Minutes

2. Apologies
Lynn Hoey, Jim Hensman, Ann MacDonald

3. Minute of Meeting of 14.04.10
Minutes accepted. Proposed by John Crane, seconded by Andy Young

4. Matters arising
None

5. Progress
Scrambling: nothing to report, The matter continues to be raised at Police liaison meetings.
Planning Issues: JD has responded on the local plan consultation. ABO Wind has not appealed against the refusal of their proposals. UK Coal is attempting to find a new developer for the Blair House site.
Social Charges: Nothing to report.

6. Web Site
Hits on the site have increased again to 4,500 compared with 2,500 in April 2009. There have been referrals from 69 other sites. Production of the booklet is progressing well and 20 draft pages have been completed. DM will give David notes on paths

7. Treasurer’s Report
£19,833.64

8. Correspondence
None

9. AOCB
• Marion McGaughay, chair of Blairhall New Community, attended a meeting about the use of community centres. There seems to be different interpretations of the rules relating to hires to non-local groups
• AY indicated that High Valleyfield is 100 years old this year. It was agreed that a wreath be donated to commemoration of mining deaths
• JC indicated that 420 people had attended the West Fife Exhibition of Art and Photography. All schools had participated. It was agreed that £150 be donated to cover the event’s shortfall

10 Date of Next Meeting
9th June 2010 at 7.00 pm in Blairhall Community Centre

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group
Minute of Meeting of 14.4.10 at Blairhall Community Centre

1. Present
John Duffy, Donald Murdoch, David Scott, John Le Marie, John Crane, Muriel Colver, Andy Young, Cllr Bobby Clelland, Jim Hensman

2. Apologies
Lynn Hoey

3. Minute of Meeting of 10.03.10
Minutes accepted. Proposed by Jim Hensman, seconded by John Crane

4. Matters arising
None

5. Progress
Scrambling: This is still on the Police agenda.
Snowdrop Festival: The event was extended by an extra weekend. 1446 visits were recorded and it is estimated that volunteers have put in 453 work hours. A meeting is to be held in May to agree what happens in 2011
Planning Issues: DM indicated that several developments were proposed in the draft local plan to subsidise restoration of the Comrie Colliery site. Saline CC would not be opposing this but felt that more housing should be permitted at Comrie Colliery to reduce pressure on more contentious sites. The community council’s comments should be copied to JD. The Bogside housing is baffling in view of its remoteness but no comments are proposed. UK Coal is giving cause for concern with timber removal at the Blair House site appearing to contravene the planning consent and complaints of nesting birds being disturbed
Social Charges: Nothing to report. There is still concern over Fife Council’s community centres letting policies. Muriel’s situation seems to have been resolved albeit at a cost.

6. Web Site
Dave has received some good articles. Hits on the site have increased to 4,282 compared with 2,600 in March 2009. Production of the booklet is progressing well

7. Treasurer’s Report
£19,833.64. £100 sent for Ray Wood’s retrial as previously agreed

8. Correspondence
? Letter from Louise Trow advising of funding opportunities

9. AOCB
None

10 Date of Next Meeting
12th May 2010 at 7.00 pm in Blairhall Community Centre

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group
Minute of Meeting of 10.3.10 at Blairhall Community Centre

1. Present
John Duffy, Donald Murdoch, David Scott, John Le Marie, John Crane, Muriel Colver, Andy Young, David Chisholm, Jim Hensman. Louise Trow

2. Apologies
Lynn Hoey, Cllr Bobby Clelland

3. Minute of Meeting of 10.02.10
Minutes accepted. Proposed by John Le Marie, seconded by Muriel Colver

4. Matters arising
None

5. Louise Trow
Louise is the Cultural Co-ordinator for SW Fife and updated on the arrangements for “Celebrating Fife” The SW Fife budget is £50,000. Fife Council will accept applications up to the end of June 2010 and projects have to be completed by the end of December.

