Carnoustie Community Council

                  Minutes of the last meeting held on Monday, June 29^th, 2009

                             At 7.30 pm, In the Conference Room, Carnoustie High School

Community Councillors Present: Mrs S. McMahon, G. Farmer, Mrs J. Beattie, Mrs J. Suttie, Mrs M. Morris, R. Morris, Mrs D. Sturrock, E. Oswald, Mrs K. MacDonald, A. Rhynd.

Minutes: Mrs S. Ireland

Members of the public: A. Donaldson, J. Robertson, Mrs D. Robertson, Mrs M. Moon

ie. Mr and Mrs E. Orrock

Councillors: Cllr Peter Murphy, Cllr Helen Oswald.

Police: Insp. A. Waghorn.

Press: Mr H. Evans (Guide& Gazette)

Chairperson Mrs Sue McMahon welcomed everyone to the June meeting and declared the meeting open at 7.30 pm. She explained that immediately after the meeting closed, community councillors would discuss the nominations for Citizen of the Year in private.

1. Apologies. Apologies from Mrs Margaret Byrne (AC CL&D), L. McCagh, Cllr Ralph Palmer.

                          Cllr Helen Oswald and J. Simpson had indicated that they would be late.

2. Minutes of the Last Meeting. The Minutes of the Last Meeting were proposed by G. Farmer and seconded by Mrs M. Morris.

3. Matters Arising.  Police attendance at meetings on public holidays. Inspector Waghorn wished to stress that only he could authorise this and he felt that it would be a waste of resources to send officers to the meeting on a public holiday as it would incur overtime payments and deflect manpower from the beat.  Mrs McMahon assured him that she understood the position and that a written statement would suffice in lieu of a police presence on those days.

            Mrs McMahon was happy to announce the good news that Barry Mill is to be saved from closure at a recent meeting, having secured funding from Angus Council. Friends of Barry Mill will continue to fundraise and other avenues of revenue are being looked into.

            She thanked all those who participated in the recent Beach clean and was very pleased with the tremendous public support, especially from the children that attended.

4. Police Liaison.

  Inspector Waghorn gave a report on behalf of Tayside Police. With the threat of a terrorist attack still at a severe level, he urged members of the public to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious, such as any kind of credit card fraud, which could be used to finance these activities, or anyone buying large quantities of chemicals. He stressed that police were happy to deal with any suspicion the public might have, however small.

          Operation Dry-Up continues, with the light nights encouraging youngsters to drink outdoors. As ever, police are keen to trace the source of alcohol purchased by minors, be it shops, off-licenses or parents and urged the public to report any abuses.

            The usual fair- weather crime takes place at this time of year; housebreakers take advantage of windows being left open for ventilation, so the message is leave the house secure  when you go out. Bogus cold-callers are also another problem in residential areas. Insp. Waghorn urged householders to be very careful when dealing with these tradesmen, and never to pay for a job up-front.

           Another local problem is the craze for so-called ‘tombstoning’, particularly in Arbroath, where youngsters are risking life and limb by diving into the harbour. After one narrow escape recently, the inspector appealed for youngsters to stop this practice.

             June 13^th-21^st is Bike Week and nine schools will be taking part in cycling proficiency tests.

             Vandalism initiatives are working, with ‘hotspots’ targeted. Again the public is urged to report anything suspicious, including instances of drink-driving. A. Rhind questioned Insp. Waghorn on how the new Seafront Development will be policed. He replied that Police have identified the need to closely monitor the amenity and two incidents have already been dealt with. Mrs McMahon said some £7000 worth of damage had been inflicted on the original play equipment and she felt very strongly that the parents of offenders should be made to pay. Inspector Waghorn replied that it would be up to Angus Council to pursue the matter through the Civil Court, but most offenders will receive a warning or appear before the youth justice or the Children’s’ Panel.

              With regard to the new play development, E. Oswald informed the meeting that, after extensive discussions with the designers, Angus Council and the police, lighting has now been added and two fixed CCTV cameras. The lighting is on a timer switch controlled by the Leisure Centre Manager and the lighting will go off after 10 pm, which is not ideal, but any lighting at all is actually contrary to council policy. Insp Waghorn assured the meeting that the situation will be closely monitored. H. Evans asked what advice he would give to the public should an act of vandalism be witnessed. Inspector Waghorn urged the public not to tackle the offender or to take photographs of the offence but to contact police in the first instance.

