STIRLING COUNCIL
MINUTES of the MEETING of STIRLING COUNCIL held in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
VIEWFORTH, STIRLING on THURSDAY 2 MAY 2019 at 10.00 AM
Present:
Provost Christine SIMPSON (in the Chair)
Councillor Maureen BENNISON
Councillor Neil BENNY
Councillor Alistair BERRILL
Councillor Margaret BRISLEY
Councillor Robert DAVIES
Councillor Douglas DODDS
Councillor Martin EARL
Councillor Scott FARMER
Councillor Bryan FLANNAGAN
Councillor Danny GIBSON
Councillor Graham HOUSTON
Councillor Chris KANE
Councillor Graham LAMBIE
Councillor Alison LAURIE
Councillor Alasdair MACPHERSON
Councillor Alastair MAJURY
Councillor Jeremy MCDONALD
Councillor Susan MCGILL
Councillor Ross OXBURGH
Councillor Jim THOMSON
Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE
Councillor Evelyn TWEED
In Attendance
Joyce Allen, (Governance)
Carol Beattie, Chief Executive
Jim Boyle, Chief Officer – Finance
Lorna Cameron, Chief Officer – Housing
Christina Cox, Planning and Building Standards Manager (Infrastructure)
Pamela Forsyth, HR Advice & Policy Manager (HR)
Lesley Gallagher, Regeneration and Inclusive Growth Service Manager (Economic Development, Culture & Tourism)
Mark Henderson, Senior Media Officer (Strategic, Commissioning & Customer
Development)
Kevin Kelman, Senior Manager – Schools & Learning (CEdO)
Stephen McAleer, Senior Manager – Delivery of City Region Deal
David McDougall, Governance Officer (Governance)
Lynne McKinley, Community Engagement Team Leader (Strategic, Commissioning & Customer Development)
Isabel McKnight, Chief Officer – Strategic Commissioning & Customer Development
Ewan McTaggart, Performance & Improvement Analyst ((Strategic, Commissioning & Customer Development)
Islay Moore, Support Officer (Governance)
Stuart Oliver, Senior Manager – Economic Development Culture & Tourism
Brian Roberts, Senior Manager – Infrastructure
Lesley Sheasby, Quality Assurance Programme Team Leader (Strategic, Commissioning & Customer Development)
Karen Swan, Committee Officer - Governance
Julia McAfee, Chief Officer - Governance (Clerk)
Announcement
Prior to the start of the meeting the Provost made an announcement:-
The Provost wished to pass on her sympathy on the sad news that the former Councillor Tom Coll had recently passed away.
She also wished to welcome Julia McAfee, Chief Officer – Governance to her first meeting of Council.
SC190 APOLOGIES
There were no apologies submitted.
SC191 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Martin Earl, Councillor Danny Gibson and Councillor Alison Laurie all
declared a non-financial interest in SC203 - Active Stirling Limited – Update on the Financial Impact of the Peak Pool Closure and would leave the Chamber when the item was being considered.
SC192 URGENT BUSINESS
There was no urgent business brought forward by the Provost.
SC193 MINUTES
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Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 21 February 2019
The Minutes of the Special Meeting of Stirling Council held on 21 February 2019 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
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Stirling Council – 28 February 2019
The Minutes of the Meeting of Stirling Council held on 28 February 2019 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings, subject to the following amendment to the Written Question from Councillor Flannagan to the Convener of Children & Young People Committee.
“Councillor Flannagan thanked the Convener of Children & Young People
Committee for her response and asked whether she regrets the strike action in the mid-term break”. -
Appointments Panel – 28 February 2019
The Minutes of the Appointments Panel held on 28 February 2019 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
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Appointments Panel – 7 March 2019
The Minutes of the Appointments Panel held on 7 March 2019 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
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Appointments Panel – 12 March 2019
The Minutes of the Appointments Panel held on 12 March 2019 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
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Appointments Panel – 21 March 2019
The Minutes of the Appointments Panel held on 21 March 2019 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
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Appointments Panel – 2 April 2019
The Minutes of the Appointments Panel held on 2 April 2019 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
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Appointments Panel – 4 April 2019
The Minutes of the Appointments Panel held on 4 April 2019 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
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Chief Executive Appraisal Panel – 2 April 2019
The Minutes of the Chief Executive Appraisal Panel held on 2 April 2019 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
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Local Review Body – 12 February 2019
The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 12 February 2019 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 4 April 2019 were agreed as an
accurate record of proceedings.
SC194 WRITTEN QUESTIONS
Nine written questions had been received in terms of Standing Order 44. The
questions and answers are attached at Appendix 1 to these Minutes.
The Members who had put the written questions were allowed one supplementary question and the supplementary questions and answers are also include in Appendix 1.