6. Progress
Scrambling: This is high on the Police agenda. Increasing visits from bikers from the Clackmannan area have been noted
Snowdrop Festival: The event has gone well and, after some problems, the “Dark Skies” event was very popular with a full house attendance
Planning Issues: DM indicated that the Saline Environmental Group event had a good turnout and an Action Plan had been prepared,
ABO Wind’s application had been refused
The draft local plan is out for consultation. There was some disquiet that the venues were not convenient for many West Fife villagers
Social Charges: Nothing to report

7. Community Development
David Chisholm updated and felt that costs need not be high. It was felt that publicity was key and David should look into this and costs

8. Web Site
Dave has managed to contact the gala committees. Hits on the site have increased to 4,000 compared with 2,600 in February 2009. Much of this is due to the links with the Snowdrop Festival.
Updates on the village sections in the brochure are still required.

9. Treasurer’s Report
£20,825.37

10. Correspondence
• E mail from Lynn Hoey indicating that Ray Wood was leaving Fife Council. It was agreed that £100 should be contributed towards a retrial gift
• Letter from Cath Harrower re use of Blairhall New Community. There was considerable concern re the use of the upstairs meeting room as this would prevent Muriel’s attendance. This view is also shared by the Community Councils Forum. JD will write to Cath seeking an explanation of what seems to be an arbitrary decision without consultation
NOTE: following further discussions with Fife Council, it has been agreed that the back meeting room can be used.

11. AOCB
None

12. Date of Next Meeting
14th April 2010 at 7.00 pm in Blairhall Community Centre

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group
Minute of Meeting of 09.12.09 at Blairhall Community Centre

1. Present
John Duffy, Donald Murdoch, David Scott, John Le Marie, John Crane, Muriel Colver, Cllr R Clelland, Andy Young, David Chisholm

2. Apologies
Lynn Hoey, Jim Hensman

3. Minute of Meeting of 09.12.09
Minutes accepted. Proposed by John Le Marie, seconded by John Crane

4. Matters arising
None

5. Web Site
Dave Scott submitted his proposals for the booklet. It was agreed that we should go for the 36 page option. It was agreed that some coverage of the villages should be reduced or communities linked for the purpose of the booklet. Members should look at existing cover and feed back to the March meeting. It was felt that the booklet could have some additional features such as local walks, cycling and old graveyards.

6. Progress
Scrambling: John Duffy is arranging further leaflets to try to attract more volunteers
Snowdrop Festival: J Le Marie confirmed that the event has started. There were some problems with leaflets. He has recruited 10 guides, none of whom resulted from the letters to schools
Planning Issues: DM indicated that the Saline Environmental Group would be holding a consultation event on 17th February from 10a.m. to 8 p.m.
ABO Wind’s application will be determined on 17th February
There is nothing to report on opencasts
Social Charges: Nothing to report

7. Community Development
David Chisholm reported on the Village SOS fund. While the current bid deadline has passed, there may be scope in working up a bid for the next. It was felt that David’s proposal linked to our own suggested community consultations and David was asked to put his thoughts on paper and to report back to the group

8. Treasurer’s Report
No report

9. Correspondence
• E mail from Fife Council confirming that contributions to the booklet had been transferred to our bank account

10. AOCB
None

11 Date of Next Meeting
10th March 2010 at 7.00 pm in Blairhall Community Centre

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group.
Minute of Meeting of 09.12.09 at High Valleyfield Community Centre

1. Present
John Duffy, Donald Murdoch, David Scott, John Le Marie, Jim Hensman, John Crane,

2. Apologies
Muriel Colver, Cllr Bobby Clelland, Beverley Reid, Lynn Hoey

3. Minute of Meeting of 11.11.09
Minutes accepted. Proposed by John Le Marie, seconded by Jim Hensman

4. Matters arising
None

5. Web Site
Dave Scott indicated that the web site hits were still increasing with most hits originating in google, yahoo, Fife Direct and foreign. Donald Murdoch indicated that Lynn Hoey had confirmed Fife Council’s contribution to the updated booklet. This will permit more to be done and David will revise his proposals. Articles will be discussed at the next meeting

