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Minutes of Meeting of Bridge of Allan Community Council
Held on Tuesday 21st January in the Allan Centre.
Present:
Amanda Coulthard (AC) Chair; Leslie Harkness (LH) Secretary; Graham Robertson (GR) Treasurer; Inga
Bullen (IB) Planning; Kathryn Chadwick (KC); Rosemary Dodds (RD); Karen McGregor (KMcG); Jenny Smith
(JS) ; Mike Watson (MW).
Apologies:
Anna Doeser (AD) Vice-Chair; Shumela Ahmed (SA); Alexander Stewart (MSP); PC Siobhan Rennie
In attendance:
Councillor Thomas Heald; Councillor Robin Kleinman; Councillor Alasdair Tollemache; Councillor David
Wilson; PC David Collins; Graham Russell (Chair, Friends of Bridge of Allan);Douglas Neilson (Vice-Chair,
Friends of Bridge of Allan);Isobel Walters(Secretary, Discover Bridge of Allan); Gavin Drummond; 7 other
residents; Brian Bullen (BB) (Minute Secretary);
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)
B 2456. Welcome, Apologies and Conflict of Interest
AC (Chair) welcomed those present at 7.30 pm. The apologies were noted as indicated above.
There were no expressions of conflict of interest.
B 2457. Approval of Minutes, Matters Arising and Action Log
IB proposed the November 2024 minutes be approved , Seconded by MW.
Matters Arising (LH)
In relation to Item B 2442, Gary Neill of SC forwarded the traffic management drawings for the traffic calming
measures for Henderson Street and Fountain Road. Mr Neill stressed that the ‘build outs’ will be bolted down so that
they may be easily removed in response to any Active Travel scheme. Regarding Item B 2444 and the Dunblane to
Causewayhead Active Travel Project, Flora Chirnside forwarded the set of slides which she had been unable to share
at the meeting. The Secretary has written to Gary Neill, Flora Chirnside and Michaela Jackson to thank them for their
well-received contribution to the November meeting.
Regarding Item B 2442.2 and the Sunnylaw Road closure, Councillor Tollemache forwarded confirmation from SC
that, after further discussions with its legal department, the council was writing to the relevant residents advising them
again that it is their responsibility to repair the wall and that the council will now be introducing a timescale for
completion of the works. The council has stressed that failure to carry out the repair will compel the council to take
action to carry out the repairs. In terms of the road being opened again, while it is not possible to give a precise date,
early next year, weather permitting, is an envisaged date.
Councillor Tollemache raised with SC the following matter raised at the November meeting:
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the potential impact on parking in the town of the closure of the Co-op car park, during the forthcoming construction
works, town (Item B 2445.2)
Concerning Item B 2441, Mike Watson confirmed that the damaged paving slab at the Allan Centre had, in fact, been
repaired. He also reported that the Health Centre/Library car park lights on the northern side were not operational.
Councillor Tollemache reported to the meeting that there was no apparent plan for mitigating the car parking impact
during the Co-op construction works. AC reported that the Co-op works would start in late march and finish after 34
weeks (end of november).
Action Log.
• (from B 2445.1) : JS reported on the reply from SC re wheelchair access to the War Memorial. There was a
concern re possibly spoiling the appearance. Three options were given:
1. Temporary ramp which is not attached – this would be ok, no permission needed.
2. Longer Term ramp – permission would be needed.
3. Permanent ramp – permission required with building proposal with diagrams
GD mentioned there were some funds (approx £3500) left over from the Memorial renovation. MW raised the
issue of the deep gravel being an unusable surface for wheelchairs. It was thought that the cost of a marble
or sandstone floor would be too high.
A temporary ramp seemed to be the best solution, though various individuals have their own it was thought
that CC should acquire one.
• (from B 2445.2) : The parking issue during the Co-op reconstruction was reported by AT under Matters Arising
(above).
• (from B 2450) : Provost Park re. deteriorating condition of Gazebo metal work was discussed further after the
FBOA Update (B 2459.2)
• (from B 2453.1 ): RD had passed farmer’s concerns re dogs off lead to SC dog warden.
• (from B 2453.2 ): KMcG will progress attempt to repair CC sound system speakers.
• (from B 2453.3 ): KMcG reported on Defibrillators; that each defibrillator needs a guardian. Councillor Tollemache
said he would pass KMcG the contact details of the relevant person in Dunblane CC who could advise.
• (from B 2427 ): AC commented on contacting local youth groups and schools to raise awareness of littering.
