MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE TORRYBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE, ON MONDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2008 AT 7PM

Present: John Emery Barker; Mary Emery Barker; George Watt; John Duffy; Eva Lessels; Graham Facey; Cllr Walker; PC Colin Mason; members of the public.

Apologies: Roger Marcham.

1.0 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Proposed: MEB Seconded: EL

2.0 ACTION POINTS AND UNRESOVED ISSUES

Traffic Issues: There was nothing to report on this matter.

The Torryburn Graveyard: It was noted that some works had been carried out on one of the paths but this had come to a halt, and that ivy had been removed from a section of the wall.

Street name plate for the Ness – There was nothing to report on this matter.

Outstanding invoice for the hire of the Hall – There was nothing to report on this matter.

Torrybay Enhancement Project – JEB advised that he had contacted Ian Mathieson from Fife Council to find out about insurance and training in the use of a strimmer.

It was noted that
• the shrubs along the Ness needed cut back;
• ivy was encroaching over and onto the Coal Road.

JD advised he had arranged a meeting with Steve Cowan from Parks and Countryside for the 24th October to look at a number of maintenance issues which had been raised at recent meetings.

Craigflower Section 75 Agreement – JD advised that he had forwarded a letter of complaint to the Council on the matter as they had not responded to the Community Council’s original complaint and had failed to comply with their own complaints procedure.

Floral Enhancement - A number of ways of involving more people in the Best Kept Villages Competition were discussed. It was agreed that a number of new planters for the villages were needed and that the option of creating beds rather than planters could be explored.

3.0 POLICE REPORT – PC Colin Mason advised that:

• The Police had spoken to 3 young people whom they had seen pushing a motorbike through the villages and advised them to stop using their bikes in public spaces within the villages.

• Several of the leaded windows at Torryburn Parish Church had been smashed.

Operation Nightlight – Police Officers and Neighbourhood Watch representatives were working in partnership to identify homes which consistently looked as if they were empty or that there was no one at home. Householders would then be sent an information leaflet on home security measures encouraging them to contact their Local Community Safety Officer.

Bonfire Night – the Police would be actively patrolling the villages in the run up to Bonfire night to deter people from building and lighting illegal fires.

Speeding - Extra patrols were being carried out to target and clamp down on traffic speeding through the villages.

Panic Alarms – Free alarms are available from Oakley Police Station.

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT - MEB reported that the Community Council’s balance stood at £677.86.

5.0 PLANNING ISSUES

EIA Scoping report for Longannet – JD advised that he had submitted comments on the report on behalf of the Community Council.

It was noted that representatives of Scottish Power were scheduled to attend the Community Council meeting to give a presentation on the subject but no one had turned up or submitted apologies.

Bayview 0 – JD advised that he had submitted an objection to the proposed development on behalf of the Community Council.

Change of use of Former Police Station to Flats - 08/02019/Wfull
It was noted that the application to change the old Police Station into flats had been refused.

6.0 COUNCILLOR REPORT
Cllr W advised that:

• he had been given a tour of Valleyfield Woods and had been disappointed that such a valuable resource had been let to fall in to a state of neglect and would seek to find an appropriate officer within the Council to champion the restoration of the woods.

• Meetings of the South West Area Committee were open to the public and that Community Councils could ask to speak at these meetings.

7.0 CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED

• Performance & Organisational Support – Review of Byelaws
Prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in Public Places.
• Development Services - Weekly List for the period; Notice of the meeting of the Planning Committee; Update on complaint 08/198221 – lodged on the 20th August.
• BTCV SCOTLAND – CLAN Bulletin
• Willie Rennie - Newsletter
• Post Watch Scotland - Newsletter

8.0 DATE OF NEXT MEETING – The next Community Council meeting will take place on the 17th November at 7pm.

ALL COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

If you would like to see any issues raised at the next meeting of the Community Council or are interested in joining the Community Council then please feel free to contact: johnduffy66@hotmail.com

MEETING TO BE HELD IN
THE TORRYBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE
ON MONDAY 20th OCTOBER 2008, AT 7:00PM.

AGENDA

1.0 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

2.0 ACTION POINTS, STANDING & UNRESOLVED ITEMS

3.0 POLICE REPORT

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT

5.0 CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED

6.0 PLANNING MATTERS

7.0 COUNCILLOR REPORT

8.0 AOB

9.0 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

ALL COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

If you would like to see any issues raised at the next meeting of the Community Council or are interested in joining the Community Council then please feel free to contact: johnduffy66@hotmail.com

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 20TH AUGUST 2007

PRESENT: John Emery Barker, Mary Emery Barker, Eva Lessels, Roger Marcham, John Duffy, George Watt, Councillor Bill Walker, Graham Facey, Fife Constabulary, members of the public.

