Minutes

3. Minute of Special Meeting of 2.07.08
Recommendations re changes to constitution to comply with Entrust requirements were accepted. Adoption of minutes moved by MC and seconded by SM

4. Minute of Meeting of 2.07.08
Minutes accepted. Proposed by MC, seconded by DM

6. AGM
Position noted

6. Speaker
Bob Reid was unable to attend and will be invited to next meeting. Police will be encouraged to attend

7. Green Map
Nothing has been heard from Mike Trevett. As this exercise will provide important advice towards defining the group’s priorities, it was felt that progress should be accelerated.

8. Planning Issues
Local Plan: it was noted that the deadline for comments has been extended into August. JD has submitted comments on the group’s behalf. Others have submitted individual comments
Opencast Proposals: JH reported on a meeting between residents and UK Coal. There were concerns about inaccurate statements being made by UK Coal and traffic issues. This group was particularly concerned about the proposed royalty payments which were considered inadequate. DM will draft a letter to Fife Council confirming the group’s support for residents but suggesting that royalties should be set at £2 per ton should planning permission be granted.
Wind Turbines: JH reported on developments regarding wind farm proposals near Saline. The next objectors’ meeting is on 28th August and WFVCPG members would be welcome . JH will circulate details. It was noted that there is confusion over Fife Council’s proposals for Valleyfield Wood/Blairhall Colliery creating concerns within the communities. DM will send a letter to Fife Council requesting clarification

Kincardine Bridge: Ann has sent a letter pointing out the group’s concerns about increased traffic. MC indicated that John Parks MSP has presented a motion to the Scottish Parliament and will obtain a copy for David Scott to post on the web site
Social Charges: Muriel will monitor developments and report back

9. Treasurer’s Report
Funds stand at £18,236.85p. It is now necessary to add Muriel to the list of approved signatories for cheques. Current approved signatories will be retained

10. Web Site
Some complaints have been received from users. It was agreed that there was scope for improvements. Individuals’ ideas should be sent to JD.

11. Valleyfield Local Office
It was noted that there was disquiet in High Valleyfield regarding the closure of the local office and the lack of communication with the community. The building is seen as a community asset but Fife Council’s intentions are unclear. Yvette will discuss the situation with Ray Wood and report back

12. AOCB
The question of the group’s future activities was raised again. It is felt that a programme of works/initiatives should be agreed. The September meeting will be devoted to this subject

13. Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 27th August 2008 at 6.45 in Blairhall New Community

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group
Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 2nd July at 6.45pm.

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

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

Minutes of the Previous Meeting were approved:

Proposed: By Derek Burns. Seconded: By Muriel Colver.

Quad Bikes - Inspector Davidson has been talking to the local youths with Quad Bikes and also local residents regarding this issue. It was felt that forming a quad club would benefit every one and improve safety for riders and the general public when out enjoying the countryside. This will be a big project as there are a lot of issues to look into like funding, what land will be available to site the quad bike circuits. Looking for help from professional people to take responsibility for safety training and encourage bike maintenance. Also to form a committee and have a constitution and get insurance so long as they abide by the health and safety rules.
It was decided that we would ask if there are any willing people via our website who would like to offer their help to come along to our next meeting. Inspector Davis shall be attending our next meeting to continue with this item.

Green Map - We have been unable to gain any information regarding this item at present; will keep on the agenda for next meeting.

Treasurers Report- Balance to date £18,236.85.

Website - David is still looking for more items to include on the website; we need to advertise our website more.

Planning Issues - John Crane reported that a meeting had taken place regarding the Blairhouse open cast with UK Coal. There are to be 8 vehicles per hour which would consist of 4 empty and four full. They reported that there would only be an 18% increase in traffic Oakley / Kincardine. They are prepared to spend £10,000 on improvements to the white gate junction. They have agreed to carry out a survey to see if any structural damaged on houses had occurred due to blasting and they would be liable for that. They were challenged on the 25p per ton for community fund but would not be moved on this issue and they confirmed that none of the coal extracted would be exported outside Scotland.

Local Plan - The closing date for response to this has been extended to 11th Aug John Duffy is to write letter for the group.