SC195 QUESTION TIME
In terms of Standing Order 51, Members had the opportunity to put questions to the Provost, the Leader of the Council, any Portfolio Holder or Committee Convener or Chair of any Panel as appropriate regarding any business included in the Volume of Minutes circulated with the agenda for the meeting and any minutes on the agenda for approval.
The following questions were put:-
Councillor Martin Earl – Minutes of Meeting of Adult Social Care Panel on 5 February 2019 (Question on Actions within the Minute)
Councillor McGill would confirm that all actions noted within the minutes had been completed.
Councillor Jeremy McDonald – Special Meeting of Stirling Council on 21 February 2019 (Appendix 3 – New Policy Growth – Question regarding funding to Volunteering Year 2020)
Councillor Kane confirmed that funding in the budget was for additional events
proposed to take place in 2020, noting a report with details would be brought to a future Community, Planning & Regeneration Committee.
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache – Minutes of Meeting of Environment & Housing Committee on 7 February 2019 (EH111- Question regarding Emissions)
Councillor Thomson confirmed that the Sustainable Growth Agreement was under discussion.
SC196 CHANGES TO PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING AND DETERMINING PLANNING – REVIEW OF CHANGES
A meeting of Council on 3 May 2018 agreed changes to planning procedures related to the determination of planning applications by the Council’s Planning and Regulation Panel and under delegated authority, in accordance with the Chief Executive’s Scheme of Sub-Delegation.
A further meeting of Council on 6 December 2018 also agreed that a report would be provided to the 2 May 2019 meeting of Council, reviewing the impact and effectiveness of the changes over the period June 2018 – March 2019.
Following discussion on the improved timescales, the Planning and Building
Standards Manager confirmed the documents that detailed the improvements would be forwarded to Councillor Brisley.
She also agreed to undertake to arrange a series of Planning Awareness sessions for Community Councils and under Section LI209 – Weekly Schedule update, “objections would have 7 working days”, and not 7 days to object.
Decision
The Council agreed to:
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confirm with immediate effect, the procedures for the Planning and Regulation Panel as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report; and
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confirm with immediate effect, the Council’s Section 43A Scheme of
Delegation, which related to the determination of planning applications, as set out at Appendix 2 to the submitted report (as approved by Scottish Ministers on 16 June 2018) and to amend the Council’s Scheme of Delegation and/or the Chief Executive’s Scheme of Sub-Delegation, as appropriate, to incorporate the revised Section 43A Scheme of Delegation.
(Reference: Report by Senior Manager - Infrastructure, dated 24 April 2019
submitted)
SC197 REVIEW OF PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY POLLING DISTRICTS AND PLACES
The Electoral Administration Act 2006 initially introduced a duty on all local
authorities to review their UK Parliamentary polling districts and polling places at least once every four years, with the first such review to be completed by the end of 2007.
The Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 introduced a change to the timing of compulsory reviews of UK parliamentary polling districts and polling places, with subsequent reviews to be completed within the period of 16 months of 1 October every fifth year after 1 October 2013. As such, a local review required to be completed by 31 January 2020.
The review of polling districts and polling places had been undertaken in accordance with guidance issued by the Electoral Commission.
There was a lengthy discussion on whether St Mary’s RC Primary School should be retained as the polling place for polling district SS620. Submissions received during the review had raised concerns about the use of the school on the grounds of the safety of children and the disruption to learning.
The Chief Executive advised that as Returning Officer for Stirling Council, any
concerns raised over health & safety at a polling place were taken seriously and suggested that Members might wish to defer consideration of the report until these concerns were examined.
In response to a suggestion that the Ladywell Church Hall would be a good
alternative polling place to the Miners Welfare Social Club, the Governance officer confirmed that officers would look at this venue for possible use as a polling place.
Members also noted the concerns raised in relation to the cobbled access/driveway at the Beechwood Scout Centre.
Members thanked the Governance Officer and her team for conducting a thorough consultation and unanimously agreed to defer the report to allow a risk assessment to be undertaken regarding the use of St Mary’s RC Primary School as a Polling place.
Decision
The Council agreed to defer consideration of the report to a future meeting of Stirling Council.
(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Governance, dated 18 April 2019 submitted)
SC198 CHANGE OF COMMITTEE DATE
The report was submitted to Council to seek a decision to change the date of the Audit Committee on 23 May 2019.
On 10 April 2019, European Union Leaders agreed to an extension to the Article 50 process to 31 October 2019. As such, the United Kingdom would be required to hold European Elections on 23 May 2019, unless withdrawal terms were agreed earlier.
At a meeting of Stirling Council on 15 March 2018, the Programme of Meetings for 2018 – 2022 were agreed, with Audit Committee scheduled to meet on 23 May 2019, which coincided with date on which the European Elections would be held.
