10 04 06

Crathes, Drumoak & Durris Community Council (CDDCC)

Minutes of Meeting

6 April 2010 at Irvine Arms, Drumoak from 19.30 hours

1. Sederunt

Community Councillors: Ann Ross, Jenny Watson, Diana Robertson, John Baillie (Acting Chairman), Geoffrey Atkinson

Aberdeenshire Councillors (Ward 18): Wendy Agnew

Members of the public: Dave Shand, Michael McKendrick, Amanda McKendrick, Brian Smith, Donald Keith

Apologies: David Morrish, John Hopkins, Nicola Chambury

Police: PC Alex Riley

Minutes Secretary: Heather Robertson (Acting Minutes Secretary)

2. Previous Minutes

The minutes of February 2010 were proposed by Geoffrey Atkinson and seconded by Ann Ross and accepted as an accurate record. 

3. Myrebird SeeMe Trial – Report by Richie Fraser (Roads Dept.)

This trial began following the two accidents involving schoolchildren exiting the school buses in the region. Started in May last year, the trial was the first of its kind in the UK, and the council were given free use of the signs for the first three months.

Progress was monitored using a before and after scheme;

-The average speed before the introduction of the signs was found to be 53mph.

-With the signs in place,there was an average reduction in speed of 6% – approximately 3mph.

-During periods when the signs were on and flashing, this reduction went up to 8mph or 13%.

Pupils from the Academy have said that they have noticed this reduction in speed, and that fewer cars are overtaking the bus unsafely as it is stopped. Results from a survey of Academy parents have also been positive. An online survey of motorists using the road found that 76% of users noticed the signs, and of them 86% felt that they were useful and helped to alert them to the presence of schoolchildren.

The original intention was that the signs would return in January; however due to adverse weather conditions the signs were not returned until later in February. The further monitoring will be useful, as it will show how effective the signs have been on darker nights, and will also show if the effect is as great, now that drivers are getting used to the signs. Elsewhere, the signs have led to a reduction of 10mph in the average speed.

Comments

Donald Keith mentioned that he has noticed children sometimes running across the road at the sign. It has been emphasised by the school that the sign is not a crossing point, and as such it is not safe to cross here. Donald Keith also mentioned that cars are still overtaking buses here, as it is not a proper bus stop. He mentioned that the Crathes sign shows the drivers’ speed and so has more of a demand to the driver, making it more effective.

Richie Fraser said that the Council is trying to encourage drivers to remove the school bus sign when they are not carrying children, as this is reducing their effectiveness when children are on board.

The trial will last until the school holidays. It is an expensive solution for the Council, especially because pick up points change every year.

Ann Ross commented that it could be useful to compare the results found here with those in other places using the trial, such as Anguston and Moray.

Donald Keith asked if the signs are still as effective now that the children have moved along the road. The point where the children are crossing has been moved further up to the brow of the hill where they can be more easily seen. However, there is concern over the slightness of the verge which they have to walk up to reach this point, when combined with the fast road and steep ditch on either side. It was suggested that a rough path could be put in place to reduce this risk.

Jenny Watson asked if there will be a press release. There was when the signs went up originally, however publicity was quite small in order not to bias the results by drivers looking out for the signs.

Myrebird Junction: John Baillie asked when the re landscaping of the junction is due to take place. The landowner has agreed to the terms and conditions, and the notice will be served under the Roads Scotland Act within the next four weeks. After this it may be up to eight weeks before work on the junction begins. Ann Ross asked why a notice must be served when the landowner has agreed to the conditions. This is a requirement of the act. The landowner has only agreed in principle. The Community Council mentioned that it was very good of the landowner to be so cooperative over this issue. It has also transpired that the council do not own the Myrebird Road, however, this is not a problem. Money has been received for the work and it will be going ahead.

Crathes Junction: John Baillie asked when the new speed signs will be going up. Crathes should be up within the next couple of months; they have been delayed due to the adverse weather. Jenny Watson commented that the flashing signs at Crathes are no longer working, and that there has recently been an accident in that area.

4. Police Matters

PC Alex Riley said there have not been many calls received over the last month. Jenny Watson asked about the recent accident, however PC Riley was not able to comment on this.

