06 09 05

Crathes, Drumoak & Durris Community Council (CDDCC)

Minutes of Meeting

5 September 2006 at Irvine Arms, Drumoak from 19.30 hours

1. Sederunt

Community Councillors – Keith Whitehead, Jean Downie, Ann Ross, Molly Atkinson, David Morrish (Chairman), Jill Gow, John Hopkins

Ward Councillor – Jenny Watson

Member of the Public – Debbie Cameron, Pam McConnachie, Caroline Cruickshank, Audrey Fowler, Alfred Fowler, Adam Watson (part-time)

Apologies – Tony Butcher, Sandy Wallace

2. Minutes of August 2006 meeting

Subject to their failure to record the prior apology of Jenny Watson for non-attendance, the minutes were approved (proposer John Hopkins; seconder Jean Downie)

3. Minute Secretary Appointments

October – David Morrish

November – Molly Atkinson

December – Keith Whitehead

4. Drumoak

4.1 Vandalism/Anti-Social Behaviour Problem

Caroline Cruickshank told the meeting of the ongoing problem of vandalism and other anti-social behaviour in Drumoak. She, supported by Debbie Cameron and Pam McConnachie, described a group of around 10 children, of approximate ages 7 to 12 years, which had over the past two years created a climate of fear. Old people, especially, felt intimidated, even inside their houses. People had been abused in their gardens. Certain children had been victimised by the group.

The trouble had originally been concentrated in Keithmuir Gardens and Keithmuir Park, but had spread increasingly to other parts of Drumoak.

Attempts had been made to remonstrate with the children and their parents, but the only apparent effect had been “revenge” activity from the errant children.

Complaints had been made to the Police and to the School, but nothing effective had been done.

The Police seemed unwilling to do anything unless a Formal Complaint was laid. People were reluctant to do this for fear of achieving no more than a worsening of their present situation.

The parents had taken no effective action.

In short, no-one had been of any help.

As the children grew older, the problem had increased. They were now co-opting/intimidating other children and providing an inappropriate role model for them. The problem was not only serious, but growing.

The concerned neighbours had contacted Sandy Wallace, who had referred them to CDDCC.

Jenny Watson suggested that:-

· the local Police Inspector be contacted and a local Community Policeman requested for Drumoak

· Alan Moat, CEO of Grampian Housing (Huntley Street, Aberdeen) be informed of the problem. The Housing Association had a Duty of Care to prevent anti-social behaviour by its tenants

David Morrish undertook to write to each of the above and also to inform Lorna Heppolette and Andy Cruickshank. (Action: David Morrish)

Debbie Cameron expressed the group’s desire to start a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Jenny Watson had information about a scheme recently set-up in Crathes and would provide a contact for her. (Action: Jenny Watson)

4.2 DYP03

Continuing the above discussion on Anti-Social Behaviour in Drumoak, it was noted – not for the first time - that there were virtually no youth facilities in Drumoak. This lack was a clear contributor to the problem.

David Morrish noted that this was the logic that had led to the Drumoak Youth Project (DYP03), sponsored by CDDCC. Funds had been raised and progress made (Youth Shelter and basic multi-use pitch), but the problem was a lack of enthusiastic volunteers to take the project forward. John Hopkins noted that DYP03 had bank funds of over £4,000 and that other grants and match-funding were almost certainly available.

Debbie Cameron, Pam McConnachie and Caroline Cruickshank said that it would be helpful if the multi-use pitch were marked-out and fenced (as originally intended). They also wished to raise funds to provide a skate park and to start a Youth Club.

It was agreed that Debbie Cameron, Pam McConnachie and Caroline Cruickshank would take on the completion of the DYP03 Project. (Action: Debbie Cameron, Pam McConnachie and Caroline Cruickshank). David Morrish would arrange for them to meet Don Keith for a formal hand-over. (Action: David Morrish)

Access to the DYP03 funds was via John Hopkins (CDDCC Treasurer).

A last item on the present list was the need for a “Doggie Bin”. Jenny Watson gave the relevant Aberdeenshire Council phone number to Debbie Cameron, who would progress this. (Action: Debbie Cameron)

John Hopkins proposed that CDDCC donate a small initial grant for expenses. It was agreed that a cheque for £50 would be sent to Caroline Cruickshank for her, Debbie Cameron, Pam McConnachie to use in connection with this work. To send such a cheque to Caroline Cruickshank (Action: John Hopkins) (DONE)

5. Recent Burglaries around Drumoak & Durris

To contact Lorna Heppolette to invite her to the next CDDCC meeting to report on this (Action: David Morrish)

6. Mobile Library

To invite lady from mobile library to attend the next CDDCC meeting. (Action: Jean Downie)

7. Drumoak School

It was noted that the school roll continued to increase. One class had been split, an additional teacher engaged and the shortage of accommodation further exacerbated.

