Classification: Public. Page 1
Minutes of Meeting of Bridge of Allan Community Council
Held on Tuesday 18th March in the Allan Centre.
Present:
Amanda Coulthard (AC) Chair; Leslie Harkness (LH) Secretary; Graham Robertson (GR) Treasurer; Inga
Bullen (IB) Planning; Kathryn Chadwick (KC); Karen McGregor (KMcG); Jenny Smith (JS) .
Apologies:
Rosemary Dodds (RD); Shumela Ahmed (SA); ; Mike Watson (MW); Alexander Stewart (MSP); Councillor
Thomas Heald; Councillor Robin Kleinman; PC Siobhan Rennie; PC David Collins; Sarah Cameron (Chair,
Discover Bridge of Allan);
In attendance:
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache; Councillor David Wilson; Graham Russell (Chair, Friends of Bridge of
Allan);Douglas Neilson (Vice-Chair, Friends of Bridge of Allan); 17 other residents; Brian Bullen (BB) (Minute
Secretary);
Abbreviations have moved to the end of the minutes.
B 2484. Welcome, Apologies and Conflict of Interest
AC (Chair) welcomed those present at 7.31 pm. The apologies were noted as indicated above.
There were no expressions of conflict of interest from elected councillors.
B 2485. Approval of Minutes, Matters Arising and Action Log
IB proposed the February 2025 minutes be approved , Seconded by LH.
Matters Arising (LH)
In relation to Item B 2479 and the issue of the assets listed in the Common Good Register raised by resident Gavin
Drummond at the meeting, the CC received copies of an exchange of emails between Mr Drummond and Councillor
Kleinman. In the emails, Mr Drummond stressed that it could help to alleviate concerns were SC to give a written
guarantee that the CGF would not be used to meet Memorial Park expenditure. Councillor Kleinman reiterated his
concern that the CC had received no formal communication from SC that the CGF assets register is available online
for consultation. Councillor Tollemache had tried unsuccessfully to raise the issue at the meeting of the Civic Panel
on the 20th of February. Both Councillor Kleinman and Councillor Tollemache will be jointly taking forward the matter.
Regarding Item B 2474 and the ownership of the paths in Lower Westerton Woods, a resident contacted the CC to
firmly express the view that SC should not be able to dodge its responsibility for the woods by claiming that the
council did not have ownership of the footpaths.
In relation to Item B 2472 and the dog fouling concerns, a resident has written to ask if and when the Alexander
Drive dog poo bin which was damaged in the recent storm would be replaced. The resident also suggested that bins
be located at the corner of Chalton and Kenilworth and the Dumyat/Cocksburn parking spots.
With regard to the recurring issue of the safety of pedestrians and cyclists using Cornton Road, Councillor Kleinman,
who has been asking SC to improve the road safety measures at the entry points of the adjoining roads, was able to
report that the council has undertaken an on-site visit, has carried out a review, and has agreed to erect give-way
signs on poles on the relevant adjoining roads poles with the work being undertaken in the 2025/2026 financial year.
Classification: Public. Page 2
In respect of Item B 2472 and the Haws Park Pavilion defibrillator, KMcG received confirmation from SC that the
inoperative machine had been removed to avoid leaving the impression that it was still working. The council also
reported that the defibrillator had been damaged during its removal and had now been binned.
Regarding Item B 2472 and the Dunblane to Causewayhead Active Travel Route, Flora Chirnside, Senior Active
Travel Project Manager has provided an update on recent progress. A concept design has now been produced and
has been discussed by the Community Advisory group at a meeting which involved several CC members. The details
will be shared with the public via the SC online Engage platform and at a public meeting which has yet to be
arranged.
Action Log.
• (from B 2459.2) : AC has been in touch with SC re a site visit to Provost’s Park s
• (from B 2475): AC also in contact with SC officers to attend april meeting, re Henderson Street
• (from B 2465): AC indicated that the recruitement of new members will start in next week or so.
