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Minutes of Meeting of Bridge of Allan Community Council Held on Tuesday 17th January 2023 in the Allan Centre.
Present: Mike Watson (MW) Chair; Leslie Harkness (LH) Secretary; Alastair Taylor (AT) Treasurer; Robin Kleinman (RK); Heather Jones (HJ) Associate Member; Bill Fortune; Sandra Davidson (SD) ; Alastair Heron (AH) Planning Officer; Vicky McDowell (VMcD);
Apologies: Anna Doeser (AD) Vice Chair and Communications Officer; Emma Fradgley (EF); Moira Randall (MR) Associate Member; Rosalynd Webb (RW); Councillor Ewan Dillon; Alexander Stewart (MSP); Alyn Smith (MP); PC Paul Gilliland; PC Ross Barclay; Gavin Drummond
In attendance: Councillor Douglas Dodds; Councillor Alasdair Tollemache; Brian Bullen (Minute Taker); Graham Russell (Chair of the Friends of Bridge of Allan); Douglas Nielson (Secretary, Friends of Bridge of Allan); 1 other resident
Abbreviations: Annual General Meeting (AGM), Bridge of Allan (BOA), Community Council (CC), Common Good Fund (CGF), Stirling Council (SC), Wallace Monument Stakeholder Advisory Group (WMSAG), Discover Bridge of Allan (DBOA) , Residents Against Greenbelt Erosion (RAGE)
B 2166. Welcome, Apologies and Conflict of Interest
MW opened the meeting at 19.30, welcoming those present. The apologies were noted as indicated above.
There were no expressions of conflict of interest.
RK announced his selection as Conservative Party candidate for the next Stirling Council elections.
LH reported he had emailed Stephen Bly ( SC Community Council Enquiry Co-ordinator ) and unless RK wishes to resign prior to the election he is entitled to remain a Member of the CC, however if elected to SC he then resigns. The CC agreed , there was no objection to RK continuing as a Member.
B 2167. Approval of Minutes, Matters Arising and Action Log
MW pointed out a typo in the Nov 2022 minutes.
On Page 5, Section B 2153 on the CAP Review,
The second last line should read LH understood that the CAP is separate from the LPP.
HJ proposed the Nov 2022 minutes with correction be approved , Seconded by BF.
LH reported on Matters Arising and Action Log, the report from LH is reproduced here:
Matters Arising (LH)
In relation to Item B 2154 and the issue of Local Place Plans, as requested by the CC, I had already written to SC to seek clarification on a number of aspects of the council’s role with regard to the plans. I have since received from a planning officer a response to four questions which I asked. The response confirmed that there would be an information session before the end of the year, although, subsequently, that date was later shifted to early in the new year, and that the start of the Local Development Plan process in early 2023 is still on schedule; that although there are no formal mechanisms for incorporating LPPs into the Local Development Plan, the council is required to “take into account” any proposals for land use and development contained in LPPs and that an LPP would carry significant
material weight, particularly if comprehensively evidenced and consulted upon; that communities would have a period of 18 months to prepare an LPP; and that, while there is no direct funding available and while the Planning team cannot lead on or manage the LPP, it will help where it can and it is currently exploring grant support with colleagues in the Community Planning Team.
In relation to the same item, the discussion on the Discover Bridge of Allan CGF application did involve a very frank and forthright exchange of views and, subsequently, the CC received a vigorously expressed communication from the Chair of Discover Bridge of Allan in which he voiced concerns about the direction the discussion had taken.
Individually, both our own chair and I myself responded in writing to the Chair and each of us expressed our regrets over any offence that had been caused. We both also underlined the common purpose shared by both organistions, namely the enhancement of the quality of life in the town and we also emphasised our hope that we would work together constructively on future joint Initiatives. In addition, the Chair of Discover Bridge of Allan has subsequently phoned each of us and these exchanges were very positive in nature. We have agreed that all three of us will meet very soon to discuss moving forward in a constructive and fruitful way. Copies of all written correspondence have been forwarded to all CC members.
In relation to the Action Log and Action Point 6, as requested I wrote to the CC member who has not attended for many months to indicate that he is deemed to have resigned from the CC. I forwarded a copy of my communication to SC and this has been acknowledged.