AOB

Wind Farm Saline – John Crane reported that permission had been given for monitoring equipment to be erected in saline.

Career Break- Jo Ross informed the group that she is to take a career break of 18 months she will be replaced soon.

Date of next meeting - The next meeting will take place on 23rd July @ 6.45pm Blairhall New Community Centre and this will be a Special General Meeting to discuss Changes to the Constitution.

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group
Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 4th June at 6.45pm.

Present: John Duffy, Derek Burns, David Scott, Muriel Colver, Donald Murdoch, John Crane, John Le Marie, Ann Robinson, John Bonnar.

Apologies: Yvette Lovelock, John & Sylvia Maxwell.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting were approved:

Proposed: By Donald Murdoch. Seconded: By John Le Marie.

Mike Trevett (Green Map) - John Duffy is hoping to meet with Mike in the next couple of days and will report back to the group at next meeting.

Problem Orientated Partnership - Inspector Caldwell was unable to attend meeting and will keep this item on the agenda. It is hoped that Inspector Caldwell will be able to meet with us in the future, so that we can moved forward with this item.

Fife Police Call Centre - John Le Marie raised this item relating to the charges incurred when making a phone call to report a crime. The call centre uses a 0845 number and according to “which”? Magazine calls to a 0845 number can cost up to 60p for a 10minute call, up to £4 from a mobile.

There have been requests recently from police in the local press, asking people to report any incidents about Motor Bikes and Quad Bikes causing a nuisance, so that police can build up a picture of the problem areas.

When people are being public spirited why they should have to incur the costs ?, as phone centre charges can result in excessive expenses if you make more than one report in a day and also the amount of time each call takes is a cost factor.

I always email the police that cost me nothing, if I phone; my provider charges a 6p connection fee in addition to 0845 charges. If there was 01 or 02 number to phone, then I could phone this free of charge 24/7. John Duffy is to write letter to local Police Force and also to Fife Council.
It was suggested that a visit to the call centre Glenrothes would be beneficial.

Treasurer’s Report - The Balance is as follows: - £18,234.59.
The Accounts are to be audited as soon as possible.

Website Report – David reported the numbers of people viewing our web pages are 1613 from 1st to 30th April 2008 and from 1st to 31st of May there were 1847 page views. There is a consent raise in website usage which is very encouraging. Donald is to write about the Wind Farm issue and also the problem of Quad Bikes. These will be added to the website and we must try to encourage more people to give views about any given issue.
David’s page views in graph form will accompany these minutes.

Planning Issues - Now that everyone has had time to look at “Fife Council Local Plans”, it is up to each individual Community Council to give their views. The group has decided to give their response via our website.

Open Cast Mining - We have until end of July to log our objection and also to try and negotiate a better deal regarding 25p per ton compensation to local communities.

The White Gate Junction and the safety of both public and other road users; regarding the opencast development was raised. It was felt that the road infrastructure was totally inadequate and very dangerous; as pass accidents show this to be a black spot in the area.
Ann is to write letter’s regarding both these issues.

Kincardine Bridge Closure - Ann is to write letter to head of transportation raising concerns about the impact of this decision on local communities and the increased traffic likely to pass through their villages.

AOB - John Crane would like to bring to our attention about “Scotland Gardens Scheme”
Garden open for Charity Kirklands Saline KY12 9TS Sunday 22nd June 2 – 5pm
Cream Teas, Plant Stall, Woodland Garden, Walled Garden Rockery, Bog Garden, B&B, Wheel Chair Access (partial), Dogs on Lead Welcome, Admission £3.50 Accompanied Children Free,
Also open by arrangement.

Social Charges - This is still an on going issue, there are only six people employed to do assessments, no proper studies were made regarding the impact to all social care clients. There were no proper consultations carried out before these charges were implemented and we ask the question if Fife Council Pride them on Community Partnership and Engagement where was it regarding this issue. We are still determined to keep on fighting with this item.

Date of next meeting – The next meeting will take place on 2nd July @ 6.45pm Blairhall New Community Centre and this meeting will be our AGM.

