Aberdour Community Council
06 September 2005
Present Willie Dryburgh (Chairman), Arthur Llloyd (Vice-Chairman), Andy Carnduff (Secretary), Sally Dyer (Treasurer), Councillor Ron Edwards, Pauleen Norman, Terry Short, Steph Macdonald, John Bridges, Ange Barr and Bill Stackhouse: also 3 members of the public
1. Minute The minute of the meeting of 30 June 2005 was approved as a correct record.
Matters Arising.
Neighbourhood Watch John Bridges reported that Neighbourhood Watch representatives were to visit the Police Call Centre and outlined the development of Watch schemes in most areas of the Village.
Notice Board Pauleen Norman reported that the ResidentsAssociation had yet to respond to the request on funding a public notice board at the Station
3 Planning The consultation by the Scottish Executive on modernising the planning process was discussed. Councillor Edwards explained the principles, particularly the proposals for delegating responsibility to officers for minor and non-contentious applications and reliance on the 20year and 5 year plans, without subsequent detailed local consultation to provide the framework for decision making within those terms. Our LACCs continues to seek greater local influence.
4 Roads Report Terry Short reported on the removal of a tree at the junction of the B9154 and Mill Farm Road to improve visibility, the continuing traffic accident danger and the cooperation of White Hill cottage's owners in monitoring accidents at the junction. He also reported anecdotal evidence of a higher number of accidents than and on the limitations of the recording of accidents by the Police and Fife Council.
5 Boundary Changes The proposals on ward boundary adjustments were outlined, Terry Short indicating that he intended to challenge the omission of Puddledub from the Aberdour area. It was agreed to express support for these measures also, following discussion, the addition of North Queensferry to the new FC ward if that community so expressed their preference; and the adoption of "Inchcolm" or "South Fife" as the name, or at least the inclusion of "Aberdour" in the name.
6 Environmental Services Councillor Edwards outlined the representations made to Fife Council Environmental Services for retention of a local Street Cleaning Orderly, offered assurances on future consultation and agreed to keep the Council advised on developments.
7 Village in Bloom/Village News Pauleen Norman reported the success of Aberdour in winning their section for the 7th time and that Aberdour had made it to the last four in the Scotland-wide Best Coastal Village, alongside Rothesay, St Andrews and Berwick. Material in support of the entry was still being gathered. She also reported on the closing date for material for the Village News (next edition due early November) , on the recent effective fundraising by 13 "Gardens of the Forth" and on the successful Festival and forthcoming AGM. She particularly complimented Richard of the Cedar Inn for his support.
8 Parks Development Steph Macdonald outlined work on fundraising and planning for development of Shore Road park, indicating that it was appreciated that the focus should remain on one park only at this stage. A further £540 had been raised and a further West Highland Way fundraiser was planned. The group was also making progress towards registration with the Charity Commissioners and letters of support were requested. Gordon Brown MP had agreed to be patron of the Charity.
9 Silver Sands Car Park Concern having been expressed at child safety when only one member of staff was available at the Silver Sands Car Park, it was noted that the operator had agreed to two staff on duty and agreed that the position be monitored. The uncontrolled use of the big field for car parking was not acceptable.
10 Neighbourhood Watch John Bridges reported on further extension of the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme within the village. He also reported on the promotion of the Local Channel, that Aberdour site had been nominated "Website of the Month" and also the advantages for sustainable communities, work on the local Website and the link with the Village News. John asked for contributions and letters to the ed.
11 Secretary's Report Andy Carnduff gave an outline on the correspondence received within the period including reference to, the Marine Conservation Society, dogs on beaches, Council House sales, Cullaloe Nature Reserve, vehicle access to the Silver Sands, dental services in Fife and the work of the Forth Estuary Forum.
12 Councillors Report Councillor Edwards invited local contributions to the consultation on replacement of the Silver Sands Café and also drew attention to the need for discussion on the future of the Harbour Toilets, withdrawal of the Dial A Ride Service, the installation of new lighting at the Harbour, the School Traffic Plan, proposal for more drop kerbs to assist wheelchair users, the Station Pathway and the Recycling Centre expansion.
13 Collinswell Park Traffic. Eric Williamson, resident of Main Street, drew attention to the plans for residential development on the Collinswell site at Burntisland and the likely implications for traffic in Aberdour. It having been noted that other residential developments at Grange Farm and the Distillery Site were planned, it was agreed to seek information on the Traffic Assessment on the Collinswell site by Fife Council and that the situation be kept under review.
14 Dates of Next Meetings:- Monday 10 October 2005, Thurs 10 November and Tuesday 13 Dec 2005