Ann Ross raised the concern of a resident over the recent levels of underage drinking and drug useage in Banchory. PC Riley confirmed that for the Banchory area, there would only normally be up to two patrol cars which will patrol in search of antisocial behaviour, if they are not out on calls. However the officers will not often get a chance to do this. This issue will be raised with his department, and it will be passed on to the patrolling officers.

Donald Keith advised that such concerns should be reported to the non-emergency number. Calls to this number are prioritised and followed up whenever possible. It was commented that Banchory is a focal point for the youths of all the local villages, as well as the kids from Banchory. The drugs in question are as yet uncontrolled substances, so there is not much that the police can do, except if there is evidence that the drugs are being sold on for use. John Baillie said that the government are taking measures for the entire family of substances, not only the specific drug, as in most circumstances. Donald Keith said that the police interaction in the community, especially in schools was excellent to help raise awareness. Jenny Watson commented that we should not lose sight of the many children who are not involved in such incidences. The police are also trying to tackle the problem at its source, and tracking down the dealers. The amount of disturbance varies from year to year.

There was also concern over activity of youngsters in the derelict building at the river. However building work has recently started here.

Donald Keith raised the issue of a white van suspected of opportunist theft. This problem can be avoided by securing all property, such as locking garages etc. A reminder could go into the Newsletter.

5. Planning, Strategic & Local

5.1 SSPCA

John Baillie had lodged an objection on behalf of the CC. with the Council.

A more detailed sound report has been released.

Dave Shand said that the report suggested that there would not be much noise. Michael McKendrik said that the shortness of a dog’s bark meant that it was not recorded as being very noisy, however it is the intensity that will annoy neighbours. Geoffrey Atkinson asked why the noise levels were compared with kennels in other parts of the UK, rather than a local and more similar rescue centre.

John Baillie said that the objection to removal of the bunding condition has now been submitted, highlighting the problems of the sound report using the inappropriate analogy with smaller boarding kennels and the mixed residential/ industrial buildings background noise levels. This objection may either be left as it is or withdrawn.

Ann Ross asked why the kennels could not be roofed to reduce the noise levels. The open runs face inwards to channel the noise, however the exercise area will be without this compound, and so any noise will carry. Hardy’s have said that they will only exercise one animal at a time, so the noise level will be kept to a minimum.

Geoffrey Atkinson said that the Environmental Health group have also logged an objection, and are requesting more details over the number of dogs that were estimated in the noise calculations, and which other sources of noise were included in the result. An objection has also been received from Adrian Skea.

The Community Council agreed to leave the objection as it is, as they are still unsatisfied with the noise situation. It was commented that it is not the volume of the barking that you can hear which is annoying, but it is the persistence. John Baillie asked if there was anything missing from the objection that ought to be included. It was agreed to leave the objection as it stands.

5.2 Upper Park House proposal

It was asked if there is a definition of an ‘agricultural worker’ for whom this property is designed.

Cllr Agnew said that this does not include landowners, and that the Council should stick to the Countryside New Planning Policy. Geoffrey Atkinson has already submitted an objection on behalf of the Community Council.

5.3 Parkside Proposal

A neighbour to this development objected in light of the amount that the property overlooks their own, especially because of its height. It is also quite a large building for the size of the site. Geoffrey Atkinson proposed that the Community Council support this objection. The height of the building was discussed, and its disturbance of the roofline of Drumoak was brought up. Diana Robertson commented that as the proposed development on the site of the Irvine Arms is 3 stories high also, the Community Council should not object on this basis. Ann Ross said that the buildings in Drumoak were very diverse anyway. It was decided that Geoffrey Atkinson should draft a letter of objection regarding only the building’s disturbance of the roofline to the Council, but it will be circulated to all Community Council members before being sent. (Action: Geoffrey Atkinson)

6. Correspondence: Summary of items received attached

6.1 Comments were requested on the items for focus at CC Forums, as the CDDCC were not present at the meeting. The Community Council declined to comment.

6.2 Anyone who wishes to book a place on the IT training for Community Councillorss should contact Karelia Wright.

6.3 Views from other Community Councils are being sought on the 21 day consultation period. Jenny Watson said that this issue was a concern. Geoffrey Atkinson commented that the cut off date is not too rigorous toward Community Councils anyway. John Baillie said that a marker can be submitted for later comment.