Decision
The Council agreed to delegate authority to the Chief Officer – Governance, in
consultation with the Convener and Vice Convener of the Audit Committee, to
change the date of the Committee meeting on 23 May 2019.
(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Governance, dated 23 April 2019 submitted)
SC199 STIRLING GENDER BASED VIOLENCE PARTNERSHIP: TERMS OF
REFERENCE
The purpose of the report was to seek Council approval for the revised Terms of Reference of the Stirling Gender Based Violence Partnership, and approval of recommended Elected Member representation.
The Stirling Gender based Violence (SGBV) Partnership was the multi-agency
vehicle for the delivery of the national strategy for preventing and eradicating
violence against women and girls (Equally Safe), at a local level.
The SGBV Partnership was established in 1998 and the last Terms of Reference were reviewed in May 2015. Since then there had been a number of changes to the strategic landscape which needed now to be considered as part of the Partnership development.
In response to a Members’ request, the Regeneration and Inclusive Growth Service Manager confirmed that Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) groups would be included in the Membership of the Partnership set out in the Terms of Reference, noting that the list was not exhaustive.
Councillor Tollemache, supported by Councillor Benny, proposed that Council agree that the Representation of the Committee should be on the basis of the political representation of the Council.
At 11.20am the Council agreed to adjourn for a break to allow Members to consider the proposal.
The Meeting reconvened at 11.35am with all Elected Members (previously noted) present.
Following discussion Elected Members unanimously agreed to incorporate the
request within the original officer recommendation and delegate to Group Leaders to make nominations from their political groups.
Decision
The Council agreed to:
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approve the revised Terms of Reference for the Stirling Gender Based
Violence Partnership; and -
delegating authority to Group Leaders to make nominations for the Stirling Gender Base Violence Partnership on the basis of the Political
Representation of the Council.
(Reference: Report by Senior Manager – Economic, Development, Culture &
Tourism, dated 23 April 2019 submitted)
SC200 PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING UPDATE
A report was submitted to Stirling Council on 4 October 2018 to approve Stirling’s approach to mainstreaming Participatory Budgeting (PB). The report approved the commitment to spend £700,000 (£100,000 in each of the seven electoral wards) during 2019/20 on infrastructure projects. It was also noted that there would be 6- monthly updates to Stirling Council.
Supplementary information on the voting process had previously been circulated, along with hard copies which were tabled at the meeting.
The Chief Officer – Strategic Commissioning & Customer Development advised that a demonstration of the new voting system had been arranged for Elected Members over the next week.
In response to concerns raised by Elected Members, the Community Engagement Team Leader confirmed that where citizens had no access to email, paper copies would be provided by Council Officers either via libraries, social services and/or Community Link Workers. In respect of High School pupils, feasibility to vote would be noted via their glow email address.
Members also commented that the number of voting options seemed high and
requested officers to review this along with suppling detailed information on each project that would be submitted for final voting.
The Quality Assurance Programme Team Leader confirmed that clarity on
settlements and how they were defined would also be forwarded to Members.
After further discussion, Members agreed that further discussion and clarification was need on the voting mechanisms of the Participatory Budgeting process. Given the tight timescales involved it was recognised that a Special Meeting of the Finance and Economy Committee would be required.
Members thanked the Chief Officer - Strategic Commissioning & Customer
Development and her team for the hard work involved in the Participatory Budgeting process.
Decision
The Council agreed to:
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to note progress in relation to the implementation of Participatory Budgeting during 2019/20;
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to note that 6-monthly updates on the progress of Participatory Budgeting would be provided to future meetings of Stirling Council; and
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remit to a Special Meeting of the Finance & Economy Committee to approve the proposed voting mechanism for the Participatory Budgeting process.
(Reference: Report by Chief Officer - Strategic, Commissioning & Customer
Development, dated 23 April 2019 submitted)
SC201 MOTIONS IN TERMS OF STANDING ORDER 16
Prior to the Meeting, Elected Members had received supplementary information from Officers on the subject of the Motions. The supplementary information is attached as Appendix 2 to these Minutes.
Aberfoyle Flood Scheme
Motion
Councillor Jeremy McDonald withdrew the Motion, noting that the Officer Advice addressed the terms of the Motion.
Agenda
The Provost intimated her intention to alter the order of the following two items on the Agenda. The items were taken in order minuted below.
The Committee resolved under Section 50A (4) of the Local Government (Scotland)
Act 1973 that the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of
business on the grounds they involved the disclosure of exempt information as
defined in Paragraphs 6, 8, 9 and 12, respectively, of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the
Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.
