CROMARTY AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Meeting held on Monday September 27th 2004, Hugh Miller Institute, Cromarty
Present:
Community Councillors: Margaret Binnie, Douglas Cooper, Alex Davidson, Susan Florence, Alan Hunter (Chairman), Douglas McPhee, Rachel Robertson and Anne Short
Youth Representatives: Ewan Pennie and Amy Sampays
In Attendance: Victoria Colliston-Owen (Scottish Redundant Churches Trust)Highland Councillor: David AlstonCC
Secretary: Caroline Vawdrey
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Chairman’s welcome: Alan Hunter welcomed Victoria Colliston-Owen of the Scottish Redundant Churches Trust to the meeting |
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Apologies: Jane Clunas, Ronald Young (Congratulations were passed on to Ronald and Louise on the birth of their daughter) |
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Approval of previous minutes: Proposed: Margaret Binnie Seconded: Anne Short |
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Matters arising: 4:1 Shore Street Platform: The resurfacing of the platform is now complete; the public benches are in place, which just leaves the large stones to be positioned.
4:2 Coalheugh Well: The path to the Well has been laid, and a seat is now in situ. There are still potholes to be filled in and rubbish to remove. A kissing gate has been installed. The CC now holds 3 keys to the main gate.
4:5 Well Lane: MB has not yet had a reply from John Nightingale. It was agreed to defer placing plans of the deeds to Well Lane in the Library for the time being.
4:9 High St/Church St Junction: D McPhee commented that this new surface would need a protective dressing before winter.
4:10 Naval Airbase Memorial: We await approximate costing on its construction.
4:11 Parking at Cromarty Mains: AH met with Duncan McPherson. The new housing development at Cromarty Mains will allow 4/5 cars parking, suitable for people walking the footpath to MacFarquhar's Bed.
4:12 Parking at Big Vennel and on The Paye: No update has been received from the police as yet.
5:2 Bus Shelter repaint: Wanda Mackay is currently organising this project along with JC and RR. It will be tackled when volunteers and the weather permits.
6:0 Bowling Club: The CC offer of assistance to the Bowling Club will be followed up this month.
9:1 Gaelic Chapel: It had been agreed by members of the Gaelic Chapel group to wait until John Nightingale is visiting Cromarty before holding a meeting. This will allow them to further discuss ownership with him and THC.
11.1 Traffic Cones at Shore Street: A clarifying letter has been sent to Howard Hunter.
12:5 Trophies at Bank of Scotland: AD has not yet had the opportunity to identify past members of the now defunct Cromarty Horticultural Society.
12.6 Public Toilets: The sub-committee has met and concluded that funding is not available for the building of new toilets. However it should be possible to refurbish the existing (Allan Square) toilets and upgrade the quality of the Links portaloo. The group will now pursue these aims. |
CC concluded
AH ongoing
MB ongoing
DA to contact THC
RY ongoing
AH concluded
AS to contact PC McKenna
WM/JC/RR ongoing
AH ongoing
DA/MB ongoing
AH concluded
AD ongoing
AS/MB/AH ongoing |
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Youth issues: Bus Breakdowns: Ewan and Amy provided the CC with a list of bus breakdowns and late arrivals since the start of term. They also commented that in spite of the CCs written concerns to Rapson's they have not been given a bus with the CCTV camera, and the disruption continues.
Councillors' expressed serious concern at Rapson's failure to acknowledge or respond to letter's and a telephone call from the CC.
Proposed Bus Shelter: AH has been in contact with Neil Macrae of THC and Cromarty is now on the waiting list for a bus shelter at the Links.
Existing Bus Shelter: Sam Lowe is to look at the structure and arrange for the cavity wall gaps to be filled in and re-faced.
Safe Play Area on Links: AD reported that he couldn’t see any stones in this area and so was unclear why THC had not cut the grass.
Victoria Park: There was discussion about what should happen to the concrete base, left after the removal of the skate ramps. The general consensus favoured a multi purpose sports court - suitable for tennis, basketball, 5-aside football etc. It was agreed that any development of the area would need a regular support/fundraising group to maintain it.
JC stated that the makings of an interested group already existed and would form officially once ownership of the base was established. |
AH to contact Academy Rector, Educ. Dept. and Rapson's requesting a joint meeting.
TEC Services ongoing
TEC Services ongoing.
AH to write to THC to establish ownership. |
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Scottish Redundant Churches Trust : Victoria Colliston-Owen outlined the work of the Scottish Redundant Churches Trust -– which was established in 1996 by an number of concerned people, who wanted to conserve churches of historical and architectural importance which had declined in usage and were in need of major repair. When the SRCT takes on responsibility for churches it does so in perpetuity – at present they are responsible for 4 churches – including St Peter’s Kirk, Orkney (which has just won several awards for outstanding conservation work) and East Church, Cromarty (which is their next project).
