Anne welcomed CCC members to the meeting.

Vivienne Griffiths, Ronald Young

Wilf asked for an amendment to be made on item 10.5 Seats in Victoria Park. This should read "The Village Officer has received a number of requests for seats to be provided in the park….."

Proposed: Jane Clunas

Seconded: Douglas McPhee

Jane advised that she had received conformation from Ian Hay that the Highland Council would provide a 12-year commitment to the site. This means that Jane can now apply for the £6k grant from HIE.

PC Williams stated that there had been 38 incidents reported during the month which included:-

• Break-in and theft at the Royal Hotel
• Theft – an individual has been charged
• Domestic assault in The Byre – person charged
• Reports of individuals riding mini motor bikes round The Loop and the Industrial Estate. PC Williams advised that anyone riding these vehicles without appropriate insurance etc would have their bike confiscated and crushed.
• Again, the biggest problem has been caused by teenagers on the late bus from Fortrose. On Friday 24 August, a major incident took place and 3 girls were charged with Breach of the Peace – one came from Cromarty.

This matter was discussed and it was agreed that David would speak to Douglas Simpson at Fortrose Academy to see if he would speak to the youngsters about this behaviour, which could ultimately result in the withdrawal of the late bus. David will also speak to Wanda to see if any of the individuals are involved in the Youth Café.

Wilf advised that Green Gym had visited on 16 August to carry out weeding and pruning, however the area requires constant attention.

It was agreed that a working party should be formed to carry out weeding and tidying in this area and also in front of Forsyth House. Suggested dates are Thursday 20 September, Friday 21 September and Saturday 22 September.

New Finger Points are now in place.

Nick Bates has provided blocks for the missing drain covers as requested by Jane.

Major Phipps has now been contacted. He has arranged for the field to be cleared 1 metre in from the wall this year. He will arrange for further clearance next year.

This meeting was attended by John Duncan, Sam Lowe, David Baldwin (Planning)

DA

H. Council Annual Grant £910.97

Guide Book Sales £75.00

Sylvestrus Ltd – Kirkie Brae weeding etc £126.90

Secretarial expenses: £40.00

J Henderson – Beach Clean-up £299.62

Accounts payable balance: Nil

Accounts receivable balance: Nil

Bank balance as @ 27.8.2007 = £13,067.48

The new roof at the Lighthouse was discussed. David said that this had been approved about 3 years ago.

The new development on South Sutor was discussed. Planning permission had been granted for this development but progress was delayed due to drainage problems.

A number of briefing sessions are to be held to discuss the provision of the 5 turbines on the Hill of Nigg. Dates are Balintore Hall on 5 September 3pm – 8pm and Nigg Hall on Thursday 6 September 3pm – 8pm. Anne and Lynne aim to attend the session in Nigg.

Irene Cameron has asked to attend a future meeting to advise the Community Council about the work of Home-Start Ross & Cromarty. It was agreed that she should be invited to the next meeting.

Gordon Fyfe from PR has requested nominations for the Quality Awards. This should be an individual/team/service from the Highland Council. It was suggested that Sam Lowe should be nominated for all the support he has provided. Anne will complete the nomination forms.

The Commodore has written to inform the Council about an incident recently covered in the local press. David advised that the Harbour Trust had set up a sub-committee to investigate any issues and that new procedures will be put in place to manage the pontoon moorings next season.

Anne will write to the Commodore to thank him for his update.

Douglas has heard that the bus service between Dingwall and Cromarty is to be ceased. This matter will be raised at the BI Ward Forum on 30 August.

Jane asked if it would be possible to divert the HGVs carrying building materials to the new development at Cromarty Mains via the American Road so that they miss the town centre as this is causing traffic congestion. David said that they cannot be made to divert, unless it is in their contract.

Anne will speak to David Baldwin about this.

Jane said that some visitors had not visited Cromarty last weekend as they thought that the Bike Rally was running. The signs are still in situ throughout the Black Isle and at the Tesco roundabout. Anne will ask Sparks to arrange removal of all signs.

This path is completely overgrown. David said he would ask Sam Lowe to put it on the list for weed control. Jane suggested that it should be included in the weeding programme planned for September (see 5.1)

Anne circulated photographs of the model made by the primary school children. They are looking for somewhere to display this. It was agreed that the West Church might be able to offer the space to for it. Anne to enquire about this.