APOLOGIES: Zena Marcham,Coucillor Ferguson.

1.0 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
• Proposed: EL Seconded: MEB

2.0 MATTERS ARISING- None

3.0 CHAIRPERSONS REPORT- GW reported that it had been a relatively quiet year and that there were still some bits and pieces relating to the Shore Road which needed to be finished off.

4.0 TREASURERS REPORT - MEB advised that the Community Council’s balance at the end of the year stood at £1,410.47. A sum of £20,000 had been received from The Fife Environmental Trust earlier in the year and had been used to pay for the works on the Shore Road.

5.0 APPOINTEMENT OF OFFICE BEARERS - GW welcomed and introduced Councillor Walker to the meeting. Councillor Walker then took control of the Chair and presided over the proceedings for the election of Office Bearers which resulted in the following members of the Community Council being appointed:

• Chair John Emery Baker
• Vice Chair George Watt
• Treasurer Mary Emery Baker
• Secretary John Duffy

Councillor Walker encouraged the Community Council to make full use of the Council’s resources and grants.

6.0 AOB – It was noted that the formal election of Community Councillors was due to take place in 11th October 2007.

7.0 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING - The next AGM will take place in May
2008.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD TO BE HELD ON MONDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2008

AGENDA

1.0 APOLOGIES

2.0 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING.

3.0 MATTERS ARISING

4.0 CHAIRPERSONS REPORT

5.0 TREASURERS REPORT

6.0 APPOINTEMENT OF OFFICE BEARERS

7.0 AOB

8.0 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE TORRYBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE, ON MONDAY 18TH AUGUST 2008

PRESENT: John Emery Barker, Mary Emery Barker, Eva Lessels, Graham Facey, George Watt, John Duffy, members of the public.

APOLOGIES: Roger Marcham, Councillor McMullan, Councillor Clelland, Councillor Walker, Fife Constabulary.

1.0 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Proposed: EL Seconded: GW

2.0 ACTION POINTS, STANDING & UNRESOLVED ITEMS

Traffic Calming - It was agreed that representatives of the Community Council would meet with Road and Transportation on Thursday 28th August to discuss the reassessment of the priority passing place under the railway bridge and the potential acquisition of reactive warning signs. It was noted that each sign costs around £4,000 to supply and install.

The Torryburn Graveyard –It was noted that Liz Murphy from Bereavement Services had confirmed that an area of ground opposite to the Cemetery gates was suitable to be designated as a Remembrance Garden for the interment of cremated remains.

Street Name Plate for the Ness – JD advised that he had contacted Mark Burns who had agreed to add the installation of a street name plate at the Ness onto his work programme.

TORRYBURN POST OFFICE CLOSURE – JEB & MEB reported that they had attended the meeting held on 23rd June to discuss the proposed closure and that the Community Council had formally written to Post Office Ltd to oppose the closure.

It was noted that Post Office Ltd had deemed the post office in Torryburn as unviable and argued that the community in Torryburn could be serviced by the post office in Newmills.

The post office and shop were now due to close in September.

Flushed waste on the Shoreline - Matter carried forward.

Torrybay Enhancement Project – JD advised that he had again raised the lack of maintenance on the Shore Road and the need to get the Japanese Knotweed sprayed with Road and Transportation who had agreed to raise the matter with Community Services who held the maintenance contract for the Shore Road.

GF asked if any progress had been made in relation to the Community Council purchasing its own strimmer to keep down the weeds growing along the Shore Road.

ACTION: GW agreed to contact Plumber Brothers to get a quote for the purchase of a strimmer.

The Retrieval of the Old Interpretation Boards - matter carried forward

Outstanding Invoice for the Hire of the Hall – It was noted that the Community Council had received a letter from Joe McGuinness, Service Manager, Community Resources and had invited him to attend the meeting to discuss the matter. Mr McGuinness was unavailable but had advised that :

“Current policy is clear and unequivocal,… No Free or reduced lets” with only Heads of Service having discretion over this matter.

It was agreed that the Community Council would make a decision on the matter after the charging of Community Councils for the hire of Council owned facilities had been discussed by the South West Area Committee and a recommendation on the matter had been agreed by Councillors.

ACTION: Matter carried forward.

3.0 POLICE REPORT -
JEB read out a report from the Police

Undetected Crimes – None Detected Crimes - None

Motorbikes and Quads - It was noted that the Police had received a number of complaints relating to motorbikes and quads being used in and around the villages. The Police hoped that people living within the villages could help to identify the offenders.

Concerns were expressed about a man seen driving along the Shore Road on a quad with a small child on board.