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group
Minutes of meeting held on Wednesday 14th May at 6:45pm.

Present: John Duffy, Ann Robinson, Donald Murdoch, John Maxwell, Derek Burns, John Crane, David Scott, John Le Marie, Muriel Colver.

Apologies: Yvette Lovelock.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting were approved:

Proposed: By John Crane. Seconded: By John le Marie.

Mike Trevett (Green Map) – This item is moving forward and Mike has carried out an information gathering session with West Fife Enterprise, working with 16 to 19 year old. A meeting with Culross Community Council is yet to take place and it is hoped that all information collected will result in a mock up map very soon. John Duffy is to try and arrange a meeting with Mike to find out more information for the next meeting.

Problem Orientated Partnership – Inspector Caldwell was unable to attend the last meeting due to staff changes, it is hoped to move forward with this item over the next few months.
The issue of “Quid bikes” and the inappropriate way they are used has been raised.
We are hoping to discuss this issue with Inspector Caldwell and other interested parties as it is an issue that affects most of the villages.

Home care charges – The charges have now been implemented, with little consultation taking place, it was decided that John and Muriel would raise this issue at the next West Fife Forum meeting.

Planning Issues – Everyone has now received the local plan from Fife Council for there perusal.
Fife Council would welcome any feed back regarding this issue by the 21stJuly.
The proposal for a wind farm about 2km north – west of saline have been raised, it would involve the building of seven 120 metre turbines along with associated access track.
John Crane is to write letter of objection to the proposal on behalf of the group and to complain about the lack of public consultation regarding this item.

Website Report –
David has received a report and some photos from John Crane regarding the West Fife Villages Art / Craft Exhibition. John Le Marie has provided details of walks from the Woodlands Group which have been added to the website.

Treasurer’s Report - The Balance is as follows: - 18,234.59.

Art, Craft and Photography Event – The 3rd Annual West Fife Villages Exhibition has taken place and the event proved to be a great success, with substantial increases in the number of exhibits. Over 300 exhibits were displayed from different Artists and Photographers from most of the West Fife Villages as well as Dunfermline and other parts of Fife.
Aspiring Artists from Six local Primary Schools also sent in 300 paintings and each pupil received a certificate of merit. Over the same weekend and as an extension to this event, an Arts and Craft Exhibition was held in the Saline Church Hall both exhibitions were attended by more than 400 visitors. This successful event will be taking place again next year some time in April.

AOB – The issue of the next AGM was raised by Ann, a date can only be set when the accounts have been officially Audited, John will arrange for this to be carried out.
July the 2nd has been set if it meets with the time scale of the 21 day notice of AGM, will evaluate
the time scale at next meeting.

Date of next meeting - The next meeting will take place on the 4th June at 6.45pm at Blairhall New Community Centre.

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group
Minutes of meeting held on Wednesday 9th April, 2008, at 6:45pm.

Present: Muriel Colver, John Le Marie (in chair), Donald Murdoch, Derek Burns, John Crane, Dave Scott, Andy Young.

Apologies: John & Sylvia Maxwell, John Duffy, Yvette Lovelock, Ann Robinson.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting were approved:

Proposed: By John Crane. Seconded: By Muriel Colver.

Mike Trevitt (Green Map) – As Mike was not present, this item was continued.

Problem Orientated Partnership - It was the feeling that the partnership should be taken forward. It was agreed to ask Inspector Caldwell to the next meeting and to find out how the group could help.

Home care charges – The group was disappointed about the lack of consultation on the matter. As it appeared the charges had now been implemented, the group was not able to meaningfully pursue the issue further, although it was agreed to leave the matter on the agenda.

Public transport – It was reported by Derek that various changes to local timetables had been implemented at the beginning of the week, with some communities benefiting and others losing out. Fife Council and Stagecoach representatives had failed to attend a meeting with West Fife Villages Forum. Another meeting with council officials and councillors was due to be held shortly.

Planning For People Workshop – The group hopes to receive notes from the workshop.

Planning Issues – Matter continued.

