There will be a meeting of the community council at 7pm on Monday 1st July in the Burgh Chambers of the Town Hall, Queen's Gardens. There will be a short break at about 8pm during which the 200 Club draw will be made.
Penny Uprichard
(Read for accuracy in matters of substance - harangue the secretary for minor errors (spelling etc) outwith the meeting)
(For anyone wishing to address the meeting on a matter relevant to St Andrews. Please contact the Secretary or Chair before the meeting. Priority will be given to those who have been invited to speak or have given advance notice).
Matthew Swift, St Leonards School
4.1.1. West Sands Management Client Working Group [June 7.11.] Appendix B
We are asked to nominate two representatives. There may be a short meeting early this month.
Appendix C - report
Despite positive responses at the initial meeting the chance for St Andrews to take part in this Europe-wide event as one of the first of the Scottish participants was lost, due to a lack of enthusiasm from the business community, and an unfortunate communication failure. I must thank Lindsay Adam of Bonkers for agreeing to look at the ITWMC proposals at very short notice after the communication problem became apparent.
Pete Lindsay
Just after last month's meeting I was invited to take part in the planning for the next series of these seminars, along with a number of other community council's representatives. I've suggested wider consultation on subject matter and the use of independent speakers (eg Planning Aid, ASCC) rather than officers giving what might be seen as the Fife Council line.
I'd be interested to know what subjects people would be interested in covering along with other CCs at a seminar; how far they'd travel; or anything else I can feed back into the planning process.
Pete Lindsay
[June 7.8] Appendix D - Response
[June 7.9.] Joe Peterson to report
[June 7.10] Ken Crichton to report
Ian Goudie, Frank Riddell and Pete Lindsay attended a meeting with Fife Primary Healthcare Trust on behalf of community council for a briefing on the site proposals and preferred site. We were asked to keep some aspects confidential due to commercial sensitivities and pending an official announcement. It seems the story that appeared in the Citizen was leaked by members of the Preservation Trust who were at a similar meeting. There will be ongoing consultation.
Pete Lindsay
Appendix A. Sandy Edwards of Strathkinness High Road shares his thoughts on the current situation.
8.1.1. Craigtoun
8.1.2. Parking Charges
Written reports are required by terms of the Scheme for Community Councils.
9.1.1. Recreation Committee Report
The meeting was held on 11th June 2002 at 14.00 hrs.
A. Floral Awards It was agreed that there would be no change to the format of forms and posters. Judges were agreed for the seven classes to be judged. This will take place towards the later part of July. Please let me have any nominations you may care to make, particularly for the Special Awards category.
Floral Award presentations will take place on Thursday 26th September 2002 at 19.00 hrs in the Council Chamber of the St Andrews Town Hall. The event will be opened by Tom Dair, Convenor, Fife Council.
B. Spot The Odd One Out This is being organised by Dennis Macdonald and is under way.
C. Beautiful Scotland in Bloom The judge appointed for this is Rode Shanks who will be taken round by Joe Peterson and Hamish Matheson on Wednesday 3rd July 2002. We are entered in class 3a, Coastal Resorts with a population under 20k.
D. Fife Council Best Kept Town & Village Competition 2002 The initial judging will start in the week commencing 24th June. The short list will be judged in the week commencing 15th July to determine the winners.
Ken Crichton
For any verbal reports of meetings attended etc. Issues requiring a decision by community council should be raised under items 6 Matters Arising or 7 New Business, as appropriate.
Please notify Chair of items before the start of the meeting or at the break. Hint: Given that the end of the meeting is often taken in something of a rush, unless items are urgent it might be better to submit them for next meeting's New Business.
From A.S.Edwards, 11a Strathkinness High Rd.
As I have written to Fife Council on these matters I thought I should also write to the Community Council.
Firstly, when the West Port was closed for repairs the traffic flow down South St. into Bell St. was enormously improved as there was no oncoming traffic. Shopping was quite pleasant at that end of town.
As opposed to holiday Monday and this Saturday when there was the usual mass of stationary cars, all with engines running and shopping there was out of the question. Surely ample evidence for pedestrianisation of that part of the town!
