STRATHKINNESS COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting held at 7.30pm on 5th May 2009 in the Village School.
Present:- Mrs. Mudie [Chair], Scott, Slack & Walker, Ms.Henshaw. Messrs.D’Angelis,
Duncan, Inverarity, Mitchell & Younger. Sgt. Poole. Fife Councillors Frances Melville
and Dorothea Morrison.
Road Safety Project;- Mrs. Mudie invited Daniel Hippisley and William Naismith, pupils
at Strathkinness Primary School, to address the Council on plans to place route
marker and crossing point safety signs [thermomats] on pavements close to the school.
After an informative slide presentation, the boys invited comments on the project.
They said that they would take the suggestions back to the School Travel Action Group
for further consideration. Mrs. Mudie thanked the boys, and their Headmaster Stephen
Morrison, for their excellent presentation.
Community Policing:- Sgt.Poole advised members that there had been 10 calls made
to the Police Call Centre from Strathkinness residents, since the last meeting in
March. All had been followed up . One call had been in respect of door to door traders,
these had been proved to be legitimate, but Sgt. Poole stressed that villagers should
always call the Police if they are unsure of anyone cold calling. He reported that
nine speed checks had led to a motorist being prosecuted and several others warned.
The Dog Warden had been active in the village, positioning new warning signs and
talking to dog-owners. The School anti dog-fouling poster campaign was reaching the
final stage. Sgt. Poole showed a selection of the very colourful efforts by the children
and said that the winning entries would be announced later this month. As part of
the Road Safety and Citizenship programme the Sgt. had visited the School and he
welcomed the pro-active response of the pupils and staff. He also felt that a village
the size of Strathkinness should be participating in the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.
He was aware that Bill Dunn had been the Village Co-ordinator until he retired several
years ago, unfortunately, no one had come forward to fill the vacancy and he would
be delighted to explain the role, which wasn’t particularly onerous or time consuming,
to anyone who was interested in being the link between the community and the police.
He urged Councillors to support him in his quest to find a replacement. Sgt. Poole
took the opportunity to remind Councillors that this year saw the celebration of
the 60th anniversary of the formation of Fife Constabulary and distributed copies
of the booklet highlighting the Policing Plan for 2009/10. Mrs. Mudie thanked the
Sergeant for his report and his efforts on behalf of the community.
Minutes of the last meeting:- Read and approved.
Community Space maintenance:- Councillor Melville outlined the arrangements which
will be put in place for the development and subsequent maintenance of the public
open space in the centre of the village once the development is complete. These were
outlined in the conditions applied to the planning permission for the development
and will have to be approved by the Planning Authority when finally submitted by
the developer.
Bonfield Park – Shrubbery- This area had been cleared to allow it to be replaced
by low maintenance greenery. Councillor Melville regretted that Fife Council had
failed to consult adjoining householders on the matter.
Entrance to Church;- Councillor Melville reported that repairs to the roadway and
pavement at the entrance to the Church had been carried out by Messrs. Headon.
Bus Route 64- New service had started on 27th April. It would appear that the service
may only operate until August , when it will probably be revised with the schedule
being incorporated for the opening of the New Hospital.
Floral Display Group:- The Secretary reported that matters were progressing very
well. The old village well had been repainted. The first of the display carts, kindly
donated by Mr. Wallace of Aberhill Metals, had also been refurbished. The second
cart should be available within a week. Over 30 barrell planters and 12 hanging baskets
had been acquired. The wild flower sowing had been completed along the front of the
building site screen on Church Road.
Headon Developments had kindly agreed to reposition their security fence on Main
Street, to allow the creation of a Community Vegetable Garden for the summer. Mr.
Bob Billson had offered to direct the project, and it is already taking shape. Bob
would welcome any spare herbs or vegetable plants to add to the plot. Fife Council
is to investigate who is responsible for the maintenance of two areas of vegetation
at the entrance to Wilsons Place. The area of ground around the electricity sub-station
had been cleaned up by Anne Mudie and Brenda Lawrie and it was to be hoped that Fife
Council would now take over the maintenance of the site. The Secretary thanked the
villagers who had offered to assist in the project, he was very grateful for their
support and interest.
BMA Scotland:- consultation document re General Practice in Scotland.
NHS Fife:- Queen Margaret Hospital information sheets.
Fife Council- Community Services:- Notice of Fife Access Seminar-June 11th 2009.
Fife & Forth Valley Community Justice Authority:- information letter.
Scottish Government:- Notice of changes in the Scottish Planning System.
Fife Council:- Public holiday recommendations.
Fife Council:- planning applications in respect of Kincaple Farm Recreational development
,and at 20 Mt. Melville Crescent. No objections noted.
Fife Constabulary;- Spring newsletter.
Falkland in Bloom:- Notice of seminar on May 21st 2009.
Bonfires:- Villagers were reminded to be considerate if they are lighting bonfires.
This follows complaints that a recent bonfire had caused considerable pollution.
Fife Council Environmental Services have issued “good neighbour” guidelines to ensure
that any bonfires do not cause a nuisance.
Postal Deliveries:- Numerous complaints have been made concerning the revised postal
delivery service in Strathkinness. The new service has seen deliveries being delivered
nearly 3 hours later than previously. The matter was to be taken up with the Chief
Postal Officer in St.Andrews.
Green Belt Forum:- Mrs. Mudie was appointed to be the Council Representative on the
Forum.
R.A.F. Community Forum:- Mrs. Mudie & Scott attended meeting in April. The new Skate
Park is soon to be opened as part of the Youth Activity Project. A local schools
sports day for primary 5 & 6 pupils is planned for 10th June.
School Green Flag:- Mrs. Mudie congratulated the School on achieving the distinction
of gaining a third green eco-flag.
Bonfield playing field; Councillor Melville was to investigate why tractor/mower
damage on the playing surface had not been repaired.
Street lights:- New street lights in Church road are coming on at 4pm. Councillor
Melville will have them checked.
Car Parking:- Sgt. Poole is to be asked the check safety issue regarding vehicle
parking in upper Main Street.
Haulage Business :-Mrs. Mudie reported that Walker’s Transport business has had to
relocate to Easter Kincaple, leaving Cockburn’s as the last remaining industrial
employer in the village.
Mrs. Mudie noted the recent very sudden death of Mr. Andrew Pirie, 26 High Road,
and offered her condolences, on behalf of the Council, to his family and friends.
Next meeting:- AGM- June 2nd 2009.
Chair……………………………………………………