2018 Agendas and Minutes

BOWLING AND MILTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of Meeting 20th February 2018 Milton Hall

In Attendance:

• CC Members: Chris Gray, Francis McNeill, Tine MacMillan, Jim Thomson
• Councillors: Karen Conaghan, David McBride, Iain McLaren, Brian Walker
• Scottish Canals: Helena Huws, Scott McMurray
• Police: PC Raymond Boland
• Shona Brown

Apologies:

• Ian McBride. Chris Gray agreed to chair the meeting.

Police Report:

PC Boland summarised report - copy Attached

Tine mentioned concerns regarding failure of Scottish Canals to close vehicle gate. Young people have been driving into the lower basin area at evening time, some smoking cannabis and she has had to ask them to leave before closing gate. PC Boland gave an assurance that they will patrol this area more regularly at that time.

Previous Minutes:

• Minutes of November meeting were approved.
• Scottish Canals Phase 3 Proposals - Bowling Harbour:
• Chair welcomed Helena Huws and Scott McMurray. Helena gave outline of Phase 3 proposals but advised these were dependant on sufficient funding being secured. Plans shown to all present were those collated as Masterplan immediately following the Charrette, no detailed ones currently available. Proposed areas of improvement:
  1. Pathway linking lower Basin to railway station
  2. Establish walkway/ cycle path (“linear park”) along old railway line
  3. Refurbishment of Customs House
  4. Enhancement of entrance gateway
  5. SC to run an Easter Launch Event 31st March at arches - will include outline of plans regarding Phase 3 development.
• SC are still considering the feasibility of housing.
• Tine mentioned to Scott that his assurance in email of 20th November 2017 that last commercial tenant to leave the site will be asked to close the vehicular gate when they leave at night has not been fulfilled. She asked that this be undertaken by SC staff, i.e. lock-keeper. Scott will check with his superiors and respond accordingly. Update concluded, Helena and Scott left the meeting.

Planning:

1. Jim advised that Scottish Canals have submitted application to install restaurant, kitchen and toilet facility in three of the arches at lower basin (currently 5-7 but erroneously indicated in submission as arch 4). Work scheduled to commence end of March.
2. Susan Dick continues to oppose loss of her field due to proposed construction of rerouted A814/access road on former ESSO site. Exxon have not permitted close investigation of the alternative field offered to her and details of contamination will remain unavailable due to confidentiality agreement between Exxon/ WDC. She had emailed Jim to determine whether issue will be raised at Council meeting on 5th March. Cllr McLaren checked the agenda on his phone and he advised that it is not included.
3. Former Littlemill Distillery Site. Jim has liaised with Planning Aid Scotland, who have informed that permission in place (granted 2006) remains valid and therefore request to Historic Environment Scotland for site to be listed cannot be pursued any further.
4. Jim and Tine met with Jackie Baillie MSP earlier this month to discuss the various issues regarding SC/ Bowling harbour, including removal of locked gates, exclusivity of “public” toilets, lack of adequate lighting and safety barriers etc. She will arrange a meeting with superior SC staff and this CC will invite boaters and other interested parties.
5. Ian McBride requested clarification on application for variation of TPO regarding trees within proximity of his house. Councillor David McBride advised that no application had been received to date by Planning Department.

Bowling/ Milton Matters:

• Ex-Cambion Agreement: Milton resident Liz Meechie has enquired regarding the situation in respect of the ex-cambion agreement reached between W.Thomson and WDC several years ago whereby WT would cease quarrying on the western boundary of their permission in exchange for permission to extend operations to the east, i.e. further away from the village. This had initially been halted due to a dispute within the Thomson family which has subsequently been resolved, and WDC should now be tasked with pursuing the agreement. Cllr McBride advised he will look into the matter.
• Liz also enquired as to whether proposed alteration of flight-paths to/ from Glasgow airport are likely to have any impact on the villages of Bowling and Milton. Iain McLaren will contact CAA for further information.

Flooding Issues, Milton Play Park

• Shona Brown raised the issue of flooding issues in the west section of play park which constitute a potential danger to young people - need for attention to drainage and appropriate funding for this to be resolved. Cllr McBride to pursue.
• Potential Community Garden Site, Milton
• Shona also asked about ownership of land immediately behind flats at Milton Hill. If commonly owned they would be ideal for installation of a community garden. Cllr McBride to look into the matter.

