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Minutes of Meeting of Bridge of Allan Community Council
Held on Tuesday 15th April in the Allan Centre.
Present:
Leslie Harkness (LH) Secretary; Graham Robertson (GR) Treasurer; Inga Bullen (IB) Planning; Kathryn
Chadwick (KC); Rosemary Dodds (RD); Karen McGregor (KMcG);
Apologies:
Amanda Coulthard (AC); Mike Watson (MW); Jenny Smith (JS); Shumela Ahmed; Councillor David Wilson;
Alexander Stewart MSP; PC David Collins; PC Siobhan Rennie;
In attendance:
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache; Councillor Robin Kleinman; Councillor Thomas Heald; Graham Russell
(Chair, Friends of Bridge of Allan);Douglas Neilson (Vice-Chair, Friends of Bridge of Allan); Gavin Collins
(DBOA); Pam Wilson (DBOA); Flora Chirnside ( SC Senior Active Travel Project Manager); Elliot Willianson
(SC Sustainable Transport Team Leader) ;23 other residents; Brian Bullen (BB) (Minute Secretary);
Abbreviations have moved to the end of the minutes.
B 2497. Welcome, Apologies and Conflict of Interest
In the absence of AC, LH chaired the meeting and welcomed those present at 7.30 pm. The apologies were noted
as indicated above.
There were no expressions of conflict of interest from elected councillors.
B 2498. Approval of Minutes, Matters Arising and Action Log
IB proposed the March 2025 minutes be approved , Seconded by KMcG.
Matters Arising (LH)
In recent meetings, discussion of a number of significant local issues generated a series of enquiries to SC officers.
As a result, the Community Councils Enquiry Officer has now forwarded the responses of relevant council officers to
three of these enquiries.
Firstly, in relation to the CC’s request for an officer to attend a CC meeting to address residents’ concerns about the
planned Henderson Street traffic calming measures, a Roads Team Leader has indicated that the CC should forward
these concerns so that written responses can be provided.
Secondly, in regard to the frustrations felt by residents about the Sunnylaw Road/Coneyhill Road closures, especially
the former ( Item B 2488.9), the Roads Service Manager has stressed that the council has been working with all
interested parties towards a resolution which will see Sunnylaw Road re-open in the near future. In addition,
Councillor Kleinman has provided a further update, indicating that that SC is satisfied that the resident who owns the
property containing the damaged wall has been taking steps to resolve the issue, including intending to secure the
services of a building/engineering contractor to undertake the works to implement the consultant engineer’s design
solution already approved by SC. In relation to Coneyhill Road, Councillor Tollemache ha now written that he has
passed on to SC a proposal from a resident that the road remain permanently closed to through traffic.
Finally, in respect of the required repair to the ironwork of the Provost Park gazebo, the council has confirmed that,
while a Land Services officer is ready to attend a site visit, an officer from Infrastructure, on behalf of whom Land
Services carries out maintenance work, would also require to be in attendance.
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Action Log.
• (from B 2488.5) : CC to contact SC re Graham St. bus stop. KMcG reported that she and Councillor Kleinman had
a meeting an officer from SC. SC explained that the bus stop layby would go, and that the bus stop would move
back away from the Graham St. junction. Councillor Kleinman commented that when a bus layby is in place when
road improvements are made then it will be removed.
1. This benefits the bus service, it is thus easy for the bus to pull out.
2. This is a feature of the Scottish Goverment policy for traffic calming.
A resident commented on the new buildouts on Henderson St being dangerous, and that already one has been
struck by vehicles. Councillor Kleinman replied that SC will be monitoring these buildouts.
B 2499. Police Report.
There was no police report this month. There was discussion as to whether a proposed changed to community police
reporting had now been implemented. Councillor Tollemache was to contact the Community Police.{1}
B 2500. Dunblane to Causewayhead Active Travel Route.
LH introduced Flora Chirnside, Senior Active Travel Project Manager (Sustainable Transport, Stirling Council). She
began by refering to her presentation to the November CC meeting, and introducing the Sustainable Transport team
leader also attending todays meeting (Elliot Williamson). Since the November meeting the concept design has been
prepared and shared first with elected councillors, then the Community Advisory Group (CAG) and then last week on
the Stirling engage website where there is an online survey {2}. There is no concept design yet for the 2nd Phase, the
route from BOA to Dunblane, however comments can be submitted on the survey; they are engaging with
landowners currently. A resident commented that the concept pictures are not very clear, and the Kier street diagram
is confusing, what does it mean? Flora explained that Kier St is proposed to be traffic calmed with speed humps and
raised footway across at the junctions. A resident indicated that enhanced traffic calming with one way buildouts
would be preferred over rumble strips.