               Mrs D. Sturrock brought to the Inspector’s attention a bogus prize letter she had received in the post. The advice was never to give money or bank details to these scams. Mrs Sturrock also complained that a vehicle had been parked illegally on Ferrier Street for quite some time. She had reported the offence and Inspector Waghorn had accompanied the attending officer but the car had already moved.

               E. Oswald reported that rubbish bins are being routinely overturned on the High Street at weekends, and R. Morris added that there have been many instances of people illegally drinking alcohol on the street. Insp Waghorn replied that it is police policy to move on drinkers as the pubs close, to stop any loitering on the street and tickets are  issued every weekend.

                 Mrs M. Moonie, an Easthaven resident, wondered what could be done about motor cyclists using the new cycle way irresponsibly. Saturday and Sunday mornings are particularly bad, she said, with bikers speeding around the bad bend at Easthaven. Mrs J.Suttie took the opportunity to praise one of the local officers who reprimanded youngsters for dropping litter at the War Memorial and made them pick it up.

5. Financial Report

         The Financial Report was given by Treasurer R. Morris. The closing balance of the Civic Account is £1695.86, with income to the sum of £2.40, the remainder of the defunct Partnership fund after donations. The closing balance of the Treasurer’s Account is £2479.39, after expenditure including £44.91, Silverwells Nurseries, £10, secretarial and a £250 donation each to Carnoustie Twinning Association and Carnoustie Community Helpline. A cheque for a donation previously granted to the Carnoustie and District Pipe Band has been stopped until internal changes have been concluded. This gives a grand total of £4175-25.

             The Financial Report was proposed by Mrs K. MacDonald and seconded by A. Rhynd. The Treasurer added that letters of thanks had been received from both Carnoustie Twinning Association and Carnoustie Community Helpline for their donations, and also from the Gala Committee.

6. Town Services

         E. Oswald gave the Town Services report.

·        Bunting. Angus Council (AC) has expressed concerns over the poor condition of the bunting on the High Street. Mrs McMahon has measured the area to be covered and priced new bunting. Thirty 10m strips will be £9.10 each plus VAT, giving a total of £273 plus VAT (delivery charge £15) The bunting can be ordered from High Fly, Kirriemuir, and will be made with red, yellow and blue pennants. Bunting bought previously and stored in the Burgh yard appears to have gone missing. Sue McMahon said that she had contacted Merlyn Hughes of AC to arrange for the bunting to be put up but had no response. E Oswald agreed to contact Tayside Contracts in this regard. Cllr Oswald reminded the meeting that a meeting on Wednesday of the proposed new Partnership may prove a help, as other burghs have been able to get help and funding for this. E. Oswald agreed to wait for the outcome of the meeting. Mrs D. Sturrock advised that the company in Kirriemuir should have all measurements on file.

·        Hanging baskets. E. Oswald expressed his dissatisfaction at the outcome of site meetings and discussions with AC officials regarding the hanging baskets and other planters. A lack of enthusiasm from Angus Council and the costs cited led him to the conclusion that he was ‘flogging a dead horse’ in his efforts, despite AC’S policy of fostering Civic Pride. Angus Council has agreed to 22 hanging baskets in the centre of town. Mrs D. Sturrock commented that she felt the High Street was not the centre of Carnoustie. E. Oswald stated that if the number of hanging baskets was proportionate to population, Carnoustie has been very unfairly treated. Other burghs, such as Brechin and Kirriemuir, with approximately half Carnoustie’s population, have been granted 30 and 45 hanging baskets respectively. Carnoustie, he feels, has been very let down by Angus Council. Mrs McMahon referred to her recent article in the press, praising J. Simpson for helping to make it articulate and to-the-point.

·        SEPA Bathing water results. Carnoustie scored a ‘Good’ result after four ‘excellents’. This is due to weather conditions and it is hoped that the town will soon be back on track for another ‘excellent’ award. Mrs M. Moodie asked why samples are not taken at Easthaven beach, as it is currently very busy and popular. E. Oswald replied that it is SEPA which determines where the samples will be taken. Some west coast beaches have been allotted electronic information boards   to display results for bathers. E. Oswald said he would look into whether Carnoustie would be eligible for one.

·        Finger post signs, pointing out the main areas of interest, are due to be erected at the Seafront now that the development is complete.

Planning The Planning report was given by J. Simpson.

·        Golf Driving Range. Permission has been refused.

·        Rumours of an application for a car wash on Barry Road. J. Simpson will look into that.

·        Application for a hot food takeaway in the former ‘Links to Scotland’ premises, High Street. Community Councillors agreed that there is an over-provision of such businesses in the town.