KMcG reported contact with the Headteacher of the Primary School.
• (from B 2437.1 ): The cones in river under Allan Bridge remains unresolved.
• (from B 2437.3 ): MW reported that the uneven pavement had been repaired.
B 2458. Police Report.
PC David Collins summarized the Police Report, commenting that it had been a relatively peaceful Christmas and
New Year. His full report is reproduced here:
Introduction / synopsis of previous month:
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 matters of note which have occurred between 19th November 2024 and 21st
January 2025.
Current Priorities:
Our current priorities in the Bridge of Allan area continue to be Anti-Social Behaviour, Housebreaking, Road Safety
and Community Engagement and Reassurance.
Main Report:
Between the 19th of November 2024 and 21st January 2025, a total of 7 crime reports were recorded within the Bridge of Allan
area. The crimes detailed below are those that are of relevance to the local community.
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
None
DRUG MISUSE
Intelligence led stop of a vehicle on 14th December resulted in the recovery of drugs. The driver was charged with drug supply
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x2 and drug possession x 1.
VIOLENT CRIME
None
HOUSEBREAKINGS/CRIMES OF DISHONESTY
5/1/25 – Student at Stirling University defrauded via internet-based scam.
17/1/25 – Low value theft from residential property after suspect let themselves in via unlocked door.
ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD TRAFFIC RELATED CRIME
21/1/25 – Driver issues with fixed penalty for careless driving after road accident.
OTHER CRIME
Nothing of note
OTHER MATTERS
None
Community engagement and reassurance:
Attended welcome event at Stirling University to engage with students and give crime prevention advice.
Activity for forthcoming month:
https://scotland.police.uk/yourviewcounts
Community Police Email Address: DunblaneBridgeofAllanCPT@scotland.pnn.police.uk
Issues raised at the Meeting:
JS reported receiving complaints regarding some people being loud and abusive in shops, and attempting to
obtain food for free. PC Collins replied to encourage residents to phone in if issues arise. AC asked if there was
any update re the Paterson Memorial clock., PC Collins replied that this was an ongoing activity being pursued by
colleagues in Police Scotland. LH enquired about the Welcome events at the University. PC Collins said they were
well attended and he felt worthwhile, with good interaction with students. A forthcoming event will be held for
International Students. AC asked about Youth Volunteers. PC Collins replied this was centrally co-ordinated, he
could put volunteers in touch with the co-ordinator.
B 2459. Updates from BOA Community Groups.
B2459.1 Update from Discover Bridge of Allan (DBOA).
DBOA Secretary Isobel Walters reported:
• The CAP has been published online{1} with a paper copy available in the Library.
• There has been a good response to the CAP with dialogue with local groups.
• DBOA AGM is to be held on Mon Feb 3rd at 7pm at the Allan Centre.
• Two board members are stepping down (Linn Kleinman and Jonny Dreczkowski) with two new members
replacing them (Amanda Coulthard and Duncan Leask).
• The articles are being adjusted to conform with the requirements of charitable status, and will be confirmed at
an EGM.
MW commented on the need to keep the CAP stakeholders engaged, as he felt this was a shortcoming of the 2011–
2016 Community Action Plan.
GD asked if the name should be changed to e.g. Bridge of Allan Development Trust. Isobel Walters replied that it was
decided to retain the current DBOA name.
B 2459.2 Update from Friends of Bridge of Allan (FBOA).
FBOA Chair Graham Russel reported on the activities of FBOA since the last CC meeting.
• Prior to the Christmas Lighting ceremony, the Christmas tree was put up in the Provost’s Park, and wreath’s
hung and plaques attached to street lights.
• After New Year, the Christmas tree , wreaths and plaques were taken down.
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• Ongoing work at the Memorial park has been of clearing leaves and general tidy up.
• Routine maintenance upcoming will include work on raised beds.
• With the forthcoming closure of UCP we may lose the use of the storage container. If anyone knows of
suitable container (currently 40’ long) and site FBOA would be interested.
MW asked about the pagoda in the Provost’s Park. AC mentioned a site visit when weather is not so bad.
GD commented he had a list of issues at the Provost’s Park, and that the gazebo is the main one.
ACTION: AC to arrange site visit to Provost’s Park with SC (and GD).
B 2459.3 Dr Welsh Trust
GD reported that the four ‘Lower Westerton Wood’ signs (funded by the Trust) have now replaced the SC ‘Mid Wood’
signs
B2459.4 Allotments
Councillor Tollemache commented on a delay with SC in renewing the lease.
