Carnoustie Community Council

Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday, 28^th April 2008

At 7.30 pm in Room A13 at Carnoustie High School

Community Councillors Present: Mrs S. McMahon, J. Simpson, E. Oswald, R. Morris, Mrs M. Morris, G. Farmer, Mrs J. Suttie, Mrs J. Beattie, G. McAinsh, Mrs K. MacDonald.

Minutes: Mrs S.Ireland

Members of the public: Mr & Mrs J. Robertson, Margaret Byrne. Susan Dunn, Fiona O’Connor

Councillors: Cllr Ralph Palmer, Cllr Helen Oswald, Cllr Peter Murphy

Police: PC Dawn McGaughay

Press: Mrs F. Dalziel, Guide& Gazette

1. Apologies A. Rhind, Mrs D. Sturrock. Cllr Oswald to arrive at 8.45pm

2. Minutes of the Last Meeting

The Minutes of the last meeting held on Monday, 24^th March, 2008, were proposed by G. Farmer and seconded by Mrs J. Beattie.

3. Matters Arising

The matter of the new police 0845 number was to be investigated by Insp Tasker. Burnside School safety issues, Westhaven boardwalk and sand on the road at Conchie’s corner all to be discussed. The Lochty Burn has been cleaned since the last meeting and a certain amount of pruning has been undertaken outside the library.

4. Police Liaison

An update on behalf of Tayside Police was given by PC Dawn McGaughay who reported on several thefts of red diesel in the area. She urged the public to be aware of unusual activity in rural areas, possibly involving transit vans, and to report anything untoward to the police. There have also been reports recently of bogus workman and the public were asked to keep an eye on vulnerable or elderly neighbours.

While there has been a decrease in the number of ‘Youths causing annoyance’ calls, PC McGaughay warned that, despite the success of ‘Operation Dry-up’,

underage drinking continues to be a huge problem, with over 1000 litres of alcohol confiscated from minors and 180 letters sent to parents in the last year. PC McGaughay warned that robust action will be taken against agents who source alcohol for underage drinkers. She appealed for any members of the public who have been approached by youths to purchase alcohol for them to report the incident to police. She also warned parents to be vigilant when young teens are arranging ‘sleepovers’, and to check with other parents as to their exact whereabouts. There have also been recent instances of teenagers obtaining fake I.D s, and using them to procure alcohol for themselves and other youngsters, resulting in intoxication and criminal behaviour.

Illegal parking continues to be a problem in the town, with 9 tickets being issued in one day recently for vehicles parking in the RBS bus bay. Kinloch and Burnside Primary Schools have also been targeted by officers in an attempt to stamp out inconsiderate and unsafe parking by parents dropping off pupils.

Insp Tasker had promised to look into the charges for the new 0845 police contact number. It would appear that the tariff is set at the discretion of the service provider. The Chairman expressed concern that full details of the new service have not yet been made public, either on-line or with a poster campaign, and wondered whether wallet-type cards would be issued, with details of the new number and services. PC McGaughay assured the meeting that the changes would be publicised very soon and the card was a possibility. E. Oswald said that he felt strongly that the new call charges should be standardised, or even better, be free-of-charge if the public were to be encouraged to report crime. PC McGaughay promised to take up the concerns with Insp Tasker and agreed that people were still experiencing problems with contacting the existing number. Mrs K. MacDonald revealed she had encountered difficulties recently when reporting vandalism at the War Memorial and officers had discussed this with her. PC McGaughay urged anyone who has had problems in contacting police to let the control centre team know about it, as it is a very frustrating situation for officers on the ground.

Cllr Palmer enquired as to whether police were having a problem with youths residing outwith Carnoustie. PC McGaughay replied that it was the case that gangs of Monifieth youths have been organising fights in the town over the internet, but thanks to intelligence from the public and from young people, officers were able to put measures in place to contain any incidents.