Secondly, the cycle lanes along Buchanan and Hepburn Gdns. are excellent, especially as they keep the unlit cyclists, of which there are many, off to one side and safe. However, Greyfriars Gdn. seems to be used as a two way system for cyclists in spite of the arrow sign at the Market St. end pointing to North. St. Drivers coming into Market St. are looking right to check cars coming out of Bell St. and will not notice cycles coming out of Greyfriars Gdn. the wrong way; this is a dangerous system!
Following the setting up of a West Sands Management Officer Group to look at all the issues and problems at the West Sands, Scottish Enterprise along with other possible funders (Links Trust and R & A) meet under the name West Sands Management Client Working Group. Scottish Enterprise have asked for consultants (Land Use Consultants who are also doing the study for Craigtoun Park) to come up with possible proposals for Environmental Improvements for the West Sands Area. As the local member I was asked to the meeting to see their initial suggestions.
During the meeting it was agreed that initial consultation should begin with the usual bodies and on that basis Archie Jamieson will be contacting Ian Goudie to see if the consultants could attend a meeting of the planning sub committee prior to attending the Community Council Meeting.
The usual observations were elaborated upon ie: 2 types of waste bin and 2 different council services doing the collecting; hordes of different signs accumulated over many years of local government changes etc; erosion of dunes; road surface, particularly at the bridge which will need expensive structural support; grim toilets; and management of all sorts of leisure activities that take place along the sands; the problem of the barrier position v Links Trust car park etc.
All very interesting and it would be good to have additional comments and suggestions from the CC etc., remembering that we have the Amateur Championship and the Open coming up in the next few years...
Frances Melville
Aberdeen 15/6/02 Attended by Pete Lindsay and Frank Riddell
1. Meeting opened with the formal welcome by Lord Provost of Aberdeen Margaret E Smith, praising the work of CCs of course.
2. Nan Macfarlane, Troon CC, described a planning battle over some historic woodland. Emphasised the need for community councils to understand and involve themselves in planning matters at all levels, from structure plans through local plan to individual planning applications. She emphasised the “Getting Involved in Planning” paper as an important consultation to which all CCs should reply, and a book “How to Stop and Influence Planning Decisions” which is thought to be in every household in Troon now. It was important to involve the community as a whole in the objection at all levels, after a public meeting to determine general feeling. Planning Aid assisted with advice on grounds and tactics for the objection. Getting the press on-side was helpful as more press coverage meant more recruits to the campaign (and more press coverage...). Eventually the application went to a public enquiry (developer's QC was one Menzies Campbell) resulting in a partial victory; half the wood was saved and the development lower density than originally proposed.
3. The Tree Council Kevin Hand, Campaigns Director, spoke on the body's work. It arose from the “Plant a Tree in ‘73” campaign. In coordination with local authorities promotes the Tree Wardens scheme for volunteers interested in trees though not necessarily ‘knowledgeable'. 7000 wardens in UK but only 3 schemes in Scotland. (Does Fife Council landscape/tree officer?). They act as ‘eyes & ears' of council re problems with trees, watch over Tree Preservation Orders etc. There are 3 annual campaigns:
National Tree Week 20 Nov - 1 Dec (Could we involve the proposed Madras tree?)
Walk in the Woods May - according to a Mori poll one third of population have never walked in woods in their life
Seed Gathering Sunday 13 Oct - find tree seeds and plant them. Tree aftercare important so they don't die off (clear 1m square around base of trunk apparantly). There are some info leaflets availble.
4. Peter Peacock MSP, Dep Finance Minister spoke about how useful he'd found CCs for intimate local knowledge when he was a Highland Region councillor covering a huge ward. He personally is favourable to CCs and the role of the ASCC but emphasised that approaches on policy matters had to go though officials. He spoke of the achievements to date of the Executive in the field of local government - rolling budgets allowing forward planning, end to capping (almost), end to Compulsory Competitive Tendering replaced by Best Value, Freedom of Information etc. More change in the Renewing Democracy: Next Steps current consultation (until end July). A result of the Kerly and Macintosh reports. Not going to have big reorganisation of local government or cut councillor numbers substantially but want to make councils more representative of community - eg numbers of men v women, age profile of councillors - or video links to remote communities so they may take part in meetings. email to become an official medium of communication. Reform of democracy via proportional representation but want to maintain councillor-ward link. Better links to communities via CCs where they exist or other means where not.
