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KILLEARN COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 21 FEBRUARY 2024
Members present Heidi Bryce, Andrew Donaldson, Susie Henderson,
Elizabeth Jones (chair), Hilary McGregor, Fiona Rennie
Apologies Michael Bowdidge, Caroline Carrick, Matt Gingles, Calum McLean,
Lachlan Mackenzie, Jim Ptolomey (KCC Planning Consultant), Police Scotland, David Young,
In attendance Graeme Fraser (KCFC), Cllr Rosemary Fraser, Jessie-Anne Malcolm (NHS Forth Valley), 19 members of the public, Christine Bauwens (Minute Secretary)
How to contact us Go to www.killearncc.org.uk and click on contact button.
CC1391 – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 17 JANUARY 2023
The minutes were voted as a true record of the meeting.
CC1392 – MATTERS ARISING
- CC1387 – Councillor’s Report – SC Budget Cuts
Cllr Fraser spoke to the meeting regarding the current SC budget cuts. Facing a £18m gap between income and expenditure, it was explained how SC will address the situation. Due to the 2023/2024 Council Tax freeze, SC will receive additional funding of about £3m from the Scottish Government, thus reducing the SC deficit to £15m. Councillors from all political parties are currently preparing proposals to save money and a decision will be taken on 29 February as to where cuts to services will need to be made.
Councillor Fraser noted the high level of public involvement in the Big
Conversation consultation and recognised that the local rural communities had provided excellent feedback through their combined efforts.
CC1393 – POLICE MATTERS
As Police Scotland was unable to attend the meeting, Fiona gave the following Police Report:
- No crimes were reported to the Police during January 2024.
- Report of a vehicle skidding on ice at the Blane Smiddy Roundabout and coming off the road. No one was injured and no other vehicles were involved. SC provided extra grit to the area.
- Report by local resident of vehicle with a loud exhaust sounding its horn outside the caller’s address. Police were advised that this has happened on another occasion.
- Police have received several reports of wildlife on the roadway. Drivers are advised to take special care on country roads, especially in the hours of darkness.
CC1394 – KCFC UPDATE
Sarah Deas reported on the recent bike event held at the Village Hall. 15 bikes were donated to Recyke-a-bike by local residents and the workshops for bike maintenance were well attended.
CC1395 – PLANNING AND LOCAL PLACE PLAN
Planning Schedule
Further to the objections raised to planning application 23/00719/FUL - Erection of multistorey dwelling house and double garage, landscaping and formation of new paved driveway at garden ground of 41 Station Road, Killearn, it was announced that this will go before the Planning Panel. Further objections have been raised by local residents regarding the changes made to the current property at 41 Station Road, seemingly without the necessary planning permissions. SC is investigating the situation and its reply is awaited.
Local Place Plan
A good number of responses to the survey has been received and it was announced that the deadline to take part has been extended to the end of March. The survey can be accessed online at:
https://www.ourplace.scot/tool/start/killearn-adult-pop
Paper copies are also available by contacting KCC at contactus@killearncc.org.uk
CC1396 – ROADS AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE REPORT
As Calum was unable to attend the meeting, Fiona gave his report on the following:
- It has been ascertained that the roadside verges between Station Road and the bridge are owned / adopted by SC.
- Two uncontrolled pedestrian crossings will be provided on Station Road and on A81 near the CALA Homes development.
- Pathway from bridge on Station Road up to Lampson Road will be tarred.
- A request has been made for the give-way road markings at the Co-op car park to be reinstated.
- KCC plan to prepare another roads and paths report for Killearn to be submitted to SC.
A member of the public spoke about the dangerous condition of Stockiemuir Road and the very real possibility of an accident occurring because of deep pot holes and large stretches of uneven surfaces. Cllr Fraser agreed to raise the issue with SC and it was also agreed KCC request someone from SC Roads Dept visit the site.
CC1397 – CORRESPONDENCE
Fiona reported on correspondence relating to the following issues:
- 2024 Killearn 10k and Mile to be held on Saturday 1 June, starting and finishing in Killearn Park.
- CALA Homes to plan a celebration/formal launch to recognise and honour those linked to the street names at the new housing development at the former Killearn Hospital site.
- To celebrate the new reign of His Majesty The King, the Cabinet Office have announced a government funded voluntary scheme throughout the UK to allow public authorities to apply for a free, framed portrait of King Charles III. It was agreed KCC apply for same. (Action EJ/FR)
CC1398 – QUESTION TIME
There were no questions from members of the public.
CC1399 – COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Cllr Fraser informed the meeting of the new booking service to be introduced at the Lower Polmaise Waste Management Centre in May. Bookings can be made online or by telephone.
CC1400 – TREASURER’S REPORT
Andrew gave the following Treasurer’s Report:
Expenses:
Admin £ 40.00
Xmas lights £802.46
Current balance of funds £543.64
CC1401– ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The meeting was informed of a survey of the West Stirling Repair Café scheme being carried out by Strathclyde University students. A pilot repair café is currently taking place in Drymen on the third Monday of each month and is available for residents of Balfron, Drymen and Killearn to bring along items for repair. More information about the survey is on Facebook, on the Notice Board and on flyers in the Village Hall.
A presentation on Cyber Safety will be given by Fiona Rennie at the next KCC meeting on 20 March. This will provide valuable information on creating secure passwords, on how to be aware of scams and avoiding online fraud.
It was noted that repairs to the damaged wall at the entrance to the Buchanan Views estate will be started in the spring. Costs for same will be met by the insurance company.
Following the recent success of the Happiness Project involving KCC and local children’s nurseries, it was agreed KCC organise another project with cards and chocolate to be delivered to local elderly residents in the near future.
Following the recent storms and bad weather, a Community Tree planting day will take place at the Buchanan Views estate on 9 March.
Having served KCC over the past ten years as Minutes Secretary, Elizabeth announced that Christine Bauwens will retire from the post as from the end of March 2024. If anyone is interested in applying for this position, please contact KCC for further information.
CC1402 – DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
The next KCC meeting will be held at 8.00 pm on 20 March 2024 in the Garden Room at the Village Hall.
The meeting ended at 9.00 pm.