Kippen Community Council
DRAFT Minutes of the Meeting held in Kippen Reading Rooms at 7:30pm on Wednesday 10th April 2024
Present:
Derek Shanks (Chair), Barbara Ross (Vice-Chair), Margaret Beaton (Planning/Licensing), Robert Clubb (Treasurer), Scott Crawford, Ann Milligan, Christine Stewart,
In Attendance:
Councillor Rosemary Fraser (SNP), Esther Lim (Minute Taker)
Apologies:
Michaela Yates (Secretary)
Residents:
There were 4 members of the public present
1.
Welcome and Apologies
The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting and gave the apologies.
2.
Adoption of Minutes from the Last Meeting
The unconfirmed minutes of the OGM held on 13th March 2024 were approved having been proposed by Ann Milligan (AM) and seconded by Barbara Ross (BR).
3.
Matters Arising from the Last Meeting
3.1
Kippen Community Council (KCC) facebook Page
No progress to report.
3.2
Cost of Land Registry Searches
Nothing further to report.
3.3
Giant Hogweed:
BR has written an article for The Wee Vine to get community involvement in tackling this issue. She has included links to the invasive species website and quoted the letter received from Minister Lorna Slater. Both Stirling Council (StC) and Nature Scotland have powers to act on this issue though these seem rarely used. BR is urging locals to contact both organisations to act on this issue.
3.4
Bridge Repairs:
Discussed below under item 5.6.
3.5
Sign for Cauldhame
Discussed below under item 6.6.
4.
Secretary
Following the resignation of the Secretary and the intention of Derek Shanks to step down as Chair, KCC is looking for new members. BR will submit an invitation for new members to The Wee Vine by and Christine Stewart (CS) will post this on the KCC facebook page. [Action: Barbara Ross and Christine Stewart]
5.
Matters for Discussion
5.1
Police Report
BR read the Police Report for March 2024 which was compiled by PC Matt McCammon and circulated to members prior to the meeting.
Sheep Worrying – A report was received of a dog entering a field near Scott Brae. Approximately 22 sheep were within the field all carrying twin lambs. The dog wasn seen chasing the sheep and causing them distress. Enquiries are ongoing to trace the owner.
Road Safety – A report was received of a vehicle road traffic collision whereby a vehicle struck the wall of the medical practice while manoeuvring. No persons were injured. The driver was given a fine for careless driving.
Escaped Alpaca – A report was received of an alpaca on the road. It was soon after traced and returned to the Alpaca Trekking centre.
5.2
Correspondence
BR has been monitoring the email account in the absence of a Secretary. She brought the following matters to the notice of members:
A communication from Kippen Woodland Group regarding the land to the east of the football pitch. See item 5.9 below.
Stirling Community Enterprise are hosting a Conversation Café with Stirling Palliative and End of Life Care on Thursday 25th April from 2-4pm.
Stirling Council has become the first council in Scotland to be awarded White Ribbon Status by White Ribbon Scotland. It has produced a quantity of beer mats promoting their message which are available for pubs free of charge on request. White Ribbon Scotland is focused on working with men and boys to challenge culture and behaviour that leads to abuse and violence.
FEL Scotland are holding a Climate Action Hub Launch on Wednesday 17th April from 6-9pm at the Smith Art Gallery.
SEPA are conducting an online Potentially Vulnerable Areas (PVA) Survey and are requesting Community Council members to participate.
5.3
Planning Applications/Decisions/Appeals
No matters of concern.
5.4
Treasurer’s Report
The KCC account balance is currently approximately £2,600. The Treasurer, will ask the independent examiner to do the accounts in advance of the AGM ion 8th May. [Action: Robert Clubb]
5.5
Councillor’s Report
Councillor Rosemary Fraser (RF) provided the following update:
Drivers speeding coming off the roundabout: SC have agreed to conduct speed and traffic surveys. This will be done in Spring or Summer as inclement weather can skew results.
Trossachs SAR: RF had obtained the contact details requested at the last meeting but these were no longer needed.
Drainage gully. SC agree that his has not been cleared properly due to parked cars and needs investigation. This has been added to the SC works programme but the date of the work is still to be confirmed. RF will be kept updated.
Langgarth House, which has been unused for 15 years, was extensively damaged by fire last week. The perpetrators were caught and the insurance is up to date.
MOD Land at Forthside: SC has completed the transfer of 80% of this land and is leasing it to a film production company. The final 20% is currently undergoing decontamination work.