6. Progress
Scrambling: John Duffy arranged a meeting for 26.11.09 but only 2 people turned up. The flyers are currently being circulated.
Planning Issues: John Crane and Donald Murdoch updated on the event in Steelend Club
Social Charges: Nothing to report

7. Treasurer’s Report
No report

8. Correspondence
• E mail from Lynn Hoey re Area Budget submissions

9. AOCB
• John Crane indicated that the West Fife Villages Arts Exhibition will be held on 8th and 9th of May 2010
• The possible joint consultation with the West Fife Villages Community Council Forum was discussed. John Duffy will investigate the possibility of a training course

10. Date of Next Meeting
13th January 2010 at 7.00 pm in Blairhall Community Centre

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group
Minute of Meeting of 11.11.09 at Oakley Community Centre

1. Present

John Duffy, Donald Murdoch, Derek Burns, David Scott, John Le Marie, Jim Hensman, John Bonnar, Cllr Bobby Clelland, Andy Young

2. Apologies

Muriel Colver, John Crane, Beverley Reid, Lynn Hoey

3. Minute of Meeting of 09.09.09

Minutes accepted. Proposed by John Duffy, seconded by Jim Hensman

4. Matters arising

John Le Marie updated on the Snowdrop Festival

Transport is being arranged between the other sites but Valleyfield Wood is too distant. There are concerns about the lack of public transport to Shiresmill and the group agreed to consider this
West Fife Woodlands are badly in need of volunteers to help with the weekend tours. The group agreed to write to NTS, schools and Scouts.
There is a need to contact businesses to ensure maximum economic benefits. These businesses need to be identified
Daffodils will be planted at the Newmills entrance on 21st November

5. Web Site

Dave Scott indicated that the web site hits were still increasing, 2349 in October compared with 1143 last year. David is still receiving articles and John Crane has submitted photos of the Saline benches

John Bonnar submitted a picture of Steelend Pit

Lynn Hoey has sent the forms for the application for a 50% grant towards printing of the booklets and web site updating with the balance to be met from the group’s reserves. (Note: following discussion with Lynn, these have now been submitted)

It was agreed that we should write to community councils and gala committees to encourage them to contribute to both booklets and web site. Members to provide contact details

6. Progress

Scrambling: John Duffy is arranging a meeting for 26.11.09. It was agreed that £40 should be spent on flyers
Planning Issues: It was noted that LRD are about to submit an application for opencasting on Comrie Colliery and were holding a consultation event in Steelend Club
Fife Council has requested an extension of time to consider the ABO Wind proposal

Social Charges: MC to continue to monitor and report back

7. Treasurer’s Report

£15,840.37p is currently held.

8. Green Map

John Crane had had problems with the symbols on the map and John Duffy outlined a solution. It was noted that the information now looks better

9. Correspondence

Application forms for Area Budget received from Lynn Hoey
E mail from Beverley Reid apologizing for absence from this meeting but confirming a wish to still meet the group

10. AOCB

None

11. Date of Next Meeting

9th December 2009 at 7.00 pm in High Valleyfield Community Centre

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group
Minute of Meeting of 09.09.09 at Blairhall New Community

1. Welcome

2. Present
John Duffy, Donald Murdoch, John Crane, Jim Hensman, Muriel Colver

3. Apologies
Yvette Lovelock, John Le Marie, David Scott, Lynn Hoey, PC Alan Davidson

3. Minute of Meeting of 12.08.09
Minutes accepted. Proposed by John Crane, seconded by John Duffy

4. Matters arising
John Crane attended previous meeting (records adjusted)

5. Web Site
Articles are still being received but it would be helpful if there were more photos. John Crane is preparing an article with photos on the Saline benches

6. Treasurer's Report
£15,855.79p is currently held.

7. Green Map
Members should examine the web site and e mail information on the attractions to John Duffy. Information on other settlements should also be sent. John Duffy will check on the Climate Change Fund position

8. Progress
Scrambling: A meeting is being arranged for the week of 21st September
Planning Issues: John Crane updated on ABO Wind activities. Concern was expressed about lobbyists being brought in to generate support for the proposals. It was noted that those to date only expressed support for renewables and did not comment on the site characteristics
Social Charges: There is concern about changes to travel passes