A Nominated Neighbour Scheme - was being developed to help stamp out Doorstep Crime from bogus workmen, etc. More information about the scheme is available from the Community Safety Department on 0845 600 5702.

Panic alarms are available from the Oakley Station.

Fife Constabulary’s newsletter June – July 2008 for the South West Fife area was available from: http://www.fife.police.uk/

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT.
MEB advised that the Community Councils balance stood at £314.51.

5.0 CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
• Development Services - Weekly List for the period.
• Post Office Ltd- Area Plan Proposal for North East, Tayside and Fife.
• ENTRUST- End of year Returns
• Fife Council - Doors Open Day
• Willie Rennie – Torryburn Post Office Closure/ Advice Surgeries September – December 2008
• The Community Councillor – Newsletter Summer 2008
• Scottish Power - Longannet Power Station EMAS Statement 2007
• Waterwatch Scotland – How Scotland’s Water Services impact on the Environment
• Development Services – Planning Enforcement Charter; Who does what: A guide to Development Services Team
• Seminar Report - Community Council Seminar 10th May 2008
• Performance & Organisational Support - Proposed Reorganisation of Trust Funds
• BTCV Scotland - Creating Space to Grow
• Fife Licensing Board - Application for premises license – The Crown, Main St, Newmills
• Best Kept Villages Campaign

6.0 PLANNING MATTERS
It was noted that the following planning applications had been made:

08/02019/WFULL Main Street, Newmills - Change of use from former police station to form two flatted dwellings and associated works.

It was agreed that the Community Council would object to the application given that the proposal would have a detrimental impact on the neighbouring properties.

08/02273/WFULL100 Main Street, Newmills - Erection of double domestic garage with first floor office accommodation.

08/02094/WLBC 08/02093/WFULL Stripeside House,
Crombie Point - Two storey rear and side extension to dwelling house / listed building consent.

The Dunfermline & West Fife Local Plan – JD advised that he had submitted comments on the Option and Issues Plan on behalf of the Community Council and on proposed development sites within the villages.

7.0 AOB

Maintenance Issues - The followings maintenance issues were raised by members of the Community Council and members of the public:

• The street lights at the Ness / Bayview, Torryburn were staying on throughout the day;

• The sensor on the Reactive Slow Down Sign at the entrance to Newsmills next to the Bluther Burn was being blocked by the leaves of a tree and wasn’t working;

• Brambles were encroaching onto the pavement at the Bus Stop opposite the Church in Torryburn;

• The path at the back of Oakum Bay was overgrown;

• It was asked if anything could be done to open up the Bleaching Green as a picnic area;

• GF raised his concerns in relation to an unkempt hedge in a garden next to the Goth in Newmills. The hedge encroached onto the pavement and was forcing people to walk on the road. It was agreed that the Community Council would raise the matter with the owner of the property.

• GW raised his concerns over the unsightly condition of the land surrounding the Old Primary School in Torryburn. It was agreed that the Community Council would write to the owner to ask them to tidy the area up.

• GW advised a semi mature sycamore tree had been cut down in grass squared in Rose Lane without the Councils consent. It was agreed that the Community Council would ask the Council for an update on the matter.

Newsletter
JEB advised that he had been asked to produce a newsletter.

ACTION: JEB to write newsletter and ask RM if the Neighbourhood Watch could help to deliver it.

It was agreed that the newsletter would be used to promote the Community Council

• a village clean up is to be held on the 28th September to tackle badly littered areas within the villages;

ACTION: JD to contact Environmental Service to book skips , litter picker etc

• a bulb planting day is to be held on the 5th October.

ACTION: JEB /MEB to buy bubs

Floral Enhancement
It was noted that both Torryburn and Newmills had failed to come first in their respective categories within the competition.

MEB advised that:

• the judges had failed to turn up to Newmills at the allocated time and had failed to return a folder containing information supporting the villages bids in the competition.

• the large wooden planters which the Community Council had previously acquired were no longer available. It was suggested that the Community Council should get some concrete planters similar to those in Cairneyhill.

JEB advised that he had acquired a new commemorative tree for Elizabeth Turner. A number of potential locations for the planting of the tree were discussed. It was agree that further discussion was needed.

8.0 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING. The next Community Council will take place on the 15th September at 7pm. Please note that this will be the Community Council’s AGM and be followed by an ordinary meeting.

ALL COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

If you would like to see any issues raised at the next meeting of the Community Council or are interested in joining the Community Council then please feel free to contact: johnduffy66@hotmail.com

MEETING TO BE HELD IN
THE TORRYBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE
ON MONDAY 15th SEPTEMBER 2008, AT 7:30PM.

