LOCHWINNOCH COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 11th 2022

BY ZOOM 

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1. Welcome and attendance:

Present: Alan Bissett (AB), Karen Malcolm (KM), Kerry McKendrick (KMcK), Duncan Adam (DA), Kerr Bryson (KB), Paddy Douglas-Early (PD-E), Ross Anderson (RA), Marion Cochrane (MC), Donna Armstrong (DA), Richard Graham (RG), Patrick Ramsey (PR), Jeannette Cannon (JC), Cllr Andy Doig, Cllr Emma Rodden (interrupted contact), Cllr Bill Binks.

Apologies: Liz Walker, Shona Finnie.

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2. Minutes last meeting proposed KM and seconded RA.
 

3. Matters Arising:

Community larder: AB discussed with Anne McNaughton, Senior Committee Services Officer at Renfrewshire Council, regarding LCC remit in local disputes. Not an issue of public concern therefore LCC has no role.

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4. Chair Report:

AB was sad to pass on news of the death of Colin Patterson, a community figure. The Community Council wish to express their gratitude for his huge efforts in opposing the development at Burnfoot Road. Funeral 12/1/22.

Police Report: three notable incidents since last update (one assault, one RTA and one incidence of car vandalism). Report attached.

Vote on venue/mode for next LCC meeting: majority show of hands to opt for face to face meeting in Bowling Club as normal. Suggest lateral flows, social distancing, open windows and masks.

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5. Treasurer’s Report: KM

2022 Administration grant has been received from RDC (£703). Problems persist in that new signatories still cannot access bank accounts.

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6. Councillors updates:

ANDY DOIG: Pursuing council and landowner re safety issues on stretch of A760 between RSPB and Main Street. Lack of lighting, dangerous wall, ugly. Suggests that Lochwinnoch consider Farmers Market, primarily to encourage footfall for local retailers. Operators annual fee £381per annum. Perhaps LCC could contribute part of fee. Broad support from LCC for the idea. Cllr Doig will canvass local businesses to see if they are in favour.

BILL BINKS: Concerned at recent pattern of involvement of Scot Gov in local planning matters. Reporter over-turning local planning decisions. (Cattery, Linthills, Burnfoot). Councillors will express their frustration where possible. Shared info that Cycle Route 7 will be linked with Whithorn Walkway via Howood.

EMMA RODDEN: Poor internet link prevented contribution. Will submit written report

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7. Secretary’s position:

Shona Finnie has resigned as Secretary. Patrick Ramsay has offered to take on this role. Suggested that two people would be helpful to split onerous workload. Intimated that Steve Banks would be interested and also a valuable asset. Steve can be co-opted if keen. JC would be willing to continue as minutes secretary meantime if required.

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8. Website/ Facebook / comms:

Paddy Douglas-Early will take this role on. Dave Mellor has been managing this since he stepped down as Chair and the CC would like to express their thanks for this.

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9. Eco house on Greenbelt:

Passivhaus unlikely to be granted planning consent by Renfrewshire Council Planning Dept. Prospective applicant seeking LCC assistance in order to bolster application. After discussion, LCC voted not to take a stand on the issue as it is not in its remit.

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10. Traffic/Transport:

Meeting with Elaine Lorrimer postponed to April meeting. Liz Walker to summarise topics for discussion.

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11. LDP/Burnfoot/Greenbelt:

No further possible action re LDP possible. Planning application for Burnfoot development at RDC Planning Board 21st March. Local opinion should be impressed upon Planning Board members , as factors other than LDP should be taken into account during decision making. DA/KMcK in discussion with planning consultant (Colin Campbell) to discuss strategy.

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12. Community Fund:

AB has been advised by Alasdair Morrison that this fund (£44k) can be split between multiple projects, that all applications should come through LCC, and that any type of project can be considered.

AB will construct a public notice and circulate to LCC members for suggestions. In due course local groups will be invited to apply for a share. Facebook, Chatterbox, posters, Gryffe Advertiser will advertise this. It was suggested that the process of accepting applications and selecting projects should be time generous and allow for public involvement.

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Details of this fund and application details are under the Community Council Matters on this website

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13. Wetland meadow:

Zul Bhatia / Alan Brown will encourage interested members of the public to join in site visit/discussions of this new initiative in the Park.

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14. Benches:

AB to see if Mental Health and Wellbeing fund could finance new bench at intersection of Calder Street/New Street.

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15. Phone Box:

BT Adopt a Box scheme. Cllr Doig has suggested the community take ownership of the disused phonebox on Church Street and will pursue.

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16: McKillop Renovations:

AB advised of a June completion at earliest.

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17. Mobile Postvan: near McKillop

Johnstone Post Office will be operating a mobile Outreach service to the village commencing Monday Feb 14th, parking in the McKillop Car Park.

09:00 – 11:00 Monday

15:00 – 16:30 Thursday

10:45 – 11:45 Friday

Thank you to Cllr Bibby for his hard work.

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18. AOB:

AB was asked to raise an issue relating to land access at Calderglen and The Gurrets. Cannot discuss as subject to legal proceedings at present, but also advised that it is not within the CC’s remit to intervene in a private dispute, especially given it is a legal case.

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NEXT MEETING: Feb 1st 2022, 7.30pm Bowling Club.

This will be preceded by a presentation from Pauline Moss, Renfrewshire Council’s Climate Officer, who will be talking about the Council’s plans re. climate change and the environment. Members of the public are welcome to attend this.

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