Larbert, Stenhousemuir and Torwood Community Council. Minutes of Meeting 30 th June Rennie Lounge, Larbert Old Church

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1 Attendance Details: Committee: Larbert, Stenhousemuir and Torwood Community Council Minutes of Meeting 30 th June Rennie Lounge, Larbert Old Church Eric Appelbe (EA) Margaret Cheyne (MC) Jim Kelly (JK) Jim Cowan (JC) Colleen Hurren (CH) Charles Gillespie (CG) Denis Shovlin (DS) Also present: Police Scotland PC Lorna Macrae Cllr Carleschi Strathyre Properies Grant Keenan Network Rail Kirsty Mackay and Kenny MacDonald Community Safety Team Kirsty Hamilton Approximately 12 members of the public Apologies: Yvonne Weir (YW) Gilliam Bellingham (GB) Lauralinn Scott (LS) Ted Bingham (TB) Peter O Rourke (PO R) 1. Welcome EA welcomed everyone to the meeting and apologies were noted. 2. Police Report Between 01/06/14 and 30/06/14, 129 crimes were reported to police in the Larbert, Stenhousemuir and Torwood area. These include crimes of violence, disorder, dishonesty, misuse of drugs and road traffic offences. 38 of these remain undetected with enquiries ongoing. Antisocial behaviour Kinnaird Village Primary School - Kids congregating at the school. Extra patrols have been carried out with youths details obtained and moved on from the area. Details have also been sent to the schools police officer at Larbert High School. 1

2 Vandalism 8 reported in June 6 remain undetected with enquiries ongoing 3 relate to damage of vehicles 20/06/ - window of the Y pay more store, Main Street, Stenhousemuir being smashed 10 13/06/ - damage of the clothing bank at Asda, Hallam Road, Stenhousemuir 21 22/06/ damage to solar lights at Blair Terrace, Stenhousemuir Acquisitive Crime 24 thefts reported including housebreakings and thefts from motor vehicles and outbuildings. 1 male appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court on 19 th June in relation to 10 incidents and was subsequently remanded in custody. Speeding/Road Traffic 46 detected road traffic offences These include - speeding, failing to obey signs, seatbelt offences, vehicle defects, driving whilst using mobile phone and driving whilst under the influence of alcohol. Violence / Disorder 36 crimes violence/disorder reported, including assault/breach of peace. 13 remain undetected with enquiries ongoing Drugs 2 female reported to the Procurator Fiscal for being in possession of cannabis in unrelated incidents Inspector Kellet will provide a further report for LSTCC as soon as possible. Reports to the Community Council from members of the public: A resident reported a milk delivery company which he had agreed to a oneweek trial. He was now having difficulty stopping this service. There were no other reports of this company operating in the area. A resident of Main Street reported cars speeding at the Junction of Muirhall Road and the Main Street and parking on double yellow lines in the closed off area near the bridge works. Network Rail have also been informed of this. Residents had previously reported cars parking on single yellow lines outside Ladeside Primary Schools. Russell Steedman from Falkirk Council Roads department had reported that the correct signage with regard to yellow lines is in place. 2

3 Community Safety Team Kirsty Hamilton is working with children from Kinnaird Primary and Larbert High School to encourage safe play and activities after school. Issues reported by residents in McCormack Place include bikes repeatedly being placed on the road and children lying down in the road. The Head Teacher of Kinnaird Primary has written to parents of some of the children and PC Alan Imrie has also been involved. The next step in the process will be to involve SACRO. Residents at the meeting reported dissatisfaction with the level of dog fouling and asked if it would be possible to fine dog owners who were found not to be carrying a plastic bag. Kirsty reported that while dog owners were encouraged to carry bags, the only offence is allowing a dog to foul which carries a 40 fine. Subsequent offences are referred straight to the Procurator Fiscal. Kirsty mentioned that there would be an event called Canine Capers on 13 th July in Herbertshire Park Denny to encourage responsible dog ownership. There are now 17 Community Safety Wardens in Falkirk District. 3. Strathyre Properties - Update on Housing Developments at Larbert House and other surrounding sites Grant Keenan Grant Keenan from Strathyre Properties gave an update on the building work for a housing estate that has started at Larbert House and in the surrounding land. Grant received one complaint from a member of the public with regard to the temporary closure of the road into the estate via The Bungalows. He explained that the road had to be closed on the advice of Health and Safety experts 4-5m deep trenches have been dug next to the road and close to a field containing cows. A letter from JAW Health & Safety dated 6 June confirmed the position. It is anticipated that the road will be closed for 14 weeks, but it may be 12 weeks depending on circumstances. In addition to this closure, it may be necessary to reduce Denny Road to one lane with traffic lights for 2 weeks to work on the wall and access to the estate. The starting date for this development has been delayed until now because it took 18 months to obtain permission for roads. Good progress is now anticipated with Larbert House expected to be wind and water-tight by Christmas. To illustrate the ongoing work Grant showed a selection of photographs of work that has been done in the past few weeks. 4. Network Rail - Update on Bridgeworks Kirsty Mackay and Kenny MacDonald presented an update with photographs on recent developments at the railway bridge. A newsletter will go out to residents during July. The removal of the old bridge and the installation of the first part of the new bridge were challenging but were achieved successfully and the project is on target in terms of timescale. Difficulties included working in confined spaces with the railway lines below and the presence of lead paint which is toxic. Workers had to wear 3