In response to questions afterwards the minister said that no change in the role of community councils was envisaged by the Executive which is happy with the advisory/consultative nature and not inclined to the suggestions that more power/money be devolved to them. He speculated though that EU driven subsidiarity may change that.
FGR called for a right of attendance for CCs at planning inquiries, rather than only as an objector
5. Community Autogas Gavin Tomlinson, Calor Scotland Communications Manager launched the community autogas scheme. Autogas is a user-friendly name for LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas). As it is less polluting then petrol/diesel (at the point of use) it is only taxed at about 5p/litre. Looking for communities for community managed autogas filling systems. Remote communities for pilot. Grants for conversions of community vehicles. Enquiries welcome. Ian Murdoch of the Energy Saving Trust (funded by Scot Exec) popped up to support Calor, and hinted at July announcement re car conversions to use gas.
6. Scottish Community of the Year. Organised by ASCC and Calor Scotland. Jan Duncan of the PR Partnership who administer/promote the scheme (?) spoke to encourage entries, emphasised that anyone could win - big or small. Looking for well-balanced, pro-active, communities. Benefit from media coverage even if no prize. Spinoff benefits too from publicity for communities that do win, beyond the actual prize.
7. Scottish Waste Awareness Group Dr Niki Souter spoke about this organisation which promotes waste awareness and reduction campaigns through Scotland. Progress report at www.wascot.org.uk. Mentioned that older people are more aware of waste than the younger ‘throw-away' generation. Recognize frustration at lack of facilities for recycling, a common matter of comment on the doorstep - this if fed back to SEPA and local authorities. She ran through a slide presentation of a typical Awareness campaign. NB People attending a SWAG focus group get a £20 gift voucher for their trouble.
8. AGM highlights
Secretary's report mentioned ongoing Common Good Fund seminars, FGR spoke for statutory consultation on use of CGFs. ASCC are looking into how the new Power of Well Being for local authorities will affect CGF schemes; there are fears this may reduce the need for consultation.
Treasurer described various funding problems, leading to a motion to increase the annual subscription to £15. FGR & PL agreed St Andrews could probably afford this so FGR voted for; motion was passed.
Another motion on Trunk Roads Maintenance we did not have any opinion from CC so FGR recorded an abstention.
Other matters will doubtless appear in the next ASCC newsletter
Pete Lindsay
1. In the last 12 months have you received any complaints about fireworks? Yes
2. If Yes, approximately how many complaints have you received? (please tick) 1-5
3. Approximately what date was your first complaint?
Formally January 2002, but this brought out a number of incidents stretching back to early October 2002
4. Do you think the number of complaints on fireworks has increased on previous years? Yes, significantly
5. Please tick which of these categories were covered in the complaints you have received (if possible please state how many).
Noise/disturbance: Yes
Late night noise disturbance: Yes
Fear/anxiety in pets: Yes
6. Could you give an example of the most serious complaint related to fireworks you have received? no
7. What actions do you take in response to a complaint about fireworks? Raise with Police - Community Policing Officer
8. How satisfied are you with the avenues which are available to you when dealing with a fireworks related complaint?
no comment
9. Any other comments?
We advocate stronger controls on sales of fireworks through retail outlets, such as newsagents and supermarkets, restricting them to one week preceding Nov 5th.
| Date | Who | What |
| 3/6/02 | Environmental Bodies | Newsletter |
| 5/6/02 | Transportation Services | Bus Focus Group meeting 25/6 |
| 5/6/02 | Postwatch Scotland | Info Pack |
| 8/6/02 | Transportation Services | Millennium Cycleways launch |
| 8/6/02 | FoE | Fundraising appeal |
| 13/6/02 | Community Services | Best Kept Town etc |
| 13/6/02 | Transportation Services | Changes to bus services |
| 14/6/02 | SMP Playgrounds | Youth Shelter good practice guide |
| 15/6/02 | VONEF | Queen's Golden Jubilee Award |
| 15/6/02 | Community Services | Blue Flag 5 July |
| 20/6/02 | University | Kinnessburn (Kennedy Gardens) plans (passed to IG) |
| 20/6/02 | Fire & Rescue Service | Annual Report 2001-2 |
| 21/6/02 | Scottish Executive Equality Unit | New Laws leaflet (circulate) |
| 23/6/02 | East Area Services Committee | Agenda 26/6/02 |
| 23/6/02 | SEPA | Newsletter Summer 2002 |
| 23/6/02 | Crown Estate | Scottish Coastal Community Projects Scheme |
| 26/6/02 | University | DRH Turf-cutting |
| 27/6/02 | Community Services | Blue Flag now 16 July change |
| 29/6/02 | Community Services | Best Kept Town |
Circulated at the meeting
Ken Crichton, Chris Lesurf
Presumably one of the councillors will have told us what the decision was at Area Services (end June). We now have a copy of the proposed school dates up to 2005 as we suggested alignment with school dates.
