Category: Thornhill & Blairdrummond Community Council News Page 1 of 4

 Thornhill Community Hall / 26^th September 2023 at 7:30pm 

1. Present and Apologies

Present: Elaine Blanchard (EB) Secretary, Alison Newlands (AN) Minute Taker, Cllr Gene Maxwell (GM), Moira Russell (MR), Sheena Stewart (SS), Al Rawlinson (AL) Chair, Joyce Firth (JF).

Apologies: Hector Muir (HM), Andy Greig (AG), Gary Thompson (GT), Rowena Coulthard (RC)

2. Approval of minutes of meeting on the 22^nd August 2023

Minutes approved, no objections or comments.

Approved by EB

Seconded by MR

3. Matters Arising

No matters arising, all covered in agenda.

4. Reports – External

a. Transport Scotland – Traffic Alleviation at Safari Park

No update on this issue at present.  

b. Police Scotland

The Police Scotland latest report has been received and details listed below.

Road Safety 

On 02/09/23 two vehicles were involved in a collision on A84 with the junction of B8075 Kirk Lane.  As a result, the road was closed for several hours.  During this period PC’s King and Deans carried out speed checks in the Thornhill area.  One driver was issued with a conditional offer of fixed penalty, one driver reported to the Procurator Fiscal and four drivers warned. 

This area will continue to be monitored. Police have been made aware of traffic problems at the Main Street with the junction of Kippen Road, Thornhill. This has been passed Stirling Council.

Theft 

Overnight on 21st into 22nd September 2023 a motorbike was stolen from a property in Thornhill. The motorbike was recovered a short distance away. Enquiries are ongoing in relation to this.

Community Engagement and Reassurance

On 28/08/23 police received reports of people possibly hare coursing in the Blair Drummond area. Please continue to report any sightings of people/dogs in the area hare coursing to police.

c. Stirling County Councillor 

GM advised that Stirling Council are currently looking at budgets for 2024/25 and significant savings will be required.  

Planning

Plans for a new primary school in Callendar have been designed and are ready to be submitted to the planning department.  

Planning has approved a new housing development, Durieshill located between Stirling Services and Plean.  This development will have three thousand new homes, a mix of tenures with private housing, affordable housing, and private rented sector housing.  The site will also have a primary and secondary school and community organisations and businesses. 

Rural Living

GM advised that he is actively and collectively supporting the area with issues around safety particularly school children and providing a better understanding of rural living. 

World Cycling Championships

There was a discussion on funding for the event and JF asked about any community payback plans.

GM advised that he was not aware of any community payback plans, will pass this on the Stirling Council.

5. Reports – Internal

a. Chair

AR – Nothing to report.

b. Secretary 

Nothing to report.

c. Treasurer

EB updated the meeting with the current financial information on behalf of GT.

Treasurer’s Report: £225.36 in the bank account, still awaiting admin grant being released. GM to chase with Stephen Bly

d. Planning

AR Report circulated prior to meeting. 

AR read out new planning applications received at Stirling Council for Thornhill.

GM advised that the New National Planning Framework was published in February 2024 and has introduced stricter controls relating to flooding and the ability to build properties in flood areas.  This will affect Aberfoyle with a 15 mile stretch already sterilised due to flooding.

e. Thornhill Community Trust/ Futures Group

JF advised that the meeting scheduled for 21^st September had been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances and has been rescheduled for 26^th November 2023.  The aim to complete a final draft by January 2024 will now not be possible.

GM asked about the submission of the local placement plan and if a different plan needs to go to the National Park and Stirling Council.

JF responded that Thornhill is out with a National Park and consultation is only required by Stirling Council.

The Community Council agreed to promote the rescheduled meeting on social media.

The meeting entered a discussion on the Light Up Thornhill Events and agreed more panning was required.

f. Blair Drummond Community Hall

Nothing to report.

6. Community Council Business

a. Dunsire and Partners’ development in Thornhill 

AR updated the meeting on the development application and advised that a decision has still not been reached, no significant update at present.  

b. Slow Down sign/flashing light on A873 after B8031 (near Coldoch Road) towards Stirling.