Sports and Leisure. The Sports and Leisure report was given by Mrs D. Sturrock

·        Local man Iain Gilzean has been appointed manager for Carnoustie Panmure Junior Football Club. The last match of the season saw the club win against Arbroath SC and pick up the Currie Cup, an historic trophy dating back to 1911. This was despite playing with only 11 men and no manager in the semi-final so it was a great achievement.

·        Young Musician of the Year is Caitlin Thomson, who has received at least three other trophies in recent weeks.

·        Angus Cappi, a member of Carnoustie Golf Club, last week won the Scottish Youth Open at Renfrewshire Golf Club.

·        Becky Forbes, granddaughter of former Community Councillor Gordon Forbes, is enjoying continued success as a Highland Dancer, with several trophies under her belt.

·        Gala Day is on Saturday, July 4^th.

7. Correspondence

Chairperson’s correspondence:

o       Invitation to the official Opening of the new Seafront Development on June 30^th 2009.

o       Email from AC’s Graham Hewitson. Obsolete computers from AC facilities will not be offered for sale to the public.

o       Angus Care and Repair, a charitable organisation part-funded by AC, is canvassing for votes for its upcoming National Lottery Award bid.

Secretary’s Correspondence:

o       Copies of the draft revised scheme for the establishment of Community Councils. Copies held by Chair and Secretary.

o       Details of Enquire, a new Scottish advice service for additional support for learning.

o       AC-Details of the new draft from waiting restrictions and the variation in restrictions throughout Angus. Secretary has copies and maps.

o       Stagecoach. Full details of changes to local bus services from July, as agreed with Stagecoach, relating to services between Ninewells to Arbroath, but particularly journeys between Carnoustie and Arbroath, including Easthaven. Secretary has copies of agreement and schedules.

o       Angus Licensing Board. Applications from Carnoustie Food Store, Ravensby Park Gardens, Station Hotel, Dalhousie Hotel, Carnoustie Golf Club, and the Royal British Legion Scotland.

o       What’s New ? Lists

8. Councillors’ Information time

          Cllr Helen Oswald:

·        General round of constituency issues, including housing, roads etc.

·        AGM Three Streets Residents Association. Cllr Oswald expressed her concern that members of the Association feel there has been little improvement in their situation with a lack of joined-up action between agencies involved. She vowed to examine concerns and try to improve communication between parties involved.

·        Community Planning Partnership. Cllr Oswald is keen to pass on information about the formation and progress of the Partnership.

·        New Licensing Laws. Cllr Oswald and all members of the Licensing Board have sat and passed the new personal license which is now obligatory for all those selling alcohol.

·        Samson Plaque. Cllr Oswald gave assurances that the plaque was removed for safety reasons and is being refurbished. It is expected that a Dedication Service will take place when the plaque is relocated.

·        Waste Management Workshop. Cllr Oswald felt the workshop was extremely valuable in explaining and promoting effective re-cycling and carbon reduction methods and hoped that it will be rolled out across the burghs.

·        Community Planning Team meeting, June 16^th.

·        Armed Forces Day, June 22^nd.

·        New Director of Education has been appointed. Mrs Rachael Seitz comes to the position with a wealth of experience and excellent credentials, and will bring innovative ideas to the role.

·        Panmurefield Residents. Concerns have been raised re the traffic on Newton Road. After a meeting with the Traffic Manager, it was agreed that a new traffic survey will take place now that the school has bedded in. Cllr Oswald has also been in communication with Robertson in a bid to get the roadsides tidied up.

·        Westhaven Road. Speeding traffic near the new cycle-way is causing concerns. A push is underway to get the track finished, after a delay for carrot-harvesting.

·        Barry Mill. AC has agreed to put up 50% of the money needed to keep the Mill open.

·        Meeting planned with external auditor to scrutinise decisions made by Angus Council.

·        Free safety visit from the Fire Safety team. Cllr Oswald feels it is important to promote this valuable service.

Cllr Peter Murphy

·        Barry Mill. AC has entered into a three-year partnership deal with the National Trust (NT) to keep the mill open by meeting any losses incurred by the mill up to £15,000 p.a. and to assist the Friends of Barry Mill with marketing and development for the area of the mill pond and surrounding countryside. Due credit was paid to the Friends for their stalwart fund-raising efforts. It is hoped that a business plan can be formulated which would see a cafeteria and craft shop at the site and family-orientated events.

·        Opening of Seafront Development, June 30^th. The site will be officially opened at 11.30 am. The Carnoustie High School band will provide entertainment and children from all three primary schools will sample the new facilities. Cllr Murphy expressed his approval for the excellent design and craftsmanship of the new scheme, with its attention to detail and sensitive landscaping.