J. Simpson reported concerns from residents re inconsiderate driving around horses. He cited an incident near a farm at the top of Carlogie Road, which stables up to 30 horses. The owners would like to see warning signs in place. Likewise, at Rowanlea, there are no signs to alert motorists to horses on the road. Cllr Murphy advised that the Roads Dept. would be the agency to contact and promised to look into it.

5.Financial Report

The Financial Report was given by Treasurer, R. Morris. The balance of the Civic Account stands at £1668.50. The balance of the Treasurer’s account is £3681.18, £425 of which is income from the sponsorship of the hanging baskets. Expenditure this month included £10 secretarial fees and £75.48 insurance. The grand total of both accounts stands at £5691.12.

The financial report was proposed by Mrs K MacDonald and seconded by Mrs J. Suttie.

The issue of the £35 Data Protection fee was discussed at last month’s meeting. Since then, the Treasurer has become aware that there is mixed feelings among the various community councils as to who will be liable for the charge, with 5 of them, including Brechin, taking the decision not to pay it. R. Morris expressed his belief that the £35 is non-negotiable. Any agency which keeps data on others is liable for the charge and not to pay it would be illegal. However, some local authorities have agreed to pay the levy on behalf of their community councils, including Glasgow and E. Renfrew. R. Morris has spoken to Carol Petrie from Angus Council, but the official stance is that there is no money available in the budget to finance this. Since it would cost only £900 to pay the charge for all of the community councils in the Angus area, the Treasurer refuted this, but advised the meeting that there were several options available. The issue could be raised at the bi-annual meeting of community councils on June 11^th, or the community council could pay the fee and request reimbursement from Angus Council. The matter was discussed at length. E. Oswald suggested writing to the Chief Executive and G. McAinsh said that Angus Council should have contingency funds for such requests.

It was agreed that payment should be witheld for now and R. Morris would write to the Chief Executive requesting funds.

6.Sub Committees-

Town Services E. Oswald reported that he has obtained commitments for 48 hanging baskets; 23 from organisations, 16 from retail outlets and 9 from individuals. A meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 30^th, outside the Library to discuss the siting of the baskets. E. Oswald expressed his gratitude to all those who had offered their support. He said it was a great success and was something that could be built on in the future. He is to have a meeting with Jim Cameron of Angus Council to discuss ways in which the Christmas Lights can be improved within the present boundaries.

E. Oswald offered congratulations to Mr & Mrs Reyner , whose Park House B&B has been awarded a 5-star rating.

There has been little news from Network Rail regarding the two foot bridges over the railway, both of which are in a very bad state of repair. ’Smokey’ Bridge is not due for refurbishment for a further three years.

Angus Council has agreed to deploy the state-of-the-art ‘gum-busting’ machine on the High Street and Dundee Street within the next week or two.

The Chairman suggested that a letter of thanks should be sent to the Parks Department re the wonderful flower displays at the War Memorial and Carlogie Road. She reported that the Beach Clean had been a huge success with a turn-out of around 70. She thanked all those who had taken part. 26 bags of rubbish has been removed, plus the usual collection of flotsam, including a lifebelt, old tyres and a length of rope.

Planning J. Simpson advised the meeting that he had written to the planning committee re the proposed demolition of the ’Auld Nick’, citing its ’unique character’ and place in the cultural heritage of the town as grounds for objection. He also pointed out that a key issue of the Local Plan is the improvement of shopping facilities in the town which does not support the proposed demolition, although he acknowledged that affordable housing is a necessity in Carnoustie.

There is no further update on the driving range, but the application is to be considered in May. DJ Laing is to develop the site at Woodside, near Pitskelly Park. J. Beattie asked for confirmation that the new exit roads from the development would not be sited near the roundabout. J. Simpson remarked that the exact location of the roads would be outlined in the plan. Mrs McMahon enquired whether there are any plans pending for a filling station, but J. Simpson replied that the application for the Barry Road site is for a supermarket only. The Chairman suggested that DJ Laing’s Ferrier Street development is taking far too long, with a completion date being given as January. As the works are still ongoing and causing some disruption at the Ferrier Street/Dundee Street junction, she wondered if the threat of penalties might speed up the work.