EB advised that HM has spoken to Gabriela Ingle on the work conducted previously and advised any signage and actions promised have not progressed.

Leave on agenda until resolved.    

c. Sommers Lane

GM advised that query on new signage had been submitted to Stirling Council, no response as yet.  

d. Aberfoyle Flooding 

As per agreement at TBCC meeting on 22^nd Augiust 2023 a letter to Strathard Community Council has been sent offering support from TBCC.

e. Speeding in Thornhill

EB advised that new signs have been purchased highlight speed restriction in the village.  It is planned that fake police signs and bin stickers will be purchased for the village.

f. Doig Street Water Pressure

MR advised that the water pressure has been particularly bad for a prolonged period of time in Doig Street.  

GM has contacted Scottish Water, no response as yet.

g. Thornhill Primary School Fencing

EB advised that residents are complaining about the fencing around the children’s play park.  Stirling Council play maintenance team are planning a visit to the area to assess the situation and arrange repairs.

AR asked if Stirling Council carries out risk assessments on children’s play areas. 

GM responded that there are legal requirements for play spaces at schools, will check about play areas. 

h. Red Squirrel sign on Coldoch Road

EB advised on the above issue and GM advised that the request needs to be sent to Stephen Bly at Stirling Council.

i. Signing up to Scottish Forum 

EB advised that there is a Scottish Forum of Community Councils.  It is hope that the forum will provide a way to connect Community Councils across Scotland and share information about the work they do.  They hope that the Forum will be a national umbrella body for Community Councils in Scotland with a mission to support communities and to provide them with the resources they may need to succeed. 

No objections TBCC agreed to sign up to the Scottish Forum.

j. Repairs to pavement Back Yetts

No update to report.

k. Letter to Stirling Council re road markings

No update to report.

7. Residents Forum

Nothing further to report.

8. AOB

Bins on Thornhill to Callendar Road.

SS advised that residents have been leaving bins out on the road to Callendar from Thornhill, causing an obstruction .

GM agreed to follow this up.

9. Date, time, and venue of next meeting

7^th November 2023 at 7:30pm

Action Points	Member Responsible
Funding for World Cycling Championships – Community Payback Plans	GM
Admin Grant for TBCC	GM
Local Placement Plan meeting 26/11/23 – promote on social media	EB
Update on requested signage for Sommers Lane	GM
Risk assessments for children’s play areas	GM
Red Squirrel sign on Coldoch Road	EB
Sign up to Scottish Forum of Community Councils	EB
Bins left out on Thornhill to Callendar Road	GM

Meeting closed 21:05

 Thornhill Community Hall / 22^nd August 2023 at 7:30 pm 

1. Present and Apologies

Present: Hector Muir (HM) Chair, Elaine Blanchard (EB) Secretary, Alison Newlands (AN) Minute Taker, Andy Greig (AG), Cllr Gene Maxwell (GM), Moira Russell (MR), Gary Thompson (GT) Treasurer, Sheena Stewart (SS), Rowena Coulthard (RC), Bob Marshall (BM), Veronica Bachelor (VB), Heather Aitkenhead (HA), Sara Fullerton (SF).

2. Approval of minutes of meeting on the 22^nd February 2023

Minutes approved, no objections or comments.

Approved by MR

Seconded by AG

3. Approval of minutes of meeting on the 21^st June 2023.

Minutes approved, no objections or comments.

Approved by AG

Seconded by EB

4. Matters Arising

a) Vote on co-opting members

Further to the Inaugural Meeting in June, where seven candidates were elected to the Community Council, it was advised there was the capacity to elect up to nine people. 

All agreed that new members would be welcome, and co-option nominations will be accepted from the November 2023 meeting onwards. 

5. Reports – External

a. Transport Scotland – Traffic Alleviation at Safari Park

HM – no update on this issue at present.  Agreed to leave on the agenda until funding has been agreed.

b. Police Scotland

The Police Scotland latest report has been received and details listed below.

Antisocial Behaviour

On 29/05/23 an incident took place on the A873 between Thornhill and the A84 at Blair Drummond whereby the passenger of a vehicle was threatening and abusive to the occupants of another. Enquiry was conducted and one male identified and issued with a recorded Police warning.

