REPORTS NOVEMBER 2007                                                BACK

REPORT : CHAIRMAN

1. On Wednesday 24 October, together with the Vice-Chair, I attended a seminar on policing in the West Edinburgh area.

2. On Friday 26 October I attended a meeting at Wester Hailes to discuss the future of Jacobs Ladder.

3.  On Tuesday 30 October I attended a meeting of SPYS to progress the provision of a skate park, a YP meeting place, and a youth café.

4. On Thursday 1 November, together with Jimmy Brown, I attended a seminar on Scottish Community Development.

 5. On Saturday 10 November, with members of other CCs, I attended a meeting with Jenny Dawe – Leader CEC – to discuss community concerns.

6. On Sunday 11 November I represented QDCC at the Remembrance Day Parade.

7. On Wednesday 14 November I attended the Christmas in Queensferry meeting.

8. On Friday 16 November I attended, with Diane Job, a Cleanferry meeting, called to plan activities in 2008.

9. On Tuesday 20 November I attended the West Community Safety Panel

10. On Thursday 22 November I spoke to Rotary Club South Queensferry about the work of the QDCC

T Martin
Chairman
QDCC

Councillor’s report

On Wednesday 24^th October all three Almond ward councillors attended the sub committee of Education, Children & Families to hear the HM Inspectors of Education report on Dalmeny Primary School. Dalmeny had an excellent report.

On the same subject and as a result of a report by the EEN which stated that Dalmeny PS was on a hit list. I contacted parents to assure them that the EEN had no justification in saying that the council had made a new hit list and that it was irresponsible for the paper to have printed the article particularly when enrolment of new pupils was taken place.

Along with all the Almond ward councillors and two Community councillors, I attended a Policing of West Edinburgh presentation on 24^th October at the Moat House Hotel, Clermiston. This event explained the Neighbourhood tasking and co-coordinating process and how it will affect areas like Queensferry & Dalmeny.

As a member of the Forth Estuary Forum I visited Mossmorran and Braefoot bay.

I was impressed by the safety standards in connection with spillage, terrorist attacks or accidents.

On Saturday 27^th October, I visited the Fair Trade coffee morning and stalls at Queensferry Parish Church Halls.

On Friday 2^nd November I attended the RNLI fundraiser at Rosebury Hall.

I held my monthly surgery in Echline Primary School on November 5^th.

On Wednesday 7^th November I attended a meeting in the Community Centre to discuss progress of a skatepark and youth café in Queensferry. I was accompanied by Councillor Ron Cairns, Vice Convenor of Culture and Leisure Committee.

Later the same evening I attended a meeting of Queensferry Churches Care in the Community.

On Remembrance Sunday I attended the parade and laid a wreath at the War
Memorial. I also sent an email to Inspector Alan Duthie thanking the Police for their help in policing the event.

On Wednesday 21^st I had a meeting with Inspector Alan Duthie for an update on Policing matters in Queensferry.

I’ve received correspondence from Martin Gallagher regarding the removal of the toll canopy. I will vote in favour of removal at the next meeting of FETA on 30th December.

I’ve been in touch with Martin regarding the First bus 43 service. I am planning to meet with the operators as promises have not been kept in relation to the new buses and also introduction of a night service. There are a few buses which clearly are not fit for purpose. I have not only received complaints but also experienced problems myself.

All three Almond Ward Councillors were involved in naming the new development at Echline. Council officials advised us that the field was part of what was called Lang Rigg. The builders wanted to call it Lang Rigg Green. After much discussion we decided on Lang Rigg.

I had a meeting with Evans Property group about future developments at Ferrymuir.

They are very keen to include the local community in plans and I welcome this and look forward to hearing what ideas come forward.

I’ve objected to the varying of conditions to the hours of operation to the Pool Hall.

I copied an email to members about my objection.

Councillor Norman Work.

REPORT : SECRETARY

SUMMARY :  23 ITEMS: 17 IN, 6 OUT

 Martin D. Gallagher
Secretary
19 November 2007

Planning Report

Applications

Over the last month six applications have been lodged with the Planning Authority. These typical applications are for house extensions, alterations, erecting conservatories and home improvements.

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.

Application 06/01251/FUL Pool Hall 1-3 Scotstoun Gardens – vary hours of operation from 2pm – 11pm to 9am – 2am. I have registered the CC as a consultee with CEC Planning Department. The Planning Sub Committee in considering this application are opposed to hours of extension in that this is a small shopping mall built in the 1970’s. The location and layout in the centre of housing means that there is a degree of disturbance to the neighbours from customers arriving or leaving the mall. This wasn't a problem when trading hours were generally 09.00 - 18.00 hrs Monday - Saturday but is when you start trading during the late evening and early hours of the morning. It would be the intention of the Pool Hall to apply for an extended licence to sell alcohol. We are considering consulting the immediate surrounding neighbours seeking their views before submission of an objection.

The Community Council’s objection remains to Application 07/03903/FUL to demolish the existing house at 24 Kirkliston Road and erect four by four bedroom houses was brought to our attention. Neighbour notification has been completed and the application is live and being progressed.

Planning Decisions

The Planning Authority granted six applications by delegation.

Varney Estate - Corus

I am pleased to report that Corus has placed an order with Bernard Hunter 600 Gilmerton Road Edinburgh and the contractor is in the process of tiding the site up by leveling out the rubble mounds clearing up the fly tipping, removing the Heris fencing and cutting up and removing the fallen trees. I would like to record my thanks to Andrew Clayton of Corus for his assistance with this matter. I have written to FETA (e-mail) and requested some assistance in the future by asking their patrol staff to contact the police should they see any unusual illegal activity.

