There will be a meeting of the community council at 7pm on Monday 5th August 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.
Archie Strachan, Frank Riddell, Ian Goudie (provisional)
(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).
Ken Cochran to demonstrate the CD ROM based on his excellent web site.
5.1.1 Gannochy Richard Douglas agreed to write, objecting to a radical proposed change to the facade of a listed building. [PL]
5.1.2. Brambles Pete Lindsay wrote reiterating previous objections to use of the (smooth) pavement area for seating etc in view of the possible difficulties of the cobbled surface for those with walking difficulties or baby buggies etc.
An objection was also made to the use of a courtyard for seating in the belief that commercial and other waste bins in College Street were Brambles', suggesting they should be stored there instead. On being informed by Brambles that NONE of the bins are theirs this part of the objection was immediately withdrawn. [PL]
[June 7.10] Ken Crichton to report
[June 4.1.1.] Kate Hughes, Locality Manager, writes: "The next meeting is to be on Tuesday 6th August at 10am in the St Andrews Local Office, and it would be appropriate for a representative of the Community Council to become part of the group and to have an input into the discussions that take place."
Planning was to deal with this, but the note arrived since the last Planning meeting and several members are on holiday at the moment.
Who can attend?
Appendix B overview of responses.
Iain Smith MSP writes that he has now submitted the petition against the proposed split to the Petitions Committee, in view of the announcment from the Minister responsible for these proposals that she intends to press ahead with them.
1st Cupar, 2nd Tayport, 3rd St Andrews.
A list of possible seminar subjects has been circulated. Who would attend a meeting in (say) Cupar on the following subjects
We'll run down these and have a quick show of hands - those not at the meeting please contact me if you're interested. [PL]
Appendix C: Fife Council report [July 8.1.2.]
[Dec '01 4.3.4. & Jan 02 4.3.2.] Cllr Jane Ann Liston discovered that the Provost's Chain had been removed from the Museum and worn by Fife Council Depute Convenor Paterson for a function (there was a damning photograph later in The Courier 10/7/02). According to the Lyon Court the chain should not be used by members of bodies which have no right to it eg Fife Council, though a case might be made for use by the Community Council, but we have our own Arms.
From the Lyon Court
' ...following reorganisation of Local Government in 1975, the old Councils of the Burghs disap-peared and the Arms of those Councils reverted to the Crown. As Arms identify, it would not be appropriate for chains of office bearing Arms of non-existent Councils to be worn by representatives of any other Council.
... Officials or Convenors of other Councils, such as Fife Council, should wear chains of office bearing the Arms of that Council. they do not represent the former Council of the Royal Burgh of St Andrews. It is therefore the case that the chains of office bearing Arms of the former Burghs are now museum pieces unless there is a representative of another Council bearing the same Arms in existence.'
Community councillors contactable by email were kept informed of progress of these enquiries.
Appendix D: letter from Jim Hooton, Community Services, asking for feedback on the items to be replaced
Do we have any comments
- is the Youith Committee operational over the summer?
We are invited to send a representative to a meeting at 2.30pm 22/8/02 in County Buildings, Cupar. Bill Sangster is already present as the Merchant Association's rep.
Who can attend?
Appendix E
Who can attend?
Community councillors contactable by email were made aware of the following in July, No one expressed interest and they have now expired.
1) Edinburgh's new transport initiative - congestion charging etc - we have a couple of information leaflets with feedback form. Deadline 31/7/02
2) Orange propose a base station at Strathtyrum and send a pre-application consultation (plans etc). Replica scots pine style to blend with the trees nearby (out beyond Andrew Melville). Responses at this informal stage by 22nd, though presumably it will come through the usual planning process later.
£2.6m to a Cleaner Tidier Fife; Benefits of Civic Amenity Sites [HA! - PL]; Sea- & Air- Port Health; Dog Control Service joint patrols with Police - take that poop scoop...; A-Z of food safety; Food Safety Week; Domestic Refuse Collection; Summer Time is also Pest Time; Labelling of Beef; Cleaning up Contaminated Land.
Written reports are required by terms of the Scheme for Community Councils.
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.
What do you think is needed in St Andrews?
Review of research
Thank you to all the community councils who responded, a total of 86 responses were received and the comments given made interesting reading.
Responses from community councils came from across Scotland covering both urban and rural areas and the results would indicate that misuse of fireworks is a problem in many areas of Scotland. Below is a short review of the survey results.
64% of Community councils chose to give an example of a serious case. The serious cases reported made interesting reading, reports ranged from farm animals becoming the targets of fireworks to fireworks being put through letterboxes and damaging property.
If your Community Council feels strongly about the problems of fireworks misuse, make your voice heard. Write to your local MP, MSP and Local Authority letting them know how you feel about the firework problem in your area.
FIFE COUNCIL
ENVIRONMENT & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
10.06.02
AGENDA ITEM NO
REVIEW OF FIFE COUNCIL'S PARKING CHARGES
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 As part of the approval of the Council's budget for 2002/2003, the Council agreed a number of policy areas for review. One of these was the need to develop a car park strategy aligned with the Council's objective of sustainable transport and which made an explicit link between increased income from car parks with reinvestment on the modernisation of the Council's car parks. It was hoped that the strategy might be in place by October 2002.
