GARGUNNOCK COMMUNITY COUNCIL MINUTES
I also confirm that this Grant is finite and subject to an upper limit for each Community Council
with deductions for underspend applied where appropriate.
Date: 5th Aug 2024
Time: 1930 hrs
Location: Gargunnock Community Centre or Google Meet
GCC: David Millar (DM), Mike Buckley (MB), Christine Johnston (CJ), Lovat
MacGregor (LM), Tom Jamieson (TJ)
Councillors: Rosemary Fraser (RF)
Residents: Maitland and Anne Clark, Andrew Mayhew
Apologies: Christine Phillips (CP), Julie Cole (JC)
Minute Taker: T Jamieson (TJ)
Agenda
- Apologies (DM)
Christine Phillips (CP), Julie Cole (JC)
- Adoption of previous minutes (DM)
Proposed by CJ, seconded by MB
- Declarations of interest (DM)
None
- Village Shop
A facebook page has been set up by the shop committee to provide ongoing information
about the shop development and reports that good progress has been made. Several
advertising covers have been placed on bollards throughout the village to advertise, and
encourage, the share option.
A tenant/Manager has been appointed under the auspices of a larger enterprise with other
retail outlets.
The recent pub quiz raised over £400 for the shop development. An entry has also been
made to the Plunkett Foundation Awards.
- Roads
Stirling Council is planning to carry out speeding data collection in village but department
understaffed. No timeframe as yet.
ACTION: CJ chasing.
DM contact Police Scotland to request more monitoring of speeds and main access/ egress
points. No dates provided but being planned.
The most recent police report mentioned an accident at the junction at the A811 and
Chalmers Lane. As stated in earlier minutes, we have formal agreement from Stirling
Council that the planning work for changes to the Station Road / A811 junction will be
drawn up in 2024 and the execution of the work carried out in 2025-26.
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A member of the public raised concerns about and incident at the junction between Manse
Brae and The Square where cyclists passed through at speed. This junction previously had
a give way sign and lines from Manse Brae, but these have been removed and
consequently, it was felt that this junction has become more dangerous.
ACTION: It was agreed to write to Stirling Council to ask for this to be reviewed and for the
road lines to be repainted at the Square and elsewhere in the village. (DM)
Concerns were raised again about the caravan parked on Leckie Road and a lorry parked on
Main Street at the junction of Stevenson Street. Both vehicles are blocking sight lines.
ACTION: Councillor Fraser agreed to check the legal position regarding caravans being
parked on the highway.
Several of the potholes around the village have been logged with Stirling Council.
- Planning
There were no planning matters to discuss.
- Memorial Fountain
It has been established that ownership of the fountain and surrounding garden have been
held by Stirling Council since the 1960’s. Their permission is therefore required for any
remedial work to enhance the fountain.
A quote has been obtained for ‘gentle’ cleaning of the stonework and repairs to the lime
mortar in line with conservation guidelines. Samples of the stone also need to be collected
to allow matching of repairs. A request for funding has been accepted by the Windfarm
and the Council’s protection officer will liaise with the company scheduled to carry out the
work. Further information will be provided as this programme develops.
ACTION: CJ to go ahead with Phase 1 cleaning and connect stone mason with SCC.
- Christmas Lighting
The proposal is to add six additional Christmas lights, and a request has been sent to
Stirling Council for both a cost and approval to install the necessary connections. Once this
has been agreed, funds will need to be raised to support this venture.
Discussion took place regarding enhancing the Switch On event following the success of
last year. Potentially the road could be closed for a short time and refreshments could be
made available.
ACTION: DM to put in application for road closure.
ACTION: DM to speak with Gargunnock Inn about Mulled wine etc
- Local Place Plan (LPP)
A drop in event was held, over two days in June, to establish how residents wanted
Gargunnock to develop in the next decade. This attracted a reasonable number of people
and good responses and comments were made in relation to the proposed plans. David
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Millar is currently developing the draft plan which will be circulated throughout the village
once completed.
The main comments expressed by residents reflect that:
Growth in the village should be sensitive and organic, with non-aggressive
development.
The health and well-being of residents was seen as very important. (Road safety,
parking and the environment were frequently mentioned).
The existing assets and culture within the village should be preserved.
More was needed to support economic growth and employment
David Millar was commended for the sterling work on this project.
- COMMUNICATIONS
Due to other commitments, no real progress has been made with updating to a new
website, but the proposed new structure is taking shape.
ACTION: DM to follow up with Dan on progress.
- Police Report
A dog was reported to the police as biting a runner. No further details were available.
Two collisions were reported on the A811.
- Finances
The administration grant from Stirling Council is due in August for this session. The current
balance is £1155.72.
- Residents’ Forum
Concerns were raised about the weeds on verges, debris in gutters causing flooding, the
quality of the grass cutting etc. The Windfarm offers grants of £250 to individuals to
improve facilities within the village. It was suggested that people could apply individually,
and that the combined funds be used to employ someone to do maintenance around the
village. This idea will be further discussed once information from Stirling Council is
received.
Councillor Fraser said that verges were left untended for bio-diversity but acknowledged
that this was unsightly and more to do with financial constraints. The Biodiversity Officer
position is vacant, and a new appointment is due. Councillor Fraser agreed to investigate
the management and quality control of the grass cutting. She asked for an email showing
which areas were due to be cut so that this could be checked.
ACTION: TJ to provide more details in email.
ACTION: Councillor Fraser to follow up on our behalf and feedback stance on this.
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A request has been made for a monthly list of all village activities to be placed on the
noticeboard. This was seen as an excellent idea. The logistic of putting such a list together
was discussed and Mike Buckley (MB) will initially explore these options.
ACTION: MB to follow up with resident and help coordinate compilation.
- Fraud Prevention
A public meeting is proposed to allow local police officers to highlight the most
recent frauds and scams in circulation and offer fraud protection advice. This has
been a well-attended and very positive event in neighbouring villages. The
proposed date is for the end of August and further details will be advertised in due
course.
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Membership of GCC in full
Position Name Contact Details
Chair David Millar (DM)
07553 016754
dwjmillar@gmail.com
Vice-Chair Carolyn Johnstone (CJ) johnstoncarolyn1@gmail.com
Secretary Christine Phillips (CP)
07919 917792
cpphillips16@gmail.com
Treasurer Tom Jamieson (TJ)
07732696517
tfj1@btinternet.com
Social Media/ Comms
Wind Farm Panel Rep
Mike Buckley (MB)
07967 830144
mb_j@btinternet.com
Planning & Licensing
Cycle Path Lead
Julie Cole (JC)
07773 391747
juliecole67@googlemail.com
Roads & Transport Lovat MacGregor (LMG)
07971 513 144
lovatmacgregor@gmail.com
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