A resident commented that clarification is needed on what it means for residents, pointing out that a cycle lane is
already present and infrastructure already in place should be used, and that cyclists should go along Henderson
Street. Fiona replied that Henderson St has significant traffic levels. It was suggested by a resident that the existing
cycle route from Causeway Head route via Easter Cornton Rd, then along the shared use path by the railway track,
and shared used path along Cornton road to Fountain road. In the lively discussion that followed a wide range of
issues and points were shared. Including,
• attracting visitors into the village, do not want cyclists to bypass
• some cyclists don’t want to mix with pedestrians/dogs
• ban cycles from Henderson St
• the project must consult with traders
• consultations with residents on Kier st, particularly those without online social media
• Flora confirmed no plans for cycle lanes on Kier st
• Route would use Fountain rd, to Henderson st
• cycle road markings are being standardised, lanes will be buff coloured.
• Construction is scheduled for Q3
• delay road works until Co-op redevelopment finished
Flora announced that there will be a press release shortly, and that there will be public drop-in sessions to engage
with residents. LH thanked Flora for her participation in this meeting.
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B 2501. 40th Anniversary of Opening of Bridge of Allan Station.
LH introduced Bill Young representing the Strathallan Community Rail Partnership{3}. Bill apologized for not
progressing with plans for an event to celebrate the 40th Anniversay of the re-opening of the Bridge of Allan railway
station {4}. He had contracted COVID since attending the september meeting. The partnership are due to meet
tomorrow and will discuss having a talk on the anniversary date of 13th May, about the partnershp and the station.
Full details will be provided in due course.
There was then a discussion about the ScotRail proposals to relocate the railway station. Councillor Kleinman said
that the community view was that it should stay where it is. LH thanked Bill for coming to the meeting.
B 2502. Updates from BOA Community Groups.
B 2502.1 Update from Discover Bridge of Allan (DBOA).
DBOA Board Member Pam Wilson gave an account of recent and forthcoming activities. Members are progressing
some of the CAP items, such as engaging with young people at the University and high school. The application for
charitable status has been submitted. DBOA are organising a beer festival on 7th June {5}, tickets proposed cost of
£15 with proceeds to DBOA.
Gavin Collins announced he recently joined the Board and spoke about the positivity of DBOA, mentioning the joint
activity with the CC regarding the Sunnylaw meadow. He promoted membership of DBOA to community residents,
there is a form on the website for applications {6}. Pam mentioned their support for the forthcoming Picnic in the Park
event at which they will have a stall.
B 2502.2 Update from Friends of Bridge of Allan (FBOA).
FBOA Chair Graham Russell reported on the activities of FBOA since the last CC meeting.
• The main activity has been routine maintenance.
• Replacement of compost in the planters/barrels. 60 bags of compost replaced.
• Tidy up of the Provost’s Park. Removed stones.
• Rockery tidied up
• Re Hanging baskets – traders are being contacted.
• Preparations for watering the baskets.
• Plant Sale will be 24th May, 10am at the Parish Church.
• The date for the Picnic in the Park {7} event in the Pullar Memorial Park will be 14th June, 11 am to 3pm. All
groups and organisations from last year have been contacted.
• A project at the Allan Centre for new beds/planters and tidy up.
• Weeding group might restart – with KMcG involved.
• New volunteers welcome.
B 2502.3 Update from Allotment Association.
Cllr Tollemache reported that the agreement between SC and the Association has been finalised.
B 2502.4 Update from the Community Activities Group (The Allan Centre).
Councillor Kleinman in his capacity as a trustee of the Group reported that numerous projects are now
underway, including an external play area with a soft play surface.
B 2502.5 The Dr Welsh Trust.
Gavin Drummond reported that the Trust had already refurbished the town road sign near the Lecropt
Turning, and now the one on Airthrey road has also been refurbished. Plans are in progress for the erection
of a plaque on The Avenue Archway.
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B 2503. Residents’ View.