AGENDA

1.0 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

2.0 ACTION POINTS, STANDING & UNRESOLVED ITEMS

3.0 POLICE REPORT

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT

5.0 CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED

6.0 PLANNING MATTERS

7.0 COUNCILLOR REPORT

8.0 AOB

9.0 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

ALL COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

If you would like to see any issues raised at the next meeting of the Community Council or are interested in joining the Community Council then please feel free to contact: johnduffy66@hotmail.com

MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE TORRYBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE, ON MONDAY 16th JUNE 2008

PRESENT: John Emery Barker, Mary Emery Barker, Eva Lessels, Roger Marcham, Graham Facey, George Watt, John Duffy, Councillor Ferguson, members of the public.

APOLOGIES: Councillor McMullan, Councillor Clelland, Councillor Walker.

1.0 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Proposed: GW Seconded: GF

2.0 ACTION POINTS, STANDING & UNRESOLVED ITEMS

Traffic Issues: JD reported that Transportation had:

• advised that they could not move the surface treatment of the road leading into Newmills up their works programme unless another works scheme was dropped out of their works programme.

• passed on the contact details of the Officer who would assess the request for a drop kerb behind Bell View Cottage, Newmills.

• confirmed that the roads at Smithy Wynd, Oakum Bay and the Ness were not adopted by the Council.

• agreed to chase up Scottish Water to get them to remove the cones and work signs which they had been abandoned in Newmills.

Traffic Calming - It was noted that there had been another accident at the priority passing place under the railway bridge.

It was agreed that the Community Council would ask Transportation Services to reassess the system, given that a number of accidents had now occurred.

RM advised that Scottish Power were interested in supporting the funding of reactive warning signs for the village but they needed the Community Council to formally write to them asking for their support.

ACTION: JD to contact Roads and Transportation to find out the technical requirements and cost of the signs.

The Torryburn Graveyard – EL reported that a meeting had been held with Liz Murphy from Bereavement Services and a site for caskets in the Graveyard had been agreed in principle subject to further ground investigations.

Street Name Plate for the Ness – JD advised that he had contacted Mark Burns on several occasions about the matter but to date had not received any response from him.

ACTION Matter carried forward

Litter at the Ness / Gilanderson Bridge– JD reported that he had spoken to John O’Neil from Environmental Services who had advised that a hit squad would tackle the problem within the next week.

3.0 TORRYBURN POST OFFICE CLOSURE
It was noted that the Post Office in Torryburn had been included in the list of Post Offices scheduled for closure. A consultation on closure was being carried out and closed on 8th July. Willie Rennie MP had arranged a public meeting on the matter which was scheduled to take place on 23rd June 3-4pm in the hall.

ACTION GW agreed to discuss the proposed closure with the Post Office Master.

It was agreed that the Community Council adopt a position on the matter following GW meeting.

Flushed waste on the Shoreline - Matter carried forward.

Torrybay Enhancement Project - GF raised concerns over the continued lack of maintenance on the Shore Road and in particular the need to get the Japanese Knotweed sprayed.

ACTION: JD to raise the matter again with the Council.

GW advised that he had previously looked at the cost of the Community Council acquiring a strimmer to keep the verges of the Shore Road cut back. The issue of training and liability was raised.

GW asked if the Community Council could retrieve the old interpretation boards which had been removed from the Ness.

ACTION: Cllr WF

Outstanding Invoice for the Hire of the Hall – JD advised that he had now received and sent several emails in relation to this matter to the Council and copied these to the Councillors.

Cllr Ferguson advised that the matter had been raised at the South West Area Committee meeting in May.

Councillors had been unaware that Community Councils were being charged for the use of Council owned facilities for meetings. The Councillors had asked David Henderson from Legal Services to investigate and submit a report to committee on the issue.

ACTION: Matter carried forward
.
4.0 POLICE REPORT - Cllr WF advised that the Councillors had spoken to the Police about their lack of attendance at community meetings in West Fife following their reorganisation.

It was noted that the Police and other agencies were hosting a Community Safety Week between 16th -20th June. The campaign aimed to offer free advice and information on all aspects of personal safety and home security.

5.0 FINANCIAL REPORT.
MEB advised that the Community Councils balance stood at £764.63. This included monies from this year’s Floral Enhancement Grant.

6.0 CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
• Development Services - Weekly List for the period.
• West Fife Villages Community Forum- Minutes of meeting in May.
• Fife Children’s Panel - Committee Vacancies.
• SEPA – Newsletter.
• Cllr Clelland – Proposed Bus Shelter – Main Street, Newmills – It was noted that the new bus shelter would be in place by July/ August.
• Development Services - Supplementary Planning Guidance – Wind Energy.
• Post Office - Area Plan Proposal for North East, Tayside and Fife.
• ENTRUST- Changes to management of Landfill Tax Credit scheme.

