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                                    QUEENSFERRY AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

                                                           MINUTES OF MEETING – 22nd June 2009 – held in Dalmeny Church Hall

 Present:

 Community Councillors:  Tom Martin (Chair), Keith Giblett, Martin Gallagher, Willie Hardie,  David Wragg,  Janet Finlayson, Terry Airlie, Caitlin Airlie, June Jansen, Jim Ferguson, Diane Job, Laura Sexton, Peter FitzGerald, Jimmy Brown, John Beaton

 Local Councillors:  Norman Work, Kate MacKenzie

 Others:  PC Diane Brown, Mike Spring (Common Grounds Art), Bill Ross (Dalmeny)

Apologies:  David Steel, Affroza Haider, Councillor George Grubb

 1.   CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME

Tom welcomed those present, brought to the attention of the meeting the recent Community awards received by both Keith and Peter from the local Rotary group, intimated that Mark Gorman had tendered his resignation from QDCC due to work commitments, welcomed John Beaton as the new representative from Queensferry High School and then referred the meeting to the agenda.

2.   APOLOGIES

Noted as above.

3.   POLICE REPORT

Diane had already circulated her report and briefly ran through the contents and invited questions.

PF enquired as to whether drive-off events at local petrol stations were captured on CCTV. DB explained process whereby CCTV images are burned off onto CD, and when accompanied by staff statements, the collated information is then considered by police.

TM referred the meeting to a communication received from Inspector Duthie with regard to local station opening times.

From October 1^st, public desk opening time locally will be 8am – 5pm. Other hours will be covered by direct phone link to incident room.

KG enquired as to whether Cemetery was easier to police now remedial work was underway. DB replied no evidence was available to suggest one way or another.

DJ indicated Cemetery was still being used as a venue for local youths to congregate.

4.   PRESENTATION BY MIKE SPRING (Common Ground Arts – Queensferry Mural)

Mike explained that work had been going on for several years to generate a mosaic representation of Queensferry. Initially it was felt that the location would be on the wall in the garden at the library. However it was now felt this may not be the best venue and QDCC have been asked to look at where the community think the best location would be.
Mike further outlined his involvement with local community over the last 9 years, including activities with the Arts Festival, QPS, The Haven, library and Museum – and generally those, including disability groups, without access to arts.
The mosaic itself depicts the town, its heritage and history. Over a number of years some 40 people comprising various age groups, local residents and visitors have contributed. Now completed it comprises 24 panels.
Further applications for funding to close out the project have been made.
Some discussion on alternative venues (Loch Road, McIvors Brae) ensued, and the question of planning permission was considered.
QDCC position was re-emphasised, and a number of other views were considered.

5.   MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

Proposed and following a short discussion regarding submission and future circulation of the Police Report, were accepted as a true record by David Wragg and seconded by Keith Giblett.

6.   MATTERS ARISING

5.1 Flooding on cycleway/footpath (Glebe at Dalmeny) Action ongoing

ACTION – KATE/NORMAN

5.2 Wish List:  Any members with items to include on such a list to pass details to Martin before the August meeting.

ACTION – ALL AS APPROPRIATE

5.3 Transport sub-committee and Stakeholder Group:  Closed – but see below.

ACTION – TOM/MARTIN/TSC

5.4 Transport – 63 Bus Service:  Update as per Transport Report and separate note from Norman. Closed

5.5 CC Induction – On hold. Communication from Eileen Hewitt (CEC election year – Induction Pack being generated)

ACTION – MARTIN/LAURA

5.6 Manor Estates – Letter from solicitor received by Councillors. Progressing through title deeds. Activities ongoing

ACTION – NORMAN/KATE/GEORGE

5.7 Dundas Home Farm representation:  Norman has provided a report to the residents’ representatives. No further communication. Closed

7.   CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Already circulated.

Funding for Annual Report and Jacobs Ladder progress highlighted.

8.   COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Norman had already circulated his report.

Discussion held regarding forthcoming rail bridge replacement over B800.

Diversion details, relationship between Network Rail and CEC, including Director of Highways also considered.

Kate mentioned verbal discussions on road closures and utilities and who dictates to who.

Kate also highlighted a motion to CEC re the recent Zone 1A travel change (SESTRANS), and recent changes in FETA representation.

TM enquired as to the FETA remit and whether it actually has any meaning. Is the ambition to manage the Forth Replacement Crossing?

