HOWWOOD COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2012
PRESENT
Bill David (Chair), Douglas Paxton (Treasurer), Robert Scarsbrook (Vice Chair), Christine Scarsbrook, Norma David, Jackie Mackenzie, Dawn Michael, Ninuk Smith, Margie Stewart, Linda Smith, Sarah Killens
IN ATTENDANCE
Cllr Iain McMillan, Joe Graham, Charlene McBride, Calum Kennedy, Brenda Whitelaw, Bill Binks, Willie Shaw, Margaret Shaw, Billy Caldwell
APOLOGIES
Lorna Poole, Cllr John Hood, Cllr John Caldwell, Cllr Stephen McGee,
1. PREVIOUS MINUTES (11/09/12)
Adopted
Proposed Robert Scarsbrook and seconded Dawn Michael
2. AGM MINUTES (09/10/12)
Adopted
Proposed Christine Scarsbrook and seconded Ninuk Smith
3. POLICE REPORT
· No officers in attendance
4. MATTERS ARISING
· No issues
5. COMMUNITY PLAN FOR RENFREWSHIRE 2013 to 2022
· Calum Kennedy from the Chief Executive Service, Renfrewshire Council took 15 minutes to provide us with handout and an update on the new community plan. He actively encouraged us to review the plan and participate by responding to the 4 questions raised namely:
What are your views on the emerging priority themes and visions for Renfrewshire and what issues are most important to your organisation?
What activities does your organisation do that contributes to Renfrewshire’s priorities and could be shared as good practice?
Are there any additional activities your organisation would like to do that contribute to the priorities?
What support does your organisation need from public agencies to help you achieve your goals in relation to Renfrewshire’s priorities?
Renfrewshire Council have set a reponse date of 31/01/13.
· It was agreed that all community councillors would review plan and provide their responses to the questions by the next meeting on 11/12/12. A working group would also be established to review the plan and responses from individuals with a view to preparing our final response on the plan.
6. SCOTTISH WATER
· Charlene McBride attended from Scottish Water. She advised that the supply pipes at bottom of Bowfield road had been lowered to prevent freezing and that 2 flushing programmes had been completed this year. She also advised that there had been a transfer of supplies in other areas that might have affected our water supply. Some of the transfers have been reversed to see whether this helps. Further discussions regarding Muirdykes treatment works are ongoing.
· Bill David raised issue on water supply on 12/11/12 and Charlene advised that she would check and feedback by email to Bill.
7. ENVIRONMENT
· Brenda Whitelaw raised issues with regards to buckfast empty bottles around village triangle. Bill David will raise issue with police.
· Brenda Whitelaw also advised that there was still broken glass around the village phone box. Bill David raised other street sweeping issues and Cllr McMillan will feedback to Renfrewshire Council.
· We queried whether the village still in fact needed a phone box and it was agreed that we would check over next few months whether the phone works and discuss again in January meeting
· We discussed drains, bins , dog bin in park as we had previously been advised by Renfrewshire Council that repairs would be effected. Cllr McMillan will pursue this with Council.
· Problems with condition of footpath on corner of Bowfield Road were again raised.
8. PLANNING AND LICENCING
· Concerns were raised by residents in Linister area regarding planning application to build house in narrow wooded area at their end of village opposite Elliston Farm Buildings
Cllr McMillan recommended that residents get their objections in as soon as possible. It was also agreed that the Community Council would submit a letter of objection due to proposed construction on a brown site and road safety issues.
9. COUNCILLORS’ ISSUES
· Cllr McMillan urged us to be fully involved in the Community Plan as it will lead to working document that the Council will use to support and plan its services in Renfrewshire.
· Christmas lights will be switched on in Johnstone at 16:30 on Saturday 17/11/12. There will be other venets ongoing that afternoon.
· Housing benefit is under review for persons residing in accommodation that is too large for their needs.
· The public area in the council offices in Paisley is being enlarged at a cost of £100K The councillor’s will have to relocate to the ground floor to accommodate the expansion.
· Johnstone Sports Centre is still very busy. The portacabins have now been removed and available car parking should increase as a result.
· Police opening hours in Johnstone will remain the same. The proposal to close at 18:00 has been rejected for the time being.
· Cllr McMillan is now involved in the running of the Community Offender’s programme. He advised that if we provide materials labour should be available and to contact him with any requests we might have.
· Our road issues are with Scot Allan to be progressed.
· Old Johnstone swimming pool now demolished and town hall should follow early next year. It is planned to transform Ludovig Square as part of the works.
· Bill Binks raised that new pool is not child friendly. Cllr McMillan recommended that he raise his issues in writing to Renfreshire Council.
· Christine Scarsbrook advised that she would send Cllr McMillan Village Survey update and raise issues highlighted by survey with him. The issues raised were anonymous, and there was one regarding the council renovation works and impact on a home owner. Cllr McMillan had highlighted this to us at the time of the works.