Notice Boards, Milton:

• Jim arranged for Ian McBride to meet up with two gentlemen who run woodwork groups in the Paisley area. They have agreed to construct two boards for a total of £348. Ian will arrange installation in the village. All present agreed to funding from CC account.

Proposed New Member:

• Shona Brown wishes to be co-opted as a member of this CC. As required by Scheme of Establishment the proposal will be voted on at our next meeting.

Date of Next Meeting:

• Tuesday 20th March, Bowling Village Hall, 7.15pm

Bowling and Milton Community Council

Minutes of Meeting 18th September 2018 Bowling Village Hall

In Attendance:

• Councillors: Iain McLaren, Brian Walker
• Karen Prior (Community Project Worker) Suzanne Greer (Community
• Empowerment Officer)
• Police Officers: Martyn Cairns, Andrew Lammey
• Ian McBride, Tine MacMillan, Jim Thomson, Kirstin Savage, Christopher Gray

Apologies:

• Councillors David McBride, Karen Conaghan
• Shona Brown, Sam MacMillan

Election of Office Bearers:

• Ian McBride was elected as Chairperson, Chris Gray as Vice Chair, Shona Brown as Secretary, Tine MacMillan as Treasurer. It was further agreed that Jim Thomson shall serve as Planning Convenor.

Police Report:

PC’s Cairns and Lammey provided police report for the period 17/8/18 -

17/9/18 (copy attached).

Jim and Tine mentioned ongoing issue of antisocial behaviour by groups of young people meeting up in Bowling (window smashed in lower flat Dumbarton Road, car scratched, car windows broken etc) and the litter they are strewing around old basin wall, where they now gather. Officers stressed importance of reporting all such incidents. Cllr McLaren will contact cleansing department regarding possible installation of a bin on that site.

Adoption of Constitution and Scheme of Establishment:

Printed copy confirming adoption was signed/ dated and returned to Suzanne Greer.

Planning:

• Jim gave a brief account of planning applications July/ August - no objections raised.

Bowling/ Milton Matters:

Bowling:

• Kirstin raised problem residents in proximity of the ex-Horseshoe Bar are having with rats. Cllr McLaren will pursue the matter and seek action.
• Tine (treasurer) reported issues regarding receipt of post from both Council and Bank of Scotland. Both have still sent correspondence to the address of our previous treasurer despite having been been notified of the need to update records. She has now had apology from WDC and confirmation that their records have been updated. Bank to be contacted once again.
• Jim showed photos of young people taking part in a bug hunt using equipment this CC had purchased through Community Budgeting. He is liaising with Claire Martin of Scottish Waterways Trust regarding installation of a pond to facilitate pond dips.

Milton

• Ian and Chris expressed ongoing concern regarding the situation at Milton Park. In addition to inadequate drainage there has been no follow-up to proposed upgrading of play area are outlined by Ian McBain from Greenspace at a meeting held in Milton village hall last month, including having all play facilities on the one site. Councillor McLaren will get update.
• Tall tree at corner of Milton Hill and Milton Brae has caused wall at Logspan to crack, causing potential danger to pedestrians and vehicles.

A.O.C.B.:

• It was agreed by all that Chairperson Ian be added as an authorised signatory for CC cheques.
• Ian and Chris requested clarification on the situation regarding Greenlight following its collapse into administration. Cllr McLaren explained that staff have now been re-employed, blue-bin collection with continue as previously, and recycling/ rubbish dump centres are all re-opened.
• Problem with street lighting at Milton Hill - Cllr McLaren to investigate.
• Kirstin advised there will be a litter pick 11am Saturday 22nd September at Bowling Harbour.

Date/ Time/ Location of Next Meeting:

• 16th October 7.15pm Milton Village Hall.

Bowling and Milton Community Council

Minutes of Meeting Milton Village Hall 16/10/2018

In Attendance:

• Councillors: David McBride, Karen Conaghan
• Police: PC Lucy McNulty
• Chris Gray, Ian McBride, Kirstin Savage, Jim Thomson

Apologies:

• Brian Walker, Iain McLaren, Shona Brown, Tine MacMillan, Sam MacMillan

Police Report (17.9.2018 - 16.10.18):

• Total number of incidents reported since last meeting 130
• Number of crime reports generated since September meeting 10

Previous Minutes were proposed by Ian and seconded by Chris.

