HELENSBURGH COMMUNITY COUNCIL
“Helensburgh – Be Better : Be Excellent”
Minutes of the Helensburgh Community Council Meeting
Thursday 23rd February 2006
Present : Karen Brabender, Nick Cowie, John Croy, Marion Gillies, Jim Gorie, Alastair Macbeth, Catriona Malan, Jim Miligan, Nigel Millar (Chair) Stewart Noble, Maggie Sheen, Kathleen Siddle, David Sinclair, Richard Trail John White.
Councillor John Tacchi.
Apologies : Sonja Aitken, Clare Greig, Ellen Morton, Gordon Tran.
Nigel Millar welcomed the members and Councillors to the meeting. He welcomed Karen Brabender who was now here as a member of Community Council and Nick Cowie who is a member nominated by the Chamber of Commerce; in this role he will be “job sharing” with Alan Dundas. Also welcomed were Mary Emberton and Elliot Boomer who may become members of the Community Council
2 Public Session
2.1 Anniversary (150th) of Railway’s Arrival in Helensburgh
David Sinclair drew attention to the fact that the 150th anniversary of the arrival in Helensburgh would occur in 2008. It was noted that the Tourist Board had been the mover for the West Highland Centenary in 1994. It was agreed that David Sinclair should start making enquiries.
2.2 Taxis
The question of taxis was raised, in particular the fact that there was no taxi in Helensburgh capable of taking a wheel chair, and likewise no taxi with a baby seat. Councillor Tacchi responded to this. In connection with the first point he stated that Argyll and Bute Council do not specify the requirements for taxis, merely licensed vehicles as fit. Past experience with such a vehicle in Helensburgh showed that it was not commercially viable. On the second point, there is the inconsistency in standards and methods of fitting of such seats; the question of who would be liable for ensuring that the seat and child were compatible; and where the seat should be stowed when not required (in most vehicles this could preclude the conveyance of luggage) There was also the question of financial viability and the provision of special facilities for other sorts of disability. It was agreed that it would be worthwhile making discrete enquiries as to how other areas deal with this.
2.3 Cyclists
Various aspects of cyclists’ behaviour was brought to the Council’ attention. These included cyclists’ riding without lights; the danger to cyclists of irregular road surfaces in cycle lanes; cyclists’ not making use of cycle lanes where available; cyclists’ using footways. It was noted that the Community Safety Forum and the Crime Prevention Panel (both contactable via Lynn Smillie of Argyll and Bute Council) may have an interest in these issues. It was agreed to defer investigation of these issues until more Community Councillors were available.
On a related theme the poor condition of some of road surfaces at a number of road junctions, particularly on W. King Street, was commented upon. Councillor Tacchi reported that, at present, but subject to annual review, capital expenditure of £400K had been allocated for resurfacing works in W.King Street for the financial year 2007/8 with a further £100K the following year. He commented that the local authority’s capital budget for roads amounted to £2½m a year, while the amount currently need to be spent was £28m.
Nigel Millar said the discussion had raised a number of important issues of immediate concern to residents. The HCC needed to take these on board and he would be discuussing how best to do this with the Executive at their next meeting.
2.4 Audit Scotland
In reply to a question from a Community Councillor Councillor Mulvaney reported that Audit Scotland had commented critically on the political and administrative leadership in Argyll & Bute Council. This will be addressed by the Council over the next few months.
2.5 Libraries
It was reported that the Oban Times had indicated that the withdrawal of mobile libraries was to be reversed. It was agreed that Catriona Malan would investigate.
2.6 Petrol Filling Stations
Concern was expressed that with the closure of the Consort service station the town would be left with only one petrol filling station. Gordon Tran (in absentia) raised the question as to whether the Community Council had a policy of petrol filling stations.
2.7 Litter
It was noted that it had been reported in the Helensburgh Advertiser that Helensburgh had received a fairly low rating in terms of litter, particularly on the approaches to the town, as much on the roads as on the railway. It was noted that householders do not clear litter from verges and that the litter receptacles along the promenade have inadequate capacity, that the Council no longer recycles plastic bags, though the Co-op now uses biodegradable ones. The motto “Helensburgh — Be Better : Be Excellent” would suggest that Helensburgh should be a clean place. The problem rests with the inhabitants of Helensburgh. Hexham was quoted as a place which has a pride in itself and does not have such a litter problem. It was agreed Nigel Millar would raise the matter with the Helensburgh Partnership.