| Terms | No of Day | |
| Autumn: | Monday 18 August 2003 - Friday 10 October 2003 | 40 |
| Winter: | Monday 27 October 2003 - Friday 19 December 2003 | 40 |
| Spring: | Monday 5 January 2004 - Friday 2 April 2004 | 65 |
| Summer: | Monday 19 April 2004 - Thursday 1 July 2004 | 54 |
holidays
| Autumn: | Monday 13 October 2003 - Friday 24 October 2003 |
| Christmas: | Monday 22 December 2003 - Friday 2 January 2004 |
| February: | * Thursday 12 and * Friday 13 February 2004 |
| Spring: | Monday 5 April 2004- Friday 16 April 2004 |
| May Day: | * Monday 3 May 2004 |
| June: | * Monday 7 June 2004 |
| Summer: | Friday 2 July 2004 - Friday 13 August 2004 |
| Terms | No of Days | |
| Autumn: | Monday 16 August 2004 - Friday 8 October 2004 | 40 |
| Winter: | Monday 25 October 2004 - Tuesday 21 December 2004 | 42 |
| Spring: | Wednesday 5 January 2005 - Thursday 24 March 2005 | 57 |
| Summer: | Monday 11 April 2005 - Friday 1 July 2005 | 60 |
Holidays
| Autumn: | Monday 11 October 2004 - Friday 22 October 2004 |
| Christmas: | Wednesday 22 December 2004 - Tuesday 4 January 2005 |
| February: | * Thursday 10 and * Friday 11 February 2005 |
| Spring: | Friday 25 March 2005 - Friday 8 April 2005 |
| May Day: | * Monday 2 May 2005 |
| June: | * Monday 6 June 2005 |
| Summer: | Monday 4 July 2005- Friday 19 August 2005 |
[June 4.3.6.]
The main point is that we were told about 20yrs ago that Scooniehill Rd was the only road near here that had been built strong enough to take buses with the intention of having a turning circle at the school.
I don't know how many buses travel along Priestden Road.
When the full (ie very heavy) ones come down in the afternoon about 3.30pm, they cause our house in Priestden Place to shake and are probably the ones which rip up the surface in Kilrymont Place, break the water mains in Priestden Place, and rip up the surface in Warrack St.
However, all the buses tend to run across the (repeatedly broken) pavement where Priestden Place meets Warrack St. (which is) and they all have a dangerously sharp turn from Warrack St into Lamond Drive.
They all used to go down Kilrymont Rd until the residents/school complained loud enough.
This means that a turning circle is essential to prevent possible damage to houses as well as actual damage to road surfaces.
Chris Lesurf
Following the preliminary judging of the Fife Councils Best Kept Town and Village Competition, I now write to advise you that St. Andrews has been successful in getting through to the final stages of the competition.
I can also advise you that the judging for the finals will be undertaken during week beginning 8th July 2002. I will advise you of the time and date as soon as possible. This year the judging will be undertaken by a Beautiful Scotland in Bloom Judge accompanied by either Mr Alistair Barnard or Mr Martin Jeffcott from Community Services.
So that the local communities efforts / involvement / future plans can be made clear to the judges, it would be beneficial if a representative of the Community Council or the town or village could be in attendance to show the judges round the area.
May I take this opportunity in congratulating St. Andrews on reaching the final stages of this years competition and wish you every success.
I look forward to your reply.
Alistair Barnard, Horticultural Officer (tel 412831)
West Sands St. Andrews has this year achieved the distinction of being one of four beaches in Fife to receive the European Blue Flag Award for Beach Management, bathing and water quality. No other beaches in Scotland have gained this award.
On behalf of Councillor J Brennan, Spokesperson for Community Services, and to mark these achievements you are invited to attend a ceremonial flag raising event at the West Sands, St. Andrews which will take place on Tuesday 16th July 2002 at 11.30 am, presided over by the Depute Convener, as Guest of Honour.