East Church: LDN (the architects who worked on the Brewery and Stables restorations ) will now plan the conservation of the East Church, including the cemetery. Their aim will be to put everything back into a good and sustainable condition – without altering it. The church has major problems with damp and dry rot – exacerbated by its enclosed location – tackling this will be a priority for the conservation work team.
Funding is likely to be a combination of grants from Historic Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund and charitable trusts. It is hoped that these sources will be confirmed and in place for work to begin in spring 2006. There will be open days during the work on the church and people will see, at first hand, exactly what is happening. Unknown historic details of the church may well be uncovered as the work progresses.
Victoria and SRCT are very keen to work with the Cromarty community to make best use of the church once the project is completed. SRCT already has links with the community through ‘Friends of the East Church’ - it is hoped to expand membership of this group soon. |
SRCT and Cromarty and District CC to keep in touch to discuss future working together. |
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Cromarty Trust Grant – proposals for 2005: After discussion it was agreed that the following requests for 2005 should be made of the Cromarty Trust.
It was noted that all of the above amounts would be used to attract further funding for the specified projects. |
AH to apply to Cromarty Trust. |
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Treasurer’s Report: AD submitted his Treasurer’s Report, and this was circulated to CC members. The Chairman thanked the Treasurer for the amount of time he is giving to CC accounts.The bank balance at the end of August was £8,286.78 and most of this, £7,851.78, is committed to ongoing community projects. |
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Highland Councillor’s Report: BT's plan to remove 257 payphones from the highlands was discussed. With 99% of homes now having phones and 85% having mobiles this was seen as inevitable. The Davidston and Bayview Crescent boxes will go, but it was unanimously agreed that the Forsyth Place phone box must stay. The consultation period is open until October 22nd. |
MB to put notice outlining BT plan in Post Office window |
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Planning Matters: There were no planning applications that required the CCs comment. |
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Correspondence: Black Isle Community Planning Forum: DA outlined the lead up to the Forum's creation and the importance of its support by the communities and other agencies. The first meeting takes place on September 29th.Bank Street Traffic: Plexus Media has written expressing concern about large lorries using and blocking Bank Street. There has been previous concern about this raised by other residents, and after some discussion it was agreed that it would be worthwhile installing bollards, where the pavement narrows, to prevent further house damage.
THC Civic Awards: two Cromarty residents were nominated, by councillors, for outstanding service to their community.
Community Safety Seminar: on Tuesday October 26th – offers to attend were invited.
Broadband Demo: will take place in the Royal Hotel Function Suite on Thursday October 7th from 4pm until 8pm.
A letter from Wilf Taylor will be included in the correspondence file, and circulated to councillors. |
AH attending
DA ongoing AS/MB ongoing |
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A.O.B: Head lice eradication: a request for funding to attempt the eradication of head lice from Cromarty Primary School children has been received. CC members felt that more information was required before making any decision.
Harbour Iron rings: concern was expressed that the mooring rings were dangerous, for the unwary, and could be tripped over. However it was thought that the rings would be removed when the new pontoons are installed.
Snow Fence at Davidson Corner: this had been used in previous years, and was thought to be very helpful in reducing the amount of snow drifting and blocking the main road. It was agreed that RR would write to Jim Yuill, HC TEC Services, to see if the fence could be reinstated this winter.
HMInstitute, poor access: DA drew the CC's attention to the lack of suitable access for the less able, at the Hugh Miller Institute, and asked them to consider whether this would affect the holding of CC meetings there in the future.
Environment Meeting: councillors were reminded that there is a meeting with John Duncan, HC Conservation Architect, on Wednesday 20th October 2004 at 10am in the HMI. |
CC ongoing
RR ongoing
CC ongoing |
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Date of next C&DCC Meeting: Monday 25th October at 7.30pm in the Hugh Miller Institute. |
CROMARTY AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Meeting held on Monday August 30th 2004, Hugh Miller Institute, Cromarty
Present:
Community Councillors: Margaret Binnie, Jane Clunas, Douglas Cooper,Alex Davidson, Alan Hunter (Chairman), Douglas McPhee, Rachel Robertson, Anne Short and Ronald Young
Youth Representatives: Ewan Pennie, Amy Sampays
Highland Councillor: David Alston
CC Secretary: Caroline Vawdrey
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Chairman’s welcome: Alan Hunter welcomed members to the meeting. |
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Apologies: Susan Florence, PC Graham McKenna |
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Approval of previous minutes: Proposed: Margaret Binnie Seconded: Anne Short |
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Matters arising: 4:Shore Street Platform: AH confirmed that the application of the textured coating and placing of the seats was imminent. He also noted that Scottish Water had stated - their most recent Raigmore Laboratory tests, conducted on treated water samples, taken as it leaves the Cromarty plant, had shown a quality cleaner than most private water supplies.
