Helmsdale.org

Minutes of the Helmsdale and District Community Council

Evelyn MacKenzie (Chairman)

Edward MacKay (Vice Chairman)

Elizabeth Fraser (Vice Chairman)

Garry MacMillan (Treasurer)

Stan Amey

Malcolm Bromley

Margaret Cairns

Annie Cowie

Rosemary Findlay

Lorna Smith

Roz Shorrock

Apologies

Ann Houghton

Christine Sutherland

Cllr Deirdre MacKay

Minutes

 

The Minutes of the last meeting were approved as a true record.  They were proposed by Edward MacKay and seconded by Roz Shorrock.

Police

 

There was no police representative at this month’s meeting.

Matters arising from the Minutes

 

Margaret Cairns – There has been a complaint about the sign at the top of Glebe Terrace/A9 junction obscuring the sight line.  Margaret will telephone Cllr MacKay after clarifying that it is the sign itself and not vegetation that is causing the obstruction.  There has also been a complaint that there is not a Scottish Flag at the Monument.

Free skip for heavy rubbish – ‘non domestic croft waste’.  Stan has written to the Crofters’ Commission for information.  Present cost is £5 per item.  There have been various complaints about the cessation of the uplift programme.  Alleged increase in rubbish dumping.

Edward – instanced the accident south of Munro’s bridge an area of hazard which Elizabeth has brought up on more than one occasion. Concern was expressed over congestion in Gartymore due to vehicles using the side roads to avoid the blockage on the A9.  Edward also deplored the lack of action on various complaint raised locally.   Deidre to be approached again on various matters including the Glebe Steps.

On the matter of the omission of Helmsdale on the road signs Evelyn had brought up this matter at the Ward Forum.

Edward – with regard to concerns expressed about the Rapid Response Vehicle, Co-ordinator feels that a review is required.  Rota of trained persons should be reviewed.

Treasurer’s Report

 

Community Council account                         £1533.99

Christmas Lights account                        £2766.73

The members present expressed their satisfaction with the report.

Forum in Brora

 

Evelyn attended the Forum – In attendance also were the police, Fire Chief, Community Officer and the Dog Warden.  The forum was very interesting.  It was intimated that parents should set a good example to children on behaviour.  Regarding dog fouling the Dog Warden would give a verbal warning first before taking further action.  Malcolm said he was in the process of putting up signs ‘No dogs allowed’

Stan – expounded on the ‘Right to Roam’ and pointed out the dogs must be kept under control.

At the Forum any council worker can be nominated for an award or recognition of some kind.  Edward nominated John MacLeod the  Street Lighting Technician.   The members present unanimously approve the nomination and Edward is to follow up on this matter.

A.O.B

 

Edward - wondered why Timespan was hiring buses and not using the Community Bus?  It was resolved that a letter should go to Timespan asking that since the CC supported them, and paid for 3 of their persons to be trained as drivers, Timespan should support the CC.

Malcolm – reported that there had been  vandalism to the car wash.  He was going to raise the matter with the police tonight but there was no police presence.

Roz – new sign erected at Kinbrace, which, because of the placing, is a traffic hazard and likely to cause and accident.  Deirdre is taking it up with TEC services.  No progress on getting additional ‘ Allow overtaking’ signs on the single track Strath road.  It was agreed that there is frustration when overtaking is prevented.

Stan – Had been asked to enquire about a pedestrian crossing on the A9 to the Bank.  Evelyn said that the CC had already been refused but she would enquire again.

Margaret – again raised the mater of the loose stones opposite the Bridge Hotel and the Wheelie bins which are scattered irregularly at the site.  The Flower Show would do up the area with flower and plant a Christmas tree if the Highland Council would tidy up the area. 

Elizabeth – Two sets of flags have arrived for around the Statue and one set has been handed over to Edward and Garry.  They were donated by DennisMacLeod.  A letter of thanks to go to him via email if possible.  There was a difficulty with the ropes on the flagpoles, which was why the Saltire was delayed in being raised.  Edward and Garry  have had problems with the ropes and shackles.  The CC members present agreed that their thanks, to Edward and Garry, should be written into this months minutes.

St John’s Well – Edward to consider the estimate which was passed to him.

Old Distillery Site – Elizabeth and Edward had received letters from Deirdre stating that the properly constituted group already appointed be reconvened and possibly additional members co-opted.  Edward is to pursue this matter.

Brian Stubbs had handed in a copy of a letter he had written to various people, about his concern over the waiting time for an appointment at the Physio Dept at the Lawson Memorial Hospital Golspie.  In the letter he states that the waiting time is 22 weeks which is unacceptable if anyone is in severe pain or recovering from surgery.  It was agreed by all members present that a letter of support for his views be written to all the recipients of his letter.  

Roz – suggested that when Dounreay funding comes along, the CC could use some of the funds to refurbish the flag poles and ropes.

The meeting closed at 8.45pm.

The next meeting will be held in the Community Centre on Thursday 6^th August 2009 at 7.30pm

The Minutes are now to be posted regularly on the website

Published on Thursday 30 July 2009 by David Mason