Cllr Gene Maxwell added that there have been a number of instances of anti-social behaviour in Stirling recently, which have raised some concerns.  This is highly unusual and has been raised with Police Scotland.

Theft

On 03/05/23 a theft by shoplifting occurred at Angling Active, Stirling Agricultural Centre. One male has been identified and issued with a recoded Police Warning. 

On 07/05/23 a theft by shoplifting occurred at Angling Active, Stirling Agricultural Centre. The person responsible for this brandished a knife at staff when leaving the store. One male was identified, arrested, charged, and kept in custody to appear at court in relation to this.

Fraud

Fraud continues to be a problem in all areas of Scotland. Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations, and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you will let your guard down for just a moment. Stop and think. It could protect you and your money. 

There is advice including information on a number of different types of fraud on the Police Scotland website at – Personal Fraud – 

Police Scotland Police Scotland are currently recruiting for Special Constables. “As a special constable, you’ll collaborate with our police officers in your spare time – forging strong partnerships in the community, patrolling our streets, preventing crime, and interacting with all kinds of people to give back, keep your local community safe and make a real difference.” If you think you could make a difference in your local community then head to their recruitment pages for more info – Police Scotland Recruitment – Police Scotland

c. Stirling County Councillor 

GM advised that Stirling Council Councillors are just returning from summer recess and dealing with issues with potholes and housing overcrowding.

Planning has approved a new housing development, Durieshill located between Stirling Services and Plean.  This development will have three thousand new homes, a mix of tenures with private housing, affordable housing, and private rented sector housing.  The site will also have a primary and secondary school and community organisations and businesses. 

Stirling Council are involved in a City Region Deal with Clackmannanshire Council. This is a package of significant investment in innovation and infrastructure that will drive inclusive economic growth throughout the city region.  As part of this deal Stirling Council will see major investment into the Ministry of Defence land at Forthside.  At point of transfer, the site will have been surveyed and cleansed of any dangerous contaminants by the MOD, with the buildings and infrastructural elements being handed over on a ‘current condition’ basis. Opportunities will continue to be explored to support early release of any or all of the site.  There has been some interest in using the current buildings as they are.

World Cycling Championships

GM advised that he has received a lot of emails regarding the event and in general the feedback has been positive. It is clear there will be lessons learned from hosting such a major event in the area.

There was a discussion on funding for the event and GM agreed to check on the funding received and allocation.

Nursery Provision

GM advised that there are issues around nursery places in the area in particular Killin.  This is due to the reduction of early years provision and funding.  This has forced some nursery provisions to reduce the number of employees reducing places available and resources for provision. 

6. Reports – Internal

a. Chair

HM – Nothing to report.

TBCC email now transferred over to EB.

c. Treasurer

GT updated the meeting with the current financial information.

Treasurer’s Report: Approximately £450 in the account, awaiting admin grant being released.

d. Planning

AG – Report circulated by AL. 

AG read out new planning applications received at Stirling Council for Thornhill.

GM advised that the New National Planning Framework was published in February 2024 and has introduced stricter controls relating to flooding and the ability to build properties in flood areas.

e. Thornhill Future Group

EB advised that the group is pushing forward with the local placement plan and are currently on draft number 9, aiming to complete a final draft by January 2024.

A final public consultation has been arranged for 21^st September 2023.

f. Blair Drummond Community Hall

Nothing to report.

g. North Common Trust

EB advised that the Chair of the North Common Trust has recently resigned and are currently assessing the role moving forward.  In addition, the Deed of Trust for the North Common Trust lists those members should also be members of the TBCC.  

6. Community Council Business

a. Dunsire and Partners’ development in Thornhill 

AG updated the meeting on the development application and advised that a decision has still not been reached.  The decision was previously on hold pending the decision on a planning application at Mossend, West Lothian, this has subsequently been rejected.  The Scottish Government Reporter requested any further comments to be submitted by 18^th August now extended to 30^th August 2023.  The Reporter will then deliberate for a period of time then pass their recommendation to the Scottish Government. 

b. Slow Down sign/flashing light on A873 after B8031 (near Coldoch Road) towards Stirling.