B2459.5 Community Activities Group
AC reported that WiFi provision is soon to be in place at the Allan Centre. MW reported that the issue of sunlight in
the games room was being resolved with an opaque coating on the windows.
B 2460. Residents’ View.
B 2460.1 Dog mess
A resident reported being in touch with the SC dog warden who had sprayed red paint over some dog mess. Two
other residents commented on the amount of dog mess, mentioning Allan Vale Road.
There was some discussion on possible actions. These include a discussion with the SC dog warden about some
targeted enforcement, another posting on social media and volunteers picking up dog mess (the rationale being that
if the streets are clean they are more likely to remain clean).
B 2460.2 Faulty Street Lights
A resident brought attention to a faulty street light. AC brought attention to the SC ‘Report It’ online reporting service
for faults and complaints {2}.
B 2460.3 Trees at Alexander Drive/Well Road junction
GD reported that Scottish Power had applied to SC for some tree works at the Electrical sub-station at the junction of
Alexander Drive and Well Rd. SC had marked the application as ‘closed’ without details. GD had written to SC to ask
if instead of just ‘closed’ an explanatory statement on the decision could be provided.
Some work as apparently now been progressed, but large trees remain to be felled, with traffic management
probable.
B 2461. Planned Improvement Works.
B 2461.1 Knockhill Bridge works
AC reported that a public meeting is to be held on Wed 22nd January, 6.30 to 7.30 at the BOA Sports Club
B 2461.2 Henderson St Traffic calming
A member of the SC Infrastructure Team is planned to attend the February CC meeting.
B 2462. Council Budget Consultation.
AC opened a discussion on the SC Council Budget Consultation {3}, with a plea that Residents respond. She
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suggested also that CC write to SC on the proposals, and pointed out that there are significant cuts to back end
services (£8million) that are not included in the survey.
She pointed out the proposed reduction in library opening hours. It was commented that the library was an important
resource for the community and a reduction in hours would be dentrimental to the community .
IB commented how the 14 years of austerity had impacted on council services, with collapsed walls and footpaths
neading repair, and many other important services suffering. AC commented how a reduction in one service may
lead to a wider impact that the specific service. LH commented on the need for discussions on priorities as there are
difficult decisions that have to be made.
AC suggested that the CC feed in a community view. A resident gave the example of the proposed reduction in music
tuition. AC exhorted residents to participate in the survey.
KC asked about paper copies, and it was confirmed they are available at the library.
B 2463. Our Bridge of Allan Planning.
AC reported that works continues on the LPP. SC have extended the deadline to Oct/Dec this year. The working
party are planning more engagement sessions (for example a specific session on affordable housing). IB reported
attended a couple of SC sessions for Community Councils. If the LPP is submitted by Oct 1st then SC can
incorporate ideas into it’s ‘Call for Sites/Ideas’ for inclusion into the SC Local Development Plan.
B 2464. Planning Report.
IB reported that there is no planning applications of significance. She noted that the planning consent for Park of Kier
passed on the 21st Dec 2024 with no extension requested by the developer.
IB announced that RAGE are holding a coffee morning on Sat 8th , between 10 and 12 at the Lecropt Hall. It was
suggested this be announced on the CC website.
B 2465. Chair’s Report.
The proposed works at Knockhill was covered under the agenda item on Planned Improvement Works (B 2461.1 and
the Co-Op under Matters Arising.
Our Vice-Chair, Anna Doeser, has resigned and this would have been her last meeting, but she is abroad currently.
We now have 3 vacancies for membership of the CC and should now start the recruitment process.
ACTION: AC to initiate recruitment process for CC membership vacancies.
Vacant Properties: AC reported that she had written to the owners of the vacant properties, and had replies from the
owners of 103 and 105 Henderson St. The replies were to the effect that nothing is currently happening, due to the
rising costs. She is having a conversation with them in Feb.
She had not received a reply from the owner of the Royal Hotel, but will try a new contact. RD requested that the
sites be tidied up, AC agreed and will pass on the request.
Paterson Memorial Clock: AC reported that tollowing the accident which knocked over the clock she has received
helpful and positive updates from SC. They have enlisted a specialist engineer to oversee the restoration work. JS
commented she has been in contact with a heritage engineer, but Councillor Kleinman explained that SC have
enlisted their preferred engineer.
B 2466. Secretary's Report.
