QUEENSFERRY AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL REPORTS BACK
MINUTES OF MEETING – MONDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2007
Present:
Community Councillors: Tom Martin (Chair), Terry Airlie, Janet Finlayson, David Brown, Jim Ferguson, Keith Giblett, David Wragg, Martin Gallagher, Diane Job, Jimmy Brown, Willie Hardie, Annie Gray, David Ormiston, Laura Sexton, Kay Blair, David Steel
Local Councillors: Kate MacKenzie, George Grubb, Norman Work
Others: PC Diane Brown (part of meeting)
Kiri Hayllor, Brenda Wilkinson (Beautiful Queensferry) (part of meeting)
Apologies: Pat Mulraney
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
Diane gave a verbal report. There were 45 recorded crimes during the period covered since the last report, none of these was of a serious or major nature. There was one successful drugs incident resulting in a significant seizure of illegal substances and an arrest. Diane was pleased to report that approximately £1300 worth of sponsorship from BAA allowed the organisers of the Blue Light discos to purchase new equipment. Discussions continue regarding the allegedly dangerous condition of some road surfaces in Dalmeny, it seems that these are not high on the priority list of repairs. Our local councillors agreed to follow this up.
ACTION – KATE/GEORGE/NORMAN
Tom thanked Diane for her report, Diane left the meeting.
4. PRESENTATION – BEAUTIFUL QUEENSFERRY
As a result of Queensferry having gained awards in recent environmental competitions, Brenda and her colleagues in Beautiful Queensferry felt it would be useful to give some detailed information about the work carried out in the community by the various environmental groups and their volunteers. With the aid of the slide show which had been prepared for the judges of these competitions Brenda and Kiri explained the background to the formation of Beautiful Queensferry, what the group’s aims are and how it interacts with CleanFerry and the various volunteers in achieving these aims. They also gave a detailed summary of all the projects which had been undertaken, also those which are either ongoing or planned for the future. Some discussion and questions followed, including:
Tom asked if there was anything the CC could do to assist the group with their work. Yes, it would be good if the CC was to be involved and represented when it comes to the annual judging process. Agreed, details to be finalised once dates, etc are known.
Both George and Keith commented on the amount of good work which had been carried out in a relatively short time span.
Keith referred to the Queensferry Mosaic project which is now nearing completion and asked if the group felt that the proposed site for the Mosaic, the library wall, was the preferred option. Brenda explained that other sites were being looked at as there had been questions about the suitability of the library: no final decision had been made and further discussion will take place.
Jim F asked if there was any more contribution which could involve the High School; Brenda and Kiri explained that there was already a good connection with both the High School and the primary schools but there could be room to expand on this. Jim said that he would be happy to meet with the group anytime to take this forward.
Tom thanked the girls for a very informative presentation, Brenda and Kiri left the meeting.
5. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Proposed, accepted as a true record, David Wragg and seconded by Jimmy Brown.
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 provisionally for Tuesday 8 January in the CC offices. Tom to confirm.
ACTION – TOM
6.5 Loony Dook bus: CEC has confirmed that there will be a bus from Edinburgh to bring participants/spectators out here in time for the Loony Dook.
6.6 Reception to recognise local voluntary groups: Tom reported that there may be grant funds available for this purpose (Community Engagement). This to be discussed at a future meeting.
6.7 Port Edgar: Keith raised what he considered to be serious concerns regarding the latest information on the Port Edgar redevelopment plans, in particular the lack of a response to our request for a meeting to put across these concerns which include:
Why is there not an Almond Ward Councillor on the Project Board?
Lack of consideration for the views and requirements expressed by the Marina Users Group and the outcome of the consultation process.
The impact of a potential new Forth Crossing on any development at Port Edgar.
Planning issues: doubts about the viability of proposed underground parking, about access routes, about affordable housing and about cycle and pedestrian access and routes through the development.
These and other issues must be addressed at the soonest opportunity.
It was agreed that Tom would write to Chris Tonks emphasising the need for a meaningful discussion.
In addition our three councillors should take note of these concerns in any discussions at CEC.
ACTION – TOM
7. CHAIR’S REPORT
Already circulated.
8. COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
George and Norman circulated written reports. The large number of meetings, receptions, etc, which George had attended recently in his capacity as Lord Provost was noted.
Regarding Norman’s report, specifically the issue of the 43 bus service and alleged recent failings which had been reported in the Gazette, was discussed. Martin as Transport Convenor expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the information published and attributed to Norman was stated. Norman responded by explaining that much of the information in the article was in the public domain and had been brought up by the Gazette reporter who had simply asked Norman to comment. It was agreed that Martin had built up an excellent working relationship with First and it would be unfortunate if this suffered. It was also agreed however that pressure should be maintained on First to ensure that the provision and level of service satisfied users.
In addition to the items detailed in his report, Norman had also been working with CEC and Scottish Power to resolve the issue of the permanently on street lights at the west end of Queensferry. Hopefully this will be rectified sooner rather than later as the condition has prevailed for some three years.
Kate gave a verbal report, including the following:
On the question of traffic management at the Hawes area, Kate is following this up with CEC Transportation Management, previous requests for discussion having not been dealt with by officials.
