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Council Minutes
MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE ROYAL BURGH OF LOCHMABEN & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY 5th February 08.
Present
Chairman Graham Mundell
Treasurer Sandy Grant
Edna Allbrook
Pauline Pennie
Councillor Michael Dickie
Inspector Alan Cook
Katherine Elliot
Jean Kelly
A. Macdonald
Apologies
Lesley Ross
Pam Linton
Suzanne Storm
Ken Galloway
Minutes: The minutes of the 8th January 08 meeting were corrected under Rights of Way – Solway should read Sulwath, proposed by Sandy Grant and seconded by Edna Allbrook
Treasurers Report:
The balance of accounts stands at £3,700
The administration grant has now been received.
Rights of Way
The path around Mill Loch is now open but concerns have been raised at the amount of rubbish that is being dumped. It was noted that a local resident had been injured collecting the rubbish.
A question was raised regarding overnight camping around the loch and if this allowed. It was explained that the land belongs to a local farmer and it would be his responsibility. Concerns were also raised about people lighting fires around the Loch side and whether vehicles have access at the top end of the loch.
Police Report
Inspector Alan Cook reported 9 crimes committed locally. Breach of the peace, 2 vehicles on building site were damaged. Damage to parked vehicles, and one youth was pulled off his scooter.
Vandalism and dishonestly figures were down in this section but crimes overall were up. Mostly drug related. Detection rate overall is 69%. It was noted that there was an accident in the high street prior to arrival at the meeting.
A member commented on the traffic speeding through Lochmaben. The Police van will visit hopefully its presence will act as a deterrent. The chairman asked the Inspector for his comments regarding speed restriction signs which reflect actual speed. The inspector explained that the sign in Moffat is not totally effective as youngsters view it as a challenge to reach higher speeds. In his opinion a slow down sign would be more effective. It was suggested that the funding from AirTricity could be used to purchase speed signs.
A concerned resident reported football games outside the town hall, and suggested that no ball games signs could be erected. Inspector Cook advised a phone call to the police. To highlight the dangerous practice it was suggested that the community policeman should give a talk to the Youth Group.
Lochmaben Youth Group:
The next meeting will be held within the next two weeks.
Moira Weatherup has been invited and will be giving a presentation at the Meeting of the Lochmaben Initiative on 5th March in the Town Hall at 2p.m.
Councillor Dickie’s Report:
On March 5th the official opening of the Disabled Access at Lockerbie Railway Station will be held. It is hoped for a better train service through Lockerbie in the future.
On Wednesday 5th the first sod will be cut for the new Moffat Academy. The Echo Deco recycling site is now officially open. The road shows will be well worth a visit.
Digital switchover will be in 2009.
There will be a digital bus covering the areas to inform the public of the changes and Ivor Kennedy who is the local representative is willing to come to the community council to give a talk on the matter.
The planning for Housing at Glebe Terrace has been refused.
The weekly planning list is now on email.
Sandy suggested using the local Lochmaben Website to include this.
The League of Friends will be holding their annual art exhibition on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd May with a prize for the best painting on a Burns Theme. The League of Friends has provided more equipment for the hospital with most bedrooms having a television now.
Council – Identifying savings by Budget meeting on 21st February 2008.
Roads – Queen Street the roads department will look at this as soon as they can.
Experimented at Lochmaben with road repairs and it was not successful.
Bruce Street – Still problems with water pressure being irregular.
The Chairman said he received a very positive response and praised Scottish Water customer care, who responded immediately. A question was raised regarding the Public Toilets at Lochmaben, they are now open but there is no heating and so no hot water and no lights.
Traffic lights at Sheildhill Bridge are causing problems since they were replaced and they need re programming as the lights stay at red for long enough to cause a long traffic build up. The Bottle Bank needs another bin. Time tables are still needed in the bus shelters.
There is some subsidence at the Old Cemetery mostly in the old part. Parks department will be made aware.
Correspondence:
Planning applications were read out and passed around. No local issues.
Taylor Wimpey at Vendace Drive development is building 58 houses, and 21 houses at Loreburn.
A.O.C.B.:
The Paddling Pool – there is a slight delay and a plan needs to be formulated for its eventual use.
A suggestion is that 2 people from each group and 3 from local residents who would then relate through the community council and the local initiative group.
Gus Macintyre – Community and Learning officer needs a document to submit and various suggestions for the paddling pool have already been received.
Annual Sports Award – Annandale & Eskdale Leisure Trust request nominations for the Sports Award. The following suggestions were made.
Lochmaben Primary School – Lacrosse Team
Ian Dunlop for services to local rugby.
Forms have to be submitted by 22nd February 2008.
Co opt Mrs. Jean Kelly & Mr. A MacDonald.
Mrs. Jean Kelly (voters roll number 5084) – Proposed by Sandy Grant 4892, The Heft, Marjoriebanks
44 Mossvale, Lochmaben Lochmaben Seconded by Graham Mundell 4790, High Street, Lochmaben
Mr. A MacDonald (5165) Proposed by Graham Mundell & Seconded by Sandy Grant.
Date of the next meeting will be 4th March 2008 at 7.30 p.m.
