Draft Minutes: Garve and District Community Council meeting held
4th October 2011 at Garve Village Hall.
PRESENT: Kenny MacLean (Chairman), Jean Hollingdale (Secretary), Alex MacKenzie, Bob Moir, Sue Tarr, Pam Morrison, Jennifer Haslam, Lady Eliza Leslie Melville, Jock Logie, Fiona Milligan (Infinergy), Guy Madgwick (Eneco), Zoisa Pugh (Eneco),Matilda Urie (E-On), David Owen (Hisez C.I.C.) 2 members of the public.
APOLOGIES: Jean Bailey (Treasurer), Ruari Matheson, Cllr. Jean Urquhart, Robbie Bain (Ward Manager).
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.00pm and welcomed everyone.
DECLARATION OF INTEREST: Lady Eliza Leslie Melville (Community Benefit).
CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS: Best Wishes for a speedy recovery to Danny Hogg, and Best Wishes to the Alcock Family formerly of Caisagan.
Cllr. Jean Urquhart sent an update of her movements as an MSP and also her thanks to CC for keeping her in the loop. Thanks were given from CC for her help with the Grudie Bin.
Noted the article from Ross-shire Journal about Jennifer Haslam donating a bench in Strathpeffer (applause from floor).
Highlighted the TECS meeting 22nd Sept 2011 on Major and Lifeline Bridges. Refurbishment of the Lifeline Bridge on the U3118 Lochluichart (Glenmarksie) road has been deferred to Future Years; it was due to start 2013/14.
The Chairman and some members of CC attended the Ward Forum at Ullapool on 26th Sept 2011 (report appended).
Church update - there has been one enquiry for the vacant position. Until a new minister is appointed services will continue as normal.
The new alternative weekly bin collections started this week, anyone without a blue bin, collection calendar or guide book to contact HC. Tel: 01349 886603.
G&DCC minutes and agendas are available in PO’s, on line or from the Secretary, Tel: 01997 414201 or email gdcc@fsmail.net . Copies are also available at each CC meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Ordinary Meeting of 6th September 2011: Proposed, Alex MacKenzie; Seconded, Jennifer Haslam. Special Meeting of 20th September 2011: Proposed, Bob Moir; Seconded Pam Morrison.
MATTERS ARISING: Broadband - The current situation from HC is that the Highlands and Islands Next Generation Broadband project is currently in the tendering process with a preferred developer being selected during 2012 and initial upgrades expected to be completed by 2012-13.
Railway Barriers on Crossing - It is believed that Garve has been recommended for a barrier. Purpose built police vans will watch level crossings for misuse. Red Light on Railway line at Garve – Since the trees on the railway bank have been trimmed back the Red Light is very visible to road users, this is causing some confusion to drivers who are stopping in the middle of the road thinking this light is the Crossing Stop light. Our concerns are that this is going to cause a road traffic accident. Secretary to write to Network Rail. The Stop lights on the railway crossing were not working last Friday and Saturday. Anyone with their front wheels over the white line when the Stop lights are in operation will be caught on the camera and fined.
Abnormal Loads - G&DCC have had reply from PC John Hier, Abnormal Loads Officer Northern Constabulary. When moving the wind turbines in 2013 consideration will be taken of the Ullapool ferry traffic and rush hour times. Any escorts that are undertaken by the Police always have identified stopping places to allow any traffic that has been held up to pass safely. Northern Constabulary have a policy of ‘No Movement’ during hours of darkness.
Silver Bridge and Wades Bridge warning signs - Secretary had a meeting with Bob Olivant of SSE on 23rd Sept 2011. It was agreed that 4 signs would be adequate, 2 in the area of Silver Bridge and two in the area of Wades Bridge. SSE is willing to make and install the signs at their own cost, also liaise with the landowner (Forestry) about the style of signs required. It was suggested that spring 2012 would be a good time to install the signs. Secretary to inform SSE of the wording and SSE will check this out with their solicitors. Wording agreed by G&DCC members was “Danger Water level subject to change Underlying rocks”
Thanks have been received from Nel the Dog warden for her nomination.
