queensferry and DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL - REPORTS 7 JANUARY 2008

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In the month of December 2007 there were 34 crimes recorded as having been committed 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.

Domestic & Business Housebreakings

On Sunday 2/12/07, around 04.40hrs a house in Ashburnham Gardens, SQ was broken into.  A ground floor window was smashed and the thieves reached through and stole a laptop computer.

On Tuesday 11/12/07, during the day, an insecure house in Moubray Grove, SQ was entered and a number of items were stolen.

On Thursday 20/12/07, during the day, a house in Springfield Crescent, SQ was broken into. Thieves stole a TV, valued at £800.

That same day, around 16.00hrs, an attempt was made to enter a house in Moubray Grove, SQ.  The occupier was within and on hearing a noise at the rear of his house went to investigate thereby disturbing the culprit(s).

On Wednesday 26/12/07, around 19.00hrs, Lloyds Pharmacy, The Loan, SQ was broken into and a quantity of prescribed drugs was stolen.  A white male described as wearing a ¾ length black jacket, black trainers and a white woolly hat was seen to run away from the premises.

Enquiries are continuing with these crimes.

Crimes of Violence

On Saturday 22/12/07, around 01.30hrs a local male was badly assaulted by a group of 4 males, in Walker Drive, SQ.  He has sustained a number of injuries to his face and body. To date he has refused to make a complaint to Police 

Crimes Against Persons/ Property

On Wednesday 5/12/07, around 10.00hrs, a shopper at Tesco, Ferry Muir, SQ had her purse stolen.  The purse, minus its cash contents, was recovered the following day amongst the shrubbery near to the store.

On Saturday 15/12/07, around 03.00hrs the lounge window of a house in Long Crook was smashed.

Overnight Thursday 13^th and Friday 14/12/07 the chute situated within the playground at Echline Primary School was damaged.

Overnight Friday 14^th and Saturday 15/12/07 a black Volkswagen Golf motor car, parked in Springfield Crescent, SQ was damaged; the bonnet was scratched.

Between Saturday 15^th and Monday 17/12/07 the rear kitchen window of a house in Walker Drive was smashed.

On Tuesday 18/12/07, around 01.30hrs, the caravan, situated at the side of the Army Cadet premises at Ferryburn, SQ was destroyed by fire.  Damage has also been caused to the adjacent Portacabin.

Overnight Thursday 20^th and Friday 21/12/07 the electrical wires of a set of external Christmas lights, in Echline Place, SQ were cut.

On Thursday 20/12/07, between 13.00-and 16.00hrs, the cement that had been put in the hole of a previous gas flue on an external wall of a house in Primrose Gardens, SQ was removed.

Overnight Thursday 20^th and Friday 21/12/07, Queensferry High School, Ashburnham Road, The Bodrum Fry, Scotstoun Grove, Bridges Pool Hall, Scotstoun Grove and various walls, pavements and footpaths surrounding Dundas Park, SQ were subject to graffiti of a racist and offensive nature. A local youth has been charged with these offences but his accomplice(s) have yet to be identified.

On Friday 28/12/07, around 15.00hrs, a pane of glass in the lounge window of a house in Long Crook, SQ was cracked by means of an air weapon or similar.

Any person with information regarding any of the aforementioned incidents is asked to contact SQPS or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Miscellaneous Matters

From a Policing perspective Christmas in Queensferry, 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!!

Still speaking of Blue Light, British Airport Authority Community Fund, has donated £1297.00 so that new DJ equipment can be purchased. This should make a big difference to the quality of sound & presentation.

Throughout December I was invited to and attended Nativity Plays, Christmas Concerts, Parties & Discos at our Primary Schools and QHS. I had a lovely time.

Queensferry Initiative

The Scottish Executive supplied additional funding to each of the 8 Scottish Police Forces to allow them to run Festive Initiatives.  The Queensferry Initiative, aimed at combating underage drinking and the various associated problems throughout the Almond Ward was held during December. For each weekend that month (Friday and Saturday evenings) the usual staffing levels at South Queensferry were supplemented by an additional 4 officers. Special Police Constables also took part in this venture and their contribution was most welcome and much appreciated.  These ‘ extra’ officers carried out High Visibility Mobile & Foot Patrols paying attention to known ‘hot spots’ where youngsters congregate, licensed premises – both on and off sales, and to adults purchasing alcohol on behalf of youngsters.

Coinciding with this Initiative and in conjunction with Guidance staff at QHS, my colleague, PC Martin Brunton- Community Officer for Kirkliston et al- and I prepared and presented “Alcohol – Get Real”, an input on Alcohol & Personal Safety, to all 3^rd and 4^th Year pupils at QHS, 13 classes in all.