9. Correspondence
None

9. AOCB
DM will be away for the next meeting. John Crane agreed to write the minutes

10. Date of Next Meeting
14th October 2009 at 7pm in Blairhall New Community

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group
Minute of Meeting of 12.08.09 at Blairhall New Community

1. Welcome
JD welcomed the group to the first session of the new year

2. Present
John Duffy, Donald Murdoch, John Le Marie, Dave Scott. Andy Young, PC Alan Davidson, Lynn Hoey, Derek Burns, Jim Tolson MSP

3. Apologies
Yvette Lovelock, John & Sylvia Maxwell, Jim Hensman, Kate Stewart, Muriel Colver, Bobby Clelland

3. Minute of Meeting of 10.06.09
Minutes accepted. Proposed by John Le Marie, seconded by John Duffy

4. Matters arising
None

5. Web Site
The number of visitors continues to rise. 2500 in July. The schools have been advised of opportunities to publicise events. Articles are still being received but more are required

6. Treasurer’s Report
£16,813.49p is currently held.

7. Lynn Hoey, Locality Manager
Lynn is covering for Ray Wood in addition to her normal duties in Rosyth/Inverkeithing. She advised that the Local Office Network was being reorganised (again!) She anticipates less involvement in operational matters, which will allow her to attend more community meetings. She has access to funds and has an interest in regeneration

8. Progress
• Scrambling: Numbers of infringements in Valleyfield are creeping up. JD will set up another meeting of those interested in setting up a club. Alan Davidson advised that the contact number for the Police was 0845 6005702. Inspector Caldwell is being replaced by Inspector Gordon Mitchell
• Green Map: It was agreed that 20 minutes of the August meeting will be devoted to updating the map
• Planning Issues: The draft local plan is imminent and Planning Reform is now in place.
• Social Charges: Nothing to report

9. Correspondence
• Letter from Transportation re access to the cycleway at Blairhall and Oakley: Fife Council no longer have funds to meet the commitment to the link from South Avenue, Blairhall but might be interested in a partnership with a community group. DM advised that he and Muriel Colver would be replying after a site visit and will report back
• Letter from Development Services to John Crane re “Planning Gain” in Saline. John remains concerned about Fife Council’s continuing ignoring of community representations
• E mail from David Chisholm re Community Business opportunities: It was felt that there was insufficient time to make a bid but that this issue could be raised as part of the proposed community consultation programme.

9. AOCB
• Fife Year of Culture: noted

10. Date of Next Meeting
9th September 2009 at 7pm in Blairhall New Community

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group
AGM 2nd July 2008
Blairhall New Community Centre.

Present: - Derek Burns, Muriel Colver, Ann Robinson, John Crane, John Duffy, Donald Murdoch, Jo Ross, Inspector Alan Davidson, P.C. Robert Robin.

Apologies: - Yvette Lovelock, John & Sylvia Maxwell, Ray wood, John le Marie,
David Scott.

Chairpersons Report
John Duffy reported that it had been a relatively quiet year in terms of projects with the “Planning For People” delivered by Planning Aid on 18th February being the group’s most notable achievement during the year. The workshop was well attended and hopefully will help people to deal with planning applications and comment on the Local Plan.

The Green mapping project was ongoing but at a slower pace that we had anticipated.

The opportunities presented by the potential redevelopment of the Comrie Colliery site and the impact of the work carried out by the students from Heriott Watt on the development were still to be decided.

The group have commented on a number of issues, which have arisen during the year. These included commenting on the housing allocation within the Structure Plan and the rescheduling of the bus services within the Villages.

The potential of working with the Police in the development of a Police Orientated Partnership Project had diminished as a result of the reorganisation within the Police Force. However it would be good for the group to develop a working partnership with the Police.