The access gate to the Coalheugh Well road was discussed. This has been locked due to SW's concern that mountain bikes were being used around the treatment plant. After discussion it was agreed to combine the use of a kissing gate with the Community Council holding a key for the main gate.
4:9 Sunday Bus Service and CCTV on School Bus: AH has written to Rapsons twice and phoned about both of these matters – but not yet received a response.
5:1 Victoria Park Skate Ramps: The CC was informed that Jackie Shewan (Unity Group) will resume responsibility re insurance cover and repair estimates for the skate park. Concern over safety was expressed by councillors; the skate park was still not cordoned off and was being used. HC is to be asked what timescale they have placed on the proposed action.
5:2 Bus Shelter repaint: This should now be attended to.
6:1 Well Lane Fences: Planning Application is apparently going ahead but details of land ownership are still being investigated. It was agreed to again contact John Nightingale and to keep the public informed of our actions by giving access to the deeds, obtained by the CC, in the Library.
8:0 Cromarty Regatta and Fun Day: Congratulations and thanks were extended once again to Anne Short and everyone involved for their excellent work. 13:11 Affordable Housing: AH gave out information to those members of the CC who were unable to attend the meeting with Donald Lockhart, from the Albyn Housing Society.
High Street/Church Street Junction: Although work was due to begin in August this has not yet happened. Concern was expressed at the further deterioration of the paving slabs
4:5 Naval Airbase Memorial: The harbour bollards cannot be used for the proposed information/display – but other admiralty marker posts could be a possibility. It was agreed that RY would get a quote for replica bollards.
4:11 Parking and Access to MacFarquhar's Bed: DA reported that the Mains road is adopted, by the HC, to the end of the cottages. The problem of a lack of suitable parking for the MacFarquars Bed footpath was discussed. CC members wondered whether there might be some opportunities associated with the proposed courtyard housing development at the Mains.
13:6 Cars inconsiderately parked at Big Vennel and on The Paye: AS has spoken to Lisa Graham (Road Safety Officer) who feels that the only means of preventing this would be double yellow lines, or if there is a safety concern to report the matter to the Police who will look into it.
Compost bins: AD has his compost bin via HC's Special Offer – and is delighted with it! |
AH to liaise with Scottish Water
AH ongoing
AH to contact Katrina Taylor
DA to follow up with Wanda
MB to contact John Nightingale.
DA to enquire when tarmacing will take place.
RY ongoing
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Youth issues: Bus Breakdowns: Ewan and Amy expressed concern that in two weeks back at school the bus had broken down twice. AH requested that a note be kept of all breakdowns in order to provide evidence to use in discussion with the bus company.
Bus Shelter for the Links Stop: Ewan and Amy commented that there are 20/30 children waiting at this stop with no shelter and that even in August it could be pretty cold. They also commented that an appropriately designed shelter could also be used to display tourist information. CC members thought that this was a very good suggestion and agreed to investigate possibilities further.
Safe Play Area on Links: Amy and Ewan asked what was happening there. DA commented that he thought that the grass had taken a lot longer to establish than had been expected. RY noted that HC grass cutters were unable to go in because of stones on the surface. It was also mentioned that signs had not yet been put up to say ‘no dogs allowed’. |
EP and Amy S to note bus breakdowns
AH to contact Hi-Trans and establish current funding situation
JC to enquire informally about PTA plans for the area. |
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Bowling Club : The Bowling Club has recently been experiencing both financial and membership difficulties. However DC reported that there had been a meeting between John Nightingale and the Club Committee – and that John had expressed a willingness to help. He has asked that the Club submit a business plan and costings to him.
The councillors agreed that AH should contact the Bowling Club offering the CC's assistance if required. |
AH to contact Bowling Club. |
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Cromarty Trust Grant and Common Good Fund: AH circulated details of the 2004 expenditure from both sources. It was agreed to defer discussion of projects for the Cromarty Trust Grant until the September meeting. CC to review past minutes for possibilities.
A request for £1,000 towards toilets for the less able had been made by the Victoria Hall committee. After discussion it was agreed that this would be met by the Common Good Fund – using £760 from the 2004 budget and £240 to be drawn down from the 2005 budget. |
AH ongoing
AD to apply for funds for Victoria Hall, Trailblazers, and PTA fireworks. |
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Treasurer’s Report: Alec Davidson submitted his Treasurer’s Report, and this was circulated to CC members.