Planning:

• Proposed construction of 250KW Hydropower Scheme – App No DC18/207. Jim outlined the proposal which would run from Loch Humphrey to Gavinburn Farm. In view of potential impact he has liaised with adjacent CC's (Silverton and Overtoun, Old Kilpatrick, Dumbarton East and Centre) and Clydebelt, and application will be raised at Friday's CC forum meeting. All present agreed that revegetation process will ensure no lasting visual impact on landscape. One remaining concern is possible flooding of culverts – Jim to contact Planning Department for more detail. He will also request an extension to submission deadline.

Bowling/ Milton Matters:

• King George Field: Chris requested update regarding repositioning of play facilities to single site with protective fencing. Cllr Conaghan advised that work will commence November.
• Defibrillator Training: Kirstin advised that defibrillator training course will take place 7-9pm Bowling Village Hall Friday (19th Oct).
• Defibrillator - Milton: Ian will pursue possible location of defibrillator for Milton.
• Memorial Wreaths: Chair requested permission to purchase two wreaths for Bowling and Milton Cenotaphs. All agreed.
• Installation of Notice Boards: Chair further requested payment for Postcrete used for installation of notice boards - he has receipts. All agreed.
• Antisocial Behaviour, Bowling: Jim read out update letter he has received from MSP Jackie Baillie regarding ongoing ASB issues caused by young people coming into Bowling, mostly by train. Following September meeting with Scottish Canals she wrote to West Dunbartonshire Council and Police Scotland and in response Elaine Troup, Communities Manager at WDC, has advised that Council will utilise available resources to continue to support a co-ordinated partnership response via ASB Task Group to minimise concerns and develop an approach for future years. Kirstin mentioned further incidents involving damage to parked cars (mirrors broken etc) - all at meeting agreed the importance of reporting such issues.
• Unsafe Wall: Chris reported unsafe state of wall at corner of Milton and A82. Similar to one at corner of Milton Brae and Milton Hill, there is a significant crack in wall which poses a threat to pedestrians and traffic alike. Cllr Conaghan will pursue.

AOCB:

Standard format agenda: Chris proposed that the CC uses a standard agenda for each meeting. This was agreed as follows, exception being if important issues arise which require separate listing:

1. Welcome/ Apologies
2. Police Report
3. Updates from Councillors
4. Previous Minutes
5. Planning
6. Bowling/ Milton Matters
7. AOCB

Date and Location of Next Meeting:

Tuesday 20th November, Bowling Village Hall, 7.15pm

Bowling and Milton Community Council Meeting

Minutes: Bowling Village Hall on Tuesday 20th November 2018 at 7.15 pm

Present:

• Councillors: David McBride, Iain Mclaren
• CC Councillors: Ian McBride, Shona Brown, Tine MacMillan, Sam MacMillan, Kirstin Savage, Jim Thomson

1. Apologies:

• Councillors: Brian Walker and Karen Conaghan
• CC Councillors: Chris Gray

2. Police Report: no one present from Police Scotland therefore no report provided

3. Councillors Report: Councillor McBride stated he had nothing to report. Both councillors advised report on Bowling by ‘Exon’ has been submitted to WDC providing outlying business case. This is not the final business case. Any work currently on site is investigation taking place by Exon and not WDC.

4. Previous minutes:

• All matters arising to be discussed as follow up on other points of the agenda.
• Minute approved by: Ian McBride and seconded by Kirstin Savage.