JD suggested that the group needed to refocus its efforts on delivering its prime objectives and that in the coming year the group should:

• Build a better working relationship with the West Fife Villages Community Forum;
• Continue to address planning issues which affect all of the West Fife Villages;
• Actively participate in the development of the Dunfermline and West Fife Local Plan by helping communities to articulate their concerns?
• Develop links on the website to topics, headlines and issues to help people to find a common voice and network with each other.
• Complete the Green Map Pilot Project:

Treasurers Report: 2007 - 2008

John Duffy gave his report on the years Accounts they are as follows:-

Income

The year started with £17904.36 being brought forward from 2007-2008.

In March 2007, £4,500 was received from Fife Council as a contribution towards the Heriot Watt urban design students’ exercise/community consultation and the Green Map project.

A total of £480 was received in the form of bank interest.

Expenditure

The total expenditure for the year was £169.99.
Bank Interest (Nett) £514.76 (Gross) £643.39

Tax Deductions £128.63

Final Balance

Cash at bank of £18,234.59 and cash in hand of £2.26 giving a total of £18,236.85

A statement of accounts 2007-08 and a copy of the Audited Accounts will accompany these minutes as attachments.

Appointment of Office Bearers
With all official reports being concluded, all offices bearers relinquish there positions and Jo Ross resided over the meeting.

After a brief speech where she congratulated the group on all their achievements new office bearers was a pointed as follows,

Chair’s position - nomination John Duffy, Proposed by Derek Burns, Seconded by Donald Murdoch.

Vice Chair’s position - nomination John Crane, Proposed by Ann Robinson, Seconded by John Duffy.

Treasurer’s position - nomination Muriel Colver, Proposed by John Duffy, Seconded by Donald Murdoch.

Secretary’s position - nomination Donald Murdoch, Proposed Muriel Colver, Seconded by Derek Burns.

It was decided that a Special Meeting should be arranged for the 23rd July to discuss proposed changes to the constitution, then meeting came to a CLOSE.

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group
Minute of Meeting of 10.06.09 at Blairhall New Community

1. Welcome
JD advised that John Crane had had a major operation. The group passed on their best wishes for a full recovery

2. Present
John Duffy, Donald Murdoch, Muriel Colver, John Le Marie, Jim Hensman, Dave Scott, Andy Young

3. Apologies
John Maxwell, Sylvia Maxwell, Yvette Lovelock, John crane, John Le Marie

3. Minute of Meeting of 13.05.09
Minutes accepted. Proposed by im Hensman, seconded by John Duffy

4. Matters arising
None

5. Web Site
The number of visitors continues to rise. 2233 in April compared with 1847 last year.

It was agreed that we should look to ways of producing the revised brochure. DS indicated that the Glenrothes version had been funded by the locality budget and it was agreed that we should speak to Lynn Hoey (covering for Ray Wood) about this and to identify the number of booklets stored in Oakley. In the meantime. We should be identifying possible articles

It was felt that not all groups were taking advantage of the opportunities to use the web site. JD will obtain addresses of community council secretaries, JH will obtain school contacts and DM will contact schools. Others should try to identify possible contacts such as gala committees

6. Progress
• Scrambling: Still no progress as but JD will try to contact those previously interested. DM indicated that, at a meeting in Kelty, problems in Blairadam Forest and Lochore Meadows were significantly reduced. DM will write to Cllr Alex Rowley to establish how this was achieved.

• Green Map: A link from the web site has now been provided

• Planning Issues: The possibility of a bid to Investing in Ideas to do consultations ourselves was raised by JD at the Community Councils Forum but it was unclear whether they understood our proposals. JD will e mail members to clarify the situation
• Opencasts: It was noted that we are still awaiting a response from Angus Dodds on the S75 agreement on the Oakley site

• Social Charges: MC to continue to monitor. Following AY’s concern about disabled access to the path network, it was agreed that we should try to contact disabled people who are experiencing problems and DM will prepare an article for the web site

7. Treasurer’s Report
£15,872.79p is currently held.

8. Correspondence
E mail from Lynn Hoey expressing an interest in the group’s activities. She should be invited to a meeting

9. AOCB
• JD to respond on the Big Draw
• It was noted that Forestry Commission Scotland are organising a Homecoming Scotland event in Blairadam Forest. It was agreed that this could be promoted on the web site and that we should consider a similar event in this area
• The visit of many Wardlaws was noted and AY should speak to John Bonnar for details.
• AY indicated that he has 90-100 photos relevant to the Jules Verne event