The bank balance at the end of July was £10,136.25 |
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Highland Councillor’s Report: Gaelic Chapel: David Neill HC Solicitor advises that HC owns the Gaelic Chapel and that they will lease it to the Trust. However John Nightingale feels that he owns the Chapel – and is willing to give it to the Trust – but not willing to enter into any lease agreement with HC. Matters are therefore at stalemate. It was agreed that a meeting of the Gaelic Chapel committee is required to decide how to try to progress matters.
Anti Social Behaviour: The meeting with Sergeant Nicholson to discuss this had produced a number of action points:
DA suggested that the letter written some time ago about the health hazards associated with dog fouling could be recirculated at the same time as the mailing re ASB and reporting of incidents to the police. |
MB and DA to arrange meeting.
DA and AH to write letter.
Letter re-dog fouling to be distributed. |
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Planning Matters: Following the CC meeting MB circulated information to say that the only planning application to be received had been for the erection of a greenhouse in the garden of a house in Allan Square. There was no objection from the CC. |
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Correspondence: Traffic Cones on Shore Street: AH read out correspondence from Howard Hunter expressing his concern that the CC had asked Sam Lowe to remove these cones without first discussing the matter with him. CC members were clear that they had not known whom the cones belonged to, only that they were inappropriately sited. The matter had been raised during a ‘phone call to Sam Lowe following the Well Lane site visit, when various requests had been made as part of the management programme in and around that area of the town.
Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust AGM:
Big Vennel and Shore Street: Correspondence had been received from Archie MacTaggart expressing concern about the planning application for a new house at the shore end of Big Vennel, and about the smell from Scottish Waters Shore Street pumping station. It was agreed to write to Archie updating him on the re-surfacing of the Shore Street platform, and to say that the planning application had not yet gone to committee.
Additional Postbox for Cromarty: It has been confirmed that a new postbox will be installed at the entrance to Townlands Park.
Calor Gas Awards: No luck this year.
HC Quality Awards: It was agreed to repeat last year's nominations. |
AH to write to Howard Hunter clarifying matters.
AH to write to Archie McTaggart.
RY/AH concluded
AH to submit. |
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A.O.B: Cromarty Guidebooks: A reprint will be required in 2005 and it was agreed to set up a sub-committee to further this. Rachel Robertson and Wilf Taylor will be asked if they would be willing to assist.
South Sutor Footpath Project: The footpath improvements are now finished; seats and signs are going in. A leaflet about Cromarty Walks now needs to be produced. Because of the short timescale it was agreed to delegate responsibility for leaflet production – including any commissioning of outside help – to AH and RY.
Cromarty Market Stalls: The stalls have been hired, by the Dingwall Farmer’s Market, for Saturday 11th September.
East Church: The Scottish Redundant Churches expressed enthusiasm for working with the CC on their plans for the East Church. CV to invite Victoria Colliston Owen to the September meeting.
Trophies Discovered: Three cups belonging to the Cromarty and District Horticultural Society have been found in the Bank of Scotland vaults. CC will check this out and establish how they are inscribed and how they can be retrieved.
Cromarty Public Toilets: The Sub Committee needs to regroup! A meeting will be arranged this month.
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MB, JC, AD to establish sub-committee.
AH and RY to produce leaflet.
CV to write.
AH and AD to check.
AS/MB/AH ongoing
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Date of Next Meeting: Monday 27th September at 7.30pm in the Hugh Miller Institute. |
CROMARTY AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Meeting held on Monday June 28th, Hugh Miller Institute, Cromarty
Present: Community Councillors: Jane Clunas, Susan Florence, Alan Hunter (Chairman),
Douglas McPhee, Anne Short, Ronald Young
Youth Representatives: Ewan Pennie, Amy Sampays
Highland Councillor: David Alston
CC Secretary: Caroline Vawdrey
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Chairman’s welcome: Alan Hunter congratulated Anne Short on her well-deserved MBE |
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Apologies: Margaret Binnie, Douglas Cooper, Alex Davidson, Rachel Robertson |
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Approval of previous minutes: Approved – Proposed: Anne Short Seconded: Douglas McPhee
It was noted that item 15.8 – Cromarty Ferry signs – should include a note that the Cromarty Ferry signs on the A9 should be covered when the ferry is not operating. |
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Matters arising: 6:1 Victoria Park – terms of lease: AH has spoken to Graeme Ross (Fortrose Leisure Centre Manager) who has drawn up a new set of agreements for rental of the playing fields – including costs. It was agreed that AH should recommend that the agreements include reassurance that there will be public access to the playing fields, unless full use of the playing fields has been previously agreed.