1.2 This report highlights the fact that the work required to establish a robust and rational parking strategy for Fife cannot be completed by October 2002, and therefore, approval is sought for the revision of parking charges in the meantime. Whilst some of the additional income would be used to meet the approved revenue savings target of £70,000 for 2002/2003, the balance from the increased charges would allow – in line with the proposed strategy – investment in more sustainable travel choices for accessing our town centres as well as improving the maintenance of car parks. That would be wholly in line with the commitment to a cleaner, tidier Fife.
2.0 FIFE-WIDE PARKING STRATEGY REVIEW
2.1 The original target of having a strategy in place by October 2002 was not realistic, in part because of the restructuring of the Transportation Services, but largely because of the complexity of the issues. There are a whole range of issues which need to be examined to develop a parking framework for the whole of Fife. It is envisaged that this will take around 12 to 18 months to complete, including public consultation.
3.0 CONTRIBUTION TO THE COUNIL'S CURRENT PRIORITIES
3.1 The Local Transport Strategy (LTS) for Fife highlights the need to provide adequate short stay parking for shoppers, and to manage increased demand for long-stay commuter parking. It aims to encourage commuting by sustainable transport modes to the main town centres through the provision of alternative travel choices and a parking management strategy. The LTS supports the Community Plan, particularly in relation to the goal of Delivering a More Sustainable Fife.
3.2 The LTS proposes that the level of parking charges should be set to manage supply and demand, (taking account of competing centres), and assist the funding of other transportation projects whilst balancing the account.
3.3 A revision of car parking charges will also facilitate in car parks being maintained better, in line with the Cleaner and Tidier Fife initiative.
4.0 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE REVIEW OF PARKING CHARGES
4.1 The parking charges in Fife were last increased on 1 April 2001. This raised the standard tariff from a 35p unit to a 40p unit.
4.2 In order to invest in more sustainable travel choices for accessing our town centre and improve the maintenance of car parks, the current 40p basic unit will need to be increased to 50p by 1st October 2002. The current and proposed parking charges are shown in Appendix 1. It is proposed that residents' permits would remain unchanged. Increasing parking charges can be achieved by means of a Public Notice.
4.3 This would be likely to raise approximately £175,000 in 2002/03, and £350,000 per annum thereafter. However, this is an upper estimate, that could be reduced as parking habits alter, possibly only over the short term, to avoid paying the increased parking charges.
4.4 A 50p unit charge would still be less than recent and proposed increases in our neighbouring authorities of Perth and Kinross, Dundee City, Stirling and Falkirk, allowing Fife to remain competitive in this respect.
5.0 CONCLUSIONS
5.1 On 14 February 2002 the Council agreed that a strategic review of car parking facilities and policies should be undertaken with increased tariff charges scheduled for implementation in October 2002, coupled with an increase in investment. Work on the review is due to commence shortly. In the meantime, parking charges in Fife therefore require to be increased by 1 October 2002 to the levels shown in Appendix 1 in order to allow for an increase in investment.
5.2 The increases would still be less than recent and proposed parking charges in our neighbouring authorities. This additional revenue could be used for improvements to more sustainable forms of transport in line with the LTS and to allow car parks to be maintained better, in line with the Cleaner and Tidier Fife initiative.
5.3 A major Review of Fife's Parking Strategy will commence shortly, to develop a parking framework for the whole of Fife. This review will clearly re-visit all aspects identified in Para 2.1 and changes listed in Appendix 1.
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 It is recommended that Committee:
(i) agree to the publication of a Public Notice to increase parking charges in Fife in accordance with Appendix 1.
Dr Bob McLellan
HEAD OF TRANSPORTATION
SERVICESFife House
North Street
GLENROTHES
Author: Alistair Clyne,
Team Leader (Transportation Strategy)4 June 2002
AJC/T2/4/2
Appendix 1
Current and Proposed Parking Charges in the Main Town Centres in Fife
Level 1 Town Centres Current Proposed Dunfermline & Kirkcaldy On street (short stay) 0-30 mins 20p 20p(i) 30-60 mins 40p 50p Off street (short stay) 0-1 hr 40p 50p 1-2 hr 60p 80p 2-3 hr 80p £1.00 Off street (long stay) 0-2 hr 40p 50p 2-4 hr 80p £1.00 4+ hr £1.20 £1.50 Multi storey 0-1 hr 40p 50p 1-2 hr 60p 80p 2-3 hr 80p £1.00 3-4 hr £1.20 £1.50 4 + hr £1.60 £2.00 Season tickets Per quarter £40 £50 St Andrews On street (short stay) 0-1 hr 40p 50p 1-2 hr 80p £1.00 Off street (short stay) 0-1 hr 40p 50p 1-3 hr 80p £1.00 Off street (long stay) 0-2 hr 40p 50p 2-4 hr 80p £1.00 4+ hr £1.20 £1.50 Season tickets Per quarter £40 £50 Level 2 Town Centres Cupar Off street (short stay) 0-2 hr (max) 10p 10p(ii) Off street (long stay) 0-2 hr 10p 10p(ii) 2-4 hr 40p 50p 4+ hr 60p 80p Season tickets Per quarter £20 £25 Note
(i) No proposed increase in charge to facilitate frequent turn-over for 30 mins and less.