There are concerns about the use of funds by the Area Housing Boards, these concerns are being addressed through the Neighbourhood Partnership.
Janet raised concerns about the availability of the facilities at the Queensferry High School swimming pool and Drumbrae Leisure Centre Pool: Kate agreed to investigate.
ACTION – KATE
Laura asked what if any involvement the CC had in the local authority budget-setting process which is currently being finalised with the next three-year budget due to be set in February. There is no involvement, it was agreed that this was unsatisfactory. It was further agreed that each CC member should come up with a “wish-list” of items required or issues to be resolved for our district which would impact on the setting of a budget. This list then to be presented by Martin (as Secretary) to CEC.
ACTION – ALL
9. TREASURER’S REPORT
On behalf of Pat, David S reported as follows: CEC funds - £659.53, ECW funds - £15.66, total in bank - £675.19. David asked for anyone requiring anything from Pat (eg expenses) to come through him rather than contacting Pat directly. Agreed.
10. SECRETARY’S REPORT
Already circulated.
11. CONVENORS’ REPORTS
11.1 High School: Jim firstly expressed his and the school’s thanks to the CC for the work done in connection with the School of Ambition brochure.
The school had received a visit from the Minister for Skills and Schools in respect of the successful High School Girls’ Computer Club.
Three senior girls had attended the STV Business Media project.
Work on Community Engagement continues to progress.
An Interactive Club of some 35 students has been formed, this will operate similarly to the Rotary Clubs.
The launch of Jubilee 1 is planned for January.
An increasing number of students were now in possession of school blazers.
11.2 Planning: Report already circulated. Keith announced that David O had joined the planning sub-group.
There was a potentially serious planning issue which Diane explained: an application had been lodged with Borders Council to construct a major poultry farming venture (an expansion) by Glenrath Farms one of the consequences of which could affect the water supply from the Talla Mains reservoir to the City of Edinburgh. One issue is that the pipes and viaducts which carry the water supply are old and could suffer damage, there is also the issue of potential pollution. David S said that perhaps now would be an appropriate time to ask Scottish Water to upgrade the supply lines.
It was agreed that we should write to our MSPs asking for their intervention, it was also agreed that our Councillors should put forward a motion to CEC on the issue.
ACTION – TOM also KATE/NORMAN/GEORGE
There is an application from the owners of The Queen’s Crossing to erect a number of new signs on their property: it was agreed that these were inappropriate and that we should object.
ACTION – KEITH
Evans is to appoint a planning consultant with regard to the future of the final phase of Ferrymuir and the question of what kind of development will be allowed. CC members who have any views on what they would like to see at Ferrymuir, or what they think would benefit the community, should pass any such views to Keith.
Landscaping on Ferrymuir roundabout will be commenced shortly.
There is an application for extended hours at the Scotstoun Pool Hall, they want to operate from 9am-2am. It was agreed that CC members should canvass the households in and around the area to seek their opinions, Keith will ask for volunteers.
ACTION – KEITH, THEN ALL.
The question of when the works on the M9 spur would be completed arose: this should be addressed to FETA, George and Norman agreed to take up.
ACTION – GEORGE/NORMAN
11.3 Publicity: a discussion regarding statements made in the media by Bruce Whitehead about the need or otherwise for a new Forth Crossing and about the Orocco Pier’s development proposals took place. It was agreed firstly that we should not react through the media at this stage. BW’s views and his petition on the Forth Crossing had been treated as irrelevant and not requiring official consideration by the Scottish Parliament. David S suggested that as the CC would be given an update on the Orocco Pier development soon it may be an idea to wait till then before making any comment.
11.4 Transport: report already circulated. In addition, the following:
As a result of works necessary for the Echline Rigg development, Echline Avenue will require to be closed to through traffic for a period of up to six weeks. It will take twelve weeks to process the closure order.
There is to be a new system with regard to the use of senior citizens’ bus passes: Martin will give information on this to the relevant groups, i.e. Queensferry and Dalmeny Senior Citizens Association and the Care in the Community group. David S will pass contact details for these organisations to Martin
ACTION – DAVID S, THEN MARTIN.
Not only with reference to Transport, Tom reminded everyone that any conclusions or decisions reached by sub-groups must be ratified by full CC prior to implementation.
11.5 QBA: Kay mentioned that minutes of the latest meeting would follow shortly.
12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
12.1 George mentioned that the next Queensferry Lecture would be on the 7 March and will be delivered by Willis Pickard. Full details will be announced in due course.
12.2 David S raised the issue of the recently laid double yellow lines at the Hawes, specifically regarding the loss of yet more parking spaces, approximately 20 cars in total. Tom reported that a meeting had been arranged to look at the whole question of traffic management at the Hawes, this would involve the relevant CEC officials and will take place on site on Thursday 6 December at 2pm at the Hawes Pier.
12.3 CCTV at Scotstoun Grove: if circumstances warranted this, then a mobile unit could be deployed.
12.4 Due apparently to the proliferation of A-Boards on and around the High Street, CEC officials have been checking to ensure that regulations are being adhered to.
13. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Monday, 7 January 2008, 7.30pm, CC offices.
David M. Steel
Minute Secretary
Queensferry and District Community Council BACK
29 November 2007