4 harnesses and breathing apparatus and have regular blood-tests to ensure they had not been poisoned. There will be another large crane operating in the Main Street in August/September when the station footbridge is brought in in two sections. Utilities that had been removed from the bridge before demolition are now being reinstalled. The west abutment was demolished and removed because of its poor condition. This was not in the original plans but will save it from being done in years and causing further disruption. All material from the old bridge was in good condition and will be recycled. Materials for the bridge have been provided by Macrete, a Northern Ireland company. They were chosen because they provided the cheapest quote they are subsidised by the Northern Ireland government. It was noted that there appeared to be a burst water main in the Main Street when the bridge was being removed. This was in fact Scottish Water taking the opportunity to repair a fault that had previously been identified. The excessive noise reported by residents in the middle weekend of the closures was caused by other contractors working a separate project, as was the damage to a wall in Muirhall Road which has now been repaired. Information drop-in sessions by Network Rail for the public have been suspended because attendance was low but they could be restarted if there is demand. It is anticipated that the Main Street will re-open on 19 th December. 5. Matters from the Floor Traffic Survey Forth Valley Hospital A resident from Logie Drive drew attention to perceived bias in the survey methods. The research into parking was conducted on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with 46% of people being questioned on the Tuesday. Tuesday is not a typical day as traffic is much less than on other days. Also, the report has been published without the appendices which would have aided understanding. It was agreed that the Community Council would request sight of the appendices. EA advised that the Community Council had not as yet responded to the survey. It was intended to respond in due course. Amendment 75 Conditions of Planning The same resident drew attention to Amendment 75 of the conditions of planning for the hospital. To offset loss of amenity Falkirk Council had been awarded 100,000 to be spent for the benefit of local residents. If this money is not spent by it should be returned to FVH. 4

5 Action: CC to enquire of Cllr Tom Coleman if the money has been spent and if so, on what. Falkirk Community Trust charges for lets The same resident brought it to the attention of the meeting that Falkirk Community Trust will begin charging community groups 10 per room per evening for lets previously they have been free. For organisations such as the Boys Brigade, for example, this could amount to 40 per evening and 1500 per year. This could endanger the survival of some community groups. Cllr Carlechi agreed to pursue this matter with Falkirk Community Trust to see if anything could be done. It was agreed that the CC would also write to the Education Dept to ascertain their position. One resident suggested that the 2 nd Torwood Scouts be approached to see if their recently built premises could be shared. Emptying of Bins Kinnaird One member of the public enquired about who was responsible for ensuring residents in flats put their bins out for collection as one resident had not put out their bin for six weeks. Kirsty Hamilton informed that the factor for the flats would be the person to consult about this. Food Bins It was again raised that the company which collects the food bins in Larbert, Stenhousemuir and Torwood is not providing a reliable service and is leaving the emptied bins randomly on the pavement. Complaints should be addressed to Waste Management, Falkirk Council. Trampolines Link Housing Kinnaird A member of the public enquired about trampolines in front gardens at the Link Housing flats in Kinnaird Village and whether this is permitted. Enquiries regarding this should be directed to Link Housing. 6. Minutes from the Last Meeting The minutes of the last meeting were adopted. 7. Matters arising from the previous minutes Page 1 - Police report further information expected from Inspector Kellet. Page 3 Impact of Bin Changes Concerns had previously been expressed about multiple bin collections in each area on one day but so far things are operating smoothly. MC reported that in her area (a cul-de-sac) all bins had been replaced on the pavement next to the owners homes. Health and safety concerns about the weight of the green bins had also been unfounded so far. Residents had been encouraged to recycle as much as possible and as a consequence the green bins weighed less than feared. 5