6.4 It was asked if the Community Council wish to receive the Bus Users’ Forum Report. Diana Robertson will request an electronic copy. (Action: Diana Robertson)

6.5 Comments on the proposals from the South Aberdeenshire Licencing Forum. It was thought that such proposals would not target abusers of alcohol, and that it would not make much of a change. The Community Council will decline comment (Action: Diana Robertson)

6.6 Feedback from Community Councils on Rural Partnership Mapping was requested. The Community Council did not comment.

7. Road Safety

Ann Ross mentioned the concerns over the need for crossings to the Deeside Railway. These were not deemed necessary, once the speed limit has been reduced to 40 mph. If the road is still very dangerous, the Council will look at reducing the speed limit to 30 mph after one year.

Jenny Watson raised the issue of dogs being allowed to foul the Deeside Line, and being allowed to run off the lead very close to the road. This is often raised through an item in the newsletter.

Cllr Agnew said that horses are not required to clean up after themselves as they are agricultural animals.

8. Youth Amenity

Nothing to report.

9 Schools

The Fairtrade event held at the local school at the beginning of the month was a great success, and the participation by the local schoolchildren was excellent. It was also very well attended.

10 Engagement of CDDCC with its constituents

Jenny Watson said that community members are still only attending the meetings for a particular concern. However, it was said that this was still good, that they are interested in their community, and we should encourage any involvement. Donald Keith said that the upcoming dates are printed in the Newsletter. John Baillie suggested that an email list could be started, to send people the minutes and agendas.

Currently the Piper covers the Banchory Community Council meetings, and is sent our minutes, but rarely comment in the newspaper on CCDCC issues. They will be asked if they can cover these also.

It was also suggested that the planning issues should be forwarded to the Community Council before the meetings, so that they can also be sent out. This issue will be discussed when all the community councillors are present. (Action: John Baillie)

11 Review Other Outstanding Actions

The Main Issues Report for the Marr area – the meeting was attended as advised. This was prepared as detailed in the previous minutes.

The Peterculter Burn development: There is an issue with this development as there is an old rubbish tip beneath the site, and the area is also often flooded.

Robbie Ross’s Loch action carried to next meeting.

Admin Grant; John Hopkins was actioned to deal with this, however the cheque continues to be returned. The Community Council decided that the point had been made and it was proposed that John Hopkins cash the cheque, and that this is no longer worried about.

12 AOB

(a) NTS Properties

Geoffrey Atkinson raised his concern over the current situation in the NTS, with regard to recent job losses and reduction in the public opening hours at both properties in the area.

Diana Robertson as an employee of the NTS declared a conflict of interests..

Ann Ross said that this issue was raised in the local press last year. It was suggested that this could be included in the next Newsletter. It was proposed that John Baillie write a letter to the NTS raising the community’s concern over the local properties. (Action: John Baillie)

(b) Bridge at Crathes

Nothing can be done to replace the bridge, as the access right only allows people to walk, they have no right to ask the estate to reinstate the bridge.

13 Next Meeting

7.30 p.m. on 4^th May at the Irvine Arms.

HJR

7 March 2010

Distribution
Email	Email	Email	Post	Other
CDDCC Councillors (excl. Jenny Watson)	Danny Law (Deeside Piper)	Insp. Andrew Todd	Jenny Watson	Website http://www.durris.net/ (also for previous minutes)
Cllrs. Linda Clark, Karen Clark, Jill Webster (Ward 16)	Leanna MacLarty (Press and Journal)	Insp. Jim Gordon	Banchory Public Library
Cllrs. Peter Bellarby, Graeme Clark, Mike Sullivan, Wendy Agnew (Ward 18)	Kirkton of Durris Hall Notice Board (via Sheila Watt)	PC Wayne Smart	Drumoak Church Hall Notice Board (via Morag Keith)	By Hand
Mr W Munro, Area Manager, Kincardine & Mearns	Rev. Jim Scott, Durris Manse, Durris	Crathes Hall Notice Board (via Nicola Chambury)		Park Shop (via John Hopkins)
Mr L Allen, Area Manager, Marr	Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator – Alister Bisset	Local Newsletter Editor (Don Keith)		Drumoak Post Office (via John Hopkins)