Clock Tower: Scott Crawford (SC) queried whether the company who were on the demolished clock tower were liable for the repair costs, rather than the costs being taken from tax payers’ money. RF confirmed that a full investigation had taken place and no claim can be made against the workers involved. The workers had been in the process of repairing, not demolishing the clock tower, when the tower was deemed in imminent danger of collapse. RF agreed mistakes had been made. Although initially Stirling residents had been in favour of the tower being rebuilt, it was suggested that many not be in support of such an expensive repair (c. £917) when facing cuts to local services.
Engine Shed: SC asked whether the Engine Shed is open. RF and members confirmed that it is.
5.6
Bridge Repairs
Derek Shanks (DS) circulated copies of a quote by B7 Limited for repairs to the bridge. He explained that on examination the supports underneath the bridge were found to be rotten. There are 3 timber joists spanning the burn which need to be replaced and this is reflected in the quotation of £1,678.08. It is currently safe to cross the bridge but not to hold onto the handrail. If the condition of the bridge worsens, it will have to be closed for safety reasons.
As the bridge is a core path, KCC are legally obligated to keep it open. Currently KCC does not have the money for repairs. DS will ask if anything can be done to bring cost down but thinks it unlikely.
Members discussed possible sources of funding for bridge repairs. It was agreed that KCC will contact Jean Cowie to apply for a Community Pride Grant. The application deadline is 18 April and decisions will be notified on 24 May. The maximum award is £1,500. All members agreed that the KCC will submit this application. RC will take this forward. [Action: Robert Clubb]
Members also agreed to apply for funding from Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environmental Trust. This has an application closing date of 17 April. The contact person is Audrey Morrison. RC agreed to take this forward. [Action: Robert Clubb]
If these grants are unsuccessful, KCC will apply for Windfarm funding. The application deadline is the end of May. Margaret Beaton (MB) will send KCC an application form. [Action: Margaret Beaton]
It was noted that the application for windfarm funding would need to be prepared in advance of notification of any award from the other potential funders as the application deadline is only a week later than the award notification date.
RC pointed out that more than one quote would be needed for funding applications. DS agreed to obtain additional quotes. DS also agreed to ask B7 to change the name and address on their quotation to that of KCC. [Action: Derek Shanks]
RC raised the wider concern that KCC is responsible for the ongoing upkeep of a number of areas within the village but does not have a revenue stream to be able to finance this.
5.7
Local Place Plans
RC & BR and a representative from Kippen Community Trust met with an external consultancy, to discuss how to move forward with the Local Place Plan. This session was financed by the Windfarm. BR & RC feel they now have a much better understanding of what is required and how to do it. Moving forward KCC need to create a Community Place Plan and a Local Place Plan for submission by April 2025. KCC will contact Planning Aid Scotland for advice on gaining community input. KCC will also contact other CCs who are further ahead in the process to benefit from what they have done the lessons learned. [Action: Barbara Ross and Robert Clubb]
A member of the public suggested KCC contact the high-school to get the input from students and their assistance in distributing information.
5.8
Defibrillator
RC has been in touch with Trossachs Search and Rescue and the electrician regarding the replacement of the defibrillator case. The cabinet is expected to cost circa £600 and the replacement pads c. £100. Ricky has given permission for the cabinet to be replaced. RC will continue to liaise with the parties involved to move this forward.
Unfortunately KCC’s application to the British Heart Foundation for funding for a further defibrillator was not successful.
5.9
Woodland Group
KCC has been contacted by Kippen Woodland Group (KWG) regarding the land east of the football pitch and the man-made pond which is in need of cleaning and repair. They have obtained a quotation for the repair work and want to apply for funding. To facilitate their application, they need confirmation of support from KCC and a member of the KCC to act as referee. KWG will then apply to the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environmental Trust for funding. The application deadline is 17th April. All members of KCC agreed that they support this work being carried out and the application for funding. BR agreed to be a referee.
Paula Wilson, Secretary of the KWG stated she would be happy to attend the next KCC meeting in May and to be involved in the formation of the LPP.
5.10
Village Noticeboard
SC drew members’ attention to the bad state of the village noticeboard where KCC minutes were previously posted. Members discussed who is responsible for upkeep and repair of the noticeboard and how repairs could be financed. They discussed whether KCC minutes still needed to be displayed on the board for the benefit of residents who are not online. It was noted that the Castle Loan board also is in need of repair.