(ii) No proposed increase in charge in light of findings of comprehensive review previously carried out.
From Jim Hooton, Community Services,
I have attached a list of work which is planned during the current year on your local playpark.
The item(s) identified have been chosen by an independent consultant as being in need of replacement.
The funding for this work is coming from a windfall allocation from the Scottish Executive.
My purpose in contacting you is to determine whether or not the equipment identified is what the children wish to see as a replacement or do they prefer something else.
Obviously we cannot replace a swing or chute with a huge climbing frame.
The sting in the tail is that due to tendering procedures and suitable weather conditions I have to move very quickly on this.
If I could have your response by Monday 12th August this would enable me to report to my committee by 21st August.
If I do not hear from you by the above date I will assume you are happy with the undernoted proposal.
East Sands: traditional swing (1 bay, 2 flat seats) & 21sqm rubber safety tiles
Woodburn Park: Medium Pedal Slide & 27sq m rubber safety tiles
Cockshaugh Park: traditional swing (1 bay, 2 flat seats) & 21sqm rubber safety tiles
Lade Braes: Fun Ball Game
From Tim Kendrick, Co,mmunity Safety Coordinator, Fife Community Safety Partnership.
At the CCTV Project Board meeting of 31 May 2002, approval was granted for the inception of a postproject advisory group to represent local interests in each of the town centres covered by the Fife CCTV System. Although the group will have no direct authority in the running of the system, it will provide an important discussion forum with community delegates from the eight towns, along with representatives from Fife Constabulary and Fife Council.
The composition of the advisory group must reflect the coverage of the system, with representatives drawn from community organisations in each of the eight towns. To avoid over representation and to maintain focus, the number of groups invited per town has been limited, where possible, to a single key group, such as the local Community Council. Each group will be asked to nominate one of their members to participate on the CCTV Advisory Group. This format will provide these representative groups with a platform with which to provide their own local sub-groups with CCTV updates and facilitate the process of information exchange between all community groups and the proposed CCTV Advisory Group.
To this end I would be delighted if a member of St Andrews Community Council could be nominated to take a place on the CCTV Advisory Group. The proposed remit of the group is as follows: Safety Partnership
• To ensure that local interests are taken into account in the operation of the scheme
• To provide a forum for gathering feedback from local communities on the operation of the scheme
• To provide a forum for the dissemination of information to local communities on the overall operation of the scheme
• To provide a forum for discussion on the contribution that the CCTV scheme can make to the achievements of wider community safety objectives within the town centres
It is proposed that the group meet quarterly and report to the Community Safety Implementation Committee at Fife Council.
In similar initiatives elsewhere, most notably with Tayside Police, post project advisory groups have been set up with representatives from the partners and communities involved. These examples have further highlighted the benefit of partnership working and ensure that local interests are always considered.
I would ask that you consider my request and reply direct to me at Fife Constabulary HQ, Detroit Road, Glenrothes, KY6 2RJ.
I hope to be in a position to update the CCTV Project Board on the composition of the Advisory Group at the Board's meeting on 30 August 2002.
| Date | From | Subject | To |
| 01/07/2002 | Environmental Services | Summer Newsletter | |
| 03/07/2002 | Community Services | Best Kept Town & Village 2002 | |
| 03/07/2002 | NHS Fife | Right For Fife event - Lochgelly | |
| 04/07/2002 | University | DRH Redevelopment | |
| 08/07/2002 | Planning Service | Approval of replacement structure plan | IG |
| 10/07/2002 | Edinburgh City Council | Transport initiative consultation | |
| 10/07/2002 | Orange | Proposed base station at Stratyrum | |
| 11/07/2002 | Community Services | CC seminars | |
| 11/07/2002 | Central Stores | Council Lapel Badges | |
| 11/07/2002 | Planning Service | Review of Strategic Planning | |
| 11/07/2002 | NHS Fife | Board meeting 23 July Cupar | |
| 13/07/2002 | Wicksteed Leisure | Playground Sports Equipment | |
| 13/07/2002 | Police | Community Access Unit | |
| 17/07/2002 | Calor Gas Scotland | Scottish Community of the Year | |
| 19/07/2002 | Fife Community Safety Partnership | CCTV advisory group | |
| 18/07/2002 | Community Services | Survey | |
| 18/07/2002 | Tay Estury Forum | Electronic Deliveay of Newsletter | |
| 23/07/2002 | Scottish Civic Forum | Membership ack | |
| 23/07/2002 | Law & Admin | E Fife Community Safety - vandalism task group rep (copy) | |
| 25/07/2002