AGENDA ITEM AND CONTENT

ACTION POINTS

1. INTRODUCTION

Our sixth meeting of session 2004/2005 was opened at 7.30 p.m. by our Chair, BK. 

Welcome was extended to all attendees.

2. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Laura Corner (LC), Councillor Gordon Murray and

Councillor Barry McCulloch

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

Copies of the minutes of the last meeting were available to all meeting attendees, who were given time to read and digest.

The minutes were accepted as being an accurate account of the meeting, nominated by Ms Ailsa Clunie and seconded by Mr Mike Ogden.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES

AC has written letters to NLC regarding Glen Fyne Road and Traffic congestion. Replies have been received about Glen Lochy Road, Litter bins and dog fouling bins and gritting.

5. COMMUNITY POLICE REPORT

Constable Millar attended. Constable Scott worked earlier in the day promoting drug awareness in local primary schools. Both constables have been patrolling in plain clothes at the weekend and constable Millar reported the area as quiet by and large. Residents are requested to let the police know of any problems. Of 53 crimes reported in the last month in the area north of the A80, only 1 was in Craigmarloch.

Constable Millar dealt with some matters raised from the floor;

Speeding at Nursery School:             community police will work with children                                                                        and will park close to the nursery to assess the                                                                 situation,

Security of garden sheds:                   Input from the crime prevention officer can be                                                                 arranged ( security lighting is an excellent                                                                      deterrent ),

Residents were reminded to keep their car keys in a secure place – most cars are now stolen following a house-breaking to steal the keys.

Both constables will attend the Easter event.

6. AOCB

Extending the pond clean-up to include other areas of Craigmarloch was proposed. Litter is a significant problem in a number of areas.

We will consider this proposal closer to the pond clean-up.

7.  O2 Mast

O2 have been refused planning permission for the proposed mobile phone mast on Glen Fyne Road. A full discussion of possible next steps in the story ensued with significant contributions from DW, AC and Ms Marion Young.

In summary, O2 have not appealed the refusal of planning permission yet. They may appeal or negotiate a more acceptable site with the community. Objectors to the original planning application will be notified if O2 appeal and will then have 14 days to add to their submission. (Submissions in support of objections to the planning application will automatically be forwarded to the reporters unit.)

8. Planning

A planning application has been lodged by the Scottish Spina Bifida Association to build a headquarters and treatment centre on town park land adjacent to the Craigalbert Centre. Maps and plans showing the proposed development were circulated. MO has contacted the Spina Bifida Association and they were unaware of any community concerns. Our concern is with the inappropriate use of Town Park land. Tomorrow (18^th March) is the last day for objections to the application.

Following discussion the meeting decided that the community council should host a public meeting to set up an organisation ( provisionally titled ‘Friends of the Town Park’)  which will have protection of this valuable community resource as its sole responsibility. People from throughout the town will be invited and we will seek help from the Cumbernauld News in publicising the event. The event will take place on 2^nd June in Cumbernauld Primary School.

9. Easter Event

The newsletter should be ready for distribution this weekend and will advertise the event. Members of the community and one of our community constables will judge the competitions. We will clean the site of litter before and after the event. Full details are on the website. A final meeting will take place at Jean’s house on Thursday 25^th March.

10. Summer Event

The event is planned for 6^th August and will have a wild west theme. It will be held at the nursery and will be bigger than last year. Donations for the tombola stall will be gratefully received. The next meeting will be held at Marion’s house on 14^th April.

11. Treasurer’s Report

JT presented the treasurer’s report, which is summarised below, and informed the meeting that we will be audited at the end of the financial year.

Craigmarloch Community Council

Financial Report as at 17 Mar 05

Bank Account

Opening Balance                                                                                                  1384.78

Chq No 029           -               8 Mar Cash                                           300.00

Chq No 030           -               15 Mar NLC Rent                                    6.80

Chq No 031           -               15 Mar NLC Chairs                               23.97

                                                                                                                                 330.77

Closing Balance                                                                                                   1054.01

(Administration funds = £243.01 + Community funds = £811.00)

Petty Cash

Opening Balance                                                                                                  155.71

Introduced 8 Mar                                                                                                 300.00

                                                                                                                                                     455.71

  9 Mar    -               Easter Eggs                           42.24      

  9 Mar    -               Gazebo                                   74.48

10 Mar    -               Badges                                     1.19

17 Mar    -               Easter Eggs                           20.55

17 Dec    -               Generator Hire                      35.25

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       138.46

Closing Balance                                                                                                     317.25

(Administration funds = £182.72 + Community funds =£134.53)

Community Funds

In Bank                                                                                    811.00

In Cash                                                                                    134.53

Total                                                                                                                         945.53

12. Secretary’s Report

The following correspondence has been received:

Provision of bollards in Glen Lochy Road is being investigated.

Gritting of cul-de-sacs has the lowest priority and is unlikely to happen until several days of freezing weather have passed. Grit bins can be installed if requested.

Litter bins and dog bins should be emptied weekly – although this has not been happening. Areas we identified will be inspected with a view to siting new litter bins. Community members can contact the cleansing department to obtain free ‘pooper scoopers’. The issues we raised about the pond and notice boards were not addressed in the reply.

The Local Plan Conference organised by the Community Forum has been brought forward to 19^th March. AC, DW and CK will attend and will cover all 5 workshop sessions. Members of the community are invited to attend.

An event will be held in October to commemorate the battle of Trafalgar. The event will celebrate the Scottish involvement in building Nelson’s fleet.

Scottish Coop are inviting members of the community to get involved in facilitating their community activities. Applications are invited for community grants.

Weekly list of planning applications is being received again.

North Lanarkshire Access Forum are holding their AGM on 21^st April at 6pm in the Sumerlee Heritage Center, Coatbridge.

Scottish Outdoor Access Code leaflets were made available to the meeting.

The Association of Scottish Community Councils have launched a website – ‘The Local Channel’ to publicise community councils and the work they do.

The Standing Up To Antisocial Behaviour Award Scheme provides an opportunity to nominate any good citizens for an award.

The ‘On Your Marks’ project will help households in North Lanarkshire calculate their impact on the local ecology and provide opportunities to develop more sustainable lifestyles.

13. Feedback from Community Councillors

SC           Information about the Easter event is now on the website. A survey about                 the best venue for meetings is now available.

JB            There were no items directly relating to Craigmarloch at the Crime Prevention Panel meeting. An initiative to work with young people is seeking funding. Graffiti and vandalism will be targeted by community police.

12. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The date for the next meeting is as follows:

7.30 p.m., Thursday, 21^st  April 2005, at Auchinbee Nursery.