B 2503.1 M9 overnight closure and diversion through Bridge of Allan
IB brought up the issue of the forthcoming M9 overnight closure at J9 on April 28 for 5 nights with Northbound traffic
diverted to Stirling and then through BOA via Cornton Rd, Fountain Rd and then Henderson St to the Kier
Roundabout. To avoid the residential areas of BOA the traffic could be diverted from Back O’Hill to J10.
ACTION: Councillor Heald to query SC about the M9 Overnight Closure Diversion through BOA.
B 2503.2 Petition to Stirling Council on Removal of School Crossing patrol Officers
Julia Graham spoke on behalf of Bridge of Allan Primary school and local residents regarding their opposition to SC
removing School Crossing Patrol Officers and their petition to SC {8}. She read a statement a copy of which is at
Appendix 2 of these minutes. AT explained that SC required the petition that had been presented to them should be
discussed at a CC meeting. It was reported that about 60 cars were dropping off /picking up children at the school, in
addition there is very busy traffic levels on the road at the school ( Pullar Avenue) and the Cornton Road. There
were observations of vehicles not stopping at the Zebra Crossing on Cornton Road near the junction with Pullar
Avenue. The school had an active travel to school policy.A resident reported that Keith Brown MSP had expressed
support for the petition. IB proposed that the CC endorse the concerns of the community, which was unanimously
agreed by members present and by everyone in the room.
ACTION: LH to write to Councillor Tollemache confirming the petition had been discussed at the meeting.
B 2503.3 Co-op Redevelopment and Parking .
A resident queried if SC had plans for car parking with the forthcoming closure of the central car park during the CoOp redevelopment, which he thought would take a year to complete. Councillor Tollemache replied that SC have no
specific plan.The resident thought the impact would be to disrupt traffic on Kier street. Councillor Kleinman confirmed
that SC have transferred ownership of the (Fountain Road) car park to the Co-op. The resident asked again about a
plan. A resident queried if the Royal Hotel car park could be used. KMcD replied that the owner had been difficult to
contact, and that as it was private land there would be issues with insurance.
ACTION: Councillor Tollemache to contact SC re Co-op redevelopment parking plan.
LH commented on the bleak prospect facing BOA, especially with no plan.
ACTION: LH to write to SC Chief Executive expressing strength of feeling about Co-op and parking.
B 2504. Our Bridge of Allan Planning.
IB gave a brief report on the progress of the LPP. A drop-in engagement session is to be held on 24th May in the
Honeyman Hall of the Parish Church, between 10am and 5pm. There will be questions to respond to on 4 main
themes – Housing, Biodiversity, Derelict Sites and Transport (Parking). The display will then be moved to the library
and there will be an online survey.
B 2505. Planning Report.
IB reported on two items:
• A planning application was approved for a temporary Co-op
• The planning application for a short term let on a house in Kenilworth road was withdrawn.
B 2506. Chair’s Report.
In the Chair’s absence there was no report.
B 2507. Secretary's Report.
Communications from Councillors
Councillor Kleinman
• Councillor Kleinman wrote to explain that the temporary introduction of three-way traffic controls at the
Fountain Road roundabout was due to a gas leak and that the two large poles erected at the junction of
Fountain Road and Keir Street are for the imminent installation of the new zebra crossing.
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• Councillor Kleinman has also confirmed that the excavation works in the Co-op car park had been
undertaken to identify the location of the concrete-filled former fuel tanks, and he also confirmed that the
Police have reported that no one was injured when a car crashed into the window of the Flooring Shop
Councillor Tollemache
• Councillor Tollemache has contacted SC to ask what plans it has in relation to the release of 10 million
pounds of Scottish Government funding for Changing Places toilets.
• Councillor Tollemache reported that he had raised residents’ safety concerns about the Keir roundabout with
MSP Mark Ruskell who had, in turn, raised them with the Scottish Government. Subsequently, Mr Ruskell
has forwarded a communication from the Transport Secretary confirming that the operating company, Amey,
has been instructed to carry out a conflict study survey to identify the nature of the issues of concern.
• The councillor has also raised with SC the concerns of a Henderson Street resident who has reported that a
car has run over a buildout and has taken out the metal indicator sign. In its response, SC has explained
that, as an interim measure until a repair has been effected, a traffic cone has been placed on the build-out.
