May 2021 Minutes

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CROFTAMIE COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING

held on online
Wednesday 12.05.21 at 7.30 pm

Attendees: Peter Lloyd (PL), David Armstrong (DA), Henry Braid (HB), Mary
Dickie (MD), Donald Watson (DW), Margaret Firth (MF), Cllr Rob Davies
(RD), Willie Nisbet (WN) and 7 residents.

1. Apologies – none.

2. Previous Minutes- approved by PL Seconded by MD

3. Police Report –Grant MacDonald

   May 2021 - Compiled by PC Steven Graham

   Antisocial Behaviour

   A male was arrested after a contravention of section 38 Criminal Justice and Licencing
   (Scotland) Act 2010 (Breach of the peace equivalent) after an incident in Cattermills,
   Croftamie.

   There is an ongoing dispute at Edmond Terrace which the Police have been involved in with a
   view to resolve issues. This is a difficult situation but liaison is being continued with all
   parties.

    

   A few mountain rescues (3) were instigated at the Devils Pulpit. No serious injuries were
   sustained. Also parking issues.

    

   Comment was made that by publicising the accidents it attracts further visitors. WN agreed
   that this is also the case in the Park.

   The Mountain Resuce took out two pages in the Observer.

   Concern about visitors being ill-prepared. By charging people with reckless care it has raised
   adverse reaction.

    

   Q around speeding in the village- local officer is attending and the pop up Police person. Killin
   have purchased one and Grant will get the contact info. Killin’s was stolen so bear this in
   mind and think about where to attach it. Can they come around 5-6pm and not later when it’s
   quieter. Can a survey be done on speeding – CCC have indicated where we wanted the survey.

    

   Community partnership team have received our participation request but no response has
   been received.

    

   Q around the closure of the Glen for up to 5 days. Only Scottish Govt ministers can close it for
   longer because of the Outside Access Code.

    

   Q – have Stirling Council got any Rangers that could attend the Glen? No they haven’t.

   Road Safety

   An RTC occurred near to the Devil’s Pulpit which resulted in the road being closed between
   Finnich Toll and Cuilt Rd. No injuries in the RTC however the road was blocked by the vehicle
   which was the reason for the road closure.

    

   Reports of inconsiderate parking at the Pulpit were received. Efforts to try and curb this are
   continuing and Council officers are being deployed to issues parking tickets.

    

   Theft

   There have been no thefts in Croftamie since the last meeting.

    

   Shut outs scammers

   During May Police Scotland will be running a “Shut out Scammers” campaign highlighting
   Rogue Traders. This will mainly be an online campaign however please take heed of the
   following:

    

   Don’t deal with cold callers - find local traders who have been vetted by Trading Standards at
   https://approvedtrader.scot/

    

   Close the door on uninvited callers. Don’t feel obliged to answer the door to a cold caller - it is
   your home and you should not let anyone in unless you feel comfortable

    

   Take time to think before making a decision. Rogue traders may try to pressure you by saying
   that they have special deals which are only available today. Don’t let an uninvited trader start
   work straight away

    

   If an uninvited trader knocks on your door and tells you that urgent work needs done on your
   house or garden, don’t take their word for it. Always get a second opinion from someone you
   trust and get at least 3 quotes before having any work carried out.

    

   5 signposts to help you

    

   Close the Door on uninvited callers

   Take Time to think before making a decision
   Research - get at least 3 quotes

   Verify that the caller is genuine

   Report suspicious behaviour to @policescotland & scams to @advicedotscot

    

   Sign up for @nwatchscotland free alerts to receive timely local alerts about community
   safety & crime prevention from Police Scotland and other partners.

   Useful Links

   Find the most up to date advice on doorstep crime from Police Scotland on the website. They
   also have a dedicated page with advice on scams and frauds.

    

   Call 101 to report any suspicious activity

    

   Call 999 and ask for the police if you feel scared or threatened

    

   To report doorstep scams to Trading Standards call Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000
   or visit scamwatch.scot

   For free localised alerts from key information providers regarding incidents and crime
   prevention, go to www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk

    

   Get advice on consumer rights from your local Citizens Advice Bureau or by calling the Advice
   Direct Scotland Helpline on 0808 164 6000

    

   Find local traders who have been vetted by Trading Standards at the SCOTSS
   Approved Trader Directory: approvedtrader.scot

    

   Bike theft

   More than 500,000 bikes are stolen in the UK each year because they’re poorly secured or not
   secured at all. More than half of all bikes stolen are taken from the owner’s property. Due to
   the lockdown bikes have become more popular and thus have become more of a target for
   theft. Help protect your bike by following these guidelines:

    

   What can I do before I set off?

   •Photograph your bike and record all of your bike’s details and distinguishing features and
   keep in a safe place. The serial number can be found on the bottom bracket.

    

   • Register your bicycle securely online at the National Cycle Database, www.bikeregister.com.

     Doing this may help to recover your bike if it goes missing. On registering, you can also
     download a bike logbook where you can record your bike’s details to keep at hand.

      

   • Security mark your bike’s frame with a UV pen or other method - the mark should include
     your home postcode and house number.

      

   • Insure your bike, either on contents insurance or separately if required.

      

     How can I secure my bike if it’s kept in common close or stairwell?

   • Always keep your bike out of sight as best you can.

      

   • Lock your bike with two locks to a secure banister or ground anchor.

      

     What if I store my bicycle in a garage or a shed?

