HELENSBURGH COMMUNITY COUNCIL

“Helensburgh – Be Better : Be Excellent”

Minutes of the Helensburgh Community Council Meeting

Thursday 27th January 2006

Present : Sonja Aitken, John Croy, Marion Gillies, Jim Gorie, Alastair Macbeth, Catriona Malan, James Miligan, Nigel Millar (Chair) Kathleen Siddle, David Sinclair, Richard Trail.

Councillor John Tacchi.

Apologies : Stewart Noble, Gordon Tran.

1. Welcome

Nigel Millar welcomed the members and Councillor Tacchi to the meeting. He also welcomed Karen Brabender who was there as a member of the public. 

Nigel Millar reported that Bill Brackenridge had been selected as chair of the Helensburgh Partnership. He thus resigned from the Helensburgh Community Council to avoid any possible conflict of interest. It was agreed that Nigel Millar should become the representative of the Helensburgh Community Council on the Helensburgh Partnership in place of Bill Brackenridge.

2. Public Session 

2.1 Helensburgh Library 

Karen Brabender raised the issue of the inconsistency of the opening hours of Helensburgh Library and its non-opening at lunchtimes. Another issue was that of the denial to the public of the use of any computer at times when a computer group was there. After discussion, it was agreed that representatives of the Community Council, along with Karen Brabender, should seek a meeting with the Head Librarian for a discussion to ascertain if some improvement can be made.

2.2 Urban Design Strategy

Kathleen Siddle reported that the Glasgow School of Art will be holding an exhibition from 17th to 30th March (10.00 to 16.00 weekdays) hosted by the 60-70 students involved in the project. The venue will be the old Conservative Club Rooms above McKay‘s in Sinclair Street. This firm is allowing the use of these premises without payment; they must be thanked for their generosity and assistance in giving the people of Helensburgh the opportunity to view the interior of this architecturally notable building. The Community Council will be involved in no expense, but will be responsible for publicising the event within Helensburgh. Publicity outwith Helensburgh will be undertaken by the School of Art. The exhibition will be opened in the evening of 16th March by a personage; attendance will be by invitation.

2.3 Helensburgh and Lomond Safety Forum

 Councillor Tacchi gave a report and thanked the Community Compact. The initial results were promising, showing marked reductions in crime and alcohol related incidents. However, public perception lags behind reality and it is expected that it will be some time before the perception recognises the changes.

3.   Community Centre

 Nigel Millar, as Chairman of the Trustees of the proposed Helensburgh Community Centre, gave a presentation. It was followed by a question and answer session. A number of important points have been noted.

 The consensus of the meeting was that a community centre was required and that the site should be that indicated behind the Victoria Halls.

4. By-Elections 

Jim Gorie, assisted by Jim Milligan, reported on the progress being made for holding by-elections to bring the numbers of members of the Community Council up to that permitted. Currently there are eight long standing vacancies, plus the recent one created by Bill Brackenridge‘s resignation. To comply with the twelve month rule, it was agreed that by-elections should be held on 6th April; this means that a public announcement will need to be made by mid February. It was agreed that a postal ballot could not be afforded. It was agreed that a polling station, if voting were required, would be established in the Victoria Hall, and perhaps elsewhere. Matters relating to residential qualification and young people still need to be resolved.

5. Co-Option

 It was agreed to co-opt Karen Brabender to the Community Council in respect of her interest in Helensburgh Library. Proposed Sonja Aitken; seconded Jim Milligan.

6. Modernising Planning

 Jim Milligan gave a full report. It was noted that the time for the submission of comments was short. It was agreed that the Statutory Planning Group should prepare a response which would be considered at the February meeting. The response should be circulated with the papers for that meeting so that members may consider the response prior to the meeting.

 At this point Nigel Millar had to vacate the chair and his place was taken by Richard Trail.

7. Planning

 7.1 Catriona Malan gave a report indicating the circumstances and action taken in connection with :

• the leakage of sewage into the Clyde
• the application for a liquor license for the former La Scala cinema premises

In connection with the latter unsatisfactory aspects of the procedures were noted. It would appear that only positive aspects are considered and not negative such as, over provision, noise, lack of public conveniences, etc. It was agreed that she should write on behalf of the Community Council to the Licensing Authority expressing our concerns.

7.2 Health Board Boundaries

Catriona Malan drew attention to comments made in the report about the proposed boundaries in which a respondent was quoted suggesting that community councils exerted undue influence on the public. It was agreed that Catriona Malan should write refuting this allegation.

7.3 Conservation Areas

 Kathleen Siddle reported that a meeting had been arranged with Jenny Carlile about strengthening and extending the conservation area of Upper Helensburgh. The meeting will take place in Kathleen Siddle‘s house on 16th February at 14.00 hours.

7.4 3G Mast

Kathleen Siddle reported on the proposed mast at Craigendoran. A local resident, Jeff Riddington, was vigorously opposing the proposals. It was agreed that the Community Council should support him in his efforts.

7.5 Tesco Express

Kathleen Siddle reported that Gordon Tran was concerned with :

• the brightness of the lighting associated with the complex which affected his home
• vehicles leaving parking spaces by driving over the footways
• the additional traffic generated in the area.

In the case of the first mentioned, the Environmental Health Officer of Argyll and Bute Council had concluded that the lighting was no more than was necessary for the safety and security of the area. It was agreed to support Gordon Tran in respect of cars driving over the footway.

8. Correspondence

NHS boundaries report – see above.

9. Minute of the Previous Meeting

It was agreed that this represented a fair record of the proceedings. Proposed Sonja Aitken; seconded Marion Gillies.

10. Matters Arising

10.1 Staircase at Co-op car park

It was reported that recent visits had suggested that it was being kept reasonably clean. It was agreed to continue to monitor its cleanliness.

10.2 Web Site

 Kathleen Siddle reported that it will become operational on 16th March. It was agreed that the possibility of linking the old site to this one should be investigated. It was agreed that a list would be circulated by Kathleen Siddle at the next meeting to define the contact details for each member, which would be published on the web.

11. Treasurer‘s Report

The Community Council still holds a positive balance.

The next meeting will be held on23rd February at 19.00 hours in the Victoria Hall.