White Lining - The Achnasheen to Luib and Lochluichart to Achanalt stretches have now been done. Priority is for resurfaced sections. Gorstan to Corriemoillie will not be white lined until next year.
Lay-by Bins - These should still be emptied regularly. The small litter bin outside Garve Burial Ground has not been emptied for some time. Secretary to inform Robbie Bain.
Strathgarve snow ploughing - Strathgarve is a priority 4 road and should be ploughed once a day but is dependant on the conditions on priority 1 and 2 routes.
Achanalt Kerb stone - on going, photo sent to Robbie Bain.
Trees in Stirling Drive Garve - TECS are aware of this concern.
Signage for Lochluichart Church - HC have no money to provide a sign, if the Church can provide a sign HC will consider the matter.
Grudie Off-lets - Jennifer Haslam met with Cllr Greene to inspect the state of the off-lets at Grudie. It was agreed that they were very much in need of maintenance. Cllr Greene will inform TECS and Robbie Bain.
Bus Shelters/Stops - Cllr Greene has spoken to Murdo MacKenzie of Wester Bus about bus stops at Gorstan and Inchbae and was informed that Wester Bus has a policy of “hail and stop” for these areas. There is a 3-4 year waiting list for bus shelters due to demand. Secretary will contact other bus service providers who operate on the A835 and ask TECS to be put on the waiting list.
TranServ - (railway fence and surface water) have been informed of our concerns. The gully sucker was seen outside the Garve Village Hall last week and the situation seems to have improved. The water across the road on the check rail corner is still ongoing.
Cycling in Garve Village - the Chairman has spoken with the School. The Cycling Proficiency Scheme is only run every 2 years for P6 & P7 pupils but the teacher will have a chat with the pupils.
Achnasheen Filling Station - the Chairman has spoken to the owner of the site and it was confirmed that there was no Diesel or Petrol stored on the site, the tanks had been liquid sealed when the pumps were removed. The work was carried out in accordance with the Petroleum Regulations. The owner has received quotes to have the canopy taken down. There is still outline planning permission for a house to be built on the site. The owner would consider selling the site to an individual or group if a fair and reasonable offer was made. Cllr Greene has been informed of the owner’s position on this issue.
Hole in stone wall, Achnasheen - TECS have been informed.
Fly Tipping - There has been yet more fly tipping this last week in the quarry at Strathgarve, and also at the north end of Little Garve (old Ullapool road) all on Forestry land. Secretary will contact Forestry. Other fly tipping can be reported to HC on 01349 868439.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Received donation from Jennifer Haslam (CC Catering Corp) of £110 (£80 for war memorial and £30 for Over 60’s Party); Paid out £126.29 for hire of hall and stationery. Balance: Treasurer’s Account £1631.80; Over 60’s £1417.96; War memorial £250.86; Total £3300.62.
WIND FARM CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: Eneco are waiting for Highland Council Appraisal of planning conditions to be completed. Work is expected to start on the access track to borrow pit in late Oct. Then progress on construction can be made in spring 2012.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT: Lady Eliza Leslie Melville stayed as a Representative for LZN/Lochluichart Estate who is a signatory to the LCT document and not as a Community Councillor. Changes to Draft 2 of the Articles of Association for the LCT as agreed at the special meeting 20th Sept 2011 have been made with an additional clause 56 instead of independent chair:
“Reserve Power (56). An Appointed Director may assume the chairmanship of any meeting of the directors, or any general meeting, as a reserve power. This reserve power may only be exercised if an Appointed Director has concerns that the Company and the owner and operator of the Lochluichart Windfarm (as sole funder of the Company) have diverging views of policy, strategy or administration. Any such concerns must be explained at the relevant meeting, and tabled in writing for the minutes of the meeting, prior to exercising the reserve power.”
Also associated documents (Proxy form, Notice of AGM, Application for Membership Form) were distributed for approval.
G&DCC members were asked if they had any comments to the amendments in Draft 3. All members were happy with the amendments.
Motion: Confirm Draft 3 and associated documents.
Motion: David Owen (Hisez C.I.C) to progress Articles to Incorporation.
Proposed, Kenny MacLean; Seconded, Bob Moir. Vote unanimous in favour.