• (from B 2476.6) : AC written to BEAR expressing community concerns re Knockhill Bridge works. IB added that a
recent letter from BEAR indicating that there would be no daytime closures of the Lecropt road under the bridge
during the works, and this is posted on the ‘Latest News’ page of our website.
B 2486. Police Report.
PC David Collins had emailed the Police Report, His report is included 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 18th February 2025 and 14th March
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 18th of February 2025 and 14th March 2025, a total of 11 crime reports were recorder within the Bridge of Allan
area. The crimes detailed below are those that are of relevance to the local community.
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
8/3/25 – report of damage to toilets at Stirling University. CCTV obtained of group of youths thought to be responsible and
enquiry is ongoing to identify them.
2/3/25 – vehicle parked in Cawder Rd had rear window smashed. No suspect identified.
DRUG MISUSE
None.
VIOLENT CRIME
26/2/25 – police warning issued in relation to a minor assault after friends fell out.
HOUSEBREAKINGS/CRIMES OF DISHONESTY
11/3/25 – push bike stolen from bike rack in Stirling University grounds. Area not covered by CCTV and no suspect identified.
ROAD SAFETY AND ROAD TRAFFIC RELATED CRIME
4/3/25 – driver issued fixed penalty for driving without a valid MOT.
OTHER CRIME
None.
OTHER MATTERS
None.
Classification: Public. Page 3
Community engagement and reassurance
Activity for forthcoming month:
Issues raised at the Meeting:
None.
https://scotland.police.uk/yourviewcounts
Community Police Email Address: DunblaneBridgeofAllanCPT@scotland.pnn.police.uk
B 2487. Updates from BOA Community Groups.
B2487.1 Update from Discover Bridge of Allan (DBOA).
AC passed on a report from DBOA Chair Sarah Cameron (who had apologised for missing this meeting). A new
board member is being inducted, and they have another potential new board member as well. Further tree work has
been undertaken on the Sunnylaw Meadow.
B 2487.2 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.
• Tidy up of the Provost’s Park.
• The date for the Picnic in the Park {1} event in the Pullar Memorial Park will be 14th June, 11 am to 3pm.
Invites will be sent to the various groups and organisations. Same format as last year, fairly informal. Anyone
who wants to be involved are invited to get in touch.
B 2487.3 Update from Allotment Association.
Cllr Tollemache reported that the lease is still not agreed. There is a meeting this week to look at the impact of flood
defences. The erection of the flood defence wall and associated works may affect some plots. He also commented
on the small allotments near the flats on Inverallan Rd.
B2487.4 Update from the Community Activities Group (The Allan Centre).
AC reported the new Wi-Fi service is expected to be live soon.
Gavin Drummond asked about the SC budget item of £550,000 for a new roof on the Allan Centre. AC
replied that the roof work is to be discussed at the forthcoming Allan Centre Management meeting.
B 2488. Residents’ View.
B 2488.1 Unsatisfactory Broadband at Munro Gate
The developer of the Munro Gate flats passed on comments from occupiers regarding unsatisfactory BT broadband
(landline) performance. Cllr Tollemache reported from his involvement with the Dunblane CC that Openreach are
doing some improvements around Dunblane and he will copy BOA CC in on some communications with Openreach.
B 2488.2 Complaint about Stirling Cycle Paths
An issue was raised about the cycle paths around Stirling, with concerns about blackspots and poor sightlines at
junctions.
B 2488.3 Speeding on Keir St.
KMcD raised the issue of speeding on Keir St. A resident observed that Keir St will be a designated cycle path as
part of the Dunblane-Causewayhead Active Travel route. (Clllr Tollemache added later that this was correct, and that
there will not be a separate cycle track).
Classification: Public. Page 4
B 2488.4 Cornton Rd School Crossing Petition.
Cllr Tollemache had been contacted by a resident wanting to start a petition with SC for retaining the school crossing
patrol on Cornton Rd. The resident had been advised by SC to communicate this with the CC and he his reporting
that they will be doing so. AC added that the Community Police requested that incidents be report to them.