The report sought Council approval for the transfer of land from the General Fund to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), transfer of land from the HRA to two Registered Social Landlords, and for the sale of land, to enable the development of the next stage of the Raploch Regeneration Initiative.
The Meeting recognised that the report would continue to remain exempt.
Decision
The Council agreed to:
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the transfer of:
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Sites 8 (affordable), 9 and 22 from the General Fund to the HRA at nil value;
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Sites 8 (affordable) and 9 from the HRA to two Registered Social
Landlords identified in the submitted report at nil value; -
Site 8A (private) from the General Fund to the company identified in the submitted report for £1.2m;
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note the site values and anticipated disposal values, from District Valuer
reports commissioned in February 2018 for site 8A (private), and in February 2019 for sites 8 (affordable), 9 and 22; and -
note progress towards delivery of the project.
(Reference: Report by Chief Housing Officer, dated 23 April 2019, submitted)
At 12.35pm the Provost agreed to adjourn for a comfort break.
The Meeting reconvened at 12.50pm with all Elected Members (previously noted), present, with the exception of Councillor Martin Earl, Councillor Danny Gibson and Councillor Alison Laurie, who left at the break.
SC203 ACTIVE STIRLING LIMITED – UPDATE ON THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE POOL CLOSURE
The report provided an update on the range of anticipated financial and non-
financial impacts of the closure of the swimming pools at the PEAK, following the discovery of serious faults. The Council approved at a meeting on 6 December 2018 to the provision of a financial underwriting guarantee up until the end of March 2019, subject to a maximum level, with such guarantee being funded from Council reserves.
It was noted at the meeting that the main pool was currently scheduled to open in June with promotion of the re-opening starting from 13 May 2019.
Following a Member’s question, the Senior Manager – Infrastructure confirmed that updates to all Elected Members on the progress of the work would be circulated at the earliest possible date and thereafter, as required.
Decision
The Council agreed to:
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delegate authority to the Chief Executive and Chief Officer - Finance to give an undertaking from the Council to the management and Board of Active Stirling Limited to extend the financial underwriting guarantee to October 2019, subject to the existing maximum level detailed within the submitted report, with such guarantee being funded from Council reserves;
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also, in respect of the continuing difficult financial position of Active Stirling, as reported to their Board, to require the Council Management Team to work proactively with Active Stirling in relation to future plans and options. Officer will consult with and update Group Leaders and the Conveners of Finance & Economy Committee, and the Community, Planning & Regeneration Committee on the progress of that exercise.”
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note the update following the close working of officers with Active Stirling Limited to quantify the level of financial support required;
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note the update on the progress of the pool remedial works; and
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approve the deferral of the management fee savings targets by one year for each of the years 2019/20 to 2022/23.
(Reference: Report by Chief Officer – Finance, dated 23 April 2019, submitted)
The Provost closed the meeting at 1.15pm
Appendix 1
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ROBERT DAVIES FOR ANSWER BY THE COUNCIL
LEADER AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY 2 MAY 2019.
QUESTION
The planned closure and mothballing of two primary schools and one nursery are clear evidence of the effect that slowing population growth in Scotland and rural Stirling are having. A rising death rate and a falling birth rate mean that the only way this can be reversed is by encouraging net inward migration. Can the Leader tell us what steps he is taking to encourage young people and families to move to rural Stirling to reverse this trend?
Answer
Currently the population rate in Scotland has reached an all-time high, principally through the effects of Inward migration. The population across Stirling is expected to rise around 24% over the next 20 years much is dependent on Inward migration. The impact of Brexit however could present significant difficulties with regard to sustainable economic growth
especially in our rural areas. This has been heightened considerably with the proposed UK Immigration Bill that is extremely restrictive and has the potential to inflict serious economic damage to the Scottish economy.
To this end I and Cities Alliance colleagues have met with the Scottish Government Minister for Europe Ben MacPherson with a view to addressing these concerns jointly with the UK Government.
The rural economy plays a critical role in the prosperity of Stirling. In recognition of this, the Council is delivering a range of actions and projects designed to support sustainable and inclusive growth in our rural areas. These are included within the Stirling Rural Economic Development Action Plan, which is approved and reported on at Finance & Economy Committee, and are a key element of Stirling’s Local Development Plan.
Delivered in partnership, these activities focus on;
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investment in people and infrastructure
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dedicated business support
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promotion of our rural areas
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supporting strong communities to ensure opportunity exists for all
Some highlights from the latest progress report on the rural economic development action plan as heard by the Finance and Economy Committee in April include:
Significant progress has been made on ensuring our rural communities have fast and reliable digital connectivity and our rural broadband programme is delivering results ahead of our targets; 18 communities across Stirling have projects at various stages, all being supported by our Community Broadband Officer. This includes 3 live projects which have so far enabled 60 businesses and 250 residential premises to access superfast broadband.