Website Report – Dave provided statistics from March last year to March this year which showed a gradual increase in the number of page views per month – from 1121 to 1567. Most referrals were from Google, although there were some from Visit Scotland (Snowdrop Festival), s1Culross.com, fifedirect.org.uk and culrossfestival.com. Dave appealed for more articles and photos for the site, as well as minutes from Community Councils. The only Community Council to submit minutes was Torryburn. John Crane said he would try to get a report and some photos from the West Fife Villages art / craft exhibition. John Le Marie was to provide details of walks from the Woodlands Group.

Treasurer’s Report - It was agreed that the position should be filled and that the bank be made aware of the new office-bearers. John Le Marie said he would liaise with John Duffy.

AOB

Leader funding – A report on the Leader in Fife 2007-13 programme had been circulated. Donald said it was important that the group drew up a list of possible projects which could benefit from the funding, mentioning such possibilities as the core path network, public transport and access to jobs, an extension to the green mapping and a booklet of local walks. Donald said he would write to coordinator Barbara Solway to obtain further information about the programme.

Art, craft and photography event - John Crane reminded members of the West Fife Villages art, craft and photography exhibition in Saline on April 19 and 20. He explained that it was a self-supporting event and there was a need for replacement display boards for children’s work. He asked if the group would consider making a small donation. It was agreed to award £100.

Date of next meeting - The next meeting will take place on the 14th May at 6.45pm at Blairhall New Community Centre.

West Fife Villages Community Planning Group
Minutes of meeting held on Wednesday 12th March at 6:45pm.

Present: Muriel Colver, John & Sylvia Maxwell, John Le Marie, John Duffy, Ann Robinson, Donald Murdoch, Yvette Lovelock, Ray Wood, Derek Burns, John Crane.

Apologies: David Scott, John Bonnar.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting were approved:

Proposed: By John Crane. Seconded: By John Le Marie.

Updates

Problem Orientated Partnership - It was agreed that Ray would make contact with Inspector Caldwell, to ascertain if they were still interested in taking the project forward, given the restructuring and change in personnel.

Culross Tourism Plan – Derek has received a copy of this plan has agreed to email copies of plan to all members.

Home care charges - This item is to be deferred until we can receive full information about the changes in charges.

Green Mapping - The group will be offering Mike Trevett an invitation to attend our next meeting, so that we may present him with our contribution of £3000 to wards this project.
We look forward to receiving a full update on this project from Mike. Derek reported that the scheduled 10 minute presentation to Culross community did not take place to every ones disappointment.

Public Transport – John Duffy has drafted a letter to transportation services and John Crane is to attend a meeting regarding this issue, to put across the views of the group; he will report back his findings to the group at the next meeting.

Planning For People Workshop – This workshop turned out to be very good and enjoyed by all who attended. Karol Swanson is to write up notes taken on the day and will forward these to the group as soon as possible.

Planning Issues - John Duffy is to write a letter on behalf of the group to the West Fife Forum.
Regarding the on going issues surrounding the villages e.g. open cast mining, biomass plant (Longannet), saw mill at Devilla Forest. The need to look at the infrastructure of roads regarding the local plans and the impact this will have on all the villages.

Website Report – The group felt that David needed to update the minutes.

Treasurer’s Report: Balance total is £18274.37

The West Fife Villages Exhibition of Art & Photography – Artist from the West Fife Villages are invited to exhibit their work in the third annual exhibition to be held in Saline Community Centre on 19th and 20th April. The exhibition will be open to the public between 10am and 4.30pm on both days. An Arts and Craft exhibition / Sale will be held in Saline Church Hall to coincide with the exhibition, the church will be open at 12 noon.
There will be no charge for the exhibiting art or photography and entry to the exhibition will be free.

Date of next meeting: The next meeting will take place on the 9th April @6.45pm, Blairhall New Community Centre.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 13TH FEBRUARY IN THE BLAIRHALL NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 6:45PM

PRESENT: David Scott, John Crane, Donald Murdoch, Derek Burns, Muriel Colver, John Duffy, John Le Marie, John Maxwell, John Bonnar, Jo Ross

APOLOGIES: Sylvia Maxwell, Yvette Lovelock, Ann Robinson, Ray Wood.