Graeme Ross has stated that either he or his representative will oversee the use of Victoria Park when it is booked by groups.
15:4 Bikers Rallies: It was reported that the first bikers rally raised around £900 for the Victoria Hall; the second donated £400 to the Ross-shire Special Needs Play Scheme. Dolphin Rally: Concern was expressed that bikers, who were not part of the official rally, had caused a lot of noise disturbance by revving engines and firing rocket fireworks along Bank Street in the middle of the night.
9: Affordable housing: The CC meeting on June 23rd with Mia Scott, Highland Building Preservation Trust (HBPT), Tom Duff, LDN Architects, Issi McGrath, Highland Small Communities Housing Trust (HSCHT) and Alan Ogilvie (HC Planning) had proven useful with regard to housing development in the fields behind Townlands Barn.
- Some reservations were expressed about the proposed entrance coming off the High Street. - Alan Ogilvie stated that any new housing would need to be of sympathetic design and in keeping with existing styles. John Duncan, HC Conservation Architect, could be involved in this process. - The idea of an architects design competition met with approval. - The HBPT are looking for community feedback on the restoration plans that they have drawn up for Sandilands House.
5:3 Shore Street Pumping Station: as part of the Scottish Water tidy up, SW has confirmed its intention to complete the work requested by the CC, but are unable to fund the proposed artwork.
The agreed action consists of :- applying a sand textured coating to the Shore Street concrete slab, leaving only the large boulders, and fitting two bench type seats. Other work includes :- removing side bars from the gate by the bowling green: installing a drain and path at the Coalheugh Well and facing the breeze block culvert with natural stone.
5:4 Rights of Way: Alex Sutherland, HC Rights of Way Officer, has recommended checking out Scotways Website. Guidance re the proposed fence and gate across Well Lane has been requested and is awaiting response.
5:5 Victoria Park: The skate park is in need of repair and a safety check – it has holes in the skate surface and screws have been removed from metal plates.
7:1 Traffic Control at Funerals: RY has spoken to Donnie Munro, who will request police assistance in traffic management during funerals.
15:1 Calor Gas Competition: Cromarty CC has entered all 5 categories of the competition. Councillors thanked Jane Clunas, for pulling together all those who so willingly contributed to a first class entry, including:-
Don Coutts, Veronica Elrick, Marcel Gommers, Jenny Gunn, Rachel Harding-Hill, Wanda Mackay, Lisa McGuinness, Dave Newman, Anne Rose, Anne Short, Les Smith, Jill Stoner, Wilf Taylor, Sandy Thomson, Fran Tilbrook (writers), Viv Griffiths (typing) and Alan Hunter (editing).
15:2 Bus Shelter repaint: The bus shelter has been cleaned and painting can now go ahead. Materials will be purchased at cost price. David Alston will meet the cost from his Discretionary Budget.
HC TEC Services (Community Works) came out to clean the bus shelter on the day that a complaint, regarding its condition, had been received. Members agreed to write and thank them for their speedy response.
15:5 Post Box: AH has contacted the Royal Mail and they don’t foresee any problem in getting an additional post box installed at the west end of Cromarty
15:9 Market Stall Hire: The Victoria Hall Committee has apologised for any inconvenience caused, and commented that the problems have revealed the need for forward planning and teamwork. |
AH ongoing
CC ongoing
AH ongoing
AH to contact Sam Lowe
RY concluded
Jane Clunas concluded
DA, JC and Wanda to liaise
AH to write thanking TEC Services
AH ongoing
AH concluded |
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Youth issues: Charlie Davidson has submitted his report covering his time as youth representative on the CC. In it he says that moving discussion of Youth Issues further up the CC agenda was much appreciated, and that he feels that the CC does a ‘fairly good job’. He also suggested that at times the CC could do more to solve youth issues.
Amy enquired why the paper shop had recently been closed. This was considered by members to be due to the ill health of the owner.
Ewan raised concerns about behaviour and safety on the school buses, and asked if the CC could encourage the bus company to increase the number of vehicles fitted with CCTV monitors, as this leads to better behaviour.
Ewan reported that a number of youngsters have expressed concern about some people having advance notice of the need to sign up for summer activities. DA suggested that anyone with concerns over not getting a place in the programme should contact him. |
CC ongoing
AH to write to bus company
DA ongoing |
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BIF Youth Sub-committee: Prior to this meeting councillors had been circulated with a draft paper outlining the Black Isle Forums plans.