10. Date of Next Meeting
12th August 2009 at 7pm in Blairhall New Community

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group

Minute of Meeting of 13.05.09 at Blairhall New Community

1. Welcome

2. Present
John Duffy, Donald Murdoch, Muriel Colver, John Le Marie, John Crane, Ann Robinson, Yvette Lovelock, Andy Young

3. Apologies
John Maxwell, Sylvia Maxwell, Jim Hensman, David Scott

3. Minute of Meeting of 08.04.09
Minutes accepted. Proposed by John Le Marie, seconded by Muriel Colver

4. Matters arising
None

5. Web Site
The site has been added to and artwork has been updated to the latest spec

DS has prepared a quotation to produce a revised booklet. This should be circulated to permit fuller discussion

6. Progress
• Scrambling: No progress as PC Davidson has been on holiday. J Le M indicated that a meeting had been held with landowners, which had been disappointing. The police and Fife Council responses had been negative.

• Green Map: People should think of good things that should be added to the Green Map

• Planning Issues: The possibility of a bid to Investing in Ideas to do consultations ourselves was discussed. JD will raise the possibility of a partnership with the Community Councils Forum
• Opencasts: Nothing to report

• Social Charges: MC to continue to monitor

7. Treasurer’s Report
£15,872.79p is currently held. MC confirmed that Links Media has now been paid for management of the web site

8. Correspondence
E mail from Fife Fire and rescue Service re briefing on fire safety. JD to raise with the Community Councils Forum

9. AOCB
• AY was concerned about the poor access to the cycle network for disabled people in the Oakley/Comrie area. It was also noted that the link from Blairhall had never been carried out. DM will write to Transportation.
• It was noted that Oakley United had received funds for an investigation of recreation facilities in Oakley
• JC indicated that Saline CC had finally been successful in retaining the telephone box at Kinnedar Park
• JD submitted a web article on the “Big Draw” and will establish Fife Council’s position. A link to the web site should be established
• YL indicated that there was the possibility of events to tie in with the anniversary of Jules Verne’s visit to Inzievar. She will obtain more details and report back

10. Date of Next Meeting
10th June 2009 at 7pm in Blairhall New Community

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group

Minute of Meeting of 08.04.09 in Blairhall New Community

1. Welcome

2. Present
John Duffy, Donald Murdoch, Muriel Colver, John Le Marie, Jim Hensman, John Crane, Ann Robinson, David Scott

3. Apologies
Derek Burns, Yvette Lovelock, John Maxwell, Sylvia Maxwell

3. Minute of Meeting of 11.03.09
Minutes accepted. Proposed by John Le Marie, seconded by Jim Hensman

4. Matters arising
None

5. Web Site
The Art and Photography Exhibition, minutes and a link to the Green Map have been added to the site but more articles are required. The artwork is also being updated. The WFV Community Councils Forum should be reminded of the opportunities to use the site.

6. Progress
• Scrambling: No-one attended the last meeting and JD will check on the situation with PC Davidson. However, the four volunteers have agreed to be office bearers for a new group. The problem seems to be getting worse with activity in Culross being reported in the “Dunfermline Press”. The Police will be asked to produce an article setting out the legal position for release to the media.

• Green Map: Nothing to report.

• Planning Issues: Sources of funding need to be identified for community consultations and members should give this some thought. JD submitted copies of Fife Council papers on new Planning policy and legislation

• Opencasts: Nothing to report

• Social Charges: MC to continue to monitor

7. Treasurer’s Report
£16,940.70p is currently held.

8. Correspondence
• Letter from Fife Council with invitation to local plan briefing sessions. John Le Marie and Ann Robinson to attend

9. AOCB
• JH indicated that the number of schools participating in the West Fife Exhibition of Art and Photography had increased from 8 to 10 and that those missing were considering participation in 2010.