We are working with businesses and communities to deliver rural hubs, with a focus on bringing vacant and underused buildings back into use, providing quality workspace with excellent connectivity and encouraging collaborative working.
Strathard Business Hub in Aberfoyle was officially launched in September 2018, providing flexible co-working space, super-fast connectivity, meeting and conference space and a programme of business events and networking opportunities. This project was the result of demand from local businesses and the community for shared space to support local economic growth. 12 businesses have signed up as fee paying members and a number of partner projects are already underway, focusing on digital and tourism activities.
A further 2 hubs are under construction in Balfron and Drymen, with completion expected June 2019. Support was secured through the Councils capital programme for new hubs in Fintry and Balquhidder which will be completed by the end of this financial year.
The Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER programme has allocated £1.3 million to 41 projects, focussing on supporting communities, rural enterprise and farm diversification.
These projects are designed to ensure the infrastructure and opportunities are present in our rural communities to enable their sustainable economic growth.
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ROSS OXBURGH FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER OF
ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 2 MAY 2019.
QUESTION
Can the Convener please provide an update on what actions the council is taking to encourage cycling in Stirling?
Answer
Stirling Council is committed through its Local Transport Strategy to promote and improve active travel choice, including cycling, across the Stirling area. We continue to improve and develop our aspirations for a comprehensive network of cycling and walking infrastructure, building on the already significant work that has been done over recent years. We are also
continuing to work with our partners in promoting best practice behaviours towards encourage people to take more healthy and active transport alternatives to car use.
Significant funding has been invested in active travel infrastructure in recent years, and this year the Council has continued its commitment to core funding for active travel and network improvements, this will also will lever additional funding from partners increasing delivery. On top of this the Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project, funded between the City Region Deal and SUSTRANS is planned to commence this year. This £7M project will provide significantly improved cycling and walking infrastructure and public realm improvements
linking both the University and FV College with the city centre. This project will also link to the east with Clackmannanshire in developing strong active travel links across the City Region.
Stirling Council recognises the need to significantly move transport modes towards active travel, both to reduce urban pollution and carbon consumption, but also to work towards encouraging healthier practises in relation to improving Scotland’s health. The Council is leading the way to develop walking and cycling infrastructure which we recognise from consultations is critical in encouraging people to walk and use their bikes. Record levels of
investment are being committed across the area in developing active travel.
Stirling Council has committed to the Sustrans Bike Life programme, together with Glasgow and Perth, as well as 10 other UK wide cities. This programme provides a baseline assessment for Stirling and then looks at how best the city and its surrounding area can progress to become a world class cycling area.
The baseline statistics for Stirling are promising, with: 1.2 million trips made by bike last year in Stirling, which is proportionally high compared to other cities. 71% of our residents say that Stirling would be a better place if more people cycled and 83% of residents support the building of protected roadside cycle lanes, even if this means less space for other vehicles.
The Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER Local Action Group has entered into an innovative partnership with Sustrans to promote the Stirling area and surrounds as a place for visitors to come to for top quality cycling of all types (road biking, mountain biking, gravel biking and e-biking). A marketing officer to promote cycle tourism has been appointed with a particular focus on National Cycle Route 7 which runs through the Stirling area from Croftamie right up to Killin, working closely with VisitScotland to produce material to populate a new national cycle tourism microsite currently being piloted by VisitScotland and Sustrans. In addition to this the marketing officer will be working with cycle event organisers such as the very successful Dukes Weekender to ensure the area benefits from the legacy of such events –
from a local business and future tourism perspective.
The first Duke's Weekender event took place in Aberfoyle in September 2018 - a two-day cycling festival, run by a team of volunteers and supported by Stirling Council and LEADER. Some key highlights include:
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250 riders took on the various challenges;
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48 young people participated; and
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120 people attended the sold-out film night.
An evaluation of the event has demonstrated significant economic impact and a number of local businesses have already signed up to support the event in 2019. Further evidence of the impact is a 2-night tour package, which has been developed to promote the area as a cycling destination.
The event will take place again in September 2019, with greater numbers anticipated.
Further Information:
Active travel promotion
External
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The Council has produced the Walking and Cycling Stirling city maps (due to be updated this financial year). Paper copies are distributed via Council buildings, including libraries, the Active Travel Hub and other key partners
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The Stirling Nextbike system is one of the best used bike hire schemes in the UK, over 27,000 hires per year.
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Council representatives sit on the regional e-bike working group and are supporting Forth Environment Link (FEL) to install the e-bike share scheme at key locations in Stirling an across the Forth Valley region (the first regional e-bike share scheme in the UK).
