QUEENSFERRY AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING – MONDAY 07th JANUARY 2008
Present:
Community Councillors: Tom Martin (Chair), Terry
Airlie, Janet Finlayson, David Wragg, Martin Gallagher, Diane Job, Jimmy Brown,
David Ormiston,
Laura Sexton, Kay Blair,
Local Councillors: Kate MacKenzie, Norman Work
Others: Alan Doig – local resident
Apologies: George Grubb, Pat Mulraney, Keith Giblett, David Steel, Annie Gray, Jim Ferguson, David Brown, Diane Brown
1. CHAIR’S WELCOME
Tom welcomed those present and, following
introductions, referred the meeting to the agenda.
2. APOLOGIES
Noted as above. As Pat was unable to attend
due to illness, these minutes record that all members wish him a speedy
recovery.
3. POLICE REPORT
Tom delivered a verbal report on behalf of Diane
There were 34 recorded crimes during the
period covered since the last report. in the South Queensferry and Dalmeny
area. Of that number 10 have been solved with the appropriate reports being
submitted either to the PF or Children’s Reporter.
There were no Serious Road Traffic incidents during this period. There were no
Drugs offences detected during this period.
Despite the low level of crime this month there have been a number of serious
incidents, ranging from a number of domestic and business break-ins, to a
serious incident of personal assault carried out on a local male by a group of 4
males in Walker Drive. To date, the victim has refused to make a complaint to
the Police.
Both the torchlight procession and the Christmas market & pageant, passed
without incident.
A Blue Light Disco was held on Saturday 1/12/07 at Rosebery Halls, to coincide with the torchlight procession, Around 50 youngsters had a super evening. Staff enjoyed the event as well!!
British Airport Authority Community Fund, has donated £1297.00 so that new DJ equipment can be purchased.
4. REPRESENTATION BY LOCAL RESIDENT
A brief
discussion with AD and some other local residents regarding the impact of the
new Forth Crossing on property prices took place.
Tom thanked those for their interest and asked to be kept informed of any local
residents activities regarding leaflet drops, petitions, etc..
5. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Proposed, accepted as a true record, Jimmy Brown and seconded by David Wragg.
6. MATTERS ARISING
6.1 Access road The Loan/Scotmid: Tom has had discussions with Scotmid, both Keith and David S reported on incidents which had occurred as a result of vehicles parked there. The potential for accidents, particularly involving pedestrians in what is a very busy area, still exists. Tom agreed to continue to pursue the issue.
ACTION – TOM
6.2 Condition of footpaths, Atheling Grove: Kate reported that this is a problem requiring establishing responsibility. The Council solicitors are currently working on this and a report will be given in due course. Kate/Norman will monitor this.
ACTION – KATE/NORMAN
6.3 Indiscriminate parking at Queensferry Primary School: Martin has been trying to persuade CEC that immediate action is required here but with only limited success. It was suggested that this was an issue which should be taken up through the Neighbourhood Partnership. Agreed, Tom will raise this at the next NP meeting.
ACTION – TOM
6.4 Jacob’s Ladder: a meeting had been held, minutes distributed to all members. A further meeting is planned but some confusion exists over the date. Tom to confirm.
ACTION – TOM
6.7 Port Edgar: The impact of a potential new Forth Crossing on any development at
Port Edgar was discussed. A meeting has been arranged between QB and Chris Tonks for Wednesday 9th January. Kay to advise.
These and other associated issues must be addressed at the soonest opportunity, including concerns of the existing marina users
In addition our three councillors should take note of these concerns in any discussions at CEC.
ACTION – TOM/KAY
8. Janet again raised her concerns regarding the availability of the facilities at QHS swimming pool. Kate agreed to follow up, commenting on the fact that CEC is about to enter the budget process for the next financial year.
11.2 Talla Main. The CC has written to all MSP’s, and to date 3 replies have been received. As planning permission has been granted, no further action as far as CEC concerned, as matter will now reside with appropriate Scottish Minister.
11.2 Queens Crossing Signage. See Planning Conveners correspondence and report.
11.2 Pool Hall. Thanks to all who participated in the opinion gathering exercise. Now complete
11.2 M9 Spur. No update available regarding completion date. Follow up required.
11.4 Senior Citizens Bus Pass. This functionality is currently suspended due to operational difficuties. Further information and any updates will be shared when available.
7. NEW FORTH CROSSING
Consideration to be given on how to minimise impact to Queensferry, but at the same time try to maximise potential benefits.
Mention was made and discussion ensued around KG’s article in The Gazette.
Queensferry Ambition, under the guidance of Will Tunnel should afford an opportunity to pursue all avenues in a “joined up thinking” manner, rather than a piece meal approach.
Funding is available for a community consultation type exercise, and as such we are looking for CC rep(s) as stakeholders on the executive committee.
Both JB and MG have volunteered their services.
Clearly other local interest groups will be represented – a joint development of ideas.