·        Carnoustie Centre Action Group (CCAG) has feedback in draft form of the feasibility study carried out by the Glamis Consultancy. The group has met to discuss this and has made a general response to the consultancy and is now awaiting the final version of the study. It is clear that some modifications will have to be made to the original project, but a way forward will be found after discussions with AC over the next two months.

·        Golf Driving Range. In light of the refusal of permission for the proposed golf driving range, Cllr Murphy hoped that CGLMC will go back to the drawing board and come up with another plan, to be discussed fully in advance with local people, so that a new location can be found to the satisfaction of all.

·        Victoria Cross Plaques. After refurbishment, the plaques will be re-dedicated at  Jarvis Place and Samson Place, with the co-operation of RBLS. Cllr Murphy hopes that the service could perhaps be performed at the run-up to the Remembrance Day services in November.

·        Cllr Murphy has attended a number of Diamond Wedding Anniversaries throughout Angus, and, sadly, the funeral of the late Betty Letford, wife of the Lord Provost of Dundee.

·        July 10^th, 2009. Cllr Murphy will be involved in the official launch of the Special Olympics Tayside squad at the Reid Hall, Forfar. He will also attend the opening of the newly-refurbished Carlogie P.S and the impressive new teaching block of Carnoustie High School.

9. A.O.C.B

Mrs McMahon commented on the success of the Beachclean and suggested that work needs to be done to the flower boxes in the High Street and near the Police Station. She expressed thanks to Cllr Oswald  for her help re the bunting. There are concerns over the lack of road markings on Newton Road. Cllr Oswald replied that it is, as yet, unadopted. A resident requested that the grass be cut around the trees in the Recreation ground. There have also been queries re the lack of water in the Lochty Burn, which is apparently used for agricultural purposes.

G.Farmer enquired as to the possibility of purchasing bag hoops to help with the beach clean, and picker-ups for the children, such as Angus Council have. Mrs K.MacDonald agreed with the hoops but suggested that the picker-ups were not necessary, as CCC has the use of the AC ones. G. Farmer agreed to contact the Helping Hands company to price the equipment. The next Beachclean will be held in September in conjunction with the Marine Conservation Society.

R. Morris advised the meeting that the 12-week consultation for the Community Councils constitution will push back the elections until October, with the new session beginning in November, with a four-year term. He has received a review form from HMRC and has furnished them with financial reports from 1997, but doesn’t expect there should be anything g to pay.

E.Oswald expressed his disappointment at the lack of community support from Angus Council. Since CCC and various sponsors gave so much for the hanging baskets last  year,this lack of commitment was a real ‘kick in the teeth’ for the town. The townspeople were the poorer for it, he said. Given that the subject of the hanging baskets had been broached some nine months ago, it was appalling that an AC official waited until the last minute to give a decision, giving the community council just one day to reply.

Mrs D. Sturrock wanted to know why the burgh of Forfar received £3000 for its Gala Day. E. Oswald replied that Carnoustie Gala Committee had too much money in the bank, which was taken into account, regardless of the fact that the funds are apportioned out to good causes. Mrs McMahon commented that CCC had been knocked back on numerous occasions for funding, eg, the torchlight parade and the Riding of the Bounds. Cllr Oswald suggested that maybe the ideas weren’t ambitious enough, since events such as Arbroath’s Seafront Spectacular benefit from funding. Mrs McMahon revealed that a plea for money to buy a semi-permanent gazebo for CCAG events had also been refused on the grounds that the location(Kinloch School site) was not in the centre of town, which completely dis- regarded the whole purpose of the group.

J.Simpson advised that the National Planning Framework can be viewed on the Scottish Government website.

Mrs K.MacDonald said that she had had a site meeting with Mr Lindsay Martin at Samson Place and discussed plans for the return and re-dedication of the plaques. RBLS has received an anonymous donation of £250 and ideas for the ceremony are to be priced. Relatives of both soldiers still surviving will be included in some way, but are very frail. A new date for the brass band reception has been suggested for August 21^st, as the date settled upon previously was not suitable. There will be buffet at the Legion club rooms and a screening of a  film of the band.

Mrs D. Sturrock pointed out that a bench removed from the corner of Links Avenue/Kinloch Street has not been replaced and the newly-laid surface of Ferrier Street is crumbling in patches, with a deep hole having opened up at one point.

The next meeting of Carnoustie Community Council will be held on Monday, August 31^st 2009, at 7.30 pm, in the Conference Room, Carnoustie High School.

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