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Port of Menteith Community Council
Minutes of the Meeting held in Port of Menteith Village Hall
at 7:00pm on Monday 19th February 2024
Present:
In Attendance:
Apologies:
Residents:
1.
Jim Riach (Chair), Peter Stewart (Vice Chair), Becky Saunders
(Secretary), Robin Armstrong, Alastair Orr Ewing
Councillor Gene Maxwell (Scottish Nationalist Party), Esther Lim (Minute
Taker), PC Lorna Deans
Dave Mackie (National Parks)
Claire Outterside, Martin Stewart + 3 local residents
Welcome and Apologies
The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting.
2.
3.
4.
Declaration of Interest in the Items of Business
There were no declarations of interest.
Adoption of the Draft Minutes
The unconfirmed minutes of the meeting held on 4th December 2023 were approved
having been proposed by Becky Saunders (BS) and seconded by Peter Stewart (PS).
Community Council Business
4.1
Welcome New Minute Taker – Esther Lim
On behalf of members, Jim Riach (JR) welcomed Esther Lim, the new Minute
Taker.
4.2
4.3
Welcome to Attendees responding to the Call for New Members
JR welcomed local residents attending the meeting as a result of the call for new
members.
Co-option of a New Community Council (CC) Member
The Chair explained that Claire Outterside had stepped down from Port of
Menteith Community Council (PCC) as she has moved out of the area. Several
local residents were in attendance and expressed willingness to join PCC. JR
explained that only one new member could be co-opted at this time due to a
maximum allowance of 6 members. PCC are specifically looking for a member
who will be willing to take on the role of Treasurer. An email to the community to
this effect had been sent out to all community members on 5th February 2024.
Nomination forms were therefore to be required back by 26th February. At the
meeting Martin Stewart (MS) requested a nomination form and it was agreed that
we would submit the forms on his behalf, along with any other nominations
received before 26th February. The Chair encouraged the other residents to stay
involved with PCC and they expressed a willingness to do so.
MS completed the form and BS will forward to Stirling Council (SC) along with any
other forms received before 26th February. SC will then begin the process of
verifying that nominees are resident in the area and on the electoral register at
which point PCC members will be given 14 days notice of the intention to co-opted
the new member onto PCC. [Action: MS/BS/Stg Council]
Members will hold a short meeting in advance of the AGM on 15th April to agree
the co-option. [Action: Members]
4.4
5.
Proposal of Claire Outterside as an Associate Member carrying out the work
of Treasurer
Claire was in attendance as a member of the public and was offered an associate
membership for the purposes of carrying out the work of a treasurer until a new
co-opted CC member is put in place. This was proposed by JR and seconded by
BS.
Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Meeting Held on 4th December 2023
5.1
5.2
5.3
Website Update – Becky Saunders (BS)
No further progress has been made. PCC are awaiting further funding in April
2024. Any suggestions or input would be much appreciated.
Members discussed the management of the PCC facebook account once CO
steps down. CO agreed to try adding other members as administrators. [Action:
Claire Outterside]
A member of the public asked how residents who are not on social media can
access the information on Facebook. CO explained that Facebook updates are
linked to the PCC website and should be accessible through the website. Key
information is also distributed through the community newsletters.
Inchmahome Update – Robin Armstrong (RA)
RA has been in touch with Joyce at HES re: Inchmahome. It is looking positive
that things will start up again at the beginning of the season. They have
successfully recruited new staff and training is in progress. He is hopeful there
should be some action before Easter. He will continue to monitor progress.
[Action: Robin Armstrong]
BS informed members that the osprey nest is being taken down at the end of
February.
Members discussed the situation of the car park. RA confirmed that the chain had
been interfered with and the lock changed but this has now been sorted out. The
car park is owned by a private landlord but PCC will continue to push for this to be
accessible to visitors.
The Community Ownership Fund
The Chair asked Councillor Maxwell (GM) if he could brief members on this fund.
GM was not aware of the fund but agreed to look into it on behalf of PCC.
[Action: Councillor Maxwell].
5.4
Local Place Plan (LPP) – JR
There is no further progress to report. A lot of work will be needed to implement a
consultation with the community. The next step is to approach SC for their support.
GM reminded members they only need to produce one plan for both the National
Park and SC and he reiterated the importance of having a LPP in place to secure
funding in the future. JR will follow up with SC [Action: Jim Riach]
5.5
5.6
6.
The Big Conversation – JR & RA
Following the combined actions of rural CCs working together to represent to SC
the impact proposed cuts would have on their rural communities, the CCs were
disappointed at the relatively weak and generic responses from SC which showed
the lack of information or qualitative analysis undertaken to determine the viability
or impact of the cuts in rural areas.
