Community Council 6th March.
Community Council – Helmsdale and District Community Council met on 6th March. The police representative reported that there had been two arrests for breach of the peace, one of which was local, and an attempted break-in on Old Caithness Road. Six penalty notices were issued for motoring offences including not wearing seat belts, using mobile phones whilst driving, no valid tax disc displayed, speeding and other motoring defects. The police were asked if it was correct that a motorist could be prosecuted for using a mobile phone whilst driving if they were reported by a member of the public. The answer was yes, because mobile phone records can be accessed. A motorist can also be prosecuted for using a phone in a lay-by if the engine is not switched off.
There is concern again about under-age drinking in the village and this is being monitored closely. The other serious problem is the use of drugs in the village. Anyone who has any information about drugs being used or on sale in the village can contact the Crimestoppers number in confidence on 0800-555111. The police said that even if it was just a rumour it can help, as rumours have some foundation and pictures can be built up from them. It may only be soft drugs being offered now, but this always leads to harder substances. It is not just the using of drugs, but obtaining money to fund the habit which in turn leads to other crimes. The problem is not going to go away but it can be monitored.
Mr Alan MacLeod and Rachel Skene attended the meeting to update the community council on the plan to erect a wall near the Emigrants' Monument in Helmsdale. Mr MacLeod said the original vision remained, of a low dry-stone wall to run from the monument toward the Telford Bridge. It is still in the planning stage but the idea is for plaques to be placed on the wall in remembrance of the emigrants and their descendants and other members of the community. It is hoped that the money raised by sale of the plaques will finance the project. Mr MacLeod said that the monument was ideally situated and attracted a large number of visitors to the area. It was suggested that an information sign could be placed in the car park to show the path into the village and its amenities. It was agreed by all members present that the monument gave a spectacular view of the village and harbour. Mr MacLeod asked if the community council was still willing to assist in the planning of the project and all members agreed. Rachel Skene agreed on behalf of Timespan to be a co-ordinator but wanted to point out that the project was not just Timespan, it was a community project. It was also agreed that two members from the council and two representatives from Timespan should be on the development panel.
In his report, Councillor Ian Ross said there will be significant works on the A897 road to Kinbrace as part of the Scottish Timber Transport Funding bid. Highland Council will also make an additional contribution to allow work in the Golf Road area of Helmsdale to help address the drainage concerns there. Sittenham Road will also be resurfaced and some initial drainage work has begun on the Coul Brae.
Councillor Ross also confirmed the uplighting on the Old Bridge will be carried out in the near future. The issue of the Lobster Ponds (old distillery site) property transfer has been raised with Campbell Stewart of TEC Services and the housing and property estates manager for the North is also aware of it. Ian Ross commented on how successful the visit of the convener, vice-convener and chief executive of Highland Council had been. They had been impressed by what they saw, a strong positive message was presented of a determined community with much to offer, but with the need for support in certain key areas.
The need to progress the development of affordable houses was emphasised, particularly as there is a suggestion the future funding model from Communities Scotland will make it more difficult to fund projects outwith the main population centres. The work at Kinbrace cemetery has progressed well and is now almost complete. Regarding the broadband problem at Kinbrace, BT say the software difficulty has been resolved but the data capacity at the exchange is limited and the only real solution is an upgrading.
With regard to the new path as part of the Safer Routes to School at Kinbrace, it has now been agreed the path should be examined again and hopefully a cost-effective solution can be found. The school meals issue at Kinbrace is progressing slowly and the education service has now committed to carrying out a consultation with a number of other rural local authorities to examine alternative models to deliver school meals to small rural schools with are currently not receiving such a service.
There has been an initial inspection of the war memorial at Helmsdale and it is agreed some maintenance work is required. Highland Council accepts it has responsibility for this.
Things are progressing well with the community bus and training has been arranged for more drivers. Eleven have already passed the course. Bookings have been taken.
With regard to the petrol station, there had been no progress yet but automated pumps were now being considered. It is the most cost-effective route for the petrol station.
With regard to problems on the Wick bus route the secretary had received a letter from Rapsons in Thurso to say the driver concerned had been interviewed and they did not expect a repetition of the conduct which upset several passengers.
Councillor Ross agreed to investigate the problem of flooding on Golf Road and to speak to Transerve about the speed monitor on the Telford Bridge which has not been working for several months. There have been complaints from villagers about the number of lorries parking on the road which runs from Rapson's Garage to the Telford Bridge. The council was advised that the Telford Bridge was showing signs of wear and tear due to the heavy traffic flowing over it.
The absence of signs on the A9 for Helmsdale has been mentioned again, and a member raised the matter of abandoned vehicles around the village. It was reported that the proprietors of the Rose and Thistle shop in Helmsdale have offered to order in, if possible, food items no longer available in the village.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, April 3, at 8pm in the community centre.
Published on Friday 21 March 2008 by David Mason