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The Council supports FEL in delivering behaviour change activities (encouraging modal shift towards walking and cycling and away from private car single use) via the Smarter Choices Smarter Places fund
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Council representatives chair Stirling’s Active Travel Steering Group where we work with key partners to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive programme of walking and cycling infrastructure improvements and promotional activities are delivered throughout
Stirling. -
The Council is a key partner in Cycle Stirling.
Within the Sport, Physical Activity and Healthy Living Strategy, the following actions are identified in relation to encouraging cycling directly:
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School bike share pilot for over 14s from four city schools, connected by Next Bikes: includes training and 1 year’s free membership
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Securing Lens investment in Bikes without Barriers
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Developing an eBikes for health proposal with Diabetes UK
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Maximising opportunities for increasing participation in cycling for tourism
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Working with Forth Environment Link to secure external investment in cycling for health and active travel
In addition, Active Stirling, the Council‘s sport and physical activity provider delivers the following:
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Providing club development support to Stirling Cycle Club which has around 400 members- particularly to support the junior section (Wallace Wanderers)
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Providing weekly group led cycles for free, in partnership with Stirling Cycle Hub
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Supporting bikeability programmes in schools where appropriate, with other partner agencies including Recyke a bike
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Working in partnership with FABB/Blazing Saddles to help the charity relocate and promote its activities, recruit volunteers and link to local schools- looking to provide sports leaders to lead accessible bike sessions over the summer
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Working with the Council to develop early stage closed route cycle routes within
development opportunities on the Borrowmeadow loop
Internal
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The Council has been awarded cycle friendly employer awards for the facilities we have provided for cyclists at Teith House and OVF. Facilities include: showers, changing rooms, dryers, lockers, covered cycle parking and non covered cycle parking
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Forth Environment Link (FEL) run ‘walking and cycling’ promotion events at different buildings during the year, promoting walking/cycling and offering dr bike sessions and sometimes cycle refresher lessons
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The Council has a corporate membership of next bike which provides free membership to council staff.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Councillor Oxburgh thanked the Convener of Environment & Housing Committee for his response and asked if the Convener would meet with him to discuss the issue of cars parking in cycle lanes.
The Convener confirmed he was due to meet Councillor Tollemache regarding this matter and indicated he would be happy for Councillor Oxburgh to join them.
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ALASTAIR MAJURY FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER
OF PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON
THURSDAY 2 MAY 2019.
QUESTION
Have decisions been taken regarding what locations the ten fully re-deployable CCTV cameras being purchased will be utilised at?
Answer
New cameras are being installed at the underpasses within the city centre area, these will be installed by end of May 2019.
In addition, 10 re-deployable cameras are being purchased; the cameras will be used to detect and deter environmental crime and anti-social behaviour within our open spaces and to provide public reassurance.
These will be deployed based on intelligence and risk based approach across the Council area. The cameras will also enable deployment in rural areas which have previously not benefited from CCTV interventions. The locations are still being assessed, however the first mobile CCTV is currently being trialled in the Sma’ Vennel, Baker Street, in Stirling City to test the camera technology and connectivity.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Councillor Majury thanked the Convener of Public Safety Committee for her response and asked whether the CCTV’s were in additional to those to be deployed in the underpasses?
The Convener of Public Safety Committee confirmed that they would be.
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR NEIL BENNY FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER OF
ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 2 MAY 2019.
QUESTION
What plans and arrangements exist to ensure that city fibre reinstate the roads and pavements across Stirling following their installation work to an acceptable standard?
Answer
Stirling Council undertakes its duties for co-ordination of road works in accordance with the New Roads and Street Works act 1991 and Roads Scotland Act 1984. Stirling Council also works to the legislation from the Scottish Road works commissioner, which includes Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice, Specification for Reinstatements of
openings in Road, Code of Practice for the Co-ordination of Works in Roads.
All Public Utility works carried out on the network are monitored and Inspected as per NRSWA Act 1991, which ensures the network is reconstructed back to the original specification. There are occasions where the Utility companies have carried out extra resurfacing works where they are working, due to the poor condition of either a Carriageway or Footway prior to commencing works.
Stirling Council carries out daily inspections of the works, recording all information onto Symology (a national database). Sample inspections are also carried out, this involves Sample A inspections in which a site is visited when works first start, the inspection only takes the Traffic Management and Excavations in to task, a Sample B inspection takes the ongoing works and reinstatement, with a Sample C inspection which is taken up to 3 months
prior to the works going out of warranty.
A walkover all sites takes place once the works are completed with any defects noted including photographs which is then given to City Fibre and their Sub-Contractor PMK, if any defects are declined by City Fibre and PMK then a joint site meeting will take place with a final agreement being made in order to rectify any defects on the network.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Councillor Benny thanked the Convener of Environment & Housing Committee for his response and asked if the Convener would make representation to City Fibre to reinstate the roads back to their original state.
