Minutes of meeting 3rd April 2025
Present: Stuart Freckingham (Chair), Craig Potter (Vice Chair), Sue Bell (Treasurer), Chelsea McKinnon (Member), Alasdair Street (Member), Laura Shaw (Minutes)
Apologies: Fiona Shaw (Member), Alison Limbert (Secretary), Stuart Duffy (Member)
In Attendance: Lorna Christie (Balfron Primary Parent Council), Michelle Conway (Balfron Primary Parent Council), Susan Macfarlane (Strathendrick Baptist Church)
2) Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minutes from the meeting on 6th March 2025 were proposed by Craig Potter and seconded by Alasdair Street.
3) Matters Arising
Balfron Primary School Parent Council - Trim trail play equipment
The co-chairs of the Primary School Parent Council attended to discuss the ‘trim trail’ play equipment in the primary school playground, and to ask BCC for any available funding. At present, there are two bits of the equipment that need semi-urgent repairs. The wooden equipment is 15 years old and well-loved by primary pupils. It was installed as part of a parent council initiative and they have a longstanding agreement to maintain the playground.
The parent council have received a quote for three options to repair it:
- Repair one section - Other sections are likely to need to be replaced soon, so this would need to be done again. Funding is complete for this option if chosen.
- Reduce trail perimeter and upgrade one new part
- Replace the play equipment
They had applied for funding from the National Lottery and Awards for All - both bids were unsuccessful. There are two more fundraising opportunities before the end of term, including the Balfron 10k and the summer school fair, among other fundraising initiatives such as tea towels and a lottery.
The BCC has some funding available. They agreed that funding will be given to the Primary School Parent Council towards repairs to the play equipment and to Donaldson Park Trust towards improvements to the path in Donaldson Park (see March minutes for
more information). There is funding available for another project/s should any be brought forward and costed by the community.
4) Declarations of Interest
None.
5) Projects
Active Places
Storm Eoynn knocked down and smashed the notice board. Craig has liaised with the installers and it will be getting fixed/replaced.
A resident contacted the BCC about an ongoing issue with parked cars on Hillhead Brae that causes visibility and access issues. Craig will take pictures and submit these to the Council to consider extending the double yellow lines. Action: CP
The rubbish on Donaldson Loan has been reported to the Council by Cllr Fraser as fly tipping and should be removed soon.
6) Police Report
Vandalism
A vandalism was reported following damage caused to the lock of a residential property. The council were contacted in order to repair the lock. Enquiries are ongoing into this incident.
A report was received of damage caused when a window was smashed and corrugated iron sheets pulled from the outer wall of a property. The cost of damage was estimated at approximately. Enquiries are ongoing into this incident.
Road Traffic
Enquiries were carried out, in order to trace the driver of an unknown vehicle, the driver of which collided with a parked car but left the scene without exchanging details or reporting the matter. No injuries were reported however the collision did cause damage to the parked car. There are no further lines of enquiry, and this incident remains undetected at this time.
Theft
A report was received in regard to a number of shopliftings which had occurred from a local business. A suspect has been identified and will be dealt with accordingly.
The full police report is available on the Balfron Community Council website and includes reports for the surrounding villages.
7) Elected Councillor's report
None.
8) Treasurer report
Sue updated the meeting. The previous Bank of Scotland BCC account has now closed and all money has been transferred to the new Virgin Money account. Bills that have been paid this month include the phonebox fruit and veg and the website and email domain. The asset list for insurance has been updated to include the Christmas lamppost lights and the old noticeboard was removed. The BCC agreed to invoice community groups for their insurance as was done last year (Balfron in Bloom, the community orchard and the Christmas lamppost lights). An independent audit of the BCC accounts is due.
Balfron in Bloom have spent some of their donation money on flowers for Tontine corner. BCC extends their thanks to Gary Scott and his colleagues for offering and moving soil to help Balfron in Bloom volunteers.
9) Planning report
None - there were no new planning applications.
10) Chair’s report
None.
11) Local Place Plan
The Steering Group has reviewed the draft Local Place Plan. A community consultation will begin in the next few weeks and all residents will receive a leaflet on how to read the proposals and complete a survey to give feedback on the draft plan.
12) AOB
Joining the Balfron Community Council
The Balfron Community Council is looking for new members to join us. It is a great opportunity to get involved in local projects and shape the future of the village.
BCC is open to all residents and we would be particularly keen to welcome students (aged 16+) from the high school. Members are expected to attend meetings on the first Thursday of every month (except January and July) at Balfron High School. You can find out more about the community council here: https://balfroncc.org.uk/about-us/
Strathendrick Baptist Church
The meeting was attended by the new Youth and Outreach Officer at Strathendrick Baptist Church. Susan will be mapping community needs within the village, including enhanced provisions for teenagers (e.g. a youth club and hang-out space).
Donaldson Park Trust
The Trust is looking for new Trustees who wish to contribute to the enhancement and maintenance of the park. Trustees are expected to attend quarterly meetings.
War Memorial
There is currently no update on repairs to the war memorial at The Clachan. Some stones are to be replaced around the plaque, however there is currently no funding stream for this. There are also issues with ownership and understanding who can commission work to repair it.
Primary school summer fair
It was suggested that BCC have a table at the summer fair to inform those attending about the work of the community council and other local community organisations.
13) Next meeting 2025 at 7:30pm in Balfron High School.
As per Stirling Council Scheme of Establishment, these minutes are classified as draft until they are adopted at the next meeting.