QUEENSFERRY AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING – 25th May 2009
Present:
Community Councillors: Keith Giblett (Acting Chair), Martin Gallagher, Willie Hardie, David Wragg, Janet Finlayson, Terry Airlie, Caitlin Airlie, Fiona Christie, June Jansen, Affroza Haider, Jim Ferguson
Local Councillors: Norman Work, Kate MacKenzie, George Grubb
Others: Evelyn Murithi (Head Teacher- Kiamoricki Mixed Day Secondary School, Nairobi-Kenya)
Apologies: PC Diane Brown, Tom Martin, David Steel, Diane Job, Laura Sexton, Peter FitzGerald, Kay Blair
Additional Apologies: It was intimated that Douglas Ross a representative of P.E Yacht Club had expressed an interest on behalf of the group.. Martin had contacted him, but it will be the June meeting before the interest can be officially recognised through the presence of Douglas himself.
1. CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME
Keith welcomed those present and, referred the meeting to the agenda.
2. APOLOGIES
Noted as above.
3. POLICE REPORT
In Diane’s absence there was no police report.
4. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Proposed following a minor correction to item 5 – matters arising, by June, and accepted as a true record by Janet Finlayson and seconded by Terry Airlie.
5. 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: on-going.
ACTION – TOM/MARTIN/TSC
5.4 Transport – 63 Bus Service: Update as per Transport Report and separate note from Norman
5.5 CC Induction – Martin and Laura continuing to progress this. Action ongoing.
ACTION – MARTIN/LAURA
5.6 Manor Estates – repairs to and maintenance of pavements and footpaths: discussions continue as to responsibility between Manor Estates and CEC Legal Team.
Willie re-iterated that the situation is still unclear.
It was noted George had previously convened a meeting at the end of last year between M.E and CEC.
Discussion on costs associated with adoption, and general outline of what roads are adopted whilst corresponding paths are not across other states in the burgh.
In conclusion a difficult issue to resolve.
A suggestion was made that ward councillors write to M.E.
ACTION – NORMAN/KATE/GEORGE
5.7 Dundas Home Farm representation: Norman has provided a report to the residents’ representatives. No further communication
6. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Already circulated.
7. COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Kate delivered a verbal report, and included a note on local residents leaving area and housing being freed up.
Martin enquired about uptake of affordable housing.
Norman had already circulated his report.
Discussion regarding Forth Bridge memorabilia and the lack of a permanent venue for this and/or a visitor centre in general.
Martin touched on dialogue with FETA whilst George mentioned the possibility of an audit on visitors to the burgh, and where a visitor centre could be located. (FETA Offices v High Street)
Keith reminded the meeting of a previous proposal including landscaping and car park improvements via Alistair Andrews during his time as BridgeMaster, and the possibility of QDCC facilitating discussions around this subject.
George delivered a verbal report (hard copy to Terry),
Items included updates re Cemetery, Agilent Site, Marina Ferry Fair, local economic situation and Dundas Home Farm
Discussions on open space in general and PlewlandCroft in particular centred around the purchase of land and getting planning for that land. Keith re-iterated QDCC position on a point of precedent already being set.
George also spoke about activities in his role as Lord Provost including Ceremony of the Keys, Gretna rail disaster, American memorial in Princes St Gardens, Garden Party, Heineken Cup Final and attending the University Court.
8. TREASURER’S REPORT
Already circulated. A request to QDCC for £50 to Woodland Trust for upkeep – as custodians – general consumables, petrol for strimmer, PPE etc was agreed.
9. SECRETARY’S REPORT
Already circulated. In addition to items included in the report, Martin initiated discussion on both Open Space Strategy and JUMP ( Joined Up Master Planning)
Norman and George mentioned Edinburgh Waterfront development and Queensferry involvement – and whether or not we should participate and take up an offer of a presentation.
Martin also referred the meeting back to CEC Community Council Scheme and the earlier discussion point of political party involvement. That particular clause in the proposal has now been removed.
10. CONVENORS’ REPORTS
Already circulated where appropriate.
10.1 High School: Jim Ferguson brought a number points to attention of the meeting, including;
10.2 Tourism: Other than items highlighted in report, David referred the meeting to some recent developments with respect to the City Car Club, with mention of the Ove Arup site as a possible location
A further discussion on the provision of the number 63 service to the Gyle ensued, including the 30 minute/60 minute frequency options.
A variation notice with respect to a Queensferry town service was also noted.
10.3 Queensferry Boat Club: Janet highlighted the forthcoming East Coast Muster and also indicated to the meeting concerns over some recent attempts to launch jet-ski’s from the harbour. It was pointed out this has been a previous problem at Longcraig, whilst Willie referred the meeting to the area to the east of the Hawes pier.
10.4 Health & Housing: Willie referred the meeting to some environmental issues with respect to dog fouling and vandalism at Rosebery Court and Queen Margaret Drive.
10.5 Environment: June referred the meeting to the recent Queensferry Trust presence at the Raft Race
10.6 Planning: Keith referred the meeting to his report. Items discussed included:
David W enquired as to whether the recent decrease in planning activities in and around the area was related to the current economic situation and Keith responded in the affirmative – less applications for conservatories, house extensions etc.. were being submitted for consideration
11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
11.1 Keith brought to the attention of the meeting the following:
12. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 22nd June, 7.30pm, Dalmeny Kirk Hall
Terry Airlie
pp David M. Steel
Minute Secretary
Queensferry and District Community Council
5th June 2009
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