Members agreed that going forward KCC meeting minutes will be put on the KCC website. A notice to this effect will be put into The Wee Vine and residents will be advised to contact the KCC if they feel there is a need for a new community noticeboard. Finance for a new Community Noticeboard would have to come from the community.
It was noted that the November, December and February KCC meeting minutes had not been submitted to SC. BR has pdf copies marked ‘draft’ which she will forward to AM who has the relevant software to remove the ‘draft’ labelling. The minutes will then be submitted to Stephen Bly. [Action: Barbara Ross and Ann Milligan]
5.11
Pavements, Roads & Parking
SC drew members’ attention to various road and pavement repairs needed around the village such as potholes, sunken drains, kerbstones out of place and pavements lifted by tree roots. He agreed to collate these and send them to Councillor RF with their ‘what 3 words’ location, so that she can take these forward. [Action: Scott Crawford and Councillor Fraser]
SC also reported that cars are being parked on the pavement and grass in Oakwood. RF reported that SC are not yet in a position to implement the new legislation on pavement parking, locally. SC agreed to send photos of the pavement and grass parking to RF for her to take the matter forward. [Action: Scott Crawford and Councillor Fraser]
A member of the public suggested that SC should identify the actual risk and suggest a mitigating action when notifying SC of these issues as this may avoid delay to the repair as the matter is investigated. This would also mean that there is a risk of liability if SC does not action the matter.
6.
Round Table Discussion / Any Other Competent Business
6.1
Field Drain Repairs
At a previous meeting it was noted that water was running off the fields onto the road. A channel has now been dug and a moat built to channel water into the burn. It was noted that some water is still running onto the road.
6.2
Fore Road Signage
A member of the public queried what was happening to the proposed signage at the bottom of Fore Road. Members confirmed that this was discussed at a previous KCC meeting. SC subsequently agreed that a 40mph sign would be put in place but there is no confirmation as to when this will be done.
The member of the public reported that the surface of Fore Road is in a bad condition with the top layer wearing away. Members recommended that as many people as possible should report this as it would raise the priority of the repair. RF explained that SC is moving to a process whereby work will be done on the basis of calculated risk rather than the number of times a fault is reported.
A member of the public asked what KC were planning to do with the well-used recycling hub. RC confirmed that residents would be consulted about this in the Local Place Plan.
6.3
Recycling Hub
A member of the public stressed that the recycling hub was well used and queried what KCC were planning to do to this area. Members confirmed that this will be convered in the consultation on the Local Place Plan.
6.4
Phishing Emails
BR made members aware that there had been another phishing email sent to the KCC email. She has deleted the email and reported it.
6.5
Communication and Facebook Page
BR asked for communication and the facebook page to be made an agenda item at the next KCC meeting and for actions to be agreed. [Action: Derek Shanks]
6.6
War Memorial Sub-committee
A member of the public has agreed to be Chair of a sub-committee to manage the War Memorial and CS agreed to be the liaison between KCC and the sub-committee. The member of the public has asked for clarity as to the remit of the sub-committee.
Members suggested the sub-committee be responsible for the upkeep and cleaning of the memorial and for preparations for the Remembrance Day Service. They asked the sub-committee to investigate the process and cost for cleaning the memorial. It was suggested they contact Michaela Yates who investigated this previously and the Engine Shed for advice.
6.7
Cauldhame Sign
Residents have responded positively to a poll asking whether they would like a ‘Cauldhame’ sign erected. CS agreed to action this. [Action: Christine Stewart]
6.8
Missing Sign – Fintry
SC pointed out that there is a 20mph sign as you enter Fintry but no national speed limit sign on the way out. RF agreed to take this forward. [Action: Councillor Fraser]
6.9
A member of the public suggested that KCC ask residents attending the AGM to give a simple statement of their vision for Kippen in 10-years’ time as this could be fed into the Local Place Plan. CS agreed to add this to the facebook page. [Action: Christine Stewart]
6.10
Communal Garden Waste
SC asked if there was interest in a communal garden waste bin. Members felt the cost for the waste to be chipped by a large-scale chipper would make this unfeasible.
7.
Date of Next Meeting
The next KCC meeting is scheduled to take place at 7pm on Wednesday 8th May 2024 in the Kippen Reading Rooms. It is the AGM.
KCC were informed that no councillor is available to attend the AGM due to prior commitments. Councillor Fraser kindly agreed to Chair the AGM before travelling to the KCC meeting in Fintry. For this reason, the meeting will start at 7pm.