Echline Development PfP and CCG

I met with Tom Gracie Site Manager CCG (Thursday 22^nd Nov.). Work is progressing well although about two weeks behind schedule caused by the Archeological dig which was extended due to the finding of artifacts.

The site has been leveled with over 100 lorry loads of earth being removed. The work being progressed is site establishment and the laying in of drainage and sewerage connections. It will be necessary to close Echline Avenue as determined by the Highways Department for approximately six weeks to connect into the main sewer as the manhole is in the centre of the road. As the road width is limited then it would not be possible for vehicles to pass through the works safely. CCG are concerned about any possible delay as the Highways officials Mr Alec Hope have stated that it will take 12 weeks to organise a road closure. To minimise the inconvenience of all involved CCG, PfP and the Echline residents, can the CC ask for this period to be reduced. (action by Transport sub committee)

There have been minor issues with damage to Heris fencing and protective barriers being pushed over but these have been resolved. Road crossings will be necessary on Echline Avenue and Echline Rigg to connect to power but half the road will be closed at a time to execute the work. The Play Area equipment is ordered and the preferred contractor appointed. The work will commence in early January 2008 and take approximately six weeks. CCG has extended an invitation to the Community Council to visit site when appropriate and view the work. My thanks to Tom for the time spent updating me.

PfP – Public Meeting

Susan Davies has been in contact seeking my views on whether another public meeting is appropriate or would a newsletter suffice. In view of the time of year as we move closer to Christmas I have suggested that a newsletter be produced and circulated in hard copy and electronically with contact names and details so that readers can respond accordingly.

Port Edgar

The Community Council through the Chair requested a meeting with representatives of the Project Board to discuss concerns about the scope of work that had been prepared and issued. We still await a reply. I read in the Journal & Gazette a couple of weeks ago that Port Edgar Project Board has received replies from interested developers and are compiling a short list. A report to CEC has just been circulated today (22 Nov).

Jacobs Ladder

See separate minute of meeting.

QBA AGM 22^nd November 2007

I have been invited and agreed to chair the QBA AGM taking place in Dundas Castle at 7.00pm.

Keith Giblett
Planning Convener

REPORT : PUBLICITY

1. Gazette – 19 October
                  - CC involvement in Corus site clean-up
                  -  CC monthly meeting notice – Queensferry Diary

2. Gazette – 26 October
                 -  Report on monthly meeting – Queensferry Diary
               

3. Gazette – 2 November
                  - CC comment on improved bus services

4. Evening News – 6 November
                    - CC comment on toll canopy removal

5. Radio Forth – 6 November
                    - CC comment on toll canopy removal

6. Gazette – 9 November
                    - Community engagement fund for CC’s

7. Evening News – 12 November
                     - CC comment on toll canopy removal

T Martin
Publicity Member
 

REPORT : Transport

1. On 22 October I wrote to FETA General Manager & Bridgemaster Alistair Andrew, copied to the FETA Board members, regarding the decision not to remove the toll canopy as part of the toll plaza re-modelling.  In my letter I reminded Mr Andrew of the history behind the canopy and the controversy over its location.  I also detailed the complaints received from residents whose properties are nearest the canopy, and the additional noise and light pollution they have had to endure since its construction (see photos at end of this report).  I received a reply back from FETA Board convenor Cllr Tony Martin dated 30 October informing me that as a result of my letter, he has asked Alistair Andrew to take a report to the Board seeking approval for the removal of the structure as part of the toll plaza re-modelling: this was reported in the Sun, Evening News, Queensferry Gazette, and on Radio Forth between 5-9 November.  The decision to demolish the canopy will therefore be confirmed at the FETA meeting on 30 November subject to final Board approval.
    

2. Since 29 October, I have been travelling on the new 53/55 Stagecoach bus service during the morning peak to check there will be sufficient space for Queensferry passengers boarding at the Forth Road Bridge tolls for travel into Edinburgh: the new service was publicised in the Gazette on 2 November.  Everything appears to be going well so far and from the loadings there should be sufficient space for Queensferry passengers, so I will be liaising with Stagecoach in the New Year to work up some marketing material for the area once the post-tolling situation becomes clearer.  I am also pleased to report that there are now timetables displayed at the toll stops on both sides for first the time: these were produced by Stagecoach and were installed by FETA on 13 November. 
   
    

3. On 2 November I received a letter from George Kennedy, West Road Manager, City of Edinburgh Council, informing me that Bankhead Road from Main Street, Dalmeny to Gospatric House has been programmed for carriageway reconstruction next year.  In addition, Carlowrie Crescent and Chapel Gate Road – the main road into Dalmeny village which is the bus route – have been included in next year’s programme for resurfacing.

4. On 7 November I received a letter from Caroline Burwell at City of Edinburgh Council in reply to my letter to her of 1 October regarding the temporary “traffic calmed area” sign on Burgess Road.  In her letter, Ms Burwell informed me that the sign will shortly be replaced with new “safer routes to school” signs which will be given a permanent mounting.  The yellow concrete block will therefore be removed at this time and the pavement returned to its full usable width.   

5. On 13 November, along with transport committee member David Wragg, I met with First senior management to discuss the current situation with the 43/X43 bus service.  Present from the firm were Jane Desmond, Managing Director; Juliette Turner, Operations Director; and Vernon Hall, Operations Manager, Linlithgow depot.  Issues discussed included punctuality, reliability, vehicle allocations and driver knowledge.  This was a very productive meeting and going forward a communication protocol has been established in order to ensure an ongoing dialogue can be maintained.      

M. D. Gallagher
Transport Convenor
19 November 2007

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