DA reported that the aim is to get a Black Isle–wide approach to provision of youth workers. The paper lays out current youth work provision and states aspirations for the future. This will be submitted to HC Culture and Leisure Services for discussion.
CC members agreed to write to the Black Isle Forum in support of the paper. |
AH will write to BIF |
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Treasurer’s report: Full report to be given by AD at the next meeting. |
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Highland Councillor’s report: Transfer of HC housing stock: The Scottish Executive is offering HC £50 million to assist with the provision of affordable housing, under the condition that HC transfer their housing stock to community housing associations. Residents and tenants associations will now be consulted on their views and a decision in principle taken at the end of October. |
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Royal Naval Air Station: RY has met with Eric Malcolm who is happy to help with advice, text and pictures, but would rather not be on a committee.
There may be a problem moving the harbour bollards, as they are now part of the listed structure of the harbour. However, RY feels that it would be possible to make new bollards, similar to the old ones.
RY will put up posters asking for ideas for the display and will present designs and costing to the CC. |
DA to check with Cromarty Harbour Trust
RY ongoing |
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Planning Matters: None |
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Correspondence: Firework display: Members agreed that £200 from the Common Good Fund would go towards the PTA firework event in November. Trailblazers: Members agreed that £200 from the Common Good Fund would go to the Sunday School, to cover mini-bus costs for their summer activity holiday to Altnacriche near Aviemore.
Letters of thanks: These have been received from Jean MacBeath, Eilidh and Niamh McCann, and Professor Brown Morton. |
AD ongoing AD ongoing
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A.O.B: Weedkilling of areas around benches and posts: Colin Dunn has drawn the CCs attention to the unsightly dead grass and muddy areas left around benches, posts and lampposts as a result of HC weedkilling. Members agreed that it would be preferable to avoid weedkilling, and use strimming only.
Posts at east end of Shore Street: These are rotting and need replacing
Flowerbeds – Marine Terrace: Seriously require attention.
Emigrants Stone on the Links: Fran Tilbrook has written expressing great concern over the damage caused to the Hugh Miller Stone as a result of stones from around the base being thrown at it. Removing these stones and replacing them with turf was recommended.
Victoria Hall, stage lighting workshop: Ingrid Gunn will be giving training in using the hall's new stage lighting system on Saturday July 3rd.
Harbour Dredging: RY reported that the work is going well and noted that this seemed to be speeding up tidal movement through the harbour – which should help to keep it clear of sediment.
B of S Cash Machine: Concern was expressed at the number of times this is closed as a result of breakdown. It was agreed to write to the Bank of Scotland raising this issue.
Sunday Bus Service: DMcP reported that there are now three bus services from Inverness to Rosemarkie on Sundays – and felt that there could be a demand for the extension of this service to Cromarty.It was agreed to write to the bus company offering to promote the Sunday service locally if they would be willing to trial a Sunday service to Cromarty.
Allan Square: Traffic is driving over the grass triangle. Bollards were suggested as a way of stopping this.
MacFarquhar’s Bed Footpath: Concern was expressed about the difficulty in following this route, and about the lack of parking at the farm. AH reassured members that once the Sutor Paths were completed then raising the funds for 'Phase 2', Cromarty Mains to MacFarquhar's Bed, would begin.
It was thought that signage – e.g. ‘no through road’ might help to reduce the cars going up past the farm cottages and save them having to reverse.
Loose Paving Stones – Church Street entrance: These are to be removed and replaced with a tar macadam surface.
East Church: Anne Short reported on taking part in interviewing architects for work on the East Church – LDN was appointed. Victoria Collison-Owen, from the Scottish Redundant Churches Trust would be keen to meet with the CC. It was agreed to invite her to the September meeting.
Cromarty Live Website: Due to business commitments Marcel Gommers has stood down from the web team and the community website now has a new editor - Daniel Newman - who, along with Alex and Lonna Davidson, Alan and May Hunter and Plexus Media, will be revitalising cromartylive.co.ukover the coming months. |
AH to contact Sam Lowe
AH to contact Sam Lowe
AH to contact John Nightingale
RY to put posters up
AH to contact Bank of Scotland.
AH to write to bus company
AH to raise with Sam Lowe
DA to check if road adopted by HC.