GM reminded members that the majority of SC funds are ringfenced and that the
budget has to be balanced. There was some discussion and criticism of the way
the Big Conversation was handled and the scaremongering and anxiety
engendered. GM spoke about the need for SC to improve the way it works to
save money. He expressed the hope that the budget could be balanced with a
series of improvement measures that will avoid the majority of unpalatable cuts
put forward in the Big Conversation.
JR commended the very positive work that came from CCs working together and
praised Paul Mackintosh, Chair of Strathard CC, for his leadership of this initiative.
JR noted that discussions with SC revealed that they do not have a current road
asset management plan, which is a statutory requirement. He has been told this
will be updated for the meeting at the end of February, although this does not
currently appear on the agenda.
Road Closure Protocols Following our Letter to Council
BS wrote to SC regarding their road closure protocols following road closures
which had been sprung on the community without sufficient notice. The response
received was very bland and didn’t answer the questions asked. BS has written
back to them to this effect and is awaiting their reply. This led onto discussion of
the comms on Cardross Bridge just released on the day of the meeting and
equally poorly thought through.
Roads and Other Issues
6.1
Cardross Bridge – Update from Alastair Orr Ewing
SC has confirmed that they intend to close the Cardross Bridge to traffic (except
emergency services) for 8 months from May 2024.
AOE expressed his frustration at the lack of attention to the bridge from the roads
department over the past years which has led to this problem, as well as their lack
of dynamism and flexibility. He expressed disappointment at their lack of empathy
and understanding of the impact the bridge closure will have on businesses,
farmers, commuters, suppliers, tourists and the community at large.
Members discussed options to alleviate the impact of the closure such as a
temporary bridge, closures only when necessary, adequate notice with details so
people can plan accordingly and community and business engagement. GM
suggested a meeting be arranged locally between representatives of the road
department and the local community. [Action: Roads Dept via GM]
GM assured the meeting that all the Councillors were outraged at the closure and
had submitted an article for publication in the Stirling Observer. GM suggested
postponing publication of the Stirling Observer article till nearer the closure date.
[Action: Councillor Maxwell]
6.2
6.3
7.
Relevant Information from Big Conversation - JR
Addressed above.
Gritting of B8034 for School Bus - BS
The Police Report details 3 accidents on this road in recent weeks. BS wrote to
SC requesting the road be gritted but receive a response in the negative along
with advice for drivers to drive more carefully. BS will forward the SC response to
GM who will follow up. [Action: Becky Sanders and Councillor Maxwell]
Financial
7.1
7.2
8.
Latest Statement – need for funding – CO
The Current balance is £840. There is currently little movement of funds. The
Minute Taker will be paid out of the administration grant.
GM queried the position of the village hall. CO confirmed it is owned by a trust but
is not much used. It provides space for the school to hold PE lessons. It is
currently solvent and is managed by CO.
Bank Account Signatories – discuss CO as Signatory going forward - ALL
CO, BS, JR are all now signatories. Martin Stewart will be added subject to co
option.
JR noted that some of the finance correspondence is still going to Penny, the
former Treasurer. JR will collect this. [Action: Jim Riach]
Correspondence
8.1
8.2
Collymoon Moss Forest
AOE explained that this correspondence is the result of a misunderstanding. He
assured members that there would be no felling of Collymoon Moss Forest other
than scrub clearance. The next phase will be a ditch block to retain water on the
Moss. Nature Scotland is working there under contract. He will ask them to
prepare a brief and will forward this to PCC. [Action: Alastair Orr Ewing]
The picture included with the correspondence relates to Forth Mosses which is a
different area. This area is being restored back to moss and the peripheral area
being planted with shrubs. There is extensive information about Forth Mosses
online for those who are interested.
Julia Welchman (Blair) and pp Simpsons
These residents are concerned about when they will be joined up to broadband
and asked for contact details for the contractor. AOE will pass on details of a
helpful contact at Openreach. [Action: Alastair Orr Ewing]
8.3
Trossachs Visitor Management Group
Members have been invited to attend the Trossachs Visitor Management Group
meeting on 18th March. JR has attended in the past and would encourage others
to attend if they have specific issues they would like addressed. He informed
members that NP have an email address which they should encourage local
businesses and community members to use if they have any issues. BS will send
the link to members. [Action: Becky Saunders]
8.4
8.5
8.6
9.
Polmaise and Callander Household Waste – Online Booking
GM explained that the household waste and recycling facilities have moved to an
online-booking system. This is to reduce the number of businesses and out-of
area users from Falkirk and Clackmannanshire making us of the sites.