7.0 PLANNING MATTERS
It was noted that that the application for a housing development on land adjacent to Gardeners Cottage had been withdrawn by the developer.

Cllr WF advised the Community Council to keep an eye out for any planning application which came in over the summer months, as in the Councillors absence the decision on these would be made by Council Officers using delegated powers.

The Dunfermline & West Fife Local Plan - It was noted that five potential development sites had been proposed in Torryburn and Newmills.

ACTION: It was agreed that JD would draft and circulate comments on the Local Plan Options and Issues Report

8.0 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING. The next Community Council will take place on the 18th August at 7pm.

ALL COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

If you would like to see any issues raised at the next meeting of the Community Council or are interested in joining the Community Council then please feel free to contact: johnduffy66@hotmail.com

MEETING TO BE HELD IN
THE TORRYBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE
ON MONDAY 18TH AUGUST 2008, AT 7:30PM.

AGENDA

1.0 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

2.0 ACTION POINTS, STANDING & UNRESOLVED ITEMS

3.0 TORRYBURN POST OFFICE CLOSURE

4.0 POLICE REPORT

5.0 FINANCIAL REPORT

6.0 CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED

7.0 PLANNING MATTERS

8.0 COUNCILLOR REPORT

9.0 AOB

10.0 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

ALL COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

If you would like to see any issues raised at the next meeting of the Community Council or are interested in joining the Community Council then please feel free to contact: johnduffy66@hotmail.com

MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE TORRYBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE, ON MONDAY 19th MAY 2008 AT 7PM.

PRESENT: Eva Lessels , Roger Marcham, Graham Facey, George Watt, John Duffy, Councillor Clelland, Councillor Walker, members of the public.

APOLOGIES: John Emery Barker, Mary Emery Barker, Fife Constabulary Colin Mason, Councillor McMullan, Councillor Ferguson.

1.0 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Proposed: EL Seconded: RM

2.0 ACTION POINTS, STANDING & UNRESOLVED ITEMS.

Traffic Issues: JD reported that he had:

• written to Transport to urge them to make the improvements in the condition and surface of the road at the Bluther Burn a priority one item within their work programme for 2008 –09;

• written to Transport in relation to the need for a drop kerb behind Bell View Cottage, Newmills.

The Torryburn Graveyard – It was agreed that EL, Bunty & JD would meet with Liz Murphy from Bereavement Services on Friday to discuss and agree the location of a site for caskets in the Graveyard.

Torrybay Enhancement Project - JD advised that he had:
• written to SEPA in relation to concerns about flushed waste on the shoreline.

ACTION: JD to write to Scottish Water

• written to Community Services and Environmental Services asking for a site meeting to discuss the need for a litter bin along the Shore Road.

GF expressed concern over the spread of the Japanese Knotweed along the Shore Road and the damaging effect of weeds growing through and the tarmac. JD advised that he had emailed Transportation about the matter.

Green Mapping – Carried Forward.

Outstanding Invoice for the Hire of the Hall - JD reported that the Community Council had received a phone call from the Council’s Finance Service threatening that unless the outstanding invoice for £100.83 was paid within 6-7 days after the Community Council meeting, the Council would pass the matter over to their Debt Recovery team.

It was noted that this matter was still to be raised at a West Fife Villages Forum Meeting to ascertain if and what other Community Councils were being charged for holding meetings in Council owned premises.

It was agreed that the Council’s Finance Services approach in this matter was very heavy handed and disproportionate.

ACTION: Cllr Walker to take the matter forward on behalf of the Community Council

3.0 POLICE REPORT – RM suggest that copies of the minutes should be forwarded to Moira Chalmers for circulation.

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT: In the absence of MEB there was nothing to report.

5.0 CORRESPONDENCE:
• Transport Scotland - The Forth Crossing is changing.
• Transport Scotland - Forth Replacement Crossing - Stakeholder Briefing Session
• FILM - Fife Intermediate Labour Market Year 3-4 Celebration
• Calor - Calor Village of the year Competition
• The Scottish Government - Consultation on the Education (Scotland) Act 2004 - Amendment Bill 2008
• Finance & Procurement Service Final Notice Outstanding Invoice - £100.80

6.0 COUNCILLOR REPORT - Councillor Walker & Councillor Clelland advised that the planning application to increase the number of houses adjacent to the Torrybay Hotel from 4 flats to 8 flats had been rejected by the South West Area Committee. However the application for outline planning permission for the demolition of the Torrybay Hotel and the development of flats on the site had been approved but on the condition that the height of the flats was to be reduced from five thee storey blocks to five two storey blocks.

It was noted that:

• the Council Officers had advised the members of the Committee that the Council could do nothing to force the developers to work together to develop one master plan for both of the sites;

• Councillors had not been provided with access to the business viability report produced in support of the demolition of the Torrybay Hotel.