B 2488.5 Graham St Bus lay-by
A resident pointed out that the junction of Graham St and Henderson St is an accident blackspot, and that removing
the bus lay-by will mean buses blocking sightlines. Apparently though it used to be policy to provide lay-bys it is now
policy not to have lay-bys at bus stops. It was suggested the Graham St bus top be moved back away from the
junction. Cllr Tollemache made the point that with works imminent it was best to raise this issue with SC now.
ACTION: CC to contact SC re Graham St bus stop.
B 2488.6 Banking facilities.
A resident asked if BOA could qualify for a banking hub. AC replied that she has been asking questions about this,
and that progress is slow; possibly she may have an answer by the summer. IB reported that the Library have
indicated a willingness to help, e.g. hosting a van in the library car park.
B 2488.7 Cash Machines.
KmCG reported she had spoken to the manager of the Co-Op about a potential cash machine, and also to a
company that provides ATMs about a temporary solution.
B 2488.8 Derelict Buildings.
It was reported that the developer of 105 Henderson St now has planning approval for flats. AC said there was an
expectation, however, that the developers of 103 and 105 would opt instead for a combined development. She said
the developers would come to the either the April or May meeting to answer question. AC reported having contact
with the developer of 105 and she expected it to be demolished before the school summer holidays, and that some
tidy up was promised.
AC also had a response to her query to the owner of the Old Police Station, and that a development would be
forthcoming. The owner may also come to the April or May meeting. AC has had no response from the owner of the
Royal Hotel.
It was suggested that a media campaign could be used to draw public interest to the state of the Royal Hotel.
B 2488.9 Sunnylaw Road Closure
A resident complained that though a SC officer had said in the November CC meeting that they would progress the
Sunnylaw Road closure with enforcement notices to have the walls repair, however nothing has happened. Cllr
Tollemache report he had raised this with SC recently. AC also added that she had had contact with a SC Officer on
this issue. There followed a long discussion, the key points being no progress and no update from SC.
B 2489. Our Bridge of Allan Planning.
B 2489.1 Local Place Plan (LPP)
AC reported that the CAP {2} launched by DBOA at the end of last year was about actions that the community would
do itself, whereas the LPP is a formal document to be presented to SC for incorpation into the SC Local
Development Plan. A subgroup with members from CC and DBOA meets fortnightly. Further engagement sessions
are planned, to discuss issues of concern to the community such as Developments, Housing, Parking. IB reported
that an engagement session is proposed to be held on May 24 in the Honeyman Hall. After discussion with the Chair
of FBOA it was agreed that holding it in parallel with the FBOA Plant sale would be feasible. The plant sale would run
10am to 1pm and the engagement from 10am to 5pm. .
B 2490. Planning Report.
IB reported that there is no new planning applications of significance. The demolition of 105 Henderson St had been
approved.
B 2491. Chair’s Report.
AC reported on issues not already covered in this meeting.
Classification: Public. Page 5
Paterson Memorial Clock: SC continue with assessment work by specialist engineer and persuing legal issues.
Informed Communities Meeting: AC attended the february meeting for SC Community Council Chairs (SC
‘Informed Communities’ {3}) at which Resilience Planning was discussed, and the need for a plan for the area to
deal with events such as the recent Storm Eowyn.
Christmas Events: Preparations for a series for Christmas events will started towards end of March. It is
proposed to have a calendar of events from Mid Nov, every weekend.
Paterson Clock: KMcG raised the issue of negativity on social media, with the example of a recent newspaper
article on the Stirling Christie Memorial and Paterson Clocks. A statement from SC is needed.
B 2492. Secretary's Report.
Communications from Councillors
Councillor Kleinman
Councillor Kleinman forwarded from BEAR Scotland a further update on the Knockhill Bridge replacement
works detailing a number of overnight closures on the M9 between junctions 9 and 11. More recently, the
councillor has confirmed that, during the improvement works, the Lecropt road running under the bridge will
not be closed during the daytime.