School Watch

A School Watch Scheme, aimed at protecting our school buildings, is due to be launched in January 2008.  The 4 Primary Schools in South Queensferry & Dalmeny and QHS are keen to become involved in this.  Each one of our schools has been subjected to acts of vandalism and the resulting necessary repairs are a drain on limited school budgets.  For this scheme to be successful, schools and Police will rely heavily on the support of our local communities.

Diane Brown
Community Officer
South Queensferry

                  COUNCILLOR NORMAN WORK REPORT

 I attended a SPYS meeting on 27^th November in Queensferry High School

I was present most of the day at the Queensferry Christmas pageant on Sunday 2^nd December

I held my monthly surgery in Echline Primary school on Monday 3^rd December.

I attended a conference of the Forth Estuary Forum in North Queensferry. A couple of issues relating to Queensferry were of interest.

I attended Queensferry primary school’s Christmas fair on Friday 7^th December.

On Saturday 8^th December I attended a fund raising carol service in Queensferry Parish church hall. Money was raised for Queensferry Care in the community.

On Monday 10^th December I was informed by a resident in Queensferry about the withdrawal of the Horsburgh service to Livingston. The next day I contacted the CEC’s transport convenor to find out the council’s response. I have passed on a copy to the Community Council’s transport convenor.

On Wednesday 12^th December I attended a business meeting of the Almond Neighbourhood Partnership.

On New Years day, I took part in the Lonny Dook and raised approximately £200

For Queensferry churches care in the community. (further donations most welcome)

All three Almond ward councillors met on Monday 7^th January to discuss issues affecting the ward.

Councillor Norman Work
Almond Ward
Tel: 0131 529 3272
Fax: 0131 529 4080
norman.work@edinburgh.gov.uk

REPORT : SECRETARY

SUMMARY :  11 ITEMS: 9 IN, 2 OUT

Martin D. Gallagher
Secretary
30 December 2007

Planning Conveners Report

Applications

Over the last month two applications have been lodged with the Planning Authority being the Queens Crossing Signage and McDonalds Wind Turbine.

Application 07/04626/FUL Residential Single Dwelling at 13 Edinburgh Road SQ in the Queensferry Conservation Area. I received a letter (circulated to members of the planning sub-committee) from Mr & Mrs. John Shaw expressing a number of concerns as their property backs onto this proposed development. I met with them and discussed these issues. I registered the CC as a consultee with CEC Planning Department. The sub committee formed a unanimous opinion that this development does not satisfy the requirements of West Edinburgh Rural Plan E36, Queensferry Character Appraisal and Pan 44 and have written objecting to the plan. I have kept Mr & Mrs. Shaw informed. I am ware that Almond Ward Councillors have objected too. The case officer has acknowledged our letter of objection.

Application 06/01251/FUL Pool Hall 1-3 Scotstoun Gardens – vary hours of operation from 2pm – 11pm to 9am – 2am. The planning sub committee carried out a consultation exercise with the immediate neighbours as recommended by the full Council at the November meeting. There were concerns raised by the residents and other traders as detailed in my record of consultation already circulated. Based on the information received the Community Council submitted and objection to this proposal. There was correspondence between myself and Mr Dryburgh regarding the Community Council’s objections.

It was noted that the proposal was refused on 24^th December 2007.

Application 07/03903/FUL 24 Kirkliston Road demolish house and erect four four bedroom semi-detached homes. The Community Council objected to this proposal which has been refused.

Application 07/04907/ADV Erect Entrance Structure Totem Poles and Light Boxes & Builyeon Road South Queensferry. The planning sub committee in consultation with the QBA objected to these proposals on the grounds of light pollution, size intrusion and safety - The degree of internally illuminated signage coupled with the free standing signage presents has a disproportionate impact on the streetscape and compromises the free movement of traffic on the public highway and may therefore present a hazard to vehicles and public safety. 

The quantity and quality of signage can make a positive contribution to the streetscape and enhance street vitality.  However, in this particular case, the signage only adds clutter to the streetscape and if the Council was to approve this scheme, it could lead to a proliferation of similar signage in the area.

Application 07/05014/FUL Install a 5KW Wind Turbine 6 Builyeon Road South Queensferry

The Community Council requested to be a consultee which has been acknowledged and asked for an extension to Friday 11^th January 2008 which was agreed by the case officer. Copies of the plans have been circulated to all the surrounding properties (34 homes). The Journal & Gazette ran a feature article on the application in an effort to glean the views from the community.

Balfour Beatty Rail Application No 0948/FUL/07 Extension to Factory

I became aware of an application that has been given permission by West Lothian Council to extend the old Motorola factory by Balfour Beatty which impacted on Queensferry. All HGV movements would effectively be directed through South Queensferry along the A904.