Councillor Walker advised that the developer of the site adjacent to the Hotel now had the right to appeal the decision made by the South West Area Committee as the Councillors had gone against the recommendation of Council Officers which was for the approval of the development.

It was noted that if this appeal was successful the Council would have to cover the legal cost of the public inquiry which could in the “10s of thousands of pounds”.

Councillor Clelland advised that :

• members of Oakley, Blairhall, Carnock, Saline and Gowkhall Community Councils have attended the debate held in Holyrood in relation to the problems faced by local communities as a result of the temporary closure of the Kincardine Bridge for repairs once the new bridge was complete and likely surge of traffic in traffic going along the A907 .

• In response to a request from a member of the public a bus shelter was to be erected at the bus stop next to Bernie Newsagents on Main Street Newmills

7.0 AOB

Neighbourhood Watch - RM reported that the Neighbourhood Watch had arranged a visit to Tulliallan Police College on the 27th May and that places on the bus were still available.

Litter – Concerns were expressed by members of the public over a mass of litter which had been dumped in the Car Park at the Ness and a build up of litter on the approaches to the Gilanderon Bridge.

ACTION JD to raise the matter with John O’Neil to request that a hit squad tackle the problem.

Potholes- Concerns were expressed over the deteriorating condition of the road surface at Smithy Wynd; Oakum Bay and the Ness.

ACTION JD to raise this with Transportation.

Cones and Work Signs – It was noted that Scottish Water appeared to have abandoned cones and work signs on the pavement in Newmills.

ACTION JD to Contact Scottish Water.

Ash Lagoon Committee - RM advised that he was due to attend the next committee meeting and would raise the need for a bench and reactive speed warning signs for the villages.

ACTION: RM

Street Name Plate – The need for an additional street name plate was raised.

ACTION JD to take the matter up with Mark Burns

9.0 DATE OF NEXT MEETING - The next Community Council will take place on Monday 16th June at 7:00pm.

MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE TORRYBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE, ON MONDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2008 AT 7PM.

PRESENT, Eva Lessels, Graham Facey, George Watt, John Emery Barker, Mary Emery Barker, John Duffy, Councillor McMullan, Councillor Clelland, Fife Constabulary Colin Mason, members of the public.

APOLOGIES: Councillor Walker, Roger Marcham

1.0 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

Proposed: EL Seconded: GW

2.0 ACTION POINTS, STANDING & UNRESOLVED ITEMS.

Traffic Issues - JD reported that he had raised the need for improvements to the road leading into Newmills with Transportation who advised that they were in the process of agreeing their priorities and work programme for the next year.

CM advised that he had received the result of the traffic survey carried out by Transportation at the entrance to Newmills but was uncertain as to what would happen as an outcome of the survey.

Lack of Maintenance of the Torryburn Graveyard - EL reported that works had now been carried out to improve the graveyard and that a meeting with the Council was scheduled to take place on 20th February at 1pm. However it was noted that the wall to the graveyard had now been damaged. El advised that she had also written to Willie Rennie and thanked him for his help.

Horse in Newmills - JEB read out a report from the RSPCA which advised that the horse was healthy and that stabling it in the building was a temporary measure. EL advised that the horse had now been put back into a field.

3.0 POLICE REPORT

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT: MEB reported that the balance stood at £744.37.

5.0 CORRESPONDENCE:

FIFE COUNCIL-
• Planning Committee- Notice of Meeting;
• Weekly Planning Lists for the period - Permanent consent For Class 3 Hot food takeaway 32-34 Main Street Newmills – It was agreed that the Community Council would object to the application.
• Finalised Structure Plan – Housing Land Requirement Re-Appraisal;
• Community Council Seminar 10/05/08;
• Floral Enhancement Grant;
• Community Council Contact Details;
• Criminal Justice Services - It was agreed that the Community Council would draw up a list of potential projects and discuss these at the next meeting;
• Community Council Insurance Policy;
• Statement on Gambling Policy Consultation;
• Landscape Designation Review Dunfermline & West Fife;
• Core Path Network Drop in feedback event;
• First Periodic Review of Scottish Parliament Boundaries;

New Bridge at Kincardine - Copy of a letter from Cllr Clelland to the Head of Transportation raising concerns with about the likely impact of an increase in the volume of traffic likely to pass through the Oakley, Blairhall, Carnock, Gowkhall and Saline as a result of the closure of the Kincardine Bridge and the opening of the new bridge. Cllr Clelland advised that the matter was to be raised in Parliament. It was agreed that the villages already suffer from a high volume of traffic passing through them.

West Fife Villages Community Forum - Homecare Charges it was agreed that the Community Council would add their support to the campaign which was opposed to the imposition of charges.

