QUEENSFERRY AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL REPORTS BACK
MINUTES OF MEETING – MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2008
Present:
Community Councillors: Tom Martin, Terry Airlie, Janet Finlayson, Martin Gallagher, Diane Job, Jimmy Brown, Willie Hardie, David Steel, Laura Sexton, David Wragg, Kay Blair
Local Councillors: Liz Mackenzie, George Grubb, Norman Work
Others: Diane Brown (Queensferry police)
1. CHAIR’S WELCOME
Tom welcomed those present and referred the meeting to the agenda
2. APOLOGIES
Jim Ferguson, Annie Gray, David Brown, Keith Giblett, Pat Mulraney
3. POLICE REPORT
Diane’s report was circulated, point arising: on the matter of anti-social behaviour affecting bus services it was suggested that it may be helpful to have officers on the bus thus discouraging potential youth anti-social and threatening behaviour. Diane will take up with the officers on duty at the time of one of the incidents mentioned, Tom will contact the Chief Inspector to discuss the issue and possible solutions.
ACTION – DIANE, TOM.
4. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Proposed, accepted as a true record, Martin Gallagher and seconded by Jimmy Brown
5. MATTERS ARISING
5.1 Access road, The Loan/Scotmid: Scotmid management has offered to put down double yellow lines, these however would not be enforceable by the CEC parking attendants but at least they would potentially discourage drivers from parking there. Tom will discuss further with Scotmid, they may be willing to use their car park attendant to “police” the DYLs.
ACTION – TOM
5.2 Condition of pavements, Atheling Grove: Kate reported that this is still subject to investigation by the Council Solicitor. David S proposed that the CC should write to both CEC and Manor Estates to try to force the issue to a conclusion: agreed, Tom to write accordingly.
ACTION – TOM
5.3 Indiscriminate parking at Queensferry Primary School: Tom to refer to next Neighbourhood Partnership meeting. On the subject of parking, there is a similar problem on Station Road with cars parking at St Margaret’s School, dropping off and picking up pupils. This is causing problems for FirstBus. Martin looking at this.
ACTION – TOM/MARTIN
5.4 Jacob’s Ladder: a proposed meeting was cancelled due to lack of availability of participants, CEC to rearrange and will advise all interested parties in due course.
5.5 Port Edgar, impact of the new Forth Crossing on the development plans: ongoing, see below under any other business.
5.6 High School swimming pool and its availability: Kate continues to look into this, similarly for timings at Drumbrae Leisure Centre.
ACTION – KATE
5.7 Wish List: some concerns were expressed regarding the order of priorities on the wish list submitted to CEC. It was pointed out that the list had been agreed and approved by the group set up to prepare it, in any event it had been submitted and beyond any alteration. Laura proposed that the recent budget exercise should be conducted annually and should be evidence-based. The CC should consult the local community (those who live and work in and those who visit Queensferry) during the course of the year to establish what they perceive to be priorities for the district. A budget bidding document could then be drawn up in the autumn of each year for consideration to ensure that sufficient resources would be made available to realise these priorities. Laura also proposed that we should publicise in general terms the work done by the CC and the fact that we had, on behalf of the community, asked for certain assurances from the authorities that Queensferry should not be overlooked when it comes to allocating spending. Agreed, publicity group to arrange.
ACTION – PUBLICITY GROUP
5.8 CEC/CC communications: Tom dealing with this.
ACTION – TOM
6. CHAIR’S REPORT
Already circulated.
7. COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Written reports from George and Norman were circulated. Kate gave a verbal report which included information regarding a planning application from a Church group who wished to alter a house at 19 Station Road for use as a meeting place. Further details on this will come through future planning reports.
8. TREASURER’S REPORT
In the absence of Pat due to illness, there is no Treasurer’s report.
9. SECRETARY’S REPORT
Already circulated.
10. CONVENORS’ REPORTS
Reports, where appropriate, already circulated.
On Transport, it was noted that work had been taking place on the up-dated timetables at bus stops throughout the district.
Also on Transport, Laura explained that Traveline Scotland provides integrated public transport information on all types of public transport. This can be accessed 7 days per week by phone on 0871 2002233 or on the website www.travelinescotland.com Laura proposed that the CC website should include a link to the Traveline site, Martin confirmed he would arrange this.
ACTION – MARTIN
11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
11.1 Cycle Track/Walkway: Janet raised the issue of the poor condition of parts of the cycle track/walkway, particularly with the recent severe weather conditions. Tom agreed to take this up with CEC.
ACTION – TOM
11.2 Transport Convenor: Martin asked members to note that due to a potential change in his working/business commitments, it may be possible that he would have to stand down from his role as Transport Convenor. Confirmation of this will be available at or before the next meeting.
11.3 Queensferry Cemetery: Diane J asked if there were any plans regarding future provision for burial space in Queensferry. It was noted that additional space had been created at the existing cemetery but obviously there is a limit to the capacity available. Tom agreed to write to CEC to establish what the policy is for future cemetery requirements for the district.
ACTION – TOM
11.4 CC representation for Port Edgar Yacht Club: Kay asked if it would be possible for PEYC to put forward a representative as a nominated member of the CC. Tom agreed to check with Eileen Hewitt.
ACTION – TOM
11.5 Christmas in Queensferry: David S mentioned that a meeting has been arranged to begin discussions for preparations for Christmas in Queensferry 2008 to which all interested parties are invited. This will take place in the Rosebery Hall Courtroom on Wednesday 20 February at 7pm.
11.6 Raft Race Day parking restrictions: David S had highlighted this to all members by email. There are concerns that the parking restrictions being proposed are excessive, Norman has taken this up with CEC. Norman and David S will progress this and report back.
ACTION – NORMAN/DAVID
11.7 Ferrymuir: Tom reported that a meeting with Evans’ representatives is currently being planned and will take place towards the end of February/beginning of March.
11.8 Port Edgar: Tom advised that a meeting with Chris Tonks (CEC) will take place on site on Wednesday, 6 February at 10am to discuss the latest position regarding the Port Edgar redevelopment plans.
11.9 Orocco Pier: There has been a delay with the next stage of the plans for the Orocco Pier. Further news will be reported as and when known.
11.10 Clean-Up: A major Clean-Up operation has been planned by CleanFerry, it will take place throughout the district on Friday, 8 February from 10am – 12noon. All who are free to do so are invited to join in.
12. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Monday, 25 February 2008, 7.30pm, CC offices.
David M. Steel
Minute Secretary
Queensferry and District Community Council
6 February 2008