6 Reports received suggested that there was a 20% increase in food waste recycling and a 14% increase in recycling of paper, cardboard, plastic, etc. There were still issues being reported with silver food waste bins not being collected and some of the bins being broken due to rough handling by collection personnel. Page 6 Carrongrange Avenue Correspondence received from Falkirk Council Roads Department indicates that legal avenues are still being pursued with regard to Class 98 and maintenance and the road is not likely to be adopted by Falkirk Council in the near future. The matter was ongoing. Tryst Road Issues are still being reported with potholes not being repaired and also with flooding. The Chapel Burn adds to the problem when it is in spate. Greg Pender and Russell Steedman from the Roads Department are still to be contacted with regard to a range of roads issues. The chicane that has been introduced has resulted in many comments from members of the public that it is not well sited. It would appear to be positioned on a blind corner with high possibilities of an accident. It was agreed that LSTCC would make the observation to Roads Dept. Dobbie Hall Trust Those expressing an interest in learning more about the Dobbie Hall Trust and attending a meeting are Colleen Hurren, Jim Kelly and Dennis Shovlin from the Community Council and the following members of the public: Douglas Stewart, Grant Keenan, Neil Campbell, Marie Harper and Bob Scott. EA to advise the Dobbie Hall Trustees. Page 7 Access to Larbert Woods Access to the woods is still possible for the public. Only the road through The Bungalows is closed. Travel and Parking Characteristics 2013 Survey Report LSTCC is yet to comment formally on this report. It was agreed that the NHS would be contacted once more as the wall in Old Denny Road has still not been repaired. Old Denny Road continues to be used as an overspill car park. Cars continue to be parked on double yellow lines but there is no response to complaints. Plans have been outlined to widen the exit from the hospital to two lanes: one filtering to Falkirk and one towards Stirling. It was estimated in the meeting that 80% of traffic heads to the Stirling and the motorway so this plan may cause further bottle necks. 6

7 It was agreed that NHS should be pressed for a solution if current measures to alleviate parking congestion do not work. One suggestion for consideration would be a park and ride. Todhill Wind Farm No further meeting has yet been arranged with Foundation Scotland to discuss the Community Benefit Fund. 18 th August has been offered as a potential date. Hamilton Road The meeting between Hamilton Road residents and Falkirk Council hosted by LSTCC was successful, with both parties airing their views at length. A number of issues were resolved but the matter is ongoing. Commemorative benches Falkirk Council has agreed to repair the bench at the Salvation Army Hall. Ownership of the bench at the end of Carronvale Road is still being investigated. 8. Consultations Falkirk Council - Consultation on Proposed Change to the Schools Admissions Policy (Deadline: 26th June ) It was agreed that the response prepared by EA should be submitted to Falkirk Council. Scottish Government Review of Antisocial Behaviour Noise Regime - Call For Evidence (Deadline: 25th August ) EA had had correspondence with Inspector Kellett where the background to the need for legislation had been explored. While personal opinion might anticipate legislation being useful, there had been no problems with anti social behaviour noise in this area to date. It was therefore difficult to comment in the light of experience. EA to consider further. Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland - Consultation on proposals to reduce the number of Falkirk Council Councillors from 32 to 30 (Deadline: 21 August ) It was agreed that we would make no response to this proposal. 9. Correspondence report The following correspondence was discussed and actions agreed: Date of Item Item 26 May 27 May Resident Muirhall Road concerns over noise during rail works in evenings and weekends Falkirk Council - THE FALKIRK COUNCIL (40 MPH SPEED LIMT) (A9 TORWOOD) (TRO/14/006) ORDER been approved Action Taken/Required Details passed to Kirsty MacKay update sought. Posted on FB etc to be noted 7

