takes a neutral position.

6. Community Trust Report.

Gartmore Trust updated the Community Council on the current matters in hand including the work on the defibrillator battery ( which has recently been replaced ) and updating the information post in the village square.

7. Treasurers report

The balance is currently £671.30. Expenditures were made for the minute taker, a community council printer and passing the final balance of the SSEN resilient communities grant to the village shop for ongoing Covid cleaning protocols.

8. Countryside Trust

Gerry gave an update on the Countryside Trust-

The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Countryside Trust was set up in 2012 and is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Addressing the climate and biodiversity emergency is now the single most important issue driving its work. It has specific aims around enhancing the National Park’s biodiversity; increasing resilience of communities to climate change through nature-based solutions; reducing reliance on carbon and improving the health and wellbeing of both residents and visitors. From April 2021 the Countryside Trust will take on an increased role that includes improved communications with communities on these topics and closer working with community groups in achieving positive actions to address the climate and biodiversity emergency. All Community Development Trusts and Community Councils in the National Park will be eligible to join the Trust as full members and the Countryside Trust which will seek to have a minimum of three community-based Directors, out of a total of nine. The Countryside Trust will be in touch with us over the coming months to explain further details on its governance and the opportunities to evolve further support to community groups.

Gerry will continue to act as the conduit between the GCC and the above organisation and the National Park Community Councils Forum

9. Flooding at the football field.

GCC expressed thanks to Evelyn and Martin for their input in resolving this matter. The broken pipe has now been located and mended.

It was also mentioned that more generalised flooding is and will be an ongoing issue affecting those at Shannoch Hill, Cobleland camp site and the A81. A more holistic view needs to be taken and Evelyn noted the GCC concerns.

10. Pot-holes near Wester Third /sewage treatment have been brought to the attention of GCC.

Gerry actioned.

11. LLTNP

Willie said that the LLTNP is aware of the expectation of increased visitor numbers this season. They have been awarded 1.7 million each year for 5 years from the National Government which enables more forward planning. Toilets facilities need to be upgraded to be Covid safe which may involve using Portaloos. There will be a greater Police presence and more Rangers. However he said it would be very difficult to eradicate all antisocial behaviour without the co-operation of the visitors themselves.

Willie stated that we are allowed to defer the AGM until covid restrictions are over NEXT MEETING JUNE 2nd 7.30 Either Zoom or in the Village Hall