9.   TREASURER’S REPORT

Already circulated by Diane

10.   SECRETARY’S REPORT

Already circulated by Martin.

11. CONVENORS’ REPORTS

Already circulated as appropriate.

11.1          Queensferry Care in the Community. Peter highlighted ongoing negotiations with CEC on future funding. Mention made of a £2000 cheque received through the retiring convenor of the Rotary Club, the AGM and Annual Report, where the theme of “a friend in need” was highlighted.

Also Liz McIntosh (Manager) is taking adoption leave and a temporary replacement will be recruited.

KG asked Peter to pass on regards and best wishes from QDCC

11.2 Environment. June referred the meeting to the “Ferry Attractive” newsletter and the fact that Joyce Faulkner had received funding for a new PC. Other items discussed included

• Holes in footpath on approach to church

• Morrison Gardens/Stewart Terrace resurfacing

• Signage to Kirkliston in Dalmeny

• Nursery and potential parking problems

11.3 Health & Housing. Willie highlighted an upcoming meeting on June 24^th regarding Rosebery Court. Both Willie and Jimmy had attended two meetings relating to health, but nothing to report with respect to QDCC.

11.4 Queensferry High School. Jim brought a number of points to the attention of the meeting

• Visit of HRH Duchess of Rothesay, who stayed on for an additional 30 minutes and spoke to everyone in the Staff Room. The event was very successful and a letter has subsequently been received from Clarence House.

• Celebration of Talent. A letter to QHS from Martin on behalf of QDCC has been received

• Senior Show (29^th/30^th June)

• September Event – will put QHS on map. Only one of 12 from 243 schools selected. Further details to follow.

• QHS/Greenferry – significant development – old meadow.

• Introduction of John Beaton as new representative from QHS.

(Formally proposed by KG and seconded by WH)

11.5  Planning. Keith referred the meeting to his report. Items discussed included:

• Number of applications submitted continues to be low

• Orocco Pier – Granted
  4/5 PlewlandCroft. This has been officially refused and enforced, however a complaint against QDCC has been made to CEC and the influence exerted.

• Open Space Audit

 Keith also mentioned the Community Award to himself and Peter, indicating that he saw the award as much to QDCC as himself.

Norman highlighted current situation re Port Edgar, and the likelihood of developers pulling out, whilst Tom indicated communication with Ian Russell and a comment regarding the development being put on hold.

11.6 Publicity: Tom referred meeting to his report

11.7 QBA: No communication at this point

11.8 Queensferry Boat Club: Janet highlighted some recent activity around the harbour from a security perspective and mentioned current situation regarding the lighting

11.9 Tourism: David S report already circulated

11.10 Transport: David W referred the meeting to his report. Additional items discussed included

• Forth Replacement Crossing – copy of letter (Stuart Stevenson to Fiona Hyslop) – reaction to Douglass Flett (QBA)

• Forth Replacement Crossing - communication to Fiona Hyslop from Tom re use of 8 lanes

• Previous meeting with Barry Colford discussing use of both bridges(David W)

• Concerns re construction compound proposals - location and lighting)- (Peter)

A further general discussion on the strategy and approach QDCC should be taking with regards to the proposed location of the construction compound.

It was felt best way forward is to engage with all stakeholder groups, residents associations etc, and to maximise impact by going through elected representatives to force parliamentary questions.

Tom agreed to write to all Lothian MSP’s in the first instance.

Transport Scotland had stated their position at the recent meeting with QDCC/QBA in Rosebery Hall.

Pressure must be put on both MSP’s and the Government as well as Transport Scotland.

David W (with assistance from Keith) agreed to draw up a plan of action with all local groups.

Common issues must be agreed up front before contacting MSP’s. A co-ordinated press release will be considered.

Time is short as the proposed bill is due before Parliament in the Autumn.

Peter reminded the meeting that at the recent Orocco Pier presentation that the location of the construction compound was the main concern

12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

12.1 Keith updated the meeting on recent discussions regarding Ferrymuir

12.2 Tom read out a letter from John Swinney on Community councils

12.3 Norman enquired as lo local attendance at CEC Saturday morning sessions

12. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING

Monday 27th July, 7.30pm, Council Chambers

Terry Airlie
pp David M. Steel
Minute Secretary
Queensferry and District Community Council

06th July 2009                                                                                                                                                                 BACK