Barry Downs Caravan Park has applied for change -of-use and is seeking permission to become a touring park.

Sports & Leisure Mrs McMahon asked the community councillors for their thoughts on providing a low-key reception to celebrate the success of the Carnoustie Brass Band, which won Fourth place at the recent National Youth Brass Band Championships in Birmingham. The majority of councillors were agreeable to such an event. The Chairman envisaged perhaps allowing two guests per band member, so a large hall would be required and a big screen to air the dvd of the performance. E. Oswald commented that he was agreeable provided the community council was seen to be fair to other performers in the town. Mrs K. MacDonald promised to check on the availability of the British Legion and Mrs M. Byrne offered the use of a big screen from the Panmure Centre.

In the absence of Mrs D. Sturrock, Mrs McMahon read out the Sports and Leisure report- Team Peragon member Fiona Wallace, Carnoustie High School, has begun competing at Knockhill in her own rally car.

A very commendable Fourth place was achieved by Carnoustie High School Brass Band under the direction of Mike Robertson. The band gave an excellent performance for members of the community prior to their departure.

Young Carnoustie goalkeeper Sean Fitzgerald has entered the record books by scoring two goals from his own goal area in a recent match against Broughty United. Sean plays for Carnoustie Panmure Under-12s and is part of Aberdeen FC’s Youth Development Academy.

7.Correspondence

Chairman’s correspondence this month:

Email from Mark Davidson, Roads Dept re Ballister Park, cycle path and continued use of crane.

“ “ Jeff Green, Head of Roads, re Ritchie learner drivers- contract to end in July.

Moira Naulty, AC. ‘Walk in the steps of Champions’.

CBA re ‘Auld Nick’ redevelopment.

Scottish Govt. Planning modernisation

Assoc. of Scottish Community Councils (ASCC)- Constitution consultation.

David Valentine, Head of Economic Development

Jeff Green, Head of Roads. Copy of email re HGV driver training to RM personnel.

Secretary’s Correspondence this month:

Letters sent-

Jeff Green re sand problems, Conchie’s Corner, suggesting protective measures.

Jim Anderson, AC Director of Education. Fears over safety at Burnside School.

Completed questionnaire on Focus on Alcohol.

Letters received-

Reply from Jeff Green re Conchie’s corner. AC planning to erect some form of barrier.

Director of Education, outlining temporay measures at Burnside School.

Consultation re BT’s Notice of Intention to remove public payphones throughout Angus, incl Muirdrum.

Invitation for two members to attend the bi-annual meeting of community councillors on Wednesday, June 11^th 2008.

Notice of ‘Stopping-up’ Order for section of road at Victoria Street, Carnoustie.

Invitation to Angus Access Panel AGM in Forfar, June 5^th, 2008.

‘What’s New?’ list.

The meeting discussed the Community Priority fund. A sum of £20,000 is available for community projects. E. Oswald suggested that the money would be useful for such things as notice boards etc but expressed reservations that the beneficiaries of the sum in other communities appeared to be Angus Council agencies. Cllr Murphy agreed to investigate how funds could be released, as it would appear that if the resource isn’t used, it will be lost.

8.Councillors’ Information Time

Cllr Ralph Palmer-

Burnside School. Police have taken quick action to crack down on illegal parking and traffic congestion at the school.

Local concerns over children crossing Newton Rd to school.

Variety of private queries re school placements, housing etc.

Patching of road at Barry.

Dog fouling

Conchie’s Corner. Still high level of concern re safety aspect. Residents have instigated an online petition

Carnoustie High School Brass Band. Very enjoyable night of entertainment. Cllr Palmer added his congratulations on the band’s success at Birmingham

Various committees, infrastructure services, development standards and education.