Councillor Tollemache
• Councillor Tollemache raised with SC the damaged welcome sign opposite the prison, and the council,
subsequently, effected a prompt repair.
• In relation to the Heathershot/ Blue Banks core path near Westley’s farm, the councillor, having raised the
matter with SC, forwarded confirmation from SC that the area inspector will review the situation, and that,
since this is a motorised issue, the council has no relevant actions open to it under Land Reform legislation.
• Councillor Tollemache has also written to SC to request a further update on the issue of the Sunnylaw Road
closure.
• Councillor Tollemache has indicated that he was approached by a resident concerned about speeding on
Glen Road near Ferniebank Brae and Blairforkie Drive. Councillor Kleinman noted that he has raised this
issue on a number of investigations and has been told that, after investigation, it was felt that this was a
matter of driver responsibility and that no additional signs were required.
• Also, in relation to road safety, the councillor has reported that, for Dunblane residents, he has facilitated a
meeting in April with the police and the community to discuss the Speed Watch concept.
Communications from Residents
• A resident wrote to suggest that the CC might wish to consider supporting Scottish Wildlife’s grey squirrel
eradication scheme to avoid the impact on the red squirrel population of the disease carried by grey
squirrels.
• A resident who had witnessed several near misses at the junction of Sheriffmuir Road and Drumbrae Farm
Road has suggested that road markings are required. Councillor Tollemache has taken up the issue with SC.
• Also in relation to road safety, two other. residents have contacted the CC. One wrote to underline the need
for double yellow lines on both sides of the stretch of Fountain Road from the churches to the fountain. The
issue has been referred to the local elected members. The other resident, after witnessing a primary school
cyclist crashing into the back of a car turning into the main road, wrote to highlight the need for clearer cycle
path markings and the need to make the stretch of road between Fountain Road and Cornton Primary
School a 20 mph zone
Communications from Stirling Council
The CC received the following:
• details of the development by the council of an updated set of equality outcomes for 2025-2029;
Classification: Public. Page 6
• details on the completion of emergency plans forwarded from Stirling Carers Centre;
• details of the yearly insurance provision available for community councils.
General Communications
The CC received the following:
• details from the University of Edinburgh of a volunteer day on 7 April for the planting of crab apple trees on
the path towards Cocksburn Reservoir;
• details from Stirling University of an event involving the planting of 8 dwarf trees in a Pathfoot courtyard and
attended by the Scotland’s Makar;
• the March newsletter from MSP Alexander Stewart;
• an invitation to community groups to submit photographs for the Stirling 900 Commerative Photo Book to be
produced by the Stirling Photography Festival and Stirling District Tourism;
• a news update from the SCVO (the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations);
• the Scottish Community Councils newsletter;
• the Scottish Rural Action newsletter.
B 2493. Treasurer’s Report.
The balance from January was £14,572.33. Since then income included donations of £533.60 towards Christmas
Lights. Outgoings included web hosting fees, of £6 for Feb and March, and the bill for the Christmas lights erection
of £8889.20, with the balance at 17th March of £12208.22. The statement is at Appendix 1.
B 2494. AOCB
• None.
AC closed the meeting just before 9 pm.
B 2495. Date of Next Meeting.
LH announced the date of the next meeting to be Tue 15th April, 7.30pm at the Allan Centre.
Action Log Summary:
• (from B 2488.5) : CC to contact SC re Graham St. bus stop
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)
Classification: Public. Page 7
Appendix 1 – Treasurer's Report March 2025
Classification: Public. Page 8
1 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
2 Community Action Plan (CAP) on Discover Bridge of Allan website: https://www.discoverbridgeofallan.org/ourbridge-of-allan
3 Stirling Council Informed Communities’ sessions are quarterly and provide a platform for Council Officers and
representatives from national organisations to share information, projects, plans and updates
with Community Council Chairs.