• John Le Marie complained about the awful lack of response from Fife Council to e mails, letters etc. This seems to be a widespread complaint and JD will raise again at the WFV Community Councils Forum

• John Le Marie is to prepare an article on the use of OS maps by community groups

• Ann Robinson confirmed some progress at Crombie. A big meeting to agree a way forward is being arranged

10. Date of Next Meeting
13th May 2009 at 7pm in Blairhall New Community

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group

Minute of Meeting of 11.03.09 at Blairhall New Community

1. Welcome

2. Present
John Duffy, Donald Murdoch, Muriel Colver, John Le Marie, Jim Hensman, John Crane, Ann Robinson, David Scott, Sylvia Maxwell, John Maxwell

3. Apologies
Kate Stewart

3. Minute of Meeting of 11.02.09
Minutes accepted. Proposed by Jim Hensman, seconded by John Le Marie

4. Matters arising
None

5. Web Site
Visitors have increased from 1426 in February 2008 to 2687 in February 2009. There has been many referrals from Visit Scotland. The “Snowdrop Festival” continues to attract visitors with welcome increased tea sales at the RDA.

6. Progress

Scrambling: The Valleyfield meeting was well attended and volunteers have been recruited. There is a further meeting tonight. It was noted that some bikers have been charged by the Police

Green Map: This is now on Google Earth. There are doubts as to its effectiveness but DS will put in a link from our web site

Planning Issues: It was agreed that we should try to raise funds for the community consultation exercise. In the meantime, prices will be obtained. John Duffy will raise the problem of Fife Council not responding to communications at the next West Fife Villages Community Councils Forum

Opencasts: Nothing to report

Social Charges: MC to continue to monitor

7. Treasurer’s Report
£16,853.79p is currently held.

8. Correspondence

Entrust re new address

A letter has been sent to Andy Neil MSP in support of Crombie residents. An article should be prepared for the web site

9. AOCB

JC reminded of the West Fife Exhibition of Art and Photography. It was noted that there was an increase in schools’ participation. The colton Opencast Trust had donated £1,000

It was felt that the WFV brochure should be updated and that the number of current documents stored in the Oakley Local Office should be established
? DM will write to Joan Milne (Regeneration Assistant) and invite her to a meeting to brief on regeneration issues and funding.

10. Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that future meetings will be held on the second Wednesday in the month. Accordingly, the next meeting will be Wednesday 8th April at 7.00 in Blairhall New Community. The May meeting will be 13th May.

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group

Minute of Meeting of 11.02.09 at Blairhall New Community

1. Welcome
John Crane took the chair in John Duffy’s absence

2. Present
Donald Murdoch, Muriel Colver, John Le Marie, Jim Hensman, John Crane, Ann Robinson, David Scott

3. Apologies
Yvette Lovelock, John Duffy, John Maxwell, Sylvia Maxwell, Kate Stewart, Derek Burns

3. Minute of Meeting of 14.01.09
Minutes accepted. Proposed by Jim Hensman, seconded by John Le Marie

4. Matters arising
Hazel Jow has confirmed that Rural Partnership course details are not yet available

5. Web Site
David has received some new contributions. MC will send him details of the consultations in Blairhall and J Le M will prepare an article on Ordnance Survey rules re printing of maps

6. Progress

Scrambling: JD and PC Alan Davidson are attending a meeting with scramblers in Valleyfield tonight. It was noted that senior police officers are now taking a serious interest in this problem
Green Map: There is a need to ensure that communities are aware of this facility

Planning Issues: DM has been informed that Ray Wood is ill but has been sent application forms for Fife Council’s “Community Investment Grant”. However, this is limited to £3,000 and requires match funding. It was agreed to defer an application until costs and other funding sources are clearer

Opencasts: It appears that UK Coal will not take up LRD’s offer of access via the Comrie Colliery site. The group’s response will be agreed when the situation becomes clearer.

