STRATHKINNESS COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of meeting held at 7.30pm on 14th July 2009 in the Church Hall.

Present:- Mrs. Mudie [Chair], Scott, Slack & Walker. Messrs. Baxter, D’Angelis, Duncan, Inverarity &  Fife Councillors Frances Melville and Dorothea Morrison.

Apologies:- Mr Younger, Mr.Mitchell.

Minutes of the last meeting:- Read and approved.

Matters arising:-

Floral Display Group:-The Secretary reported that the planters were all flourishing and that preparations were well in hand for the judging in the Beautiful Fife Campaign. This was due to take place on Monday 27th July. Thanks were again due to all the people who had helped to water and tend the planters, hanging baskets and the vegetable garden.

Village Clean-up:-  Thanks were due to the people who came along on Saturday 11th June to help in the village clean –up. Their efforts were much appreciated, with the village looking neat and tidy, and should impress the judges on 27th July. Results will be announced in September.

Street lighting;- The problem with the street lighting being permanently switched on has been traced and should soon be rectified.

Postal Deliveries:- A reply had been received from Royal Mail regarding the later postal deliveries for the village. The response was felt to be rather unsatisfactory and members would continue to monitor the situation.

Bonfield Play Park:- Councillor Melville reported that the play area had been cleaned and re-painted.

Bonfield Park Recycling Bin Screening;- Work had been completed and the area looked much tidier.

Magus Muir:-  Councillor Melville reported on the efforts to try and get information on the status of management of The Bishops Wood site at Magus. The footpaths require some maintenance and dog-fouling continues to be a problem. It is to be hoped that responsibility for management of the site can be clarified in the very near future.

Kincaple Traffic :- Councillor Melville advised that a traffic calming survey is planned to reduce the speed of traffic travelling through the hamlet.

Strathkinness Traffic:- A site meeting has been proposed for Community Councillors and Fife Council Transport Officials to review the traffic calming measures which have now been in place for some time.

Community Policing:- Mrs. Mudie reported, in the absence of Sgt. Poole, that several speeding motorists had been recently been reported to the Procurator Fiscal. It was also noted the 20 mph stickers were now available for placing on wheelie bins and should be issued shortly to households in the village.

Bus Timetable:-  The revised tables had been published and it appears there could be issues surrounding the service to and from the new Hospital.

R.A.F.Cocktail Party;-  Mrs. Mudie reported that she and Mr. D’Angelis had represented the Council at the Annual Party held in the Officer’s Mess last month.

Correspondence:-

NHS Fife- :-  Update on developments at Victoria Hospital and Queen Margaret Hospital.

Scottish Health Council:-Newsletter.

Scottish Natural Heritage:- Summer 2009 report.

Fife Sport & Leisure Trust:- Summer  activities booklet.

SEPA:- Summer issue of Magazine.

Royal Mail:- Reply regarding later delivery times for village postal service.

A.O.C.B.

Dog-fouling:- Mrs. Walker expressed her concern about the high incidence of dog-fouling in the School playing field, and proposed that the Council seek to have the area designated a” No Dogs Allowed” area. Her views that the current abuse of the area, by some irresponsible dog-owners, was unacceptable, was unanimously supported by all Community Councillors. Fife Councillors Melville & Morrison were to investigate the matter further with Council officials.

Green Belt:-  Mrs. Mudie reported on the latest proposals regarding the St.Andrews Green Belt . The debate surrounding the size and scope of a proposed Green Belt is ongoing and the Council were made aware that some of the proposed development plans for land to the west of St. Andrews would bring the town boundary to within less than a mile from Strathkinness.  Councillor Melville reported that recent changes proposed by Fife Councillors and Planning Officials could have a significant bearing on the area and scale of development outlined in the Local Plan.

Annual Accounts:- Mrs. Walker intimated that the Annual Accounts for 2008-9 had been re-formulated  in line with Fife Council requirements.

Grass Cutting:-  It was noted that the grass verges in the vicinity of the Muddy Ways footpath off Sunnyside had recently been cut.

Beautiful Scotland Neighbourhood Award:-  The Secretary intimated that the village had entered this competition and would be judged in late August.

Mrs. Mudie reported that recent weeks had been particularly sad for the community, with the death of four villagers. Mrs. Chrissie Walker, formerly of the Smiddy, Main Street, Mr. John Law formerly of Strathkinness Farm and latterly of Drumcarrow Crescent, and Mrs.Joan Harrild , Drumcarrow Crescent, were all long time residents in the village,  Weapons Systems Officer Nigel Morton, The Grove , was killed, along with his pilot, in the tragic Tornado jet accident just days before the disbandment of 43 Squadron at RAF Leuchars. The condolences of the Community Council were extended to all their many friends and families.

Next meeting:-   1st September 2009.  Village School.

Chair……………………………………………………