Action Log (LH)
The actions were addressed under their agenda items.
B 2168. Police Report
The CPT officers sent their apologies for not attending , as they are off duty at the time of the meeting.
PC 775 Paul Gilliland (who can be emailed at: DunblaneBridgeofAllanCPT@scotland.pnn.police.uk) had submitted the police report noting that the details provided cover a 2 month period.
He also sent the 'Local Police Plan for 2023 – 2026' document and invited interested community members to complete an online survey available at this address: https://consult.scotland.police.uk/strategy-insight-and- innovation/lpp2023/ (unfortunately closing soon on 12th Feb).
He also sent a flier from SEPA regarding their floodline (https://www.sepa.org.uk/environment/water/flooding/floodline/)
He also noted from previous minutes that a local resident has raised concerns about vehicles from out with Coneyhill Road, Bridge of Allan as means of accessing Henderson Street, Bridge of Allan which is not its intended use. Where and when time and opportunity permits, CPT officers will make efforts to attend at the location and monitor vehicles using this road and carry out engagement, education and if so required enforcement with motorists.
The Police Report is included here:
Introduction / synopsis of previous months
This report should provide sufficient information of the police activity since the last community council meeting. If you have any further questions about the police report or any incidents that you are aware of that are not included in this report then please email us direct on the above email address and we will answer your questions.
If anyone has any information on any incidents that we have been unable to identify a suspect then please let us know by email, 101 or by contacting Crimestoppers.
The report encompasses all relevant crime and other matters which have occurred between 15Th November 2022 and 16th January 2023.
Current Priorities
Our current priorities in the Bridge of Allan area continue to be Anti-Social Behaviour, Road Safety and Community Engagement and Reassurance.
Main Report
Between the 15th November 2022 and 16th January 2023 a total of 22 crimes occurred within the Bridge of Allan area (which also covers University of Stirling). The incidents detailed below are of relevance to the local community.
ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Sometime between the 29th and 30th November a vehicle then parked within Queens Lane was damaged having been scratched by a key or similar. This has been crimed as a Vandalism. All lines of enquiry have been carried and no suspects identified, CR/0116702/22 refers.
On the 1st of December police attended a disturbance within a business address in Henderson Street. A male was subsequently arrested and charged in relation to Section 38(1) Criminal Justice & Licensing Scotland Act 2010 and Offensive Weapon offences and was subject of a police undertaking to appear at court at a later date.
DRUG MISUSE
On the 14th of December a male was found in possession of controlled drugs namely Herbal Cannabis within University of Stirling accommodation.
On the 30th of December a male was found within his university accommodation in possession of controlled drugs namely Herbal Cannabis.
Both of these incidents have been investigated and are detected and those involved have been issued with Recorded Police Warnings for being in possession of controlled drugs – Section 5(2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
On the 22nd of December police were directed to attend at the University of Stirling in relation to a complaint of a student being in possession of drugs. Following investigation a male was arrested and charged in relation being Concerned in the Supply of a Controlled Drugs namely Cocaine and Cannabis. The individual involved will be subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.
On the 6th of January a male was found in possession of controlled drugs, namely Herbal Cannabis, within the grounds of University of Stirling. Following police involvement, the male was issued with a Recorded Police Warning for being in Possession of a Controlled Drugs.
VIOLENT CRIME
On the 15th November police attended a domestic related incident at a property in Henderson Street, Bridge of Allan. Following enquiry a male was subsequently arrested and held in custody in relation to Vandalism and Section 38(1) Criminal Justice & Licensing Scotland Act 2010 offences.
On the 28th November at Chalton Road following a road rage incident which took place out with the Bridge of Allan area, a male was subject of an assault non -serious and had his vehicle damaged. This is crimed as Assault and Vandalism and is still being investigated at the time of update with lines of enquiry to be progressed, CR/0115652/22 refers.
HOUSEBREAKINGS/CRIMES OF DISHONESTY
On the 17th November student at University of Stirling placed an advertisement on Facebook to sell a tablet. The victim was thereafter contacted by an interested party, suspect, and after receiving what he believed to confirmation of payment, sent the tablet was to an address in England. It was later discovered that the payment had not been received and that the seller he had been a victim of a Fraud. This matter is under investigation at the time of update, CR/0122461/22 refers.