David Owen (Hisez C.I.C) will organize the printing of membership forms etc. G&DCC will undertake the delivery to every house in the G&DCC Area. For Incorporation purposes the Company would be registered in Inverness, and when the Board of Directors takes over then the Office site would be transferred. It was suggested that training courses for Directors would be very useful. Guy Madgwick (Eneco) stated he would not be unhappy to do this. David Owen (Hisez C.I.C.) stated he could help with Seminars if required. The chairman was invited to a meeting with Guy Madgwick (Eneco) including the Chairs of Marybank, Contin and Strathpeffer CC’s on 5th October 2011. Meeting to inform CC’s of why the money is being awarded and use of money for the benefit of society and being a “Good Neighbour” to the Community. David Owen (Hisez C.I.C), Guy Madgwick (Eneco), Zoisa Pugh (Eneco), Lady Eliza Leslie Melville (LZN/Lochluichart Estate) then left the meeting.
INFINERGY: Fiona Milligan – Lochluichart Wind Farm extension planning application is now with Scottish Govt. No further news from Social Security department re LEO. Some new members have joined LEO.
E-On: Matilda Urie – The minutes from the E-On public meeting held on 23rd August 2011 are not available yet, this is because E-On are busy working on the Judicial Review which is due in November. Meetings with Robbie Bain are still ongoing.
Both Fiona Milligan (Infinergy) and Matilda Urie (E-On) then left the meeting.
HYDRO SCHEMES: Robbie Bain still pursuing.
CORRESPONDENCE: By Post: ASCC information; Ridge Wind Turbines (Beinneun Wind Farm); Strathgarve Forest Plan consultation; Rowan Recycling; Small communities Housing Trust; Small Works – Scottish Parliament Decentralising Local Government survey Rob Gibson MSP; NHS Highland survey; Press and Journal requiring people for newspaper deliveries; Highland Equality and Diversity Group news letter; ASCC magazine. E Mails: Shieldaig CC mins; Strathpeffer CC mins; Lochcarron CC mins; Lochbroom CC mins; George Seligman re Deer Management meeting; Cllr Richard Green (Receiving emails again); Robbie Bain (Bridge U3118 road); Robbie Bain (CC elections); SSE contacts; Northern Constabulary PC Hier (abnormal loads transportation).
AOB (MEMBERS): Members of the public were asked if they knew of anyone who is over 60 years old and who isn’t on the over 60’s party invite list to let the G&DCC know.
Members are very concerned about the number or accidents occurring on the A835 Blackwater bend even though this bend is within the Contin CC area every resident within our area and the west have to use this road to get to Dingwall and further afield. TranServ are going to put a “high friction” surface on this bend and approaches. TranServ hope to do this work “as soon as is reasonably practicable”. Secretary to write to TranServ welcoming this news and asking to be kept up to date on this issue.
WEST ROSS DEER MANAGEMENT GROUP: Have invited a G&DCC member to attend their meeting on 9th October 2011. It was agreed that Jock Logie will attend. Our concerns of deer on the road in the Grudie area will be sent to the West Ross Deer Management Group before the meeting.
STREET LIGHT: The cover of one of the street lights in Stirling Drive Garve was hanging off. This was reported to HC Lighting Department and it was repaired the same day. Our thanks to HC Lighting Department for such speedy work. The phone number for street light problems is 01349 864105.
POST BOX: The Chairman stood down for this item. Secretary took the Chair. Concerns have been raised over the position of the Post Box situated on A832 by the Old Manse Lochluichart. This box is on a dangerous bend. The suggestion has been made that the opposite side of the road where there is a pull in off the road would be much safer for people using the box and also for the Royal Mail driver collecting the post. Kenny MacLean was asked to inform Royal Mail of our concerns. The Chairman then resumed the Chair.
LOST EMAILS: It has come to our notice that G&DCC emails have not been received by HC departments. This was reported to Cllr Greene and Robbie Bain. The IT problem was dealt with within 36 hours and G&DCC are now on the ‘white list’ (not sent into spam!).
HC BURIALS: It has been brought to our notice that HC Burials will no longer be available on Saturdays in the future. This appears to affect only Ross & Cromarty. We will seek clarification on this matter from Robbie Bain.