Caroline Vawdrey to write
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Date of Next Meeting: Monday 26th July at 7.30pm in the Hugh Miller Institute. |
Meeting held on Monday May 31st, Hugh Miller Institute, Cromarty
Present:
Community Councillors : Jane Clunas, Alex Davidson, Susan Florence, Alan Hunter (Chairman),
Dougie McPhee, Rachel Robertson, Anne Short, Ronald Young
Youth Representatives : Charlie Davidson, Ewan Pennie, Amy Sampays
Highland Councillor : David Alston
In attendance : Jenny Fyfe, PC Graham McKenna
CC Secretary : Caroline Vawdrey
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1 |
Chairman’s welcome: Alan Hunter congratulated the new members, Jane Clunas, Susan Florence and Ronald Young on their election to the community council, and thanked Amy Sampays and Ewan Pennie for their willingness to attend as youth representatives, replacing Charlie Davidson and Tanyella Allison. |
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Election of new office bearers: Vice-Chair – Alan Hunter proposed Anne Short. She was duly elected – there being no other candidates. Treasurer – Alan Hunter proposed Alex Davidson. He was duly elected – there being no other candidates. |
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Apologies: Margaret Binnie, Douglas Cooper |
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Approval of previous minutes: Approved – Proposed: Anne Short Seconded: Alex Davidson It was noted that item 10.4 – encroachment of new build developments onto common ground – should also include approaching HC Rights of Way Officer, Alex Sutherland for advice. |
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5 5:1 5:2 5:3 5:4 5:5 5:6 5:7 5:8 5:9 5:10 |
Matters arising: 3:3 Community Equipment: Alex Davidson has put together an inventory of all community equipment under the jurisdiction of CC. Alex noted that there was some equipment – e.g. Boat Club trophies that are still the property of the CC, but which were kept permanently by, and insured by, the club. It was agreed to discuss at a later meeting whether if would be a good idea to offer such items to the appropriate club/group. The CC thanked Alex for all his work. 3:5 TV Reception: The TV engineer found nothing wrong with either the relay transmitter or Cromarty reception and reported that the problems originated from incorrectly positioned or broken aerials. The engineer reported that in Townlands Park the reception problems resulted from the lack of external aerials, and suggested using communal external aerials of one per block of houses. These aerials would need to be paid for by the tenants. Wilf Taylor is discussing this proposal with tenants. It was agreed that the community council should assist with posters if required. 10:3 Shore Street concrete platform: Scottish Water is waiting for CC advice before carrying out any further work. The CC looked at the competition entries and agreed that the prize money should be shared between Niamh and Eilidh McCann for their ideas on how the platform might be enhanced. It was agreed Scottish Water should be asked
10:4 Encroachment of new build onto common land: Alan Hunter has discussed this with John Nightingale who feels there is no easy answer to this issue, and states that any land in Cromarty that is not owned by anyone else is owned by Cromarty Estate. David Alston confirmed that it was unlikely that the issue of ownership of common land can be solved, as none of the title deeds have measurements on them. David commented that there might be some possibility of help with Rights of Way where they would become obstructed or rendered unusable for disabled access. It was agreed to ask Alex Sutherland for advice on this 12:1 Victoria Park Play Equipment: The community council has received a letter from Eva Coutts saying that the play park is in a poor state with the flying fox and swings broken etc, and please can the community council help? 12:2 Dog Waste Bin (missing): This is now in a new position behind the industrial units on a walkway into Cromarty. 12:3 Shoremills Sign: This issue still needs to be raised with TEC services. 12:9 Bottle Bank: Following up a meeting between CC, CROW and HC where it was suggested that the Bottle Bank could be moved to an area on the Cromarty Industrial Units site - Andy Hume (HC) now says that HC does not yet have its recycling programme money from the Scottish Executive – and that when they get it larger settlements will have priority. 12:10 CCAG: This was dissolved at the AGM on April 21st. The remaining funds have been divided between the Cromarty Harbour Trust and the Victoria Hall. 10 Planning Matters: David asked if future minutes could make it clear whether the CC is commenting on planning applications or not. The CC confirmed that it will not be commenting on those applications discussed on 13/04/04 |
CC ongoing (but AD’s work now complete!) Wilf Taylor CC ongoing AH to discuss with Scottish Water ongoing AH to contact Alex Sutherland ongoing AH to raise items 5:5 – 5:8 with Sam Lowe and John Hearmon |
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6 6:1 |
Youth issues: The CC thanked Charlie Davidson for his contribution to the CC whilst serving as youth representative, and welcomed the two new representatives, Ewan Pennie and Amy Sampays. Victoria Park : Concern was expressed that some Cromarty youngsters were initially not allowed entry into Victoria Park during the recent bikers’ rally, and had then been asked to pay £2.00 to get in. CC members were unhappy about this and it was agreed to obtain clarification of the terms of lease for the park and to ask that the CC be consulted prior to permissions being given. |
AH to contact Graeme Ross |
