MEETING HELD AT 7:30PM  ON WEDNESDAY 8^th AUGUST

IN THE SUPPER ROOM AT THE KIRKCOLM VILLAGE HALL

 

PRESENT: –        Scott Baillie, Malcolm Baker, Elly Baker, Fiona Halliday, Matt Halliday, Carrie White, Ros Surtees,

Ian Morral & Karl Jackson-Barnes.

 

APOLOGIES: –   Ian Dick – Councillor & Margaret Baillie – Welfare Group.

IN ATTENDANCE: – Kevin Wylie – Police, Willie Scobie – Councillor,

Marion McCutcheon –Councillor & Louise Cochran – Parent Council & Power Cuts Group.

 

The minutes of the last meeting were verified by Matt Halliday and seconded by Carrie White.

 

POLICE BUSINESS

Kevin Wylie repeated his apology for missing the last meeting, but had been ably to follow up the Bus issues discussed at the last meeting. Kevin has had meetings with the bus companies and the drivers at which he believed that the people involved are dealing with the issues seriously and would work with all parties involved. Cllr McCutcheon had already been in contact with them and had received similar assurances.

Kevin reported that although the period had been relatively quiet, several minor incidents included reports of horses loose near the slipway on the A718, travellers at the Scar who had now moved on with no reported issues leaving the site in good condition, a fuel leak on the A718 from a Kings bus – starting at their depot – unknown to the diver who reported it when he became aware. The fuel spill was believed to have caused a vehicle to leave the road near Soleburn.

New reports /issues were brought to the attention of the meeting: – a JCB had been seen driving along the Scar past the area where birds usually have their nests – is this allowed? Louise Cochran said that the school bus is leaving some of its stops around the village too early cause some passengers to miss the bus – Cllr Marion McCutcheon offered follow up this issue. It was also noted that larger busses turning up Church Road from Main Street are having great difficulty negotiating the corner when vehicles are legally parked close to Main Street on the north side. It was suggested – without any objections – that the double yellow lines could be extended up Church Road for a suitable distance – Cllr McCutcheon offered to follow this up with D&G.

 

MATTERS ARISING

Post Office – Karl Jackson Barnes said that apart from minor teething problems, trade has been improving every session and the Post Mistress is very happy with the situation. Karl said that he would follow up on the charges to be made for the use of the Kitchen after the initial free sessions given for the first three months.

Speed Signs – The location of the 20 mph speed limit sign in the village has been the cause of some concern. The location of the sign in the latest proposal is problematic because of existing street furniture and its proximity to the bend. Louise Cochran has written to John Howell to ask if the location could be located further up the hill where previous applications had placed it when it was put out for consultation some time ago (most groups and residents believed that this is where it was to be put), the Community Council believed that this was the case for the new proposal. Unfortunately the secretary did not double-check this before supporting the new plans. It now transpires that locating the sign where it was originally requested could cause problems. Cllr. Scobie informed us that the Planning Housing and Environment departments are reviewing the criteria for prioritising 20 mph signs and that the Community Council would be advised to write to Mr John Howell to seek information and assurances that this would not adversely effect Kirkcolm in its efforts to provide safe and secure routes for our children to attend our Primary School. Action – secretary Malcolm Baker to write.

Fishers Lane Lighting – There have been some delays to this project, but Ross Ritchie – Leslie/MHW – has promised to complete the work before the children return to school.

Village Hall Repairs – Cllr. Scobie said that Peter Nelson – Architect for D&G had informed him that all work was completed. Scott Baillie said that he has prepared a list of outstanding issues but had been unable to print it out but some work had been completed but there is still the issue of the power lines preventing important work such as repair and painting of the rendering at the Gable End and repairs to the roof. Scott Baillie to follow up.

 

 

1        Windfarm Projects for 2013

A number of projects (in various states of development) were submitted for consideration: –

Estimate

1. Baby changing facilities in the toilets £210
2. Lighting and sound systems in the Village Hall £750
3. Emergency packs of Lights & Phones for vulnerable £680
4. Bowling Club artificial turf for verges of green a) full £3000                                                                    or b) half     £1500
5. Replacement Marquee £1000
6. Defibrillator for location outside Village Hall                  £420 +        Proposal requires more work and discussion.
7. Welfare Group Xmas Party: – the group would like to make a submission, but are aware of the requirement to make returns to the managers of the funds by the end of September where the money would be spent in December.

 

Malcolm Baker to discuss December projects and the amount of money to be made available with the fund administrator before further consideration of the proposed projects.

 

2        Wig Bay working team update

Work is still suspended until the revised route of the sewage pipe work is completed on the Scar Path. There also needs to be more discussions with landowners concerning the project. Ian Morral to follow up.

 

3        Any Other Business

1. Energy Initiatives – The Secretary has received communications from D&G relating to the development of energy projects for the Village, and for government loans for green energy initiatives including Biomass, PV panels, Wind Turbines etc. None of them appeared to be appropriate to the needs of Kirkcolm.
2. Gala Bunting – Ian Morral suggested a review of the scope for bunting in the village. There have been a number of problems with the availability of ‘suitable’ volunteers, and damage to the bunting in high winds. It was agreed to put proposals for a new scheme on the notice board, and to canvass residents on a new approach to target bunting to the Hall, the School, and the ‘square’ at Bay View. Ian Morral to follow up.
3. Community Council Elections – The election for community councils will be held on the 4^th Margot Nicol has agreed to be our Presiding Officer. Please refer to the notice board for further details.
4. Web Site – It was suggested that we could improve the use of the site in a number of ways including, reports of activities, forthcoming events etc. Carrie White said that John White is happy to upload information supplied to him, but that he is unable to prepare copy for the site, John also said he will train other ‘qualified’ Councillors how to upload material to the Website.
5. Maintenance of the Play Area – Ian Morral asked who is responsible for the maintenance of the play areas around Bay View. Cllr. Scobie said it is the responsibility of D&G Council. Ian Morral to follow up with D&G.
6. Grace and Favour School Bus Places – Louise Cochran said that she had had assurances that there are no wholesale plans to remove grace and favour places in the near future despite the current review as long as the role remains as it is. Cllr Scobie expressed concerns that progressive changes as children get older etc. should be taken seriously, and that the status quo should not be taken for granted. The current review and probable use of the ‘GIS’ satellite system could lead to more revisions caused by improved accuracy in measuring distances to the schools. Malcolm Baker to write to D&G to express our concerns. Cllr Scobie said that he and Cllr. Grahame Forster had submitted a motion to the full Council and he was looking for the other elected members support when this motion comes up at full council meeting on the 23^rd He also asked the secretary to record that there were no were no dissenters. The policy for the provision of school transport should match the conditions of the 21^st century and reflect current circumstances such as increased levels of traffic and the absence of pavements in rural areas such as Kirkcolm.

 

Given the forthcoming election date and the need to finalise the Windfarm projects, it was proposed to hold the next meeting on the 12^th September with and agenda to concentrate on the Windfarm projects and deal with only urgent business where necessary.

 

NEXT MEETING: – 12^th SEPTEMBER

AT 7:30PM IN THE SUPPER ROOM