8. Park Quarry Liaison Committee

It was noted that a meeting would take place on 20 September. Don Keith would be raising the issues of weed infestation, noise and dust.

9. Major Developments

9.1 Drumoak

A dead tree, west of the Park Smiddy on the North side of the A93, requires removal by Aberdeenshire Council, as it is becoming a safety issue. (Action: David Morrish to phone “Outdoor Services” at Stonehaven)

There had been no apparent reference to the K&M Planning Committee yet of the requested Planning Application variation on behalf of Deeside Nurseries.

It was noted that Don Keith had written an article on the extension to the Drumoak Sewage Plant. It appeared that all parties were pointing fingers at others over the lack of progress.

To check if the neighbours of ‘Cassies Croft’ (large development opposite Drum Cottage) require CDDCC support (Action: Molly Atkinson)

9.2 Durris

A letter had been sent by CDDCC to Planning & Building Control about the development plans for ‘The Paddock Stables, Durris’. There had been no apparent reference of this yet to the K&M Planning Committee.

9.3 Crathes

The meeting with the Marr Area Planners had taken place that morning. Jenny Watson said that, at the Marr Area Committee, the Planning Brief had been discussed and CDDCC’s comments “taken on”.

She continued that, as soon as the Planning Application was submitted, the Roads Department would consider the possibility of a 50 mph limit. On the general subject of road safety, David Morrish felt that 50 mph was insufficient and went on to stress that in his opinion the limits at Drumoak, Crathes and Kirkton of Durris should probably be set at 30mph. This view was expressed given the recent additional developments at Drumoak to the South of the A93, the Deeside way running along the A93 and across the A957 at Crathes and the fact that some Crathes residents have experienced recent near misses and also what they perceive as increasing speeds. At the Kirkton of Durris, 50 mph is felt to be excessive give the nature of the concealed entrance on the bend. He proposed that the Community Council campaign for 30mph limits in the three villages. This proposal was supported by the community council (not unanimously) and by Councillor Jenny Watson. He also agreed to draft a letter to Deeside Piper, stressing the need for safer driving. He would circulate this to CDDCC for comment. (Action: David Morrish)

To convene a small Crathes sub-group, within the next 10 days, to consider “next steps” on the Crathes Development issue. (Action: Keith Whitehead)

10. Deeside Way

There has been no progress as regards creating a gap by the gate near Park Smiddy. (Action: Molly Atkinson)

11 AOB

11.1 Dalmaik Farm

David Morrish stated that he had received a letter from solicitors acting for the owner stating that no right of way existed in respect of the path now blocked by the 7-strand fence.

It was felt generally that the existence or otherwise of a right of way (rare in Scotland, for historical reasons) was not necessarily the key issue. More relevant, perhaps, was the right of access under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, which – subject to reasonable limitations to preserve privacy – permitted access to all land in Scotland.

Audrey and Alfred Fowler said that the owner of the property was a vulnerable widow, who had felt oppressed by CDDCC’s actions in attempting to establish the access question. They stated that there never had been a path at this location.

David Morrish said that CDDCC’s action had been as a result of a small number of complaints by people who had been using the path and had found it newly-blocked. He described the care with which CDDCC had progressed the matter – initially by an unsuccessful attempted personal visit by a female member of CDDCC and later by a consciously low-key letter.

Jenny Watson suggested that James McPherson (AC Legal Services, via 015697 62001) be consulted on this question. Molly Atkinson undertook to do this and also to refer the question specifically to the local Access Forum (on which she serves). (Action: Molly Atkinson)

11.2 Friends of Planning Aid for Scotland

To renew CDDCC’s membership (cost £10 for 12 months). (Action: John Hopkins) (DONE)

12. North Deeside Road footpath

It had been noted that the new footpath along the North Deeside Road to Mills of Drum was becoming overgrown by brambles. To telephone Jim Craig (Aberdeenshire Council Roads) to verify that Aberdeenshire Council was responsible for maintenance of this footpath. (Action: Molly Atkinson)

13. Next Meeting

3 October, 19.30, Irvine Arms

JFH/6 Sep 06

Distribution
email	post	by hand	Other
CDDCC Councillors	Councillor Jenny Watson	Durris Hall Notice Board (via Sarah Hopkins)	Website www.durris.net (also for previous minutes)
Councillor Sandy Wallace	Crathes Hall Notice Board (via David Humble)	Drumoak Post Office (via John Hopkins)	Debbie Cameron, Pam McConnachie, Caroline Cruickshank
Mr W Munro, Area Manager, Kincardine & Mearns	Banchory Public Library	Park Shop (via John Hopkins)
Mr L Allen, Area Manager, Marr	Community Police Officer (Drumoak/Durris/Crathes), c/o Banchory Police Office
Rev. Jim Scott, Durris Manse, Durris	Drumoak Public Hall (via Ian Pirie)
	Drumoak Church Hall (via Morag Keith)