The CC needs to have its own discussion, with particular emphasis on ideas for Queensferry.
The wider community will be engaged, but duplication of ideas must be avoided.
MG reminded the CC that a tunnel was the locally favoured option as exercised through consultation, but as a CC the decision as to to either accept or oppose the bridge option must be finalised once and for all.
DW commented on the fact that this is no longer a local issue, but a national one, and as a local community we cannot afford to be isolated.
KB felt we should make our opposition to the decision making process known, but TM emphasised the point that the CC needs to be positive and try to deliver the best result for Queensferry.
CC decision therefore is to agree in principal to the crossing, mitigate the impact locally and seek to maximise benefits and do what is best for Queensferry.
However, as most recent article in Dunfermline Press has indicated, now that the decision has been made, it is clear that communities both north and south of the Forth are looking to acquire facilities to service the building project.
LS re-iterated the importance of involvement at all stages of the process.
8. CEC BUDGET WISH LIST
TM had circulated a list to all CC members which was a distillation of all suggestions that had arisen as a result of e-mail traffic over the last few weeks, including recent suggestions surrounding toilet facilities, walkways/cyclepaths and a visitor centre .
TM further suggested that a CC prioritised list be prepared and asked that relevant CC members prepare a short paragraph for submission to CEC councillors.
Time constraints were highlighted, as budgetary process was ongoing
LS confirmed that as consultation was already underway a maximum of 5 weeks was available, as 2nd week in February was the deadline for Council Tax decision.
A CC focus group has been initiated comprising DW, DJ, LS, MG and JB.
This group has been tasked to review the following prioritised list at earliest opportunity
9. FORMER MOTOROLA SITE
Already circulated through Planning Report
10. CHAIR’S REPORT
No report circulated. Carry forward
11. COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Norman circulated a written report. Congratulations to Norman on his sterling efforts to raise funds through participation in the Loony Dook for Queensferry Churches Care in the Community. (Any additional contributions welcomed…!)
Kate delivered a verbal report.
Amongst topics discussed were
· Situation with respect to LRT
· Schools – including heating issues at St Margarets for Rainbows. (Discussions with Cllr. Margaret MacLaren ongoing) but move to Queensferry Primaary School now likely.
· NP – meeting format regarding seating arrangements, a less formal structure and opportunities for participation seem to have been warmly welcomed.
· The fact that heating for all schools is centrally controlled from McDonald Road in Edinburgh.
TM queried again the situation regarding road repair expenditure. The management of the Community Engagement Grant requires further discussion.
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
Last month, on behalf of Pat, David S reported as follows: CEC funds - £659.53, ECW funds - £15.66, total in bank - £675.19.
Further update to follow.
13. SECRETARY’S REPORT
Report circulated by e-mail.
14. CONVENORS’ REPORTS
QBA: Most recent report will be circulated when available
Planning:
Report circulated by e-mail
Wind Turbine – KG letter on behalf of CC agreed as correct response.
Balfour Beattie – Contact made with WLC re traffic movements and management. Contact list has been agreed.
Publicity: Recent coverage has been positive, including a number of letters in the Gazette.
QBC:
JF referred members to the various Christmas functions that had been held, as well as an update on position regarding winter situation regarding vessels in the harbour.
Transport:
Report circulated by e-mail.
Main discussion centered on withdrawal of 557/558 service by Horsburgh on January 17th. Indication is that FirstGroup will replace the service, all be it on an hourly basis until April 5th.
At time of meeting no substitute timetable was available, but suggestion was it would be published on Thursday 10th January.
Post April 5th funding still to be agreed.
LS highlighted the difference between press releases from CEC and Scottish Executive. Communication from CEC seems poor in comparison.
TM to contact CEC regarding the matter of communication of the decision making process into the public domain.
MG requested – and was granted – permission for matters regarding the replacement of the 557/558 service to be delegated to the Transport sub-group. Matters to be reported back to the next CC meeting.
A discussion on bus lanes with respect to the Forth Road Bridge re removal of the tolls was held. Matter on hold until next meeting.
MG informed meeting that discussions are ongoing with Vernon Hall from First. It was noted that recent bus fare increases had been held back on 43 route – apart from single fares.
A meeting is to be held with Stagecoach group, in Cowdenbeath, on 10th January.
The ongoing issue with updating of bus stop flags within Queensferry was raised. The LRT/First conflict with regard to responsibility needs to be resolved.
DW commented that the new bus ticket format on service 43 provides so much information that raising a complaint is now much easier.
15. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
MG questioned as to whether any response to vandalism in the Echline/Stoneyflatts area as per KG’s earlier e-mail had been received.
DW raised the issue of Scotrail reliability figures
KB referred back to the Forth Crossing wish list, with respect to Port Edgar/Springfield and Echline residents
16. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Monday, 28 January 2008, 7.30pm, CC offices.
TERRY AIRLIE
(pp. DAVID M. STEEL)
Minute Secretary
Queensferry and District Community Council
13th January 2008