oct2001

INVERESK COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of Meeting held on Monday 8th October, 2001 at the Retreat, Tarfside

Present
Stracathro   -   Mr H. Campbell Adamson, Mr R. Cooke,
Edzell   -   Mrs E. Hickson, Mr A. de Costa, Mr F. Skene,
Glenesk   -   Mr G. Lowden, Mrs M. McIntosh, Mrs N. Bertram,
Menmuir   -   Mr C. Williamson, Mr M. Johnston
Lethnot   -   Mr I. Morrison
Brechin Landward   -   Mr P. Yates,

In attendance   -   Mr D. Murray, Mr I. Cowie (EVIS), Cllr. R. Myles, Inspector P. Scobbie, Mr C. Hutchison and Ms J. Hill (Brechin Advertiser), Mr C. Hardy (Courier) and 3 members of the public

Apologies   -   Mr J. Adamson, Dr B. Fernandez, Mr C. Simpson, Cllr. R. Leslie-Melville, Mr C. Gow

1.   Minutes of previous meeting and matters arising
Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting was proposed by Mr M. Johnston and seconded by Mr I. Morrison This was approved as such.    Action

2.   Treasurer’s Report
Mr Simpson is on holiday and, in his absence, the Secretary reported the bank balance on 30th September 2001 stood at £59.50.
The ‘books’ are presently in the hands of the Auditor and Mr Simpson expects to present the annual accounts at the next meeting.

3.   Police Matters
Vandalism - has not been a problem recently, but Inspector Scobbie stressed the need to continue to report anything and to report it immediately rather than, for example, a day or so later.
Some discussion on the previously minuted concern about the system in place for contacting the police when there is no one at the Brechin station. The Chief Constable is reviewing the present system to see if there is a better alternative.

4.   Roads Matters
Dunlappie Bridge - work was due to start on Monday 08.10.01 with the setting up of the site compound. The work is scheduled for completion, subject to weather conditions, in the first week of December 2001.
Mr Ronnie McNeil is acting Director of roads for the time being. Not sure if a new Director will be appointed as the Council are reviewing the post of 'Director' throughout the various Council functions.

5.   Stracathro Hospital
Further vandalism has occurred at the Mansion House - damage to the bell.
The Community Council is grateful to the Brechiner for highlighting their concerns about the apparent lack of any action by Tayside University Hospitals Trust to resolve this issue. It was agreed that the Mansion House should be put on the market as soon as possible.
Some discussion on what is happening at the hospital and agreed that we would keep a watching brief.


6.   Planning Matters
   Edzell    -   Mr D. Murray reported that Mrs V. Haggert had already approached the developer of the new housing scheme at Lethnot Road about contributing towards improving / extending the play facilities the Muir.
This was also discussed with the Planning Officer who suggested we do nothing more than 'register an interest' by noting that, as the site gets further developed, some contribution, by the developer, to the local facilities might be beneficial. Mr Murray has this in hand.
   Glen Esk   -   Discussed the extension plans for St Drostan's Lodge, which the Community Council welcomed. Some concern at the lack of car parking - only sufficient for 3 cars, which was felt to be inadequate. Also wished to ensure that the discharge licence was modified to handle the extra rooms there would now be. Mr Murray to pass on these concerns to the Planning department.

Mr D. Murray

7.   Correspondence Received
   a.   Angus Council 2001 Minutes – Volume 38 dated 13 September
   b.   Introductory letter from the Institute of Contemporary Scotland and an invitation to participate in the Assembly of Angus when it meets on Saturday 17th November in the Old Church, Montrose.
   c.   Angus Association of Voluntary Organisations – reminder that the AAVO membership fees are now due.
   d.   Angus Association of Voluntary Organisations ‘Autumn 2001’ newsletter.
   e.   Notification of the date for the next Brechin Area Forum - Wednesday 7th November at 7.00pm in the Brechin City Hall.
Discussion on whether these Area Forums were achieving anything. Agreed that the Secretary would write to the Council's Chief Executive to query the need for continuing with the Area Forums.

Secretary
   f.   Notification from the North of Scotland Water Authority that their accounts for the financial year ending 31st March 2001 have just been published.
   g.   ‘Best Value Service Review – Roads Maintenance’ Questionnaire from Angus Council Roads department. For completion by 12.10.01.
   h.   Sepa View 9 (Autumn 2001)

8.   From the Regions
   Edzell
   - It's felt that Edzell is not as tidy / clean as it used to be when there was a 'Road Officer' employed, it's believed, by the Roads Dept who was responsible for keeping the gutters etc clean and free of litter, leaves etc.
However, despite this Edzell has recently been announced as a winner of one of the categories in the 'Cleanest Community in Scotland' award scheme. The Community Council acknowledged the work done by EVIS and other groups, as well as those living in Edzell, in winning this award.
- The lay-by on the east side of the road at the Brechin end of Edzell woods regularly has lorries parked up there. Details to be passed to Cllr. R. Myles who will see what he can do to resolve the problem.
   Glenesk   - Glenesk Roadman - Mr Cooke reported that things were moving on this, even though there was no Council representative at a recent meeting he had attended. The Council is committed to the appointment of a roadman and he hopes things will move a bit more quickly now.
- Some considerable discussion then took place on the situation of Mr George Black who has received notification from the Council to upgrade the toilet facilities in his rented holiday cottage. If he does not do this, he will have to stop using the property.
       It was acknowledged that the Council had had no choice but to take this course of action after a neighbour of Mr Black had brought the situation to their notice.
However, it was agreed that the legislation that necessitated this sort of action must be flawed and that the Community Council was deeply concerned about the situation facing Mr Black. The Chairman was asked to write to the chief executive of the Council to pass on those concerns.

Chairman

9.   Any Other Business
- Cllr. R. Myles updated the meeting on progress at the Edzell skip site and reported that there will be a 'Drop In' Centre for the youth of Edzell built at the site. A sub-committee of the EVIS will manage this. Mr D. Murray is to write to the Scottish Executive to request funds towards the running costs of the skip site.
- The volunteers who built the BMX track at Edzell Muir are to be commended for their work.
- Some discussion over the proposed boundary of the Cairngorms National Park and whether it would be of benefit or not. It was generally felt that the suggested boundary would be rather divisive and tended to split parts of the community within the Inveresk Community Council area. Mr R. Cooke and the Chairman will pass on those views to the appropriate authorities.
- Cllr. R. Myles reported on the Countryside Initiative, which has the aim of improving the links between farmers, local business and educationalists. He requested feedback from the Community Council on this initiative. Agreed this would be an Agenda item for the next meeting.
- Mr A de Costa reported on a Community Newsletter he had seen on a trip. He wondered whether such a thing might be possible within the Inveresk Community Council area. Will discuss at the next meeting.

Mr D. Murray

Chairman


12.   Next Meeting
The next meeting will be at 7.30pm on Monday 12th November 2001 at the Menmuir Hall.

Inveresk Community Council        Back to Menmuir