Cllr Palmer commented that he and Cllr Oswald are pushing to have the community priorities funding released, although he cautioned that no criteria has so far been published on how the monies should be spent. He suggested that projects such as the shelter, which was demolished last year due to maintenance costs, might benefit from the fund.

Mrs J.Suttie complained of a high level of surface water on the roads around Burnside School. Cllr Murphy suggested that no road could cope with the exceptional downpour experienced at the time she was talking about. G. McAinsh advised the council that ‘20’ signs are now in place around the school.

Cllr Peter Murphy-

Beachclean. The beach cleans have set a great standard in the area and the turn-out of townspeople is a matter of civic pride.

A public meeting of CCAG will take place on Wednesday, April 30^th, at 7.30pm. Progress continues to be made, and Angus Council have intimated that it might be interested in siting some of its agencies in the building in return for financial help with the upkeep of it for community purposes.

Burnside School. A recent meeting with the crossing patroller revealed that she is much happier re new road markings and traffic arrangements.

James Street. Head of Roads has agreed to requests to install footpaths in the next few months.

Dog fouling on golf course. More bins required.

Cllr Helen Oswald-

Puffin Crossing, Barry Rd.

West Smieton St. Anti-social behaviour is continuing to disturb residents. Community wardens and police are monitoring the situation. Meeting of Three Streets Residents Association to be held this week.

Golf Course. Dog wardens to patrol.

Ritchie’s learner lorry drivers. The problems should reduce as the contract is about to end this summer.

Piping and Drumming lessons. Cllr Oswald very impressed with the standard and hard work of the participants and the dedication and patience of the instructors.

Congratulations to the Carnoustie Brass Band.

An update from two members of the newly formed Three Streets Residents’ Association revealed that it has come up against a major stumbling block in that Angus Council’s Housing Dept has lost the diaries that the residents have been asked to keep. Residents feel frustrated and angry that all their hard work and effort in standing up to their unruly neighbours has come to nothing. There is a feeling that the housing department is treating the situation as a ‘joke’ and support is not forthcoming. A meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 29^th, to discuss the continuing problems. Two cars have recently been burned out in the area and residents are living in fear.

Mrs M. Byrne, Community Development and Learning worker has been a staunch supporter of the residents and stressed that Angus Council must start taking the matter seriously. E. Oswald said it was appalling that this situation should be allowed to carry on. Cllr Oswald commented that it was her opinion that the residents have been badly let down by Angus Council.

9.A.O.C.B

Citizen of the Year. Nominations are to be discussed at the next meeting.

J. Simpson said he felt that Angus Council’s reply re safety issues at Burnside School was slightly patronising, given that the school had been several years in the planning and this situation should not have arisen. Mrs K. MacDonald agreed that it is appalling that no crossing was earmarked for the location before the school was opened. J. Simpson said he would write back to the Director of Education.

G. McAinsh reported that the Upper Victoria Roundabout is in a very poor condition. E. Oswald replied that he has been in communication with Angus Council re the roundabout, as it is an important gateway to the town. Douglas Hill of Angus Council said that the location had been planted with cotoneaster as it is low-maintenance and there are safety issues surrounding the upkeep of bedding plants, grass. Cllr Oswald suggested calling a site meeting to discuss the options.

E. Oswald suggested that the landowner at Conchie’s Corner should be responsible for the removal of sand and the erection of any barriers. Mrs McMahon replied that Angus Council are in negotiation with the landowner to decide on a solution.

Mrs McMahon reported that she had been approached by some of the businesses sponsoring hanging baskets and wondered if it would be feasible to add a laminated certificate to the baskets to acknowledge the sponsors.

　

The Next Meeting of Carnoustie Community Council will be held on Monday, May 26^th, 2008, at 7.30pm in Room A13, Carnoustie High School. The June Meeting will be held on June 23^rd.