Royal Airforce - Notification of Military Flying Exercise 11-21 Feb.

6.0 AOB

Torrie Bay Enhancement Project - It was noted that the meeting scheduled to take place on the 13th Feb had been cancelled and it was agreed that a meeting of the sub group would now be convened on the 27th February. It was agreed that Peter Howden & Stephanie Little should be invited to attend the meeting.

Concerns were expressed over the condition of the road leading to Crombie as well as pot holes at the Ness and Smithy Wynd.

Affordable Housing Site, Tinian Crescent, Newmills - EL passed a letter which had been sent to the residents of Tinian Crescent by Kingdom Homes. Fife Council have agreed in principle to sell on a parcel of land at the north end of the Crescent to Kingdom Housing. The housing association intended to carry out a site investigation before the end of Feb and to lodge a planning application for the site in mid 2008 and start building on the site 2009. Cllr Clelland advised that the development would be similar to the previous development which was there. For more information contact: 01592 632601

Snow Drop Festival - It was noted that guided walks through Valleyfield Wood had been organised at weekends as part of the festival and that the RDA were serving tea and coffee from the Equestrian Centre at Shiresmill.

7.0 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
The next Community Council will take place on Monday 17th March at 7:00pm.

MINUTES OF TORRYBURN COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY 16th APRIL 2007 AT 7:00PM.

PRESENT: John Emery Barker, Mary Emery Barker, Roger Marcham, John Duffy, George Watt, Councillor McGovern, members of the public.

APOLOGIES: Graham Facey, Zena Marcham, Eva Lessels

1.0 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

• Proposed: JEB. Seconded: MEB

2.0 ACTION POINTS, STANDING & UNRESOLVED ITEMS.

Traffic Issues - RM asked that the Community Council pressed Roads and Transportation for a start date for works to improve the surface of the road leading into Newmills. ACTION: JD to write to Ian Jones

JD reported that the owner of Brenies Newsagents, Newmills had expressed a need for the bridge to be kept open whilst any works were carried out to ensure that his business was not affected by a loss of passing trade.

Craigflower Section 75 Agreement – Matter Carried Forward

Beach Clean Up - It was agreed that the Beach Clean Up had been a success thanks to the input and provision of the quad and trailer by the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust. It was agreed that the Community Council would forward a letter of thanks and support to the Trust.

ACTION: JD

Lack of Maintenance of the Torryburn Grave Yard – It was agreed that the matter should be raised with Peter Howden. ACTION: JD

Torry Bay Enhancement Project:

Outstanding works
JD advised that he had contacted JG but had heard nothing from her to date. Matter Carried Forward

“The Peoples Millions” Grant
JD reported that Clowes had not given SWT permission to create a wildlife garden at Buckies Park in enough time to enable them to spend the £10k Lottery grant. The grant had unfortunately had to be handed back.

It was agreed that the Community Council should write a letter of complaint to Clowes surrounding the matter. ACTION: JD

3.0 POLICE REPORT – (See attached report)

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT
MEB reported that the Community Council balance stood at £442.78

5.0 CORRESPONDENCE

Fife Council:

Development Services
• Planning Applications- 16/03/0730/03/076/04/07.
• Take Pride in Fife – Big number change 2nd April.
• Planning Information Leaflet – Accessing Planning Information Online.
Law & Admin
• Elections and Community Councils.
Chief Executive
• Fife Council Number & Area Code Changes.
Finance & Asset Management Service
• Renewal of Community Council Insurance.

Other Correspondence:

• Scottish Power – Longannnet Biomass Power Station exhibition invite.
• West Fife Villages Forum - minutes of Feb meeting & letter concerning sewage /main drain problems.
• Willie Rennie - Advice Surgery Dates May – August
• Newmills, Torryburn and Craigflower Neighbourhood Watch – Minutes of the meeting held 26/02/07.
• Dunfermline & Coast Association of Community Council – Scottish Water Accountability.
• Turley Associates - Environmental Impact Assessment Longannet Biomass Power Station.
• Dunfermline & West Fife CHP- Newsletter.
• BTCV – CLAN Bulletin.

6.0 AOB

Land Adjacent to the Torrie Bay Hotel
Residents from Bayview expressed concerns over the proposed alterations to planning permission granted for above site. The new plans included the addition of a second block of flats and the provision of access to the site via Bayview.

It was agreed that the Community Council would write in support of the residents concerns surrounding the proposed provision of access to the site. ACTION: JD

The Goth Tavern, Main St Newmills
A number of serious concerns were raised by members of the public relating to the ongoing problems with noise and disturbance associated with the Goth.