HM to check with Gabriela Ingle on the work conducted previously and will update at the next meeting.    

c. Sommers Lane

GM to check with Roads Department regarding an update on new signage. 

d. Speeding in Thornhill

Speeding in Thornhill continues to be an issue, see item 7.

e. Flooding in Callander

AG tabled a paper on  Aberfoyle Flooding.  

Background information – Aberfoyle has a long-standing problem with flooding. Since Stirling Council (SC) was given responsibility for dealing with this, many reports, and much money (rumoured to be £2M+) has been spent studying the problem but no action has resulted.  

The damage caused by flooding is presently calculated simply in terms of the damage to property. On this basis, Aberfoyle was not in the first tranche of communities selected for flood protection. In practice, the economic damage and inconvenience is much greater because all the communities, including two large hotels and the school, are frequently cut off to the west of Aberfoyle. A recent letter from SC to the planning authority recommends an objection to any development west of Aberfoyle, where the B829 is blocked on the grounds of flooding. This is difficult to quantify, and at present is not considered.

AG advised that Strathard Community Council has requested support from TBCC.  All agreed and AG will write to them and offer support.

f. Doig Street Water Pressure

EB raised the above item for consideration by the TBCC due to the issues that it is causing families in this area.  

MR advised that the water pressure has been particularly bad for a prolonged period of time.  Numerous calls have been logged with Scottish Water but no resolution to date.  Scottish Water have visited the area several times and believe the issue to due to old water pipes that are no longer fit for purpose, given the number of houses it supplies.

MR to telephone Scottish Water for an update and request details on escalation process.

GM agree to write to Scottish Water.

7. Residents Forum

Speeding in Thornhill

HA outlined the issues around speeding in Thornhill:

• Last week a dog was killed by a speeding vehicle along our Main Street. 
• The extent to which the situation impacts the everyday lives of Thornhill residents, especially young families and older people who are unable to live and move safely around the village.
• Damage to cars and buildings is a regular occurrence.
• Children cannot walk or cycle to school safely as vehicles (including buses and lorries) regularly mount the pavement rather than wait for other vehicles to pass.
• There are no crossing points or signs around the school.
• Pavements are too narrow for prams. It is impossible to strap toddlers into car seats along the Main Street without cars speeding inches away from the door. 

HA outlined the three main areas of concern:

• Thornhill main street down from road narrowing to Grays Loan.
• Thornhill Cross bottle neck.
• Area around Thornhill Primary School.

The TBCC entered a detailed discussion on the issues outlined and agreed the issues need to be addressed urgently particularly around the primary school.  

Ideas tabled:

• Pedestrian crossing –  previously agreed with Stirling Council, never actioned.
• One way system 
• Flower planters along far end of village to prevent cars mounting the pavements.
• Council CCTV van used for surveillance in the village.
• Signage at Primary School.
• Line painting at crossroads.
• Community Petition to Stirling Council.
• Look at Safe Routes to School Programme.

GM agreed to follow up signage and issues around safety at the primary school and update on pedestrian crossing plans.

HM agreed to speak to Gabriela Ingle regarding previous petition to Stirling Council and process involved.

TBCC agreed to add issue as a standing item for future meetings.

b. Road Markings

Resident email about road markings (specifically at the junction with the A84 at the Smiddy) having seen several cars going the wrong way due to poor road markings. There is also an issue at the Main Street/Kippen Road junction – Stirling Council said they were going to repaint there after the accident earlier in the year, but still have not done so.

AG agreed to write to Stirling Council regarding repainting road markings, supported by GM.

8. AOB

Back Yetts

SF advised the meeting on the issues of cars using the Back Yetts road.  It appears that Google Maps navigation is using this road as the preferred route through Thornhill.  This road is not suitable for heavy traffic and vehicles are being damaged and pavement already collapsed on the corner of the road.  GM agreed to follow up repair of pavement with Stirling Council.   

