Nov 2022 Minutes

KILLEARN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 16 NOVEMBER 2022

Members present Caroline Carrick, Andrew Donaldson, Elizabeth Jones, Jim Ptolomey (Chair), Fiona Rennie

Apologies Doug Ashworth, Heidi Bryce, Susie Henderson, Hilary McGregor In attendance Graeme Fraser KCFC, Cllr Rosemary Fraser, Simon Jones,

Police Scotland, Euan Shaw 15 members of the public,

Christine Bauwens (Minute Secretary)

How to contact us Go to www.killearncc.org.uk and click on contact button.

CC1245 – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 19 OCTOBER 2022

Subject to the addition of “Local residents were broadly supportive of the development” at the end of CC1237 – PLANNING – Development Proposal at Claylands, the minutes were accepted as a true record of the meeting.

CC1246 – MATTERS ARISING

• CC1236 – Broadband

Jim reported that following a broadband survey undertaken by BT Openreach at Killearn Primary School, KCC have now requested details for the delivery of fibre and for the timeline expected to see completion of the installation.

CC1247 – POLICE MATTERS

The following report prepared by PC Graeme McNulty was given:

· A female was injured after slipping on the rocks at Finnich Glen.

· Police received a few calls regarding young people congregating and setting off fireworks after the Killearn community firework display.

· Several phone calls were received in connection with a violent disturbance involving weapons. No serious injuries were reported and all persons were traced and dealt with accordingly. PC McNulty assured the meeting that no local persons were involved. Rather, those concerned resided outwith the Forth Valley area and happened to travel here on the day in question.

· Police have continued to conduct proactive road safety patrols within Killearn and the surrounding areas. As a result, the following offences were detected:

7 x expired MOT 2 x no insurance

1 x failing to provide a roadside breath test (suspected drunk driving)

2 x expired vehicle excise licence

· Two recorded electronic frauds were reported whereby persons were coerced either to send money or goods to unknown persons. Local residents are urged to query the validity of any such phone calls, text messages or emails in order not to be caught out with these scams.

The full police report is available on KCC website www.killearncc.org.uk

CC1248 – PRESENTATION BY SIMON JONES

Jim welcomed Simon Jones to the meeting to speak on the release of beavers to the southern Loch Lomond area and thanked him for his time. Drawing on his 15 years of experience, Simon explained how beavers who live 90% in water, live in small family groups building burrows, lodges and making dams. There are already a small number of beavers in the northern end of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. The RSPB have applied for a licence to relocate a family of beavers from Perthshire to the RSPB Reserve near the southern end of Loch Lomond. There followed a discussion on the positive increase in biodiversity such a move would bring, but also the negative impact on local agriculture and the management of the situation that would be required.

CC1249 – KCFC UPDATE

Graeme reported on the successful and enjoyable Fireworks Event held on 4 November. Grateful thanks were expressed by KCC to all those involved. The latest edition of the Courier is now out and is being delivered to local residents. The Heritage Trail is planning a resource to understand and report on natural heritage - flora and fauna in the area. It was announced that Euan Shaw will assist KCFC with its website to help engage with the community. Thanks were expressed to Edenmill for donating this year’s community Christmas Tree which will be erected on 3 December.

CC1250 – BROADBAND

As Doug was unable to attend, Euan informed the meeting that there was little progress on broadband with only a couple of new connections made since last month. The Broadband Group is supporting the work to chase upgrade access to broadband at the Primary School.

CC1251 – PLANNING

Please see KCC website www.killearncc.org.uk for the full planning schedule.

Other Planning Matters

· Development of Former Killearn Hotel

All work is due for completion by the end of November with all flats fully occupied.

· Development of Site at Former Killearn Hospital No further update available.

• Development at Lampson Road

Work is due to commence after the Christmas and New Year holidays.

CC1252 – ROADS AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE REPORT

Fiona presented the following report:

· The date for re-opening Branshogle Bridge has been delayed once more, now changed from 11 November to 5 December.

· Work on Catter Burn Bridge is on schedule. The bridge is due to open in March 2023.

· An update from Scottish Water is awaited regarding the closure of Ballochruin Road.

· Thanks were expressed to SC for cleaning the area around the War Memorial for the Remembrance Day Service.

· Despite continued urgent requests to SC for the repainting of the lines at the junction of Balfron Road and Main Street at West Homes, no further update has been received from SC.

· KCC awaits more information from SC regarding further consultation on the 20 mph speed limit trial. Members of the public requested the speed limit be extended to include all of Station Road.

· The meeting was informed that new grit bins have been supplied by SC and that its winter gritting service is now on standby.

A member of the public raised the possibility of a one-way road system outside the new flats at the former Killearn Hotel site. KCC agreed to bring this matter to SC.

(Action JP/FR)

CC1253 – COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

Cllr Rosemary Fraser was welcomed to her first meeting with KCC. She informed residents that she was involved in Audit and Risk, Environment, Net Zero and Social Care departments of the council.

Cllr Fraser spoke on the following:

· SC’s large deficit and how this would be managed going forward.

· Biodiversity issues. Following a challenge by a member of the public regarding delays in the roll out of the SC Pollinator Action Plan, Cllr Fraser expressed her support for the plan and strong wish to see it pushed forward.

· Review of the Local Development Plan in 2023 and wish for local communities to produce local plans reflecting local needs. This information would then feed into the Local Development Plan. KCC expressed its support and enthusiastic desire to be involved.

CC1254 – TREASURER’S REPORT

Expenditure

£40.00 Administration fee

£214.00 Queen’s Jubilee expenses

Current bank balance

£1590.97