Topic

Minute

Decision / Action

1. Welcome

The Chair welcomed the members and noted some of the topics which would be arising.

2. Public Session

The Chair welcomed Rosie Stevenson of the Helensburgh Community Woodlands Group. She spoke on the four areas of woodland near Rhu Road Higher and Cumberland Avenue which were proposed to be developed by Osborne Builders.

It was noted that the closing date for objections to the planning was 12^th July.

It was agreed that the Planning Group should liaise with the Helensburgh Community Woodlands Group on this issue.

3. Town Issues

3.1 Cleanliness

The matter of cleanliness of Helensburgh Central Station, the railway line leading to Helensburgh Central Station, the approach roads to the town and of the beaches was raised, as was the lack of and need for more public toilet facilities for visitors.

It was agreed to pass these issues to the Town Environmental group to address and report to a future meeting.

3.2 Double Parking

Richard Trail expressed concern at the level of double parking in the town by both private and commercial vehicles. While it is a recognised phenomenon, specific evidence is needed as to its prevalence, etc. It is thus necessary to start collecting evidence such as time, place and type of vehicle involved.

It was noted that traffic management is on the agenda of the Helensburgh Partnership

It was agreed that all members should gather evidence  of double parking along the lines proposed and pass it to Richard for summarization

It was also agreed that Stewart Noble would enquire as to the possibility of using the CCTV cameras to get such information.

3.3 Tesco / Esso

It was reported that Tesco / Esso had provided bollards, reduced the lighting level and had taken steps to reduce the annoyance caused by the tannoy. A & B C have indicated that, apart from the question of providing mature trees, the undertaking had met all the planning conditions and would not be pursuing the matter, other than the trees, further.

The Roads Department are monitoring traffic in George Street, it had been suggested that George Street be made one way. There is no Police evidence of traffic difficulties here.

It was agreed that this matter should be passed to the Town Environmental Group to monitor

3.4 Town Environmental Group

The present membership of the group was confirmed as Karen Brabender, Claire Greig, Duncan McCallum and Gordon Tran.

Meetings will be held in the evenings.

It was agreed that the Chair would convene the first meeting as soon as possible.

3.5 Helensburgh Study Group

Alastair McBeth gave a report on the Helensburgh Study Group (HSG) The display panels received from a Glasgow Airport fortieth anniversary grant were on display. These will be available for use by other groups.

He then went on to describe the history of the Group. He emphasised that the Group did not exist to make decisions but to carry out research so the right questions could be asked of the local authority and other bodies. Future research will centre on the Local Plan and the HSG would be monitoring the work of the Helensburgh Partnership.

3.6 Remembrance Day

It had been suggested that the Royal British Legion would no longer be organising the Remembrance Day parade and that the Community Council should take this up.

The Community Council already had a significant role in this in organising the parade  in terms of organising refreshments, grant application etc. but was not sure it had the capability to organise the parade itself

It was agreed that the Chair would make enquiries to establish the situation.

3.7 Food Festival

It was reported that Tarbert (Loch Fyne) had recently held a food festival with Nick Nairne. It was suggested that this could be a useful addition to the Blossom Festival.

The Chair would call a meeting of interested parties under the HCC “umbrella”

5. Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 25^th May 2006 were approved subject to the inclusion of Clare Greig’s name in the list of those attending and the correction to Maggie Sheen’s name in the final paragraph of item 4.

6. Matters Arising

6.1 Helensburgh & Lomond Disability Access Forum

Finlay McQuarrie reported on his attendance at their AGM.

It was agreed to invite them to a future meeting

6.2 Minutes in Library

Richard Trail reported that he had assembled a complete collection of minutes and had deposited them in the Library.

7. Group Reports

7.1 Treasurer’s

The Treasurer reported that there was £940.60 in the bank. The accounts previously circulated had been audited without any amendment. An application for grant has been made to Argyll and Bute Council.

7.2 Helensburgh Conservation Areas Group

A report was read out on behalf of Kathleen Siddle. It appears as Appendix I.

It was reported that the Art School are seeking a longer term more substantial relationship with Helensburgh following the outstanding success of the student exhibition in March 06.

The feedback from the exhibition is still being analysed.

It was agreed that all members, while about the Conservation Areas, should note anything that struck them as particularly bad or good and report to Kathleen Siddle.

7.3 Planning Group

Catriona Malan gave a report on the activities. See Appendix II.

7.4 Statutory Plans Group

Alastair Mcbeth gave a report. See Appendix III.

It was noted that where A B C property is disposed of as surplus to requirements, the proceeds would now be divided up as 50% to the whole Council, 20% to the Area in which the property was located and 10% to each of the other 3 areas. However, where a property was disposed of as unsuited to purpose the whole of the proceeds would be retained within the Area.

It was agreed that powers be given to the HCC Executive (paragraph 1 of the report).

It was agreed to pass the question of development at Blairvadach to the Statutory Plans Group (paragraph 5a of the report).

It was agreed to delegate the question of community right of notification to the Statutory Plans Group (paragraph 5d of the report).

8. Other Business - ALI Energy

A site visit to a sustainable energy site at Calder has been arranged for 3^rd July.

It was agreed that Kathleen Siddle, Richard Trail and John White should attend on behalf of HCC.

9. Next Meeting

The next full meeting will be held on 28^th September at 19.00 hours in the Victoria Halls.

There will be the annual review of HCC working 17^th August at 19.00 in the Victoria Halls.