8 27 May 27 May 27 May 27 May 28 May 29 May 2 June 2 June 3 June 3 June 3 June 4 June 8 June 9 June 9 & 11 June 11 June 12 June 12 June 8 THE FALKIRK COUNCIL (50 MPH SPEED LIMIT) (A9 TORWOOD) (TRO/14/005) ORDER been approved Police Scotland will do hand held radar on Union Street to check speed of vehicles Police Scotland House break in on South Broomage Av between 27 & 29 April. Issue with Carrongrange Avenue main issue with LHS & owners of road. Detailed response to ASB (Scotland) Act query. Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland Review of numbers of councillors proposing Falkirk Council to be reduced from 32 to 30 response du 21 Aug Falkirk Council Invitation to site visit for Development of land for residential purposed North of Elmview for Glenbervie Golf Flub P/14/0063/PPP Mon 9 th June 9:30am Resident Muirhall Road concern over noise of track works Network Rail response and copy of letter issued to residents for the track works taking place over and above the bridge works Resident notification of sad passing of Gerard Brophy who attended many LSTCC meetings for CCOF & assisted with production of community mandates and charter Resident (FB) Heard rumour from taxi driver that there are further delays with bridge replacement works to Feb 2015 Falkirk Council - The Falkirk Council (Restriction On Waiting And Parking Places) (Larbert And Stenhousemuir) (Amendment No.7) (Ttro/14/008) Order Old Bellsdyke Road to widen entrance double yellows on one stretch near entrance Invitation to free community energy workshop 22 nd August Hartwood, North Lanarkshire Falkirk Council notification of works on Dunipace Bridge over River Carron to remove gravel bank to help prevent further flooding. Works start 7 July for period of 2 weeks Resident TWITTER information on funding available to improve war memorials in response to photo quiz - Convener Shieldhill CC cc to to Falkirk Council raising concern over cars using slip road while queuing for M876 slip road exit into Larbert 2 Residents NC, BS & MK Confirmation would like to find out more about being a Dobbie Hall Trustees Insp Kellet information on press release from Chief Inspector relating to parking issues in the Foundry Loan and Muirhall Road areas. Officers initially used discretion and gave out warnings, then had to progress to issuing some 15 tickets for parking violations since April. Falkirk Council update on flooding issues on Tryst Road and Broomage Avenue and works planned 2 residents one by & one by FB concern over pedestrian crossings at library not being enforceable. Near miss with drivers not stopping. Posted on FB etc to be noted Awaiting outcome Response to issues raised. Agreed no response to be made to consultation No-one available to attend Forwarded to Network Rail EA attended Gerard s funeral NR confirmed on track for 19 th Dec completion No attendance FB post scheduled for 6 July. To be passed to DH Trust Falkirk Council advised issue is for Transport Scotland EA to forward details. Contacted Falkirk Council owned by ASDA and not

9 12 June 12 June 17 June 17 June 17 June & various 18 June 18 June 19 June 19 June 20 June 20 June 22 June 22 June 22 June 22 June 23 June 23 June St Bernadette s Parents Council confirmation that no consensus achieved in relation to changes to admissions policy Notification of CATCA AGM 19 th June Maria Montinaro request to ministers in relation to creation of 2.5km buffer zones around CBM & to ministers Falkirk Council Response to on concerns raised of pedestrian crossings on Hallam Road ASDA responsible for one at library Foundation Scotland seeking date for meeting to discuss terms of reference for community fund for Todhill Wind Farm also requesting note of meeting Falkirk Council Greg Pender update on Dorrator Bridge should be completed late June/early July delay due to contractor issues Resident Torwood copy of letter sent to Falkirk Herald and update in relation to illegal felling of trees in Torwood and appeal to DPEA over the Forestry Commission s Tree Enforcement Notice. Hearing on 9 th July Cllr Carleschi Copies of Condition reports for the Dobbie and Rotary Halls Resident on FB questions over the responsibility for the walk way which continues on from inch farm road i.e. the path that separates the inches from Kinnaird. In poor state of repair Falkirk Council Shona Barton Notification she is leaving Falkirk Council for a new job on 25 June Falkirk Council - Chapel Burn Flood Alleviation Works - starting 14th July for period of 8-weeks. Falkirk Council has awarded a contract for works which will involve constructing an area of underground attenuation storage adjacent to the Chapel Burn, in the recreation ground adjacent to Broomage Crescent in Larbert. During the works, the existing footway will be diverted around the works. Facebook Resident raising concerns over the state of the Mill Lade Path overgrown & Dog poo Facebook Resident asking if there are any plans for a gala day to be held in Larbert/Stenhousemuir Falkirk Council requesting 6 local resident be invited to attend the Drumhead Service on Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle on 10 th August Resident Hamilton Road pictures of issues with parked contractor vehicles and signage at the T-Junction at Hamilton Road blocking visibility Scottish Government Notification that National Planning Framework 3 & Scottish Planning Policy have been published COSLA/Improvement Service Request for CCs to help design a logo for new CC website. Deadline 28 July Resident on FB issue over new milk distribution company adopted. in LSTCC response CH, DS, & JK attended Noted Actions to be discussed 18 th August to be suggested & YW to produce note Response posted on FB and passed to resident Query on appeal sent to DPEA and passed on Trust YW to seek response from Allan Finlayson thanking for support issued Names to be submitted Forwarded to Falkirk Council for comment Noted and posted on FB & Twitter Discussed under Police Report 9

