Causewayhead Community Council
Minutes of Annual General Meeting
Monday 3rd June, 2024
Chairpersons: Valerie Sinclair;
Councillor Susan McGill
(for appointment of new office bearers)
Present: Amy Britton, Joyce Carberry, Fiona Macleod, Valerie Sinclair,
Stuart Wilson
In Attendance: Councillor Susan McGill; Thelma Barron, Temporary Minutes
Secretary; Marco Farnocchi, Senior Project Officer, SUSTRANS; two
local residents
Apologies: Darren Draper, Isobel Jackson, Susan White
- Welcome and Apologies
The Chair welcomed the attendees to the meeting, noted apologies, and summarised
the objectives of the meeting.
- Approval of Previous Minutes
2.1 The Minutes of the Inaugural Meeting, held on Thursday 15th June 2023, were
approved, proposed by Joyce Carberry, seconded by Amy Britton.
2.2 The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting, 2022-23, held on 31 July 2023,
were approved, proposed by Valerie Sinclair, seconded Fiona Macleod.
- Matters Arising
There were no matters arising on the Minutes.
- Chair’s Report
The Chair, Valerie Sinclair, presented her report. She thanked all members of
the Community Council for their attendance and their efforts to sustain the
Council.
4.1 Community Police Officers
Whilst the Community Police Officers are no longer able to attend, they do
provide a bi-monthly report, and are always prompt at addressing any
problems raised with them. It was noted, however, that PC Jacqueline Fisher
has now left and her replacement has not yet been appointed.
4.2 Sustrans
The Walk Cycle Live project, which has been ongoing for two years in
Causewayhead, has almost reached completion, with work at Bridgehaugh
still ongoing. It was anticipated that the work there would be finished in
July/August 2024.
Continuing issues arising from the completed works includes poor sightlines
at junctions for cars emerging onto Causewayhead Road, which has been
raised with Stirling Council, and cyclists continuing to cycle on the pavement
or road.
The next stage of the project will be the cycle route from Causewayhead to
Manor Powys, for which preliminary designs are in progress. Therefore, no
route has yet been designated.
4.3 Network Rail
Work has been completed to provide a straight pathway over the Cornton
Crossing to improve safety, and bollards have been installed.
4.4 Empty homes
The Community Council has had a successful collaboration with the Empty
Homes Officer to address a number of issues relating to empty homes.
4.5 Traffic Calming
There are continuing speeding issues throughout Causewayhead, with drivers
exceeding the 20mph speed limit. A speed bump is to be reinstated at Dumyat
Road, where cars have been observed speeding toward the traffic lights.
4.6 Stevenson Bridge
The Community Council requested an update on the long proposed
maintenance and repairs to the road bridge connecting Causewayhead to
Stirling. Members are concerned about the safety of the bridge, as metal
barriers were put in place in 2020 to protect weak sides, pending repairs.
Stirling Council responded that the budget for bridge maintenance was set for
the current financial year and had no specific allocation for works on the
Stevenson Bridge. However, the Community Council remains concerned
about safety and has requested under the Freedom of Information Act
evidence of documented inspections.
4.7 Note of Thanks
On behalf of the Community Council, the Chair extended grateful thanks to
Esther Lim, who has been serving as Minutes Secretary over the last year.
She also extended thanks and best wishes to the former Treasurer, Sonja
Cameron, who has recently stepped down from that role after many years of
service. The Chair also expressed her gratitude to Joyce Carberry, for her
continuing maintenance of plants at the community planters and war
memorial. Finally, thanks were extended to the four Ward Councillors for their
valued support.
4.8 Schedule of Dates
A schedule of dates for meetings in 2024-2025 comprised bi-monthly meetings
as follows, with meetings to be held at &.00pm in the Function Room of the
Birds and Bees, Easter Cornton Road, FK9 5PB:
5th August 2024
7th October 2024
2nd December 2024
3rd February 2025
7th April 2025
2nd June 2025 (AGM)
- Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reported that the balance in the accounts stands at £6,619.30.
Expenditure included: fees for Minute taking; development of the web-site; a wreath for
the War Memorial; a battery for the defibrillator at the carpet shop; and pads for the
defibrillator at the Birds and Bees.
- Appointment of Office Bearers
Councillor Susan McGill took the chair and invited nominations for the appointment of
Office Bearers.
Chairperson: Valerie Sinclair; Proposed: Fiona Macleod; Seconded: Stuart Wilson
There were no other nominations for Chairperson
Vice-Chairperson: Amy Britton; Proposed: Valerie Sinclair; Seconded: Joyce
Carberry
There were no other nominations for Vice-Chairperson
Treasurer: Fiona Macleod; Proposed: Stuart Wilson; Seconded: Valerie Sinclair
There were no other nominations for Treasurer
Secretary: Stuart Wilson; Proposed: Valerie Sinclair; Seconded: Fiona Macleod
There were no other nominations for Secretary
All office bearers were duly elected.
- Handover to Duly Elected Chairperson
The Chair wished the Community Council success and handed the meeting over to
Valerie Sinclair.
- Date of Next AGM
2nd June 2025
TASB/7.6.24, revised 24.6.24