The council has also confirmed that, in its view, it is too early to assess the effectiveness of the traffic
calming measures or to make alteration to the measures and that speed surveys will be undertaken in 3–6
month.
Communications from Residents
• A resident wrote to the CC on behalf of a group of concerned parents and residents to report that a petition
has been initiated to express concerns about the impact on child safety of the removal of school crossing
patrol officers across the Stirling area.
• A resident contacted the CC to express concern about the impact of heavy rain on the drainage capability of
the road surface at the site of the new Fountain Road zebra crossing. Councillor Wilson has raised the
concern with SC while Councillor Kleinman has confirmed that work on the road surface has not yet started
and that issues of drainage will be addressed at the time of the installation of the crossing.
Communications from Stirling Council
The CC received the following:
• a ‘briefing document’ update on the appropriate procedures to be followed by community councils for their
2025 AGMs;
• an invitation to provide feedback on the draft of the council’s Climate Adaptation Strategy;
• details of the piloting of an alternative approach by the Police to interacting with community councils at ward
level rather than at direct community council level.s.
General Communications
The CC received the following:
• the March 2025 Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise ebulletin;
• the April newsletter of Alexander Stewart, MSP;
• BEAR Scotland will be carrying out overnight resurfacing works on the M9 northbound on-slip at Junction 9
for 5 nights from April 28, 2025;
• An email from the Scottish Civic Trustproviding details of its My Place awards.
B 2508. Treasurer’s Report
The treasurer reported on the 31st March end of year balance. The Christmas Lights fund now at £8889.20 with the
total bank balance being £12,208.22. The statement is at Appendix 1.
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B 2509. AOCB
• Councillor Tollemache reported of an incident of dog attacking sheep. Some thing needs to be done to
encourage responsible walking of dogs.
LH closed the meeting just before 9 pm.
B 2510. Date of Next Meeting.
LH announced the date of the next meeting to be Tue 20th May, 7.30pm at the Allan Centre.
Action Log Summary:
• (from B 2503.1) : Councillor Heald to query SC about the M9 Overnight Closure Diversion through
BOA
• (from B 2503.2):LH to write to Councillor Tollemache confirming the petition had been discussed at
the meeting.
• ( from B 2503.3): Councillor Tollemache to contact SC re Co-op redevelopment parking plan
• (from B 2503.3): LH to write to SC Chief Executive expressing strength of feeling about Co-op and
parking
Abbreviations:
Annual General Meeting (AGM), Bridge of Allan (BOA), Community Council (CC), Common Good Fund
(CGF), Councillor (Cllr), Stirling Council (SC), Wallace Monument Stakeholder Advisory Group (WMSAG),
Discover Bridge of Allan (DBOA) , Residents Against Greenbelt Erosion (RAGE); Community Action Plan
(CAP); Local Place Plan (LPP); Friends of Bridge of Allan (FBOA); Community Right to Buy (CrtB);
Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC); Lawn Tennis Association (LTA); School Crossing Patrol (SCP);
Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environment Trust (CSET)
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Appendix 1. Treasurer’s Report. Year End 31st March 2025
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Appendix 2. Petition to Stirling Council on Removal of School Crossing patrol Officers
Statement read to the Community Council Meeting, April 15 2025
1Councillor Tollemache received an explanation from the Police, the community offices were both on leave. In future
an interim report or advance notice should be provided if officers are going to be on leave.
2 Stirling Council online survey on the North Stirling Active Travel proposals:
https://engage.stirling.gov.uk/en-GB/folders/north-stirling-active-travel
3 Strathallan Community Rail Partnership website: http://www.strathallancrp.org.uk/
4 Bridge of Allan railway station re-opened on 13th May 1985, wikipedia entry:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_of_Allan_railway_station
5 Beer Festival by Discover Bridge of Allan website: https://bridgeofallan.info/event/beer-festival-by-discover-bridgeof-allan/
6 Discover Bridge of Allan membership form: https://www.discoverbridgeofallan.org/membership
7 FBOA held their Picnic in the Park in the Pullar Memorial Park on 15th June 2024 to celebrate 100 years of the park
. Photos and comments are on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/foboafb
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8 The online petition for opposing the removal of School Crossing Patrols: https://www.change.org/p/oppose-theremoval-of-the-school-crossing-patrol-officers