   • For tips on garage and shed security see here

      

     https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property/secure-your-
     garden-outbuildings/

      

   • Lock your bike with two locks to a ground anchor.

      

     How should I secure my bike and its accessories when out and about?

   • Lock your bike up every time you leave it using secure locks (i.e. D-locks or thick cable locks).

      

   • Ideally, use two different types of lock - a thief will need more tools to steal it.

      

   • Locks are considered more vulnerable when close to the ground, so keep them off the floor.

      

   • Fasten your bike through the frame and wheel to a fixed object.

   • Lock your bike in a busy, well-lit place, in view of people or CCTV cameras.

      

   • Lock the bike closely to the object it’s attached to so it is difficult to manoeuvre.

      

   • Lock the wheels and remove small parts / accessories that cannot be readily secured, such as
     lights, pumps, water bottles, saddles etc.

      

   • Vary your routine - lock up your bike in different ways & place.

    

   Pedal and motorbike identification forms

   The downloadable forms at the bottom of this page are a handy guide for you to record
   information about your bike or motorbike. These forms can be used as your own personal
   record about your property for the duration of time you own it. Every bike or motorbike will
   be unique to its owner through the serial/chassis/VIN numbers but these are not the only
   ways to identify your property. Modifications, stickers, repairs, damage also can be used to
   help identify your bike and the more information you record about your property throughout
   its time with you, the greater possible chance we have of reuniting you with your property if
   unfortunately lost or stolen. If you keep these forms up to date and in a place you remember,
   if you ever have to report your bike lost or stolen, you will have the perfect reference tool for
   making your report.

    

   https://www.scotland.police.uk/spa-media/d4jlfj4i/pedal-cycle-identification-form.pdf

    

   We also have bike marking kits so if anyone wishes their bike marked in order to
   try and identify it if it gets stolen then please get in touch.

   Community Engagement and Reassurance

   It is important to you to have community officers who you know, who are accessible and who
   address local problems

    

   PC Steven Graham is based at Balfron Police Office and can be contacted at the office, on 101,
   or at ForthEndrickCPT@scotland.pnn.police.uk. It is recommended that this email address is
   used by the local community for email contact.

    

   Please remember that we regularly publish useful information and updates on social media,
   including appeals for information, updates about road closures and crime prevention advice.
   Our Facebook and Twitter pages can be found at

    

   www.facebook.com/forthvalleypolicedivision
   www.facebook.com/policescotland
   www.twitter.com/stirlingpol
   www.twitter.com/policescotland

    

4. Planning Report – MD -Finnich Malaise lodge has applied for planned
   internal alterations.

   (Not in our area but) a dwelling at South east of Stockiemuir Farm has been
   approved.

5. RSHA Croftamie- architect said that they would be in touch but there has been
   no correspondence so far.

    

6. Roads Update – DW has Planned works report emailed but nothing related
   to this area. At Carbeth patching has been done. Money has been set aside
   for A809 but not seen updates so far.

    

   Stephen Bly is our new contact where we can raise points to the Council on all
   matters. Email is blys@stirling council.gov.uk.

   Concern about the bridge and it is getting worse.

   A811 and the two sets of traffic lights – could Stephen support? West
   Dumbarton Council are upgrading the damaged bridge. DW thought that it
   would require a full road closure to properly make the repairs to the eroding
   road.

   RD-budget has been allocated to this area of £72K in this financial year but there
   are 5 bridges in this ward which are being eroded. Note that closure of these
   will

   impact on tourism and cause great inconvenience.
   Rumble strip – LA to report to Steven

    

7. Treasurer Update – Balance of account is £2230.31.

   It was agreed that if a Smart meter could be installed for the Christmas Lights
   at no cost then we should go ahead- this will reduce the incorrect bills.

    

8. Stirling Council Update – RD

   Elections last Thurs – new Councillor, Jane Hutchinson. Lives locally and will
   be aware of Rural issues.

   Roads budget £4.6M. RD has raised the issue with the local bridges.
   Amending By laws re drinking outdoors.

   Rural and SW forum is to be held on the 17th May.

   Pam Campbell has left the role and feeling round the meeting was that she
   will be sorely missed.

   Participation request for Kippen had 6 month delay so other Councils have
   also been experiencing delays.

    

9. LL&TNP -WN

   Visitors to the Park during the summer- staff are in place. Retail outlets and
   hospitality now open elsewhere, so it might reduce visitors to the Park.

   GL was also on the National Park Board so Stirling Council will have to make
   a nomination and the new Minister will have to approve this person (who
   should come from within the Council area/ NP boundary)

10. Outstanding points from last meeting

    Pavement & road project – PL- no update yet.

    Possible further projects to be considered after successful litter pick. Great way
    to get the community together – poss end of May/ beg June.

     

11. Correspondence Received.

Community Development Plan – support can be given to put the Plan in place as
ours has expired and the Trust would take this forward.

Trossachs Visitor Center in Brig o Turk and they took over a school building and
how this was taken forward and could be a contact to assist if we wanted to take
over the Nursery Building.

Any Other Business :

A G M for Croftamie Community Trust – next Wed 19th May via zoom all
welcome.

Waiting on costing for the Traffic police person.

Support passed onto PL for his contribution to the Community Council but he will
be at the next meeting before he moves house.

Confirmation of next Meeting Wednesday 9.06.2021

commencing at 7.30 pm online