SCAM: Northern Constabulary is warning residents across the far north to be wary of a telephone scam which has surfaced in the Dornoch area. “The caller says that the householder’s credit card has been used fraudulently and then requests information from the credit card. The caller also provides the individual with a false name and contact number”. Police are advising members of the public that they should not provide any sensitive information over the phone to unknown individuals and card holders should instead contact their bank and/or police with the details of the call. There are so many scams going around at the moment it is wise not to pass on any details over the phone or ring back on any premium rate telephone numbers unless you know who you are calling.
G&DCC COMPUTER: The G&DCC have been successful in their application for a reconditioned computer. Secretary will follow up when it will be available for collection.
STRATHGARVE: The Forestry is carrying out rhododendrons and ditch clearing.
It was agreed that we will have tea and biscuits before the start of our next meeting 1st November 2011, 7.00pm Achnasheen Village Hall, as this will be the last meeting of the 11 member CC. Invitations will be sent to Nel MacDonald-Rolfe, Val MacIver, and David Owen to join us.
AOB (PUBLIC): None
Pam Morrison left the meeting.
SCOPING REPORTS AND CONSULTATIONS: Strathgarve Forestry Plan – vision for the next 25 years.
Rob Gibson MSP – “Small Works” – a consultation on decentralising services in local government.
No comments made on either.
PLANNING: 3 previous planning applications have been granted: 1. Land at Dosmuckeran, 11/00044/FUL, construction of hydro-electric scheme (100kw) including pipeline, weir, power house and formation of access track. 2. Land to West of Hill Cottage, Gorstan, Garve. 11/02023/MSC, erection of house and garage and formation of access road. 3. Achnasheen Post Office, 11/02763/FUL, change of use from Post Office to holiday letting unit.
Building Warrant: 11/01829/AXL. Alteration and extension of Dorran Cottage, Ledgowan, Achnasheen - noted.
New Planning Application: 11/03288/FUL, Erection of House, Land to East of Inchbae Lodge Guest House. No comments.
LICENSING APPLICATIONS: None.
DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS: Tuesday 1st November 2011, 7.00pm, Achnasheen Village Hall; Tuesday 6th December 2011 7.00pm, Garve Village Hall; possible date change from 3rd to 10th January 2012, 7.00pm, Achnasheen Village Hall. Date to be confirmed at the next meeting.
The chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 9.40pm
Report on Ward Forum held on 26 September in Ullapool Village Hall
Kenny Maclean attended on behalf of G&DCC and was accompanied on this occasion by Lady Eliza Leslie Melville, Jean Bailey, Jean Hollingdale and Sue Tarr. The meeting was also attended by Robbie Bain (Ward Manager), William Gilfillan (HC Corporate Manager), Cllr Jean Urquhart (who chaired the meeting), Cllr Isobel Campbell, Cllr Dr Audrey Sinclair and around 60 members of the public.
The meeting started at 6.30 pm and Cllr Urquhart introduced Chief Inspector Gus Macpherson, the new area commander for Ross & Cromarty. He took up the position 4 weeks ago and has already attended 4 other Ward Forums in that time. He informed the Ward Forum that he was born in Harris and left the island when he was 21. He joined Northern Constabulary in 1986 and has worked in Tain, Alness and Inverness HQ before taking up this post. He talked about the proposed single police force for Scotland and pointed out that the structure was still being looked at. He said that there was bound to be change but it was very much business as usual for now. He pointed out that there had been 6 acts of vandalism / public order offences in the Ullapool area in the last few months but in general, we all live in one of the safest places in the whole of the UK. He stressed that the links between communities, HC members and the Police was more important now than ever especially with change on the horizon. He promised to bring a better overview of the Ward as a whole to the next Ward Forum. A member of the public asked about oil thefts. Chief Inspector Macpherson said that suspicious vehicles should be reported. The more information the public can give, the more the Police have to go on.
