QUEENSFERRY AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING – MONDAY 27 JULY 2009
Present:
Community Councillors: Tom Martin (Chairman), David Steel, Keith Giblett, June Jansen, Martin Gallagher, David Wragg, Peter FitzGerald, Terry Airlie, John Beaton, Diane Job, Laura Sexton, Janet Finlayson, Doug Ross
Local Councillors: Kate MacKenzie, Norman Work
Others: Gavin Brown MSP
Apologies: George Grubb, Jimmy Brown, Kay Blair, Caitlin Airlie, Diane Brown
1. CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME
Tom welcomed those present and, following introductions referred the meeting to the agenda. In addition, as Gavin Brown MSP had been invited to attend to hear the CC’s views and comments on the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing, Tom explained that prior to the agenda items the discussion on the FRC would take place.
2. APOLOGIES
Noted as above.
3. DISCUSSION ON FRC
Tom asked Keith to summarise the concerns which the CC and the local community had about the impact which the proposals for the Forth Replacement Crossing will have on Queensferry and District and its residents. Keith explained that these concerns include the location of the construction compound and its close proximity to the Springfield housing estate in particular but also Echline, the decision to abandon the direct link to the M9 with the consequent affect on traffic on the A904 and the future use of the existing bridge. It is the opinion of the CC that the FRC as proposed is not fit for purpose and that Transport Scotland has failed to take proper account of local concerns. To attempt to redress this, the CC is seeking the support of MSPs and others to put these points to TS and the Scottish Government.
Gavin Brown thanked Keith (and other members who had commented) for the useful summary and indicated that he would be happy to address the CC’s and the community’s concerns, noting that he was sure all the other parties would be similarly happy to help where possible. Gavin gave a brief explanation of how the various stages of the process up to and including the introduction of the Bill would progress, including details of objection procedures. CC members put various questions to Gavin, those to which he had no immediate answer he agreed to come back on, including clarification on the 60 day objection period. There are a number of Parliamentary Committees to whom Gavin recommended the CC should voice its concerns.
One significant issue which should be addressed as soon as possible is the question of the appointment of a community liaison person who would be the point of contact between the community and TS and their contractors: it was agreed that David W should write to TS on this subject.
ACTION – DAVID WRAGG
Tom thanked Gavin for attending and for his very useful input to the debate and invited him to join us for the remainder of the meeting.
4. POLICE REPORT
In Diane’s absence there was no police report.
5. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Proposed, accepted as a true record, David Wragg and seconded by June Jansen.
6. MATTERS ARISING
6.1 Queensferry Mural and potential locations: June agreed to take this forward with Mike Spring of Common Ground Arts.
ACTION – JUNE
6.2 Wish List: Laura and Martin are progressing this.
ACTION – LAURA/MARTIN
6.3 Manor Estates and responsibility for pavement/footpath/road maintenance: there has been further correspondence on this issue, Norman and Kate continue to progress.
ACTION – NORMAN/KATE
6.4 Cycleway/footpath flooding: June reported further serious examples of flooding; this issue is being progressed by Norman and Kate.
ACTION – NORMAN/KATE
6.5 Toilet facilities at the Hawes: nothing to report, David S still progressing this.
ACTION – DAVID STEEL
6.6 Parking and traffic problems, Hawes area: David S has still to look at ways of dealing with this.
ACTION – DAVID STEEL
7. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Already circulated. Tom emphasised the CC’s thanks to Martin for his work in producing the excellent Annual Report, copies of which will now be distributed throughout the community.
8. COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Already circulated where appropriate.
9. TREASURER’S REPORT
Already circulated. Diane noted that the audited accounts had been returned to her but she had picked up one or two discrepancies which are in the process of being rectified.
10. SECRETARY’S REPORT
Although Martin had nothing of any significance to report he had circulated a note reminding everyone about the forthcoming CC elections.
11. CONVENORS’ REPORTS
11.1 Environment: June had attended an “Open Space” meeting held in Kirkliston.
11.2 Queensferry Care: Peter reported that funding discussions with CEC are on-going. He also explained to the CC that the plaque in memory of Rev John Carrie, to be located in the garden at The Haven, will be unveiled at 1pm on Monday 17 August. All welcome to attend.
Queensferry Care has just appointed a temporary replacement for Liz MacIntosh, currently on Adoption Leave. Her name is Joan Hogg.
11.3 Tourism: report circulated. There was a short discussion about the issue of “over-zealous” Parking Attendants, mentioned by David S in the report. Norman is looking into this. Mention was also made of the issue of parking restriction signage for Liner visits which David S has taken up with CEC. Ferry Fair was referred to, in particular the question of Utilities working in the area and whether or not these works would affect the Ferry Fair parade of the Burgh. Norman agreed to take this up with CEC Roads and the Utilities, noting that he had in fact already begun looking at this as a result of the Scottish Gas works currently underway on Rosebery Avenue/Ashburnham Road/Station Road. Also on Ferry Fair, it was agreed that Laura, Martin and John would act as judges for the best-decorated float competition on Saturday 15 August, 10.15am at Queensferry Primary School on Burgess Road. Diane will arrange the prize money.
ACTION – NORMAN ON PARKING ATTENDANTS AND UTILITIES, DIANE/LAURA/MARTIN/JOHN ON FLOAT JUDGING.
11.4 Planning: already circulated.
11.5 Transport: already circulated.
12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
12.1 Queensferry Cemetery – anti-social behaviour: Diane reported that there seemed to be a high level of activity by youngsters at the cemetery with damage/litter/anti-social behaviour. Tom agreed to take this up with Alan Duthie, Inspector with the local police.
ACTION – TOM
12.2 Balfour Beatty Rail Engineering site (old Motorola factory to the west of Queensferry): Doug reported that there was a noticeable level of disruption to Linn Mill residents in particular from noise and possible pollution coming from the Balfour Beatty factory and works. It was noted that this site is actually in West Lothian and suggested that an approach could be made to WL council: David S asked if anyone had spoken to Balfour Beatty, Doug said that he personally had not. Keith offered to take up with Balfour Beatty in the first instance.
ACTION – KEITH
12.3 Bogus door-to-door collectors: June alerted members to the recent instance of bogus collectors calling at doors in Dalmeny purporting to be on behalf of Deaf Action.
12.4 Abandoned barriers on Echline Avenue: Martin noted that there had been problems caused due to barriers having been left on Echline Avenue. Keith agreed to investigate.
ACTION – KEITH
12.5 Low Bridge warning signs at Ferrymuir roundabout: Tom agreed to take up with George Kennedy (CEC Highways) the problems caused with these signs partially blocking the pavements at Ferrymuir.
ACTION – TOM
12.6 Police Report: Laura noted the importance of receiving regular police reports. Tom agreed to speak to Inspector Duthie.
ACTION – TOM
12.7 QBA Reports and presence at CC meetings: Laura felt that we should emphasise to the QBA the importance of receiving regular reports and a QBA presence at meetings. Tom agreed to take up with Douglas Flett, Chair of the QBA.
ACTION – TOM
13. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 24 August 2009, 7.30pm. CC offices in the Burgh Chambers.
There being no further business to discuss, Tom thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting.
David M. Steel
Minute Secretary
Queensferry and District Community Council
30 July 2009