Members discussed the feasibility of the change and expressed the view it would
lead to more fly-tipping. They agreed to send a letter requesting this be treated as
a trial. [Action: BS]
Portrait of King Charles III
All UK CCs have been invited to apply for a framed portrait of King Charles III. JR
asked anyone who has a particular view on this to send it to Becky. [Action:
Members]
Park Management Rules Consultation
PCC received correspondence from Stephen Bly at SC asking members to give
their opinion on the following byelaws.
No person can allow a dog other than a guide dog or assistance dog inside a
safety surface around children’s play equipment.
No person may allow a dog other than a guide or assistance dog on a
prepared sports surface/multi-use games area.
Persons may not drive any vehicles, go-karts, quad bikes nor radio controlled
craft, drones etc nor caravans, trailers etc into a play park without prior written
consent of the council. This did not apply to personal disabled transport.
All members agreed to the 3 byelaws.
Planning and Licensing Issues
No matters of concern were raised.
10. Reports
10.1 Councillor’s Report
See above
10.2 National Park Authority (NPA) Report
There was no NPA representative in attendance and no report provided.
PCC are still making representation to have a NP entry sign put up in Port of
Menteith and will continue to push this forward.
10.3 Carse of Stirling Project Group Report
There is currently no update. This will be brought forward to the next PCC
meeting.
10.4 Strathard and Trossachs Visitor Management
No update.
10.5 Port of Menteith Kirk and Cemetery – RA
It is proposed that Port of Menteith Church will sever the linkage with Aberfoyle
and will link with Gargunnock, Norrieston and Kippen and the minister of the later
charge, Ellen Larsen Davidson will become the minister of the larger linked
charge. A vote will be taken on 3rd March by multiple churches for whom this will
impact. We will have to wait to find out the outcome of that. No discussions have
taken place yet as to how the new linkage will work and we have no reason to
believe that it will change anything for us.
10.6 Port Hall Committee Report
As CO has moved out of the area, a volunteer is needed to take over the
practicalities of managing the hall. The Hall Committee AGM is scheduled for the
end of March and new members would be welcome. CO agreed to put out a call
for volunteers to join the committee. [Action: Claire Outterside]
10.7 School Report
BS read the School Report which had been forwarded by Ben Outterside, Chair of
the Parent Council.
Mr Stuart Fleming has been offered and excepted the role of Permanent
Headteacher of Port of Menteith Primary School (along with Gartmore
Primary School).
The School has two new pupils join the school this term from outside
the catchment which will increase school numbers to 11.
The school are currently wanting the yellow school lines re-painted on
the main road. Mr Fleming has spoken to Stirling council but still no
action. Could the Port CC please assist with this.
Forth Valley police are due to come to Port of Menteith to teach the
pupils about speed awareness and also operate some speed
enforcement.
Councillor Maxwell offered to follow up with SC regarding the re-painting of yellow
school lines on the main road. [Action: Councillor Maxwell]
A member of the public drew attention to the water bubbling up near the school
pond and spreading onto the road causing a skidding hazard. Members confirmed
that there is a natural spring there and speculated that this had been punctured
during the erection of the new fence. This has been reported to SC but no
remedial action has been taken. GM will follow up with SC. [Action: Councillor
Maxwell]
10.8 Police Report
PC Lorna Deans (LD) read the Police Report for the period 01/12/23 to 16/02/24.
There was one incident of antisocial behaviour involving damage to a vehicle
parked overnight in the Karma Hotel car park. In addition, there were 3 traffic
collisions on the B8034 due to weather conditions and 1 traffic collision on the
A81. There were no thefts reported but LD encouraged residents to stay vigilant
and report suspicious vehicles due to an increase of quadbike theft in surrounding
areas.
A member expressed concern at the increase of speeding through the village. LD
explained that their handheld speeding radar had been sent away for calibrating
so officers had not been on speed detection duties recently. She explained briefly
the Speedwatch Scheme whereby communities can purchase their own cameras
and be trained to use them. GM suggested that a few CCs could potentially
purchase a camera between them. LD promised to forward the relevant
information on this scheme to PCC. [Action: PC Deans]
In response to a question from BS, LD confirmed the police have made
representation to SC following the accidents on the B8034.
JR queried why an accident he had seen recently was not included in the police
report. Officer Deans explained that depending on how the incident was reported,
it may have been reported in Aberfoyle.
10.9 Forestry and Land Scotland Report
BS circulated this report to members prior to the meeting. There is nothing to
report.
Members noted that the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park had closed quite a few
tracks.
Members noted that the bridge at the lodge, Aberfoyle on the National Cycle
Network Route 7 has been found unsafe. This will remain closed until it can be
replaced sometime after March 2024.
11. Any Other Competent Business
No business was raised.
12. Date of Next Meeting
The next PCC meeting is scheduled to take place at 7pm on Monday 15th April 2024 in
Port of Menteith Village Hall.