2.8 Ally Energy
Ally Energy is an Argyll and Bute wide initiative to promote alternative energy. It was agreed to give them a slot at a future meeting so they might explain what they are about. It was also agreed that John White would undertake the necessary liaison.
The minutes from the January meeting were approved, proposed Marion Gilies, seconded Catriona Malan, subject to :
4.1 — 2.1 Helensburgh Library
The meeting noted has not yet been set up. It was agreed that Marion Gillies and / or Catriona.Malan would assist Karen Brabender.
4.2 — 3 Community Centre
It was noted that Nigel Millar had relinquished the chairmanship in favour of Brian Keeting.
4.3 — 4 By Elections
Jim Gorie reported on progress. Nominations for three candidates had been received, from James Noble (Upper Helensburgh), Finlay McQuarrie (periphery of town) and Karen Brabender (Kirkmichael). As the number of candidates did not exceed the number of vacancies by the closing date for nominations, the returning officer, the Rev Andrew Scobie can declare them elected without there having to be a vote. The formal election date is 6th April. There was also a response from Mary Emberton and Elliot Boomer who may be co-opted at a future meeting.
4.4 —10.1 Staircase at Co-op Car Park
It was reported that the cleaning still appears to be sporadic and inadequate. It may be seen as part of a general malaise. Councillor Tacchi reported that in a meeting he had had with the Manager that part of the problem was one of economics.
4.5 — 7.4 3G Mast
It was noted that Rhu had recently had an involvement with such masts with different results. The general principle is that they should be in a good position for reception and visually not intrusive.
4.6 — 2.2 Urban Design Strategy
Kathleen Siddle reported on the exhibition in 40 Sinclair Street by final year students at the Glasgow Art School. The formal opening will be on 16th March by invitation; it will then be open Monday to Saturday 10.00-16.00. Kathleen has secured sponsorship from the Buffet shop for the nibbles, flowers from the Flower Shop (2 West Princes Street) and Haddows for liquid refreshment and glasses.
The 72 enthusiastic students have been divided into twelve groups of six who will each deal with a different area of Helensburgh and produce twelve table top displays and some computer presentations. Kathleen hopes that all members will talk about / advertise the exhibition and encourage others to attend. Groups are very welcome and can be pre-booked through Kathleen. There will be an article in the Community Advertiser.
The meeting expressed their appreciation of the work which Kathleen has done.
4.7 Conservation Area
Jenny Carlile of Argyll and Bute Council was getting local people to assist her in work on the conservation areas. A more detailed written report was given to members present.
4.8 Web Site
It was noted that the Web Site had been identified in the Helensburgh Advertiser as out-of-date. The new site is to be launched. The question of members contact details was dealt with by circulating a list of members and asking them to specify the details which they would be happy to have published.
A report on the meeting held with Fergus Murray and Sybil Johnson of Argyll and Bute Council had been circulated previously. Jim Milligan, seconded by Catriona Malan, proposed a motion in the following term :
"Council thanks the Chairman and the Statutory Plan Group for discussing our representations on the draft Local Plan with Argyll and Bute Council officers and for reporting, concisely, on them. However, Council re-affirms our objection to the draft Local Plan failure to zone the Clyde Street playing field as a Protected Open Space and asks that Argyll and Bute Council be notified accordingly."
After discussion a vote was taken with 7 voting for the motion and 3 against.
Catriona Malan reported on the sludge found on the beach in East Bay. This had been due to a power supply failure at the Suffolk Street pumping station resulting in raw sewage being discharged directly to the sea untreated.
She also reported on the new road surfacing which had been laid in the east end of the town which appeared to be unduly slippy.
The developers are holding a public meeting about 16 Millig Street in the Victoria Hall on 16th March.
It was noted that in connection with the appeal into the granting of planning permission for the Ardencaple Woods that numerous expressions of support were accepted after the closing date for the making of representations.
A draft response to the Planning Bill had been prepared and circulated prior to the meeting. It was agreed that this draft would be the Helensburgh Community Council’s response.
Stewart Noble reported that no subscription had been paid to the Scottish Community Councils Association. It was agreed to pay one this year.
There used to be a filing cabinet in the Municipal buildings with Community Council papers in it. It is thought that the original of the Community Council’s crest may be in it. Stewart Noble undertook to investigate.
The end of March is the end of the financial year for the Community Council. Stewart asked for all claims for expenses to be submitted in good time so that the cheques might be cleared before the year end.
The current bank balance is £1,515.02.
The next meeting will be held on 30th March at 19.00 hours in the Victoria Hall.