Robbie Bain then addressed the meeting and highlighted the CC elections. Election day itself will be on 16 November but anybody who wished to stand must have their nomination form in to him by next Tuesday (4 October by 4pm). The list of candidates for each CC will then appear on the HC website. Mr Bain stated that CC’s give him and the elected HC members a good source of information at a local level and CC’s play an important role as they are statutory bodies. Several members of public asked about PDF files and the cuts to CC budgets. Mr Gilfillan answered that the overall budget for CC’s is the same as before but the money is now spread more evenly as population in each CC area is taken into account.
Robert Muir, Area Manager for Wester Ross, Lochalsh and Lochaber at HIE then addressed the meeting. He was joined at the meeting by Pam Noble and Lindsay Simpson also from HIE. He explained that there are 3 ways HIE will assist a community. “Community account management”, “Specific Social/community enterprises” and “one off projects”. He then went on to explain that HIE are there to support a community rather than take over the community’s own projects.
Cllr Urquhart then called several different people from the audience to talk a little bit about their own projects in their own areas. Ken Morrison, chair of the Lochbroom CC and Ullapool Harbour Trust member spoke a little about the Trusts work on Shore Street in Ullapool, especially with An Pollan. He also mentioned their plans to reduce carbon and heat lost from the bigger buildings in the village. A lady from Achiltibuie spoke about the Coigach Community Development Company who hopes to address several issues in the village including the lack of social housing and the deteriorating state of the Pier. Alison MacLeod from Applecross spoke about their Community Company which was started when their petrol station was to close down. They hope to export electricity from a micro hydro scheme in the future. Michael Francis from Glenelg Development Trust told the audience that the Trust was set up in 2004 but has struggled to get funding since 2009 which resulted in them loosing their development officer. He stressed the need for long term financial support to community projects. There were also contributions from Sheildaig community representatives who found you could only deal with one project at a time due to a lack of volunteers and resources. He also pointed out the need to be financially transparent at all levels. Contin Community Trust hopes to rebuild the old school into a modern village hall and have further projects in mind. Tom Forrest from WRA outlined their current projects. Strathpeffer spoke about their initiative on what they need for their village. Kenny Maclean talked a little about the LCT, where he pointed out that in comparison with some communities, Garve is at the start of a long road but also emphasized the need to read the paperwork before it is signed and to do the homework that is required to make sure the project will work in the short, medium and long term. It is better to get it right now than to rush and get it wrong later.
Robert Muir of HIE recognised that funding for projects can be limiting, sometimes only 2–3 years and that the Leader program will end in 2013. He recognised that a Project Manager would help with the paperwork side of things but that is a cost some communities can not afford. HIE are talking to SSE with regard to connecting small community hydro schemes to the National Grid. Budgets are under pressure but there are other groups who might be able to help such as Social Enterprise from the Scottish Government. Cllr Urquhart noted that there are over 200 community groups in Ward 6 all made up of volunteers and that it was good to see the community itself taking the lead. Robbie Bain added that HC are currently in talks with SSE over connection issues amongst others.
Kenny Maclean asked for an update on the Pan Highland Fund which may be of benefit to rural areas who are not near the National Grid but whose funding may help them with other projects. Mr Gilfillan explained that the Community Benefit working group at HC was still in place and he had taken over the work started by his predecessor Bob Cameron. There is to be a meeting on 28/10/2011 of the working group to set criteria for groups to meet before they would receive any money from this fund. HC hope to see developers pay out £5,000 per MW and that developers would sign a concordat with HC. The policy would probably be agreed by HC at its December meeting (currently scheduled for the 15 December). Mr Gilfillan went on to say that seminars/workshops would take place in the future.
Cllr Urquhart felt that the topic of community projects and their funding should be revisited again at a future Ward Forum meeting. There was general agreement by those in attendance that it would be helpful, in particular the subject of Renewable Energy.
The Ward Forum meeting closed at 8.40pm.
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Garve & District Community Council
AGENDA: TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2011
7.00 PM - ACHNASHEEN VILLAGE HALL
1. Apologies
2. Declarations of interest
3. Approve the minutes of the last meeting
4. Matters arising from the minutes
5. Treasurer’s report
6. Correspondence
7. AOB from CC members
8. AOB from members of the public
9. Scoping reports and Consultations
10. Planning applications
11. Licensing applications
12. Dates of next meetings
All welcome!
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