Arnprior Community Council
Minutes of the Ordinary General Meeting held at 7.30pm on
Tuesday 18 February 2025 at Arnprior Nursery
Present: Iain Breakenridge (Chair), Morag Sheppard (Secretary), Duncan
McEwen, Margaret Pitkeathly, Wendy Weir
In Attendance: Councillor McGarvey (for Cllr Rosemary Fraser)
Apologies: Sheena Adam
Residents: No residents were in attendance
- Welcome and Apologies
The Chair welcomed the attendees to the meeting and Morag Sheppard (MS) gave
the apologies.
1.1 Declaration of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
1.2 Approval of Agenda
Approved having been proposed by Wendy Weir (WW) and seconded by
Duncan McEwen (DM).
- Approval of OGM Minutes and Matters Arising
The draft Minutes of the OGM held on 3 December 2024 were approved, having been
proposed by DM and seconded by WW.
- Matters Arising
3.1 Iain Breakenridge (IB) has been advised that tenders are out re the remaining
ash tree and scheduled for completion by end February.
- Cardross Bridge
IB reported that he and MS attended the 29 January meeting in Port of Menteith with
Stirling Council and the contractor. The next meeting will be on 26 February, with a
Teams version in the evening.
The project is now about 7 weeks behind, but work has started again following the
obtaining of the licence from NatureScot in relation to the unexpected species find.
Councillor McGarvey asked about communication from Stirling Council – IB and MS
confirmed communication has been good. Councillor McGarvey suggested the CC
might consider writing to NatureScot about the time delay. [Action: IB, MS]
DM and WW queried whether the contractors had been aware of, and taken account
of, where water levels can rise to, as the data must be available.
IB reported that the dam repair is due by 19 February. SC has issued a helpful list of
future activities.
- Roads
No further update on the 20 mph speed restriction plan, which SC hope will be in by
April. IB noted that the query about speed data is also outstanding.
DM noted that the white line at the B8034 junction had not been done, although the
rumble strips had been redone. He further suggested that the blind summit (Arngibbon
entrance at end of long straight) should be signed for safety reasons. [Action: IB]
Councillor McGarvey suggested that, in partnership with Buchlyvie and others, we
could consider raising awareness of the noise impact of speeding.
- Charitable Trust
The group’s next meeting was postponed (owing to family issues).
Councillor McGarvey noted that a Trust presents lots of opportunities to access
resources, and that SC may be able to supply advice and guidance, including via the
Councillors. [Action: DM]
IB noted that the investment decision on the wind farm remains outstanding.
- Community Storage and other projects
IB confirmed that everything is now stored except things which are to be burnt.
IB reported that George is working on the damaged door of the defibrillator store.
Following discussion, it was agreed that one bench would be moved (from Backside)
to the Play Park.
Councillor McGarvey asked whether access arrangements for Arnprior Nursery have
been working. MS reported that so far there has been just one failure, when the keys
were not left in the Key Safe.
- Public Transport
IB noted that there have been overcrowding/boarding refusal issues reported, owing to
usage of ‘under 22’ cards on public buses. There is a particular issue with the numbers
from Gargunnock to Balfron having increased to about 30 (Gargunnock is outside
Balfron’s catchment area). IB has been in touch with Val Brand.
Councillor McGarvey noted that the fleet may not be up to the required quality
standard – there have been reports of non LEZ-compliant buses being redeployed
from Glasgow. The overcrowding will be affecting people with regular needs. It would
be helpful if the CC could record experiences here with Val, to consolidate into a
collective expression of concern. [Action: IB]
Margaret Pitkeathly (MP) noted that there have been observations of unacceptable
behaviour on the buses, but that some bus drivers are taking effective action (e.g.
taking cards away).
Councillor McGarvey noted that SG would not be able now to back-pedal on the cards
but that a pilot should have been done.
IB noted that in Arnprior, the westbound carriageway bus stop sign can’t be read. IB
has raised with SC.
- Police Report
MS asked for feedback on the new format report. This was positive – it’s of interest to
see what’s happening in the wider area. WW noted it would be good if an officer could
come to a CC meeting once or twice a year.
MS will send feedback. [Action: MS]
Councillor McGarvey noted that Police Scotland are back into recruiting.
DM advised that shoplifting in Stirling is becoming a problem.
- Councillor’s Report
Councillor McGarvey reported that the big issue currently is the council budget,
working towards 27 February. SC is duty bound to create a legal budget. No decisions
have been finalised yet and there are some controversial proposals from the various
services to be considered.
WW asked about income streams, e.g. summer concerts. Councillor McGarvey
advised that in the longer term these may prove profitable. Council tax constitutes 17-
19% of the budget, with the bulk coming from the settlement.
Councillor McGarvey noted that he was appointed Council Leader last Thursday.
Arnprior CC members offered their congratulations.
- Finance Report
IB reported balances as follows: No 1 Acct £4279.53; No 2 Acct £5077.05.
IB reported that Bank of Scotland is still intending to move our accounts to a new
basis, which will be chargeable.
IB contacted SC re any guidance – response was that there was no specific advice
and it is a CC decision.
Following discussion, it was agreed that Arnprior CC accounts should be moved (e.g.
to Co-op Bank) and at that time consider merging the accounts. [Action: IB, Sheena
Adam]
- AOCB
12.1 Back Doune the Rabbit Hole
IB has been in touch with Brian Harkin, who was unable to come to the
meeting tonight. IB will ask for a range of potential meeting dates. [Action:
IB]
12.2 IB noted that the next Informed Communities meeting is on 20 February.
12.3 Councillor McGarvey suggested Arnprior CC might consider a joint Local
Place Plan with Buchlyvie, while maintaining Arnprior’s own identity. IB will
contact Jessica. [Action: IB]
12.4 IB will contact the researcher of a PhD project looking at the effect of dimmed
lighting on walking patterns.
.
- Date of Next OGM
The next OGM will take place at 19:30 on Tuesday 22 April 2025. It is intended to take
place at Arnprior Nursery.