1.0 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING – As the previous meeting took the form of a workshop there were no minutes produced. However, it was agreed that the post notes from the meeting should be written up, discussed and used by the group to develop an action plan.

2.0 UPDATES

Green Mapping - It was noted that MT had given a presentation to the Community Forum on the 31st January and had made some new contacts.

DB advised that MT was scheduled to give a 10 minute presentation to the Culross Community meeting after which they would decide whether or not they would add their support to the project.

Ways to help MT to engage with established community groups within the pilot area (Kincardine, Culross, High Valleyfield, Low Valleyfield Newmills & Torryburn) was discussed. It was agreed that once MT had produced a draft map, then the drop in and open meetings, as well outreach work in areas and locations such as the Ash Lagoons would be the best way forward.

Craft Fair - JC advised that a Craft Fair would be held in the Church Hall as part of the annual West Fife Villages Art & Exhibition in April. DC advised that there was no longer the support or interest to hold a Craft Fair as part of this year’s Culross Festival.

Problem Orientated Partnership - It was agreed that the Group needed to contact the Police to ascertain if they were still interested in taking the project forward given the recent restructuring and change in personnel.

ACTION: JD to contact Inspector Caldwell

Planning For People Workshop - JD reported that the group had now only to pay for the hire of the Saline Community Centre and catering, as Fife Council had recently become a member of Planning Aid Scotland and as such there would no charge for Planning Aid’s service. It was noted that 13 people had registered to attend the workshop in Saline on the 16th February and that a “Planning for People” workshop organised by Fife Council was scheduled to be take place in on 29th March in Kirkcaldy.

Culross Tourism Plan - It was agreed that the Group should ask for a copy of the Tourism Plan which had been produced for the Culross Enhancement Forum.

ACTION: JD to contact Paul McLaughlin from Talk Consultants

Public Transport - It was noted that representatives from Fife Council, Transportation Service and Stagecoach had given a presentation on proposed changes to the existing bus service at the Community Forum Meeting.

DC advised that the changes had been requested by Culross Community Council due to the ongoing poor provision of a regular bus service to the village. The alteration to the existing service would provide an hourly service from Culross to Dunfermline and a service from Culross to Kincardine every two hours. It was noted that:

• the bus service to the Ferrytoll in Inverkeithing via High Valleyfiled would be increased at peak times;

• the service to Stirling would be removed;

• the service from Blairhall to Valleyfield would be removed;

• a service via Oakley/ Blairhall to Alloa would be introduced.

JB reported that concerns had been raised over the removal of the direct service from Blairhall to Valleyfield as people would now have to get a bus to Cairneyhill and then another bus to Valleyfield and that the split journey would cost people more money. DB reported that the Council and Stagecoach had suggested that there would be no increase in fares and that the viability of the bus services would be reviewed every 3-6 months. The importance in the timing tabling of the service from West Fife to Falkirk was also raised. Concerns were expressed over the very short consultation / response period which had been imposed by the Council on the matter and it was agreed that the Group should write to the Council’s Transportation Services.

ACTION: JD to write to Transportation Services highlighting the need for a much more comprehensive assessment of the sustainable transport needs of people living within the villages; an audit /assessment and rationalisation of the existing private, public and community transport services operating within the area.

3.0 TREASURERS REPORT – JD advised that the Group balance stood at £18,273.72.

4.0 WEBSITE REPORT – DS reported that he had added the article which he had received from the Saline Environmental Group but that more articles were needed tokeep the website fresh.

5.0 AOB

Homecare Charges- It was agreed that the Group should add their support to the campaign opposing the imposition of the charges.

ACTION: JD

Steelend - JC expressed concerns over the proposed closure of the only shop in Steelend.

Oakley - JB advised that the hall in Oakley and bowling green had now been sold to a developer.

Culross- DB advised that planning permission had been granted for the renovation of the undonald Hotel to create two flats.

6.0 DATE OF NEXT MEETING - The next meeting will take place on the 12th March @ 6.45pm Blairhall New Community Centre.

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