The Convener of Environment & Housing Committee confirmed that City Fibre were legal required to repair the roads back to their original state.
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ALISTAIR BERRILL FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER
OF ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 2 MAY 2019.
QUESTION
What plans exist to implement and enforce formal parking restrictions to combat the continuing problems of inconsiderate parking at Finnich Glen?
Answer
The Council has installed “No Parking on Road Verge” signs and verge marker posts to discourage parking where it is considered dangerous in the area of Finnich Glen. This has been partially successful but has resulted in the displacement of some parking to other section of the road. Officer are continuing to work with Police Scotland to address issues of dangerous parking or obstruction of the road in this area, and are considering further measures including parking restrictions.
In addition to the measures that the Council and Police Scotland are taking to deal with inappropriate parking on this rural stretch of road, the adjacent land owner is progressing plans to obtain planning permission to undertake tourism development designed to make Finnich Glen a formal visitor attraction. Such a development would provide the resolution to the parking issues around the glen in the long term.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Councillor Berrill thanked the Convener of Environment & Housing for his response and asked whether the Convener would consider the potential of formal restrictions.
The Convener of Environment & Housing confirmed he was happy to meet up with Councillor Berrill to discuss.
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR BRYAN FLANNAGAN FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER
OF CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO
BE HELD ON THURSDAY 2 MAY 2019.
QUESTION
Would the convener provide details of the consequences for non-entitled pupils at St Modans High School obtaining seats on school transport due to the recent change of operator on a number of routes?
Answer
Following the termination of home to school contracts by First Bus, our officers have worked with the new operator, Hunter’s Coaches, to identify surplus capacity on their vehicles.
All young people whose families have contacted the school or the education team requesting transport, in light of the changes, have been offered transport, as part of Stirling Council’s concessionary travel scheme.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Councillor Flannagan thanked the Convener of Children and Young People Committee for her response and asked if she was content with the new arrangements.
The Convener of Children & Young People Committee confirmed that she was content with the arrangements.
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR JEREMY MCDONALD FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER
OF ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 2 MAY 2019.
QUESTION
What progress is being made to ensure the A821 is kept safe and is reopened quickly over the winter months?
Answer
During adverse weather, the Council closes the A821 on Police Scotland’s advice and is reopened once weather conditions improve. A 15-mile diversion route is available via the A81, A84, and A821 from the north (Callander). The section of carriageway between the Loch Achray hotel and the 3 Lochs car park does not receive salt treatment as it does not comply with the criteria contained in the Council’s Winter Service policy and is considered to be a priority 4 route in said policy.
There have been instances when the road remains closed longer than necessary; therefore, a working group is now in place, to improve the arrangements for closing and reopening the road when weather conditions improve. The working group consists of officers from Police Scotland, Council Officers, Community Councils and Local Councillors including Councillor McDonald. The group recently had a meeting in Callander, with the next meeting scheduled for 30th May.
The working group will consider proposals for revised signage at either end of the untreated section of carriageway and a process where staff from either the Council or Police Scotland will inspect the road during periods of adverse weather and take the decision to close the road to through traffic.
The working group will also consider measures to prevent or discourage motorists from ignoring signage that indicates that the road is closed and driving through the untreated section of carriageway and then requiring assistance from the Police Scotland or other bodies.
Council Officers will, in future, inspect the road on a daily basis and reopen it as soon as weather conditions improve sufficiently to do so. The safety of motorists will always be paramount when making this decision.
The proposals will be implemented for the commencement of the 2019/20 winter season.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Councillor McDonald thanked the Convener of Environment & Housing Committee for his response and asked why as an A road the A821 was not gritted.
The Convener of Environment & Housing Committee clarified that a number of officers had examined the road, and stipulated that it had not met the relevant criteria. He advised would be review.
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR MARTIN EARL FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER OF
ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO BE
HELD ON THURSDAY 2 MAY 2019.
QUESTION
Can the convener provide an update on the review of bin collection days?
Answer
The Waste Service has reviewed the current routes to establish a greater understanding of resource requirements. There is currently no set proposal to change collection days, however the Service is collating the data gathered and will share this with the cross party working group in the near future.
Where there are concerns raised with the times of collections, the service will review schedules where possible.
Responding to specific concern raised regarding the time of collections for Callander Main Street, the service changed the operational routing for the Saturday collection day to ensure Main Street Callander was uplifted earlier in the morning.
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ALASDAIR TOLLEMACHE FOR ANSWER BY
CONVENER OF ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL
MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY 2 MAY 2019.