Social Charges: Rhona Laing had indicated to the Community Councils Forum that a review of charging policy was under way. Some claims regarding alarms had been disputed by some community councillors

Dark Skies: It was noted that the Kelty event was excellent

7. Treasurer’s Report
£16,853.71p is currently held.

8. Correspondence

E Mail from Cllr Walker confirming support for our comments on the s75 agreement on the Blair House opencast and that Fife Council would enforce on any breaches

Letter from Entrust confirming the group’s registration

Letter from Transportation confirming that traffic would not be diverted onto the A907 and B913 when the Kincardine Bridge is refurbished

9. AOCB
AR updated the group on the problems with substandard houses in Crombie. Residents are caught between different funding requirements, which is creating significant problems. It was agreed that Willie Rennie MP would be given a letter of support to pass on to the appropriate Scottish Government minister

10. Date of Next Meeting
11th March 2009 at 7.00 pm in Blairhall New Community

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group

Minute of Meeting of 14.01.09 at Blairhall New Community

1. Present
John Duffy, Donald Murdoch, Muriel Colver, John Le Marie, Jim Hensman, John Crane
PC Alan Davidson

2. Apologies
Yvette Lovelock, David Scott

3. Minute of Meeting of 17.12.08
Minutes accepted. Proposed by John Le Marie, seconded by John Duffy

4. Matters arising

5. Web Site
Articles still required

6. Progress
Scrambling: The visit to Cardenden was cancelled due to bad weather. A visit will be targeted for the first weekend in March. PC Davidson has compiled a good list of interested parties and has spoken to Cllr Ferguson, who is keen to get involved. It was suggested that PC Davidson speaks to Corrine McGinley (Community Education) and that leaflets be distributed via bike shops

Green Map: Information is now on the web and it was agreed that David Scott should be asked to create a link
Planning Issues: Donald Murdoch written to Ray Wood re a contribution to the proposed study. John Duffy still requires comments on the consultancy brief. Donald Murdoch circulated a draft letter to LRD re their proposed application to opencast mine the Comrie Colliery site. This will be circulated by e mail for any comments
Opencasts: Concern was expressed about a proliferation of opencast sites in this area and it was felt that a view should be agreed prior to further applications being submitted. John Duffy will raise this at the next Community Councils Forum meeting.
Social Charges: Muriel Colver raised the question of poor transport for disabled people. While this will be progressed via the Community Councils Forum, Muriel was asked to prepare a discussion paper on what improvements are required and how this can be achieved. It was noted that Rhona Laing would be attending the CCF to confirm Fife Council’s policy on social charges
Dark Skies: Jenny Crick was unable to organise an event in this area but will programme something for the next round of visits.

7. Treasurer’s Report
£16,923.79p is currently held.

8. Correspondence
Letter from Development Services in response to our letter regarding conditions in the S75 agreement for Comrie Colliery.

9. AOCB
John Crane and Jim Hensman raised issues of speeding and levels of commercial vehicles travelling through Saline. This reflects points previously made to Fife Council about increased traffic levels during Kincardine Bridge repairs and routeing of opencast traffic
It was noted that the prime minister has opened a web site to permit the public to comment on various issues. David Scott will be asked to provide a link on the West Fife Villages web site
It was noted that the Fife Rural Partnership was organising some interesting courses. Hazel Jow will be asked to circulate details and David Scott will be asked to incorporate these into the web site.

10. Date of Next Meeting
11th February 2009 at 7.00 pm in Blairhall New Community

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group

Minute of Meeting of 14.01.09 at Blairhall New Community

1. Present
John Duffy, Donald Murdoch, Muriel Colver, John Le Marie, Jim Hensman, John Crane
PC Alan Davidson

2. Apologies
Yvette Lovelock, David Scott

3. Minute of Meeting of 17.12.08
Minutes accepted. Proposed by John Le Marie, seconded by John Duffy

4. Matters arising

5. Web Site
Articles still required

7. Treasurer’s Report
£16,923.79p is currently held.

8. Correspondence
? Letter from Development Services in response to our letter regarding conditions in the S75 agreement for Comrie Colliery.

10. Date of Next Meeting
11th February 2009 at 7.00 pm in Blairhall New Community

Blairhall Bogside Cairneyhill Carnock Comrie Crombie Culross Gowkhall Kilbagie Kincardine Newmills Oakley Saline Steelend Torryburn Valleyfield

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