10. COMMUNITY EVENTS
· Parcel of Rogues – Good turnout to the event and thanks were given to Douglas Paxton and Neil David in the kitchen, the working group who arranged the event and all Councillors helping out on the night. Dawn Michael also gave a big thanks to Bill David for all his hard work. The silent auction raised £220. Final amount raised still to be established.
· Resilience meeting - 18 people registered their names as being able to assist in the Community Resilience action plan at the meeting on 23/10/12. Ours thanks were given to Joe Graham for his work in establishing and running this plan. A follow up meeting is to be arranged shortly.
· Remembrance Sunday, 11/11/12. There was a turnout of 120 people and thanks were given to the Rev. D Stewart for his service and Renfrewshire Council for the Orders of Service.
· Our village Christmas lights will be switched on 18:45 on 07/12/12. Windband volunteers hope to be able to play, Gillian Whyte has kindly agreed to organise the sweets, glowlights will be purchased by Linda Smith, Christine Scarsbrook is arranging the carol sheets. It was agreed that we would ask the Howwood Inn if they might help sponsor the event.
· Linda Smith attended the AGM of Parents Association at Howwood Primary School. The 50th anniversary event for next year was not discussed due to time constraints on the meeting.
· Dates were discussed for the Glasgow Windband concert next summer and it was agreed that a Friday would be preferred but is dependent on Church and band.
13. CORRESPONDENCE - Full details available from Bill David
· Our bank account is still to be updated following the loss of Grace Weir.
· Scotrail are holding a forum to allow customers to feedback service issues. Details available from Bill David.
· There will be a revised timetable shortly for trains to and from Howwood. Our service will improve under this revision.
· Scottish Health Campaign – we have received invitations to join this campaign. Anyone interested can obtain details from Bill David.
14. AOCB
· Christine Scarsbrook advised that if you receive any annoying texts on your mobile to forward them to 7726 which should stop them. There is no charge for this service.
· Next Resilience meeting date was agreed for Thursday 29/11/12. Bill David to email invite.
· Community plan working group was agreed. Participants will be Christine Scarsbrook, Linda Smith, Norma David, Robert Scarsbrook, Bill David and Sarah Killens
14. ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS
· Chairperson – Robert Scarsbrook
· Vice Chairperson – Linda Smith
· Secretary – Bill David
· Treasurer – Douglas Paxton
· Minute Secretary – Jackie Mackenzie
Robert took the opportunity to thank Bill David for his service as Chairperson
NEXT MEETING
· AGM 11th December 2012 @ 7.30pm in Howwood Village Hall.
· Thereafter: Regular monthly meetings 2nd Tuesday every month from Tuesday 8th January 2013 @ 7.30pm in Howwood Village Hall
Contact Details / Renfrewshire Council ContactsAircraft Noise Telephone line / 0141 848 4644
(answer machine) / The standard business hours are Monday – Thursday 8.45am – 4.45pm, and Friday 8.45am – 3.55pm. Please note times may vary within specific services; therefore please check with the service you require before travelling avoiding disappointment.
The Switchboard telephone number is 0141 842 5000
Same address for all below with different postcode:
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
Antisocial Behaviour
Help Line / 0800 169 1283
Warden Services
(Dog Fouling, Graffiti etc) / 0141 889 3499
Glasgow Wind Band,
R & C Scarsbrook / 01505 704083
Fly Tipping / 0845 230 4090
Minicoach Tours /
Police / 01505 404000
Renfrewshire Council / 0141 842 5000
www.renfrewshire.gov.uk / Chief Executive
Chief Executive – David Martin
Postcode: PA1 1WB
Phone: 0141 840 3601
fax: 0141 840 3349 / Education and Leisure Services
Director of Education and Leisure Services – Robert Naylor
Postcode: PA1 1LE
Phone: 0141 842 5663
fax: 0141 842 5655
R.C. Roads email address /
Roads & Lighting Faults / 0141 842 4466 (M-F)
0141 889 2314
Scottish Water Contact / 0141 355 5187
Secretary, Grace Weir (Howwood Community Council) / / Finance and Corporate Services
Director of Finance and Corporate Services – Sandra Black
Postcode: PA1 1JB
Phone: 0141 842 5051
fax: 0141 842 5055 / Environmental Services
Director of Environmental Services
– Shona I MacDougall
Postcode: PA1 1UG
Phone: 0141 840 3106
fax: 0141 842 1179
Village Web Site / www.howwood.com
Youth Nuisance Help Line / 01505 325030
Housing and Property Services
Director of Housing and Property Services – Mary Crearie
Postcode: PA1 1JD
Phone: 0141 842 5616
fax: 0141 842 5552 / Planning and Transport
Director of Planning and Transport – Bob Darracott
Postcode: PA1 1LL
Phone: 0141 842 5811 / 5822
fax: 0141 842 5040
Social Work
Director of Social Work – Peter MacLeod
Postcode: PA1 1TZ
Phone: 0141 842 5957
fax: 0141 842 5144
Howwood Community Council Minutes 11.09.12 Page 3 of 4