QUESTION
Do you agree that there is a climate emergency and please could you describe how the council is being a leader in sustainability and the protection of our citizens from polluting vehicles?
Answer
This year alone has seen unprecedented flooding in Africa, devastating wild fires across the US and Australia, with record sub-zero temperatures in North America. Many countries and communities are being seriously affected by extraordinary climate related impacts. Closer to home this month alone we have seen unprecedented wild fires in Scotland leading to properly damage and considerable wildlife devastation. There is little doubt that climate
related emergencies are being experienced across the world and having a devastating environmental and economic impact.
It is therefore critical at that both Scotland and Stirling show leadership in terms of reducing carbon consumption and demonstrating that human life benefits when we consider our environment at the heart of our decision making.
Though our Sustainable Growth Agreement(SGA) with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency(SEPA), we have committed to developing a Sustainable Development Strategy that demonstrates global leadership and truly leads to actions being delivered on the ground, that make a real and lasting difference.
Working with our partners and building on current successes our action planning is showing key demonstrator projects which will not only have a transformational effect on Stirling, but they will also act as beacons to others to help influence global change. An example of this is the District Heating system currently being completed in Forthside. This innovative system
takes waste heat from the waste water of Stirling and captures it as hot water which is channelled towards major facilities such as the Peak and St Modans, providing low cost, low carbon heat, and reducing the need for fossil fuels. International interest in this project is seeing Invest Ireland coming over this month to see and learn about how this innovative technology works on the ground. Investing in District Heating in our urban areas not only reduces the impact on fossil fuel consumption, but it also considerably reduces the urban pollution impact from conventional heating systems.
Another key area of urban pollution relates to transport emissions. We have just put in place a comprehensive smart system of monitoring transport movements in Stirling, as well as a smart system to measure atmospheric pollution and air quality. The data provided from these systems is invaluable in directing our efforts to reduce urban pollution. Consequently we are also developing the UKs largest Electric Vehicle Transport Hub at Castleview, as part of our endeavours to encourage the uptake of EV cars. This £1.5m investment will see a major solar canopy energy capture system, storing electricity to provide for up to 60 electric car chargers. This leading project will not only be the UKs largest EV green energy charging hub, but it will also encourage the use of the Park and Ride side to further reduce the impacts of cars on our city centre. Further to this, the Council is spending over £2.8m over the next 2 years in a comprehensive EV transformation and charging system, to help encourage EV car uptake.
Another world leading project we are developing is the Walk Cycle Live Stirling project. This will see over £7m being invested into a world class walking and cycling infrastructure linking the University and FV college with the city centre. This project will have a transformational impact on the city centre and enable a unique place-making opportunity to develop the city centre around its communities and its people.
In summary, Stirling Council does recognise the climate emergency, and has been focussed on this for some time. It is taking considerable steps not only to mitigate carbon consumption, but to also act as a leader in demonstrating innovation and best practice. As the Sustainable Development Strategy develops over 2019, the action programme will continue to develop putting Stirling in the vanguard of climate leadership.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Councillor Tollemache thanked the Convener of Environment & Housing Committee for his response and asked for the end of single use plastics within Council buildings.
The Convener of Environment & Housing Committee confirmed that changes had been made within Council buildings which were being reviewed on a regular basis.
Appendix 2
MEETING of the STIRLING COUNCIL to be held in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS, OLD VIEWFORTH, STIRLING on THURSDAY 2 MAY 2019
Motion in Terms of Standing Order 16
Information/Advice from Officers
1. Aberfoyle Flood Scheme
Council has already instructed officers to progress the design of the Aberfoyle Flood Scheme, therefore there is no need for an additional paper to be taken to Environment & Housing Committee. The design of the Aberfoyle flood protection scheme is progressing through the next stages of the design process to provide sufficient information to enable a bid to be submitted in late 2019 to the Scottish Government flood scheme (round 2). This scheme provides 80% of funding from Scottish Government for successful projects.
£150k has been allocated this year (2019/20) within the capital programme to progress this and officers are working closely with consultants to develop aspects of design. Many design aspects are already well progressed including various elements of construction design, environmental assessments and project benefit assessments. The prioritisation and scoring assessment criteria have not yet been confirmed by SEPA (on behalf of the Scottish Government). Once this is released, the elements of detailed design requiring to be progressed this year will be reviewed to maximise opportunity of the bid being
successful.
Whilst a full detailed design of all elements will be required prior to construction, officers do not consider that the current level of preparedness nor having all design elements fully completed at this stage will have an impact on the likely success of the bid at this stage. Whilst yet not confirmed, it’s likely that funding for the project, if successful, would not be released until 2021, and would be phased over 2 or 3 years, providing sufficient time for the design and contract for construction to be finalised during 2020.