MEETING HELD AT 7:30PM ON WEDNESDAY 13th JUNE
IN THE SUPPER ROOM AT THE KIRKCOLM VILLAGE HALL
PRESENT: – Malcolm Baker, Elly Baker, Matt Halliday, Karl Jackson-Barnes, Carrie White, Scott Baillie,
APOLOGIES: – Ros Surtees, Ian Morral, Fiona Halliday and Kevin Wyllie – Police.
IN ATTENDANCE: – Marion McCutcheon – Cllr, Louise Cochran,
Parents Council, Margaret Baillie – Welfare Committee /Resident, Sara McCulloch – Resident, Ian Dick – Cllr, Willie Scobie – Cllr.
The minutes of the last meeting were verified by Matt Halliday and seconded by Elly Baker.
POLICE BUSINESS
Bus Speeding in the Village? – There have been a number of reports of the Public Bus speeding in the village. Residents and Community Councillors have reported seeing the White Bus (believed to be Kings) passing through the Radar Speed Sign just before the Primary School that identified the speed of the bus at 36 mph, and not slowing down until the bend in the road after the School. There were also reports of the bus driving aggressively up Main Street showing no consideration to other road users and one of attempting to overtake the vehicle being driven at the correct speed just past Fishers Lane on the way out of the Village.
Further, even more alarming reports were made by the daughter of a parent attending the meeting, that a Driver of the School bus was using a hand held mobile telephone when driving. This was reported to have happened on a number of occasions. It was also reported that the School bus frequently left early, and that it sometimes required the intervention of a teacher to get the driver to allow some children onto the bus.
Marion McCutcheon offered to follow-up with the School bus issues due to their serious nature.
(Secretaries Note: – Following the meeting I followed up the issues with Kevin Wyllie and he said that he would be following up these reports. It also transpired that some people thought the Kirkcolm Primary bus was involved, others the Academy in Stranraer. It was confirmed that the school bus to and from the Academy and Kirkcolm was the subject of the discussion.
MATTERS ARISING
Post Office – Karl reported that the planned opening is still Tuesday 10th July at 2:00 pm despite a number of irritating problems mainly concerned with poor communications between some of the parties involved. There will be two sessions: – Tuesdays from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, and Thursdays from 9:00am to 12 noon. The hosting service will be provided by the subpostmaster (Carol Ann) from Newluce Post Office. Carol Ann has said that she will be very happy to provide an enhanced service to include the Free Press on Thursdays and any basic supplies by arrangement directly with her. Whilst this is not an ‘ideal’ solution, all agreed that this is a step forward in providing improved services and facilities for Kirkcolm.
Speed Signs – Kirkcolm Primary was reported to be number4 in the list for 20 mph road signs. Cllr. Dick said that although the 20 mph signs seem a good solution, additional features such as sleeping policemen might also be required. A risk assessment has been requested by the school.
Lighting in Fishers Lane – Scottish Water are waiting for the go ahead from D&G.
Village Hall Repairs – Cllr Scobie suggested that we be more specific in our agenda and minutes for the outstanding work. Scott Baillie and Malcolm Baker to prepare a list.
Power Outages – Cllr. Scobie apologised for not inviting the Community Council or any of the other groups in the Kirkcolm Community to a meeting his ‘sub group’ held with the Electricity Company. He said that all payments are believed to have been made by Scottish Power. He also asked if the Community Council would consider providing emergency kits to people at risk. It was pointed out that D&G had stated at their Community Resilience training session in February that they had an active project to provide these to Community Councils. Cllr. Scobie said that Stephen Jack D&G had not mentioned this at a meeting his ‘sub group’ had had with Mr Jack. Malcolm Baker said the members of the Community Council who attended the training session in February are extremely disappointed not to have had any feedback what so ever from the Resilience team since the training session. Cllr. Scobie said that work was progressing to prepare a database of vulnerable people as part of the duty of care task being undertaken by his ‘sub group’.
New Hospital – Malcolm Baker reported that he had received a reply to the Community Council’s submission relating to the location of the new Hospital. The reply dismissed our request to position the Hospital to produce a more equitable access for the whole community stating that it was more important to locate the hospital close to the largest population hub. The made no response to any of the many other issues included in our response. Malcolm Baker to write and ask why they failed to respond, and seek assurances that the needs of the North Rhins are properly catered for.
1. GALA DAY
Preparations are well in hand for the Gala, and the Gala Queen, King and Attendants were chosen at the Jubilee. It was reported that the Gala King had been selected for a football trial on the same day as the Gala. Cameron offered his resignation to permit someone else to perform the duties, however, it was agreed that he be congratulated for his selection, and that he would be permitted to carry out his duties when he is available.
2. WIG BAY UPDATE
D&G funding for the project has been received, but we are still subjected to delays due to work being carried out on the sewage system. We received an invitation to attend a Scottish Heritage meeting at the North West Castle on the night of our CC Meeting. Ian Morral had agreed to attend, but he has had pressing commitments in England. Angus Carrick Buchanan kindly offered to attend on our behalf to see if there are any potential benefits for our community – in particular the Wig Bay Project.
3. WINDFARM PROJECTS FOR 2013
Applications for project funding for 2013 are invited from groups in the Kirkcolm Community. Application Forms were requested by Sara McCulloch and Louise Cochran. Malcolm Baker to provide a completed example. Requests must be provided to Malcolm Baker at or if possible before the next meeting together with three written estimates.
4. ANY OTHER BUSSINES
Bay View Play Park –Sara asked the Community Council for funds to build a play park at Bay View. After considerable discussion it was suggested that a team should be formed to develop costed proposals with three quotes for Windfarm funding because existing Community Council funds would only scratch the surface of such a project. The CC agreed to look for alternative funding, and Cllr Scobie suggested that we write to Stephen Jack to request proper facilities for the residents of Bay View.
Web Site – It was noted that the web site could be used more effectively. This item was requested by Ian Morral who said he would follow this up later when he communicated his apologies for missing the meeting.
Camping at Lady Bay – A number of complaints have been received about people camping at Lady Bay. Noise and litter is a problem. As the Bay is privately owned, only the owner can take action or request police assistance to resolve the issues.
School Transport – Louise Cochran expressed fears that a review of school transport by the education department could lead to the loss of ‘grace and favour’ provisions currently provided on the Kirkcolm Primary School bus. In a rural area such as Kirkcolm there are virtually no pavements and it would be madness to have young children walking to school. Forcing parents to drive their children to school would not be a ‘green’ solution and cause even greater problems at the school with car parking and raise safety issue for the children. It was agreed to request all councillors and groups in the community to support the provision of adequate school bus places.
MEETING ENDS
NEXT MEETING 7:30 PM WED 8TH AUGUST