10 25 June 25 June 25 June 26 & 27 June 26 June 26 June Falkirk Council Response to queries raised over bins - #s of streets, weight & grey bins. Also interim results of success LHS Kevin O Connor It has been great to be involved in the council this year so please pass on my thanks to all members for making my pupils feel really welcomed and valued. LHS Jon Reid updating on parking and traffic issues outside LHS Falkirk Council Shona Barton Planning Review Committee met on 9 June to discuss further the application at Byways, Torwood. The Committee agreed that they still did not have enough information to make a determination and have continued it for further information to be provided from the Forestry Commission, the Scottish Ministers & from the Director of Development Services. Resident Main St issues in relation to 1. Damaged grey food bins 2. Concerns over cars using area outside station to park and ongoing concerns over speed on Main Street and 3. Concerns over noise and vibrations during rail works. Resident Ongoing issues of cars using Lido Lane Resident Facebook concern over comments at May meeting over chicanes impacting on parking on Foundry Loan Action on Hearing Loss and FV Sensory Centre- wish to come to future CC meeting to discuss their support and services Improvement Service would like to film the Community Council on 3 rd or 4 th July for promotional video in relation to our use of social media Falkirk Council offer to install a new community notice board at Crownest Park CC would hold the key for community information. Falkirk Council resp for maintenance Falkirk Council Russell Steedman confirmation of parking signs at Ladeside Primary School new sign to be installed Falkirk Council Invitation to Community Council Policy Development Panel to consider mechanisms for enforcing the code of conduct 30 th June at 3:30pm in Council buildings Noted Response issued & comments noted ed Insp Kellet for update advised likely to need to be rearranged and will respond after meeting Discussed and agreed not to take forward. Awaiting timescales Feedback to be provided following meeting 10. Treasurer s Report Treasurer not present carried forward. It was noted that Falkirk Council would like all CC Treasurers to apply for the annual grant and ensure the application fits with the financial year. 11. Planning Report Apologies had been received from Planning Liaison Officer. A Planning Report was circulated and discussed. Consideration was particularly given to the installation of 10

11 floodlights at Carronvale House. After discussion it was agreed that as no representations had been received, LSTCC was not in a position to take any action. 12. Other reports Renewable and Sustainable Energy for Falkirk 11 June attended by DS. Worthwhile and well-organised workshop. Interesting reports from other communities who have implemented sustainability programmes. CATCA AGM Communities Along the Carron Association attended by JK, DS and CH. This was an informative and enjoyable meeting with presentations by Larbert Village School and Larbert High School. A wide range of projects have been carried out to improve the water quality and environment, accessibility (the new bridges) and education about the river. Tributes were paid to committee member Michelle Millerallan who sadly died earlier this year. DS volunteered to join the committee INEOS update attended by EA Main points: The hydrocracker has been overhauled Older plants have been closed and the benzene plant has been closed less North Sea gas than expected. Gas hydrocracker has been re-commissioned for ethane gas coming from the USA. Same builders employed as Norway. 15yr contract is in place for this to maintain employment. Many staff have left the plant to go to Saudi Arabia where they can earn 100% more. 13. AOCB JC reported that Forth Valley Hospital have banned the use of electronic cigarettes within the hospital. There is conflicting evidence about the health risks of electronic cigarettes in terms of passive inhalation. However, it was decided to ban them on the grounds of possible fire risks. Community Action Plan The Falkirk West Community Action Plan had been received, and the strategic community planning themes would be useful reference points. Logo The request for community councillors to help in designing a logo for the national web site for community councils was discussed. There were some thoughts put forward. The deadline for the competition is 28 July. 14. Date of Next Meeting Monday 25 th August 11