5. Planning: Jim Thomson reported the following:

• WDC Local Development Plan: Anthony McGuiness, WDC can attend a BMCC meeting in the future to discuss the plan more fully and give advice on any points raised.
• a letter of support with certain listed conditions was submitted on behalf of BMCC by Jim re: proposed Hydropower scheme. All details in letter sent to all CC by Jim were included. WDC have asked for a prerequisite noise assessment.
• owner of field at Milton campaigning for ’Save Our Field’ (opposite Milton Inn on A82) requested the support of BMCC in objection to the develop of this field as detailed in the WDC plans. Following discussion and clarification of proposed plan by the councillors’ present, this request was rejected. Jim will notify the owner of the outcome of the meeting.
• Jim advised of LDP2’s propose housing developments within Bowling i.e. at former Scott’s Yard and Littlemill Distillery and both sides of the canal to the east of the Upper Basin. He reminded members that with regard to the latter Scottish Wildlife Trust undertook a field study at this Community Council’s request which opposed such development. Discussion took place and consensus reached that there were no objections to the proposal for Scott’s and Littlemill but ongoing objection to any housing to the east of the upper basin should be submitted on behalf of BMCC.
• proposed development of a field at Mansfield Crescent, Old Kilpatrick discussed, and consensus reached that BMCC’s opposition to the proposal be submitted.
• proposed marine manufacturing plant at former Carless Site to the east of Old Kilpatrick was discussed and consensus reached that no objection would be made by BMCC.

6. Bowling / Milton Matters:

• Shona advised that she had been asked by Chris Gray to raise the problems currently encountered by the current state of disrepair to the wall at the private road entrance to Miltonhill from Milton Brae. Residents are concerned that this presents a danger and is in urgent need of attention. Councillor Mclaren stated he would take this matter forward and advise the appropriate council officer of the situation and ask for an urgent assessment to clarify the full details.
• Shona enquired as to the function of the Alexander Cross Cameron Bequest Committee and the grants awarded by them; minutes provided from this committee stated that Bowling CC had received a grant. This would appear to be inaccurate and may have been an error in the minute. Councillor McBride agreed to clarify the situation as this Bequest Fund supports projects in the Clydebank area.
• Shona asked if one of the laptops owned by BMCC could be provided for the secretarial duties in order to hold relevant records of the BMCC on a laptop owned by the BMCC rather than a member’s private machine. This was agreed.
• Shona provided update on King George Field, Milton: work due to start in provision of new play equipment, fencing and drainage followed by path repair / upgrade and new benches. Two trees have fallen in high winds. Enquiries made as to whether these can be cut and taken by residents. As WDC do not intend to move them consensus was that this would not seem to be a problem as long as no further mess was left behind.
• Grants / Community Budgeting - discussion took place. Deadline for submissions is 10th December 2018. Up to £5,000 can be awarded however Jim advised only one award would be made to BMCC. Shona and Ian stated discussion had taken place regarding Milton Park and further equipment for the children, as well as adult gym equipment, and it had been hoped that a grant application could have been made to assist in this matter. Jim advised that Bowling had hoped to apply for a ramp arrangement to be installed at Bowling Basin in order to provide access for disabled people wishing to be involved in canal activities on the water. It was agreed that Jim would pursue the Bowling matter as this had been discussed some time before.
• Milton Services Area / westbound side of A82. Ian raised issue of two Ford Focus vehicles lying abandoned behind Esso garage now covered in leaves. Also fly tipping in area. Councillor McBride agreed to speak to team dealing with abandoned vehicles in WDC. Container also located outside Masala Twist and Arnold Clarks. Situation to be monitored.
• as defibrillator now established in Bowling it would be beneficial for one to be located in Milton. Discussion had taken place previously regarding this and location point had been difficult to established. Matter to be taken forward by Milton CC’s. WDC providing training in use of defibrillators in near future in Abbotsford Hotel. Full details to be clarified.
• At the invitation of Matthew Skilling, Activity Hub & Research Development at Scottish Canals, Jim attending a meeting last week in ‘Beehive’ Bowling with representatives from RNLI, SC and the Royal Life Saving Society UK. It looked at addressing anti-social behaviour from a different angle - consisting of education package involving the police and formalising this within local secondary schools. Request made for improved signage by Scottish Canals advising of ‘dangers of water’. Proposals also made for improved signage to advise of dangers of water. Follow up meeting with Jackie Baillie MSP regarding measures to be taken to resolve anti-social behaviour at Bowling Basin and adjacent sites will take place 3rd Dec. Tine advised she will attend.
• Memorial Wreaths: two wreaths were laid as previously agreed, one in Milton and one on Bowling. Ian may be travelling in 2019 to Belgium to the National War Graves and requested funds to take wreath to lay on behalf of BMCC. This was agreed.
• Ian will attend a meeting in December as a representative of BMCC for Community Transport Provision in WDC.
• Everyone was reminded of the ROSPA Research Survey.

Date of Next Meeting: Milton Village Hall on Tuesday 15th January 2019 at 7.15 pm