9. Date, time, and venue of next meeting

28^th September 2023 at 7:30pm

Action Points	Member Responsible
Funding for World Cycling Championships	GM
Update on Slow Down sign/flashing light on A873 after B8031 (near Coldoch Road) towards Stirling from Gabriela Ingle	HM
Update on requested signage for Sommers Lane	GM
Aberfoyle Flooding – Letter to Strathard Community Council offering TBCC support	AG
GM agree to write to Scottish Water.	GM
MR to telephone Scottish Water for an update and request details on escalation process.	MR
Stirling Council – Follow up signage and issues around safety at the primary school and update on pedestrian crossing plans for the village.	GM
Speak to Gabriela Ingle regarding previous petition to Stirling Council and process involved.	HM
Letter to Stirling Council re road markings.	AG
Repairs to pavement Back Yetts	GM

Meeting closed 20:30.

Thornhill Community Hall / 21^st June 2023 at 7:30 pm 

Present: Michelle Flynn (MF) Stirling Council, Elaine Blanchard (EB), Alison Newlands (AN) Minute Taker, Andy Greig (AG), Hector Muir (HM), Sheen Stewart (SS), Moira Russell (MR), Gary Thomson (GT), Campbell Millar, Rowena Coulthard (RC)

Apologies: Al Rawlinson (AR)

Michelle Flynn from Stirling Council chaired the Inaugural Meeting and welcomed everyone.

2. Community Council Induction

MF advised the meeting that following the close of nominations for the Community Council elections on Wednesday 7th June 2023, sufficient valid nominations were received for the Thornhill and Blair Drummond Community Council.  The following candidates were elected:

Elaine Blanchard 

Rowena Coulthard 

Andy Greig 

Hector Muir

Alastair Rawlinson 

Moira Russell 

Gary Thomson

MF added the TBCC has elected 7 candidates and has the capacity to elect up to 9 people.  The elected candidates will hold office for a period of 4 years, with the next election being held in 2027.

Additional information on induction to the Community Council was circulated at the end of the meeting.

3. Appointment of Office Bearers

MF advised that the new Thornhill and Blair Drummond Community Council was now required to appointment their office bearers and must have at a minimum a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.

Nominations for appointment of Chair

Hector Muir

Proposed – Elaine Blanchard Seconded – Andy Greig

No objections Hector Muir elected as Chair.

Nominations for appointment of Secretary

Elaine Blanchard

Proposed – Rowena Coulthard Seconded – Andy Greig

No objections Elaine Blanchard elected as Secretary.

Nominations for appointment of Treasurer

Gary Thomson

Proposed – Rowena Coulthard Seconded – Hector Muir

No objections Gary Thomson elected as Treasurer.

Nominations for appointment of Vice Chair

Andy Greig

Proposed – Gary Thomson Seconded – Hector Muir

No objections Andy Greig elected as Vice Chair.

Nominations for Planning/Licensing Correspondent

Alastair Rawlinson

Proposed – Moira Russell Seconded – Elaine Blanchard

No objections Alastair Rawlinson confirmed as Planning/Licensing Correspondent.

4. Signing of the Constitution and Standing Orders

MF asked the Chair HM and Secretary EB to sign the constitution and standing orders.  Once signed a copy was given to the Chair.

5. Meeting Calendar

The following meetings have been confirmed for 2023/24

Tuesday 22^nd  August       2023

Tuesday 26^th  September 2023 

Tuesday 7^th    November  2023 

Tuesday 12^th  December  2023 

Tuesday 23^rd  January       2024

Tuesday 5^th    March         2024

Tuesday 23^rd  April            2024 

Tuesday 4^th    June             2024  AGM

6. Useful links for:

– Scheme of Establishment

– Member Booklet

– Area Profile

– Community Council Enquiry Process

MF outlined the above useful documents available to the Community Council, highlighting the main document as the scheme of establishment.

MF also advised on the enquiry process and main contact of Stephen Bly for raising any questions or queries.

7.  Document Handover and Brief Explanation

– Inaugural Additional Notes

– Administration Grant

– Community Council Enquiry

MF handed over documents on above topics to the EB.

8. Handover to duly elected Chairperson

Formal meeting concluded and handed over to HM.

Meeting closed 20:00.