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7 7:1 7:2 |
Report by PC McKenna: There have been a few acts of vandalism, but generally Cromarty has been fairly quiet recently. PC McKenna was asked by the CC if he would be able to help with traffic management during funerals. This he readily agreed to do. Ronald Young to ask Donnie Munro to let PC McKenna know when there is a funeral on. PC McKenna was asked if residents are able to put no parking signs outside their property. Residents have a right to do this, but it is not enforceable by law. |
RY to contact Donnie Munro |
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Cromarty Public Toilets: No progress reported. |
AH to contact John Hearmon |
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Affordable housing: Donald Lockhart of Albyn Housing Association to be invited to the next meeting. |
AH to contact Donald Lockhart |
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STV election appraisal: AH reported on the CC trial of the STV voting system. He and other members who had taken part in the count felt that the exercise had been, "demanding, interesting but overly complex for a community the size of Cromarty". AH will write a report on the election for HC. The CC expressed its appreciation to all those who took part in the count and a book token has been bought to thank Jean Macbeath for her work as Returning Officer. It was agreed that STV is too complex to use on a small-scale election and that it was unlikely to be used again by the community council. |
AH to write report and thank Jean MacBeath and her team |
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Treasurer’s report: Jenny presented her final report to the CC and was thanked by members for her work. The current bank balance is £10,610.59 Earmarked sums are: Gaelic Chapel 700.00 Guidebook/leaflet 2,688.73 Footpaths 4,825.00 Benches/Railings etc 1,678.63 Total 9,892.36 There is still £2,291.25 to come in from RACE for the Gaelic Chapel survey. |
AD to set up new bank account details |
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Highland Councillor’s report: All covered by the Agenda |
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Planning matters: None |
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14 14:1 14:2 14:3 14:4 |
Correspondence: Library: An alarm is to be installed Crime Prevention Panel: Ann Short offered to attend their meetings on a temporary basis. Damage to rhones by bakery: Concern has been expressed that large vehicles are causing damage to rhones on Bank Street. The CC agreed to ask Sam Lowe to draw this to the attention of HC drivers. Royal Naval Air Station: Eric Malcolm has written to the History Society – who have passed his request on to the CC - to ask if it would be possible to have a commemorative plinth established on the Links - with historical information/photographs displayed about the Royal Naval Air Station and the significance of the Cromarty Firth at that time. Ronald Young suggested that it might be possible to use some of the, now redundant, harbour bollards as a means of displaying information. It was agreed to set up a sub-group to look at these ideas in more detail. Ronald Young offered to form the group, other members will be Dougie McPhee and possibly Eric Malcolm as a History Society member. |
AH to contact Sam Lowe RY and DMcP to report to next CC meeting |
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15 15:1 15:2 15:3 15:4 15:5 15:6 15:7 15:8 15:9 15:10 |
AOB: Calor Gas Award: The closing date is June 15th – so the deadline is rather tight, but there are several categories that Cromarty might be able to enter. Cromarty Youth Summer Programme: It was agreed to pay £500 from the Common Good Fund towards this activity programme, on the understanding that it is open to all young people. Members also agreed to ask that the bus shelter be re-painted, as this was a condition of agreement for the 2003 Programme payment. Primary School, Fort William Adventure Holiday: Alan will remind school to claim the CGF £400 towards this. Bikers’ Rallies: Concern has been expressed at the idea of 3 rallies taking place in Cromarty over a relatively short time period. It was agreed to try and find out what financial contribution the rallies make to Cromarty, and weigh this against the disturbance caused. It may be more appropriate to have fewer rallies, with more time between them in future. Post box for west end of Cromarty: This proposal will be raised with the Post Office. Drainage, Marine Terrace: This does not work properly at present. Street Sweeping: Would a mechanical road sweeper be useful in Cromarty? Availability and cost to be determined. Direction signs for Ferry: These need upgrading Stall Rental: Following problems with stall rental for the bikers’ rally - i.e. uncertainty about how many had been used and components being returned muddled up – it was agreed to write to the Victoria Hall making stall rental policy clear, explaining charges, and expressing disquiet at the way in which this rental had proceeded. The stall bags will now need to be checked through, prior to the summer regatta shore events. Regatta Shore Events: It was agreed that £900 should be given to the regatta onshore entertainment programme, from the Common Good Fund. |
RR and JC to aim to submit an entry AH to contact Wanda AH to contact Primary School AH to contact Royal Mail AH to raise items 15.6-15. 8 with Sam Lowe AH to write to Patsy Thomson RR and AD to check bags. |
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Date of Next Meeting: Monday 28thJune at 7.30pm in the Hugh Miller Institute. All future CC meetings will be held on the last Monday of each month. |