Please meet at the Car Park Attendants Hut.
At the close of this event a light buffet will be provided for all guests in the Links Clubhouse.
Contact Linda Scott on 01334 412824.
Do we have someone to attend this?
Is the new consumer watchdog for postal services who represent both domestic and business users of postal services. The consumer complaints/enquiry line is 0845 601 3265. There is an information pack.
Applications are invited for funding through the Crown Estate's 2002 Scottish Coastal Community Projects Scheme.
This is the fourth year of the scheme, which has already benefited sixteen coastal community projects throughout Scotland, from Shetland to Galloway, Harris to the Moray Firth. These projects have ranged from the restoration of buildings to provide information points and ferry waiting rooms, through the improvement of coastal access facilities, to the provision of navigational and safety measures.
The annual scheme awards, which have been increased this year, aim to give recognition and financial support of up to £10,000 each to projects that will enhance Scotland's coastal communities' and public enjoyment of the Scottish coast. Any coastal community in Scotland may apply.
Projects must be for community or public benefit and must relate n some way to Crown Estate foreshore or seabed. Eligible schemes might include access improvements such as slipways, jetties or paths; envronmental improvements; information points, visitor centres or interpretation facilities; the improvement of safety or navigational facilities, or research, restoration and education projects.
The Scottish Coastal Community Projects Scheme will provide between 25 and 75 percent of a project's total costs, so some project match funding is required. Al suitable proposals w I be considered and innovative ideas are positively encouraged. The closing date for applications is 21st October 2002.
The Award recognises the vital role played by the hundreds of thousands of 'unsung heroes' of the community and voluntary world and emphasises the importance of continuing recognition of their work. The Award covers the whole of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Up to 200 Awards will be made each year for outstanding voluntary activities carried out in the community. The Awards will be made to groups rather than to individuals.
The Queen's Golden Jubilee Award is given in recognition of outstanding achievement by groups of two or more people in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man who volunteer their own time to enhance and improve the quality of life and opportunity for individuals or other groups in the community.
Information from Transportation Services:
East Neuk/St Andrews Area
Stagecoach in Fife are introducing the following changes in St Andrews and East Neuk:
• Better connections at St Andrews for Dundee passengers.
• Enhanced frequency for St Andrews to Dundee Service 99.
• Extension of X26/X27 Glasgow express service from Anstruther to St Andrews, with improved journey times between St Andrews and the main stops in Pittenweem, St Monans and Elie.
However, because of the extension of the hourly Glasgow - Leven - Anstruther express service to St Andrews, Stagecoach confirmed their intention to withdraw service 95 between Leven and St Andrews via Crail. As a result, Council supported services are being amended to restore a service from Crail northwards to St Andrews. A connection in Anstruther with express services for westbound passengers will be built into the timetable. Attention is drawn to the following service amendments:
• Council supported Services 61 (Leven - Arncroach - Earlsferry - St Andrews) and 62 (Crail - Cellardyke - Anstruther - Pittenweem) are withdrawn.
• Variations to Service 95 are introduced to replace withdrawn services 61, 62 and 95 (commercial).
Summer 2002: Action Plans to improve bathing water qulity in the south west; Views on incineration, consultation on new energy from waste guidelines; report on SEPA/SAC conference on good practice in agriculture; testing bathing waters with SEPA microbiologist; Marine Conservation; local action plans; Protecting the Solway Firth.
7.8.1. J J Wilson, 2 Lindsay Gardens, St Andrews, KY16 8XB
... I agree that the Greyfriars Garden cycle path is not ideal. If you are parked on the east side, where the shops are, and there is a large vehicle - e.g. a van - parked in front, when you pull out you cannot see if there is a cyclist coming up unless you have someone in the passenger seat. If the cycle path were on the west side of the street, then drivers would have a much better view of approaching cyclists. Also, the blocking off of the right hand lane in Greyfriars Gardens at its junction with North Street is causing delays: traffic turning right from Greyfriars has to wait till there is no traffic in both directions on North Street, holding up vehicles turning left, which only need to wait for a gap in the traffic from their right. Are there enough cyclists to justify this? I doubt it.
7.8.2. AC Rutherford, 22 Market St
to be transcribed