Communications from Councillors
Councillor Tollemache forwarded the following to the CC:
a communication from a Bridge of Allan Primary School parent expressing dismay that the crossing
patrollers’ contracts were not being renewed, and wanting to know if a risk assessment of children’s safety
had been carried out by SC. In response to the councillor’s communication, MW endorsed the parent’s
concerns and also expressed his own regret over the loss of the patroller at the busy Cornton Road/Pullar
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Avenue junction. The councillor has forwarded the resident’s communication to SC.
The councillor also raised with SC:
the fact that the the intended Cornton Road give-way cycle lane markings at Lyon Crescent, Orchard Road,
Pullar Avenue and Westerlea Drive had still not been put in place;
that a discarded shopping trolley beside the litter bin in the car park of Hawes Park had yet to be collected.
Both Councillors Tollemache and Kleinman reminded the CC of the imminent Local Place Plan information
sessions.
Councillor Kleinman forwarded
details from BEAR Scotland of a public meeting in Bridge of Allan Sports Club at 6.30 pm on January 22nd to
discuss the proposed refurbishment of the M9 Knockhill Bridge.
Communications from Residents
Gavin Drummond wrote to the CC to confirm that he had now removed from Lower Westerton Wood the four
signs incorrectly naming the wood as Mid Wood and that the replacement signs would be installed in due
course.He subsequently wrote to confirm that the four signs, fully funded by the Dr Welsh Trust, were now in place
and that they contain contact details for the Dr Welsh Trust and updated contact details for SC. Mr Drummond
also wrote to bring to the attention of the CC the granting by SC of Scottish Power’s application to remove the
trees around the substation at the junction of Alexander Drive and Well Road.
MW reported that he had contacted Councillor Tollemache about the dangers arising from the total darkness of
the Co-op car park, and also about the fact that the Health Centre/Library car park lighting, on the north side, on
the public path between Fountain Road and Union Street, remained unrepaired. Councillor Tollemache has since
reported that it appears that the Co-op car park lighting is now the responsibility of the Co-op, as part of the
development, and MW has confirmed he will approach the Co-op manager about this. Councillor Kleinman who
had already raised the matter of the Health Centre/Library lighting with SC has reported that SC is awaiting
confirmation of who has responsibility for the lighting along the north side path since it is not the responsibility of
SC.
Communications from Stirling Council
The CC received confirmation that the second phase of the Big Conversation for the 2025-26 budget is now open
to receive feedback on SC’s proposed savings via an online survey due to close on February 2. The council has
also asked for feedback on the effectiveness the SC website.
General Communications
The CC received the following:
• the current Scottish Rural Action newsletter;
• an invitation from the Lord Lieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk for two CC members to attend the Royal
Foundation Carol Service in the Church of the Holy Rudein Stirling on Thursday, 5th December,
2024;
• the minutes of the December meeting of the Friends of Bridge of Allan;
• the Scottish Community Councils’ Christmas newsletter;
• the Scottish Rural Action Newsletter;
• the December and January newsletters from MSP, Alexander Stewart
B 2467. Treasurer’s Report.
GR reported that the invoice for the Christmas lights had not been received, expected though. Some additional
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Christmas lights donations (£867.93) had been received. RD commented she had just received another which she
will pass over. Expenses included the monthly webhosting fee (£6.00) and also the payment for THE MUSIC
LICENSE to PPL PRS Ltd {4} for the Tree Lighting ceremony at the Provost’s Park (with music) of £269.02. The
detailed statement was issued after the meeting and is at Appendix 1.
B 2468. AOCB
MW reported on a forthcoming meeting with SC regarding the MUGA court markings. He was suggesting the
possibility of adding Pickleball court lines.
B 2469. Date of Next Meeting.
LH announced the date of the next meeting to be Tue 18th Feb, 7.30pm at the Allan Centre.
Action Log Summary:
• (from B 2459.2) : AC to arrange site visit to Provost’s Park with SC (and GD).
• (from B 2465): AC to initiate recruitment process for CC membership vacancies.
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Appendix 1 – Treasurer's Report January 2025
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1 CAP on Discover Bridge of Allan website: https://www.discoverbridgeofallan.org/our-bridge-of-allan
2 Stirling Council Report It online faults/complaints service: http://www.stirling.gov.uk/report-it/
3. Stirling Council Budget consultation: https://engage.stirling.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/big-conversation-detailedproposals
4 PPL PRS LTD is the joint company licensing both recorded music (PPL – Phonographic Performance Limited) and
live performances of copyright works (Performing Rights Society): https://prsformusic.com