I researched this application and obtained a copy of The Development Control Mangers report dated 5^th December 2007 and noted that a Community Liaison Group was to be formed and that the report specifically mentioned Queensferry& District Community Council as being a member of the group.  I e-mailed Mr Irving Case officer and asked that our interest be noted and that the code of conduct for HGV drivers include specific instructions that HGV’ should not travel through Queensferry. Mr Irving has acknowledged our interest and our request for changes to the code of conduct.

Planning Decisions

The Planning Authority granted three applications by delegation and refused two.

Varney Estate - Corus

The work of tiding up the area has been completed. It is disappointing to see FETA using the south east car park area for storing the steel platforms and gantries removed from the north side cable encasements of the bridge. 

Echline Development PfP and CCG

A newsletter has been compiled by Susan Davies and circulated. Hard copies will be circulated at our next meeting.

Port Edgar

Following on from the November meeting the Chair wrote to Chris Tonks regarding representation on the Project Board set up to manage Port Edgar. Douglas Flett, QBA Chair received an e-mail advising him that the matter would be discussed at the board meeting held on the 12^th December 2007.

Jacobs Ladder

No further progress to report.

Queensferry High School Christmas Concert

I was invited and attended the school Christmas concert.

Neighbourhood Partnership Business Meeting

I deputised for the chair and attended the business meeting held on the 12^th December 2007.

Keith Giblett
Planning Convener
31^st December 2007

REPORT : PUBLICITY

The community council has been quoted or mentioned in the Queensferry Gazette and Evening News throughout December in connection with

FRB toll canopy removal
Forth Replacement Crossing
Port Edgar
Bus services
Wind turbine

There have also been letters about and from the QDCC in the Gazette, and the monthly meeting was reported in the Diary.

T Martin
Publicity Member
December 2007   

Queensferry Business Association

                                                                         Minutes of Committee meeting held 29^th November 2007 

Present:  Gerardine Durkin, Fiona Christie, Kirsty Hodge, Rona Martin, Douglas Flett, Kay Blair, Joanne McDonald.
Apologies Moira Cunningham,

Previous meeting’s Minutes

Agreed by all

Chairmans Report 

DF suggests that now the committee has a stable membership that communication with members is stepped up.  CB to put out newsletter.

Problem with emails to some members being bounced to be investigated by FC/RM/JM.  JM to let FC know which emails bounced.

DF has spoken to the person who produced Essential Queensferry booklet and she is willing to do something else along these lines for us again.  suggestions of production of a wall or mini calendar or a map both advertising local businesses.  Perhaps using photos of Queensferry residents to encourage a large take up of these. 

Treasurer’s Report

Accounts are up to date to 13^th Nov.  Application for internet banking still ongoing due to complicated process involved.

£3000 now paid out to Goddard and Socha.

Fees to remain at £40 this year. 

Queensferry Ambition

Now that the fee has been paid, the consultants are planning the work.

MembershipReport

RM happy to take on this role again.

Waiting for 11 members to pay from October.

Web Site Report

All suggested that the site should be updated  - perhaps with a members area and information more appealing to people looking to use local services in Queensferry.  FC to come up to speed with the site and suggest proposed changes.

All committee members to email FC with their suggestions.  Next newsletter to include a request for suggestions.

FC to field enquiries from website and pass to relevant person.

Community Council Report

Beautiful Queensferry gave a presentation, part of which was to encourage local people and businesses to use the recycling service “Freecycle Queensferry” FC to put details of this on the web site.

Many planning issues were discussed including the site at Ferrymuir, and QBA have been asked to put forward suggestions of what we would like to see there.

The council is planning to conduct a study relating to the overall plan for South Queensferry at some future point.  DF to approach them to see how they will interact with the Queensferry Ambition project.

Please refer to Community Council minutes.

Events

GD to assist Moira Cunningham in the role of event coordinator, and to work over the next few months on the possibility of starting the Balfour Ball again possibly under a new name.

CB nominated as events fundraiser.

GD to find out forthcoming events in Queensferrry and to submit to CB for inclusion in future newsletters

GD advised of a future Scottish Tourism initiative – Homecoming Scotland 2009 – which will encourage all Scottish diaspora to visit Scotland during this event, and that there is an opportunity for Queensferry to capitalise on this.  For example finding out local surnames and targeting them to visit.  Work to be done on this over the coming period.

Christmas in Queensferry

FC to add to website best of luck greetings from QBA to the Christmas in Queensferry organising committee.

Al thought that our AGM on 22^nd November went very well and some thought was given as to the best way to structure and market this event for the future.

Items from Agenda

Kilt Shop – DF to draft a letter to the landlord to put forward that the QBA would support a retail business moving into this premises.

Date of Next Meeting
10^th January 5.45pm at Picnic Cafe

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