It was agreed that the Community Council would write to and raise these concerns with the Council. ACTION: JD

Councillor Mc Govern agreed to contact Jim Rodent about the matter.

Derelict Building, Newmills
JD reported that he had received a complaint from a member of the public about the condition of derelict property on the Oakum Bay Loop Road, Newmills which was in a serious state of disrepair and posed a threat to the public.

It was agreed that the Community Council would write to Building Control about the matter. ACTION: JD

Councillor Mc Govern
On behalf of the Community Council GW thanked Councillor McGovern for all of her help over the years.

Missing Copping Stones Torryburn
It was noted that a number of coping stones had been removed from the wall in Torryburn which runs west from Bayview to up to the railway bridge Newmills. ACTION: JD to ascertain who owns the wall.

Neighbourhood Watch
RM reported that the Neighbourhood Watch would be delivering flyers to every house within the villages to promote and raise awareness of the group’s activities

The Ash Laggons, Low Valleyfield
It was noted that a lot of activity was taking place in and around the ash lagoons and compound area. It was agreed that the Community Council should ask Scottish Power for an update on the activities.

ACTION: JD

Bill Lessels
GW expressed the sadness of the Community Council to the death of Eva’s husband Bill.

7.0 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Community Council will take place on Monday 18th June 2007 at 7:00pm.

MINUTES OF TORRYBURN COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY 19th MARCH 2007 AT 7:00PM.

PRESENT: John Emery Barker, Mary Emery Barker, Eva Lessels, John Duffy, George Watt, members of the public.

APOLOGIES: Graham Facey, Roger Marcham, Zena Marcham, Councillor McGovern.

1.0 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

2.0 ACTION POINTS, STANDING & UNRESOLVED ITEMS.

Traffic Issues - JD reported that he had been advised by Roads and Transportation that proposals to improve the road leading into Newmills within the current financial year have been withdrawn due to lack of funding. However the works are in the programme for the next financial year.

Craigflower Section 75 Agreement – JD reported that he had drafted the letter but needed some extra information relating to dates. Matter carried forward.

ACTION: JD

Street Cleanliness – JD reported that he had passed the complaint on to the Council’s Environmental Services. It was noted that the matter had also been raised by other villages at the West Fife Villages Forum.

Floral Enhancement – It was noted that £302 had been spent on plants and that an additional two new tubs were still needed.

Fly tipping at the entrance to Valleyfield Woods – JD reported the matter to Environmental Services.

Smashed Door panel on BT Phone box, Newmills - JD reported that he had passed the complaint onto BT.

Charge for the Hire of Hall – It was agreed that the Community Council would review the matter once it had been invoiced.

Torryburn Grave Yard - JD reported that he had been advised that that the annual maintenance regime for the graveyard was not scheduled to begin until later in the spring.

3.0 POLICE REPORT – (See attached report)
Concerns were raised about dog fouling within Torryburn and Newmills.The Police agreed to report the matter to the Council’s Dog Warden and move the matter forward.

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT
MEB reported that the Community Council balance stood at £442.78.

5.0 CORRESPONDENCE

Fife Council

Development Services
• Planning Applications- 23RD Feb; 2nd March; 9th March

Environmental Services
• Managing Fife Future Key Policy Drivers- Energy & Resources

Scottish Executive
• National Planning Framework: Be Part of Scotland’s Big Plans
• National Planning Framework Seminar Series Feb 2007
• Planning Advice Note 81: Community Engagement

Other Correspondence
• Parliamentary Report from Ted Brocklebank
• Association of Scottish Community Councils Newsletter
• Fife Coast and Countryside Trust – National Spring Week Beach Clean - It was agreed that the Community Council should participate in this.

ACTION: JD to contact the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust

6.0 AOB

Shore Road: JD reported that the Shore Road was to be adopted by the Council.

Torry Bay Enhancement Project: GW highlighted that a number of outstanding issues still needed to be addressed, these included the plaque for the time capsule; the notice board and the interpretation panel. The question of unfinished works in Newmills was also raised

ACTION: JD to contact Joan Geddes

It was also noted that although SWT had been successful in their bid to the National Lotteries “Peoples Millions” nothing had been heard from them in nearly a year.

ACTION: JD to contact SWT

Sewage Pumping Station , The Ness – It was noted that Scottish Water were in the process of carrying out works.

Dates of Community Council meetings 2007- 08
The following dates for meetings were agreed;
• 18th June 2007;
• 20th August 2007;
• 17th September 2007;
• 15th October 2007;
• 19th November 2007;
• 21st January 2008;
• 18th February 2008;
• 17th March 2008.

Community Garden
MEB reported that a Committee had been set up and that the group had now acquired their own insurance policy.

7.0 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Community Council will take place on Monday 16th April 2007 at 7:00pm.