Sometime between the 25th November and 22nd December a property within New Street, Bridge of Allan was entered by use of a true key and property stolen from within. This is crimed as Theft by Housebreaking and is under investigation at the time of update, CR/0123285/22 refers
Between the evening of 7th December and afternoon of 8th December an external storage cupboard located in Henderson Street and belonging to a business premises was broken into and items stolen. This has been crimed as Theft by Opening Lock fast Place and Vandalism and is currently under investigation, CR/0118885/22 refers
ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD TRAFFIC RELATED CRIME
On the 28th November within East Link Road, University of Stirling a vehicle struck an electric box causing damage. This has been crimed as Fail to Report Accident and a positive line of enquiry is being pursued, CR/0118147/22 refers.
On the 28th December a vehicle believed to be a dark coloured Mercedes then travelling within Henderson Street struck another vehicle and drove off without details being exchanged. This has been crimed as Dangerous Driving and Fail to Report Accident and is an ongoing enquiry at the time of update albeit the offending vehicles registration is as yet unknown, CR/0125377/22 refers.
MATTERS OF NOTE
Between the15th November 2022 and 16th January 2023, there was a total of 172 calls to the Bridge of Allan area. Please note this also covers parts of the Cornton, Causewayhead and Stirling University and as such not all calls relate to Bridge of Allan area itself.
A breakdown of some of these calls is as follows, 2 were public nuisance calls, 7 were concern for person type calls, 7 calls were drugs/substance related, 5 calls were disturbance/assault related calls, 2 calls were damage related, 3 calls were theft related, 11 calls were domestic incidents and 34 calls were road traffic related.
Activitiy for forthcoming month:
- Attendance and planned engagement with students at the university fair event – 24th
- Fraud Awareness input with senior citizens – 25th
- Road traffic Operation – date to be
https://scotland.police.uk/yourviewcounts
B 2169. Christmas Lights (AT)
AT reported that £1700 was raised from sponsors and over £300 from a crowdfunding campaign. The cost for putting up the lights is expected to be £2247, the invoice is waited upon.
More fundraising for the lights seems likely.
The PA system is kind of working, but it's now time to replace it.
ACTION: AT to purchase replacement PA system. B 2170. Post Office Closure (MW/AH)
AH reported that 2 days ago he received an indication from the Post Office that would have a
'Local' branch in BOA. If a retailer without a PostMaster licence proposed to run the branch it's likely to take 6 months to become licensed.
The benefit of the current store (the old Telegraph station) is that the backoffice, desk and security fittings are still in place.
The Community PO at Bannockburn was mentioned by Cllr Dodds (apparently it's in a takeaway sandwich shop) – with 'Local' level services.
MW expressed the view that BOA needed the 'Full' level service.
AH reported that communication is now progressing with the PO authorities.
Cllr Doddds suggested starting a dialog re a Community run PO. It was thought that a PO on it's own is not financially viable.
A PO needs to be used by the community to justify it's presence.
The view was expressed that progressing the Community model might detract the PO from supporting reinstatement of the PO 'official' service.
A working party was proposed - BF, AT and Cllr Dodds to join with AH, to progress communication with the PO and possible store owners and PostMasters.
ACTION: AH with BF, AT and Cllr Dodds to progress communication with the PO and possible store owners and PostMasters.
B 2171. CAP Review (HJ)
HJ gave a report on progress of the CAP review, and her ideas for a revised CAP.
She stated that there needs to be a means of delivering any plans, which should be based on the resources available on a realistic term scale, such as yearly (rather than 5 years say). There was some discussion regarding a community consultation.
LH believed that consultation with the community is essential.
The meeting agreed with the sentiment that consultation will provide inputs into plans, but with no guarantee on delivery of specific items.
Regarding the separate community consultation proposed by DBOA, MW and HJ have a meeting planned with the DBOA Chair.
HJ submitted a progress report of the CAP review which is reproduced here:
Reviewing the Bridge of Allan Community Action Plan: Progress Report
- In November 2022, Bridge of Allan Community Council began a five-stage process regarding a review and potential refresh of the Community Action Plan for Bridge of This progress report covers actions taken by Heather Jones under the first stage of the process.
- Since the BofA CC meeting on 15 November, the following actions have been taken:
- Review: several meetings have been held, including with the current, and a former, Chair of the CC, and other committee An initial assessment has been made of progress against what was promised in the original CAP document of 2011. My first impressions are as follows:
- The overarching themes continue to be relevant to community interests in BofA in 2023, and could provide a useful structure under which activities of the CC are organised
- Much good work and positive outcomes have been delivered since 2011 in terms of improved amenities in Some of this aligns with the ambitions of the original action plan; other activities have emerged organically or opportunistically.
- Some of the actions and ambitions of the original CAP were not realised due to (a) the lack of concrete delivery arrangements being in place in terms of (b) lack of alignment of organisational resource, (c) lack of named individuals to drive delivery, or (d) a lower relative priority for some of the proposed actions
- Refresh: Ros is continuing work on refreshing the names of key contacts in other Such action is essential before any fresh consultation phase is considered
- Report: Writing up the review of progress on what was delivered against the original CAP will take place during March 2023.
B 2172. LPP (MW)
The CC awaits a briefing session from SC.
There was no objection to AH taking the lead in progressing the LPP in due course. LH will assist.
ACTION: AH and LH to progress LPP after briefing from SC. B 2173. Guala UCP Site (MW)
Cllr Tollemache to attend meeting with SC and report to the CC.
B 2174. Grit Bins (RK)
Three of the new and replacement bins that RK asked SC to provide have been provided (as noted under section B 2135 in the October CC Minutes).
- Replacement of the Well road bin, to be sited in front of
- top of path from Inverallan Drive to Station
- bottom of path from Inverallan Drive to Station
RK is continuing to push for additional bins at:
- within corner of walled layby off Allanvale Road at east end of Blue Bridge (adjacent to bus stop).
- Haws Park – car
- Medical Centre car park
RK reported that SC policy is that yellow grit bins can only be placed on a hill or slope. Other coloured bins, suchs as Blue or Green, may be sited elsewhere.
B 2175. The Larder (Cllr Dodds)
Cllr Dodds suggested that the are practical difficulties in opening a new bank account, and that it actually helps to have the Larder associated with the CC. The Larder is located within Cornton to be more easily accessible to families in need.
The Community 'Warm Space' at St Saviour's Hall was mentioned. It's open to all on Tues and Fridays 11am to 4.30 pm. It was suggested that publicity, such as on the CC facebook page, would be helpful.
ACTION: Publicise Community Warm Space e.g. on CC facebook page. B 2176. Planning Report (AH)
AH reported the status of three planning applications of concern to CC:
- Airthrey Kerse Planning Permission Appeal to DPEA - case concluded with Application
- Blairforkie Drive Planning Permission Appeal to DPEA – still under
- 103 Henderson Street – Application for 14 apartments– now approved by SC
There was a general discussion about shop fronts with various opinions about the aesthetics of types of signage, regarding colour and size. It was recognized there was a tradeoff here between encouraging new shops whilst retaining the character of the town.
Some guidelines in the conservation plan were suggested.
The CC expressed their appreciation of the outstanding contribution made by the former CC Associate Member
Duncan McDougall to the campaign against the proposed Airthrey Kerse development.
B 2177. Chair’s Report (MW)
MW had reported under the various Agenda items as noted above.
B 2178. Secretary’s Report (LH)
LH indicated his submitted report contain 34 items, 18 from Cllr Tollemache .
Communications from Councillors
Councillor Tollemache forwarded:
- confirmation from SC that the potholes in Hillview Drive had been attended to;
- details of a temporary closure of Lyon Crescent in November;
- a response from the Scottish Government on the progress of the Blairforkie development;
- notification from Post office Limited of the closing date for the local post office and his recent communication with Post Office Ltd pointing out the implications for the village;
- winter advice from Scottish Water;
- confirmation from SC that one side of Inverallan Road/Station Road leading to the station had been gritted during the severe weather period;
- confirmation from SC that residents whose waste bins had not been emptied should leave the bins out until they could be serviced;
- the case details from the Scottish Government of the refusal of the Aithrey Kerse Planning Permission appeal;
- details of the temporary closure of Pendreich Road later this month
- a dead sheep in the river which SC has confirmed can not be moved safely
- the wooden benches in the Memorial Garden
The councillor has raised with SC the following:
- the flooding in Sunnylaw Road and also the flooding after Christmas at the level crossing;
- the obstacles to pedestrian access in Henderson Street as the previous gas installation works came to an end;
- the Scottish Gas works in Henderson Street which SC have confirmed are proceeding safely and effectively, with residents’ concerns being responded to in a timely manner.
Councillor Dodds has raised with SC the following:
- the need for a further repair of the Patterson Clock;
- the vanishing road markings at the junction of Inverallan Road and Station Road;
- a request to have the road and pavements of Henderson Street up to the University roundabout, in addition to the Kenilworth Road junction, swept of the leaves.
- Councillor Dodds, in the context of the Resilience Group, forwarded details of SC’s Winter Wardens road gritting initiative for Bridge of Allan, the town being the first area to be involved.
- The councillor has also forwarded details of the final phase of the SGN replacement operations in the
Communications from Stirling Council
The CC has received the following from SC
- details of the feedback phase of the ‘Residents’ Survey 2022’ project
- details of the new phase of the ‘Developer Contributions’ project;
- details of the ‘Local Nature Conservation Sites’ project;
- notification that the SC Teams meeting on Local Place Plans had been postponed to the new year;
- details of the Community Development Team Winter Programme
Communications from Residents
- A resident contacted the CC about fly-tipping in Airthrey Road and Councillor Tollemache raised the matter with SC.
- A regular correspondent has suggested that the post office could be relocated in the Co-op
General Communications
The CC has received the following:
- a communication from the Bridge of Allan Community Activities Group identifying three current priorities for the Allan Centre, namely the installation of public wi-fi, the installation of a panic alarm in the gym and the need to address the problem of the glare from the Games hall windows;
- details of the online 2023 Dementia Care Conference on April 25th ;
- the November Scottish Rural action newsletter;
- the November Accounts Commission newsletter;
- notification that Sergeant Grant MacDonald has moved from Dunblane Police Office and has been replaced by Sergeant Sarah Stephenson;
- the minutes of the November meeting of the Friends of Bridge of Allan;
- the December issue of the Scottish Community Councils Newsletter;
- details of the Winter Drop-in Centre organised by St Saviour’s Church;
- our MSP’s January newsletter;
- the 2022 Glen Road review
B 2179. Treasurer’s Report (AT)
With only £5.75 in the playparks fund there is now a need for fundraising to cover the recent fittings (bongo drums apparently).
AT awaits the invoice for the Christmas lights installation work. The current balance of available funds is just over
£15000. The detailed accounts are in Appendix 1 of the minutes.
B 2180. Residents’ Voice
CC members had been appraised of concerns regarding express bus services travelling down Cornton and Fountain rds.
ACTION: CC to confirm with CityLink regarding express services travelling down Cornton/Fountain Rd.
VMcD had received a letter regarding an accident involving an elderly man tripping over due to debris on the pavement opposite the fish and chip shop - which may have been pushed onto the pavement by a snowplough during recent snowfalls. A local shopkeeper cleared the debris after the incident and will keep a watch on the pavement. The meeting expressed sympathy and LH will acknowledge the letter received from the resident.
B 2181. AOCB
LH reported an email from Gavin Drummond which included the suggestion of the possible use of rubble from the demolition of 105, Henderson street to extend the car park as Haws Park.
MW gave a contribution to the SC Councillor Graham Houston who died recently. His passing is a great loss to the Community.
B 2182. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting is Tue 21st Feb 2023 at the Allan Centre, 7.30pm.
Action Log Summary:
- (from B 2169) : AT to purchase replacement PA
- (from B 2170) : AH with BF, AT and Cllr Dodds to progress communication with the PO and possible store owners and PostMasters.
- (from B 2172) : AH and LH to progress LPP after briefing from
- (from B 2175) : Publicise Community Warm Space g. on CC facebook page
- (from B 2180) : CC to confirm with CityLink regarding express services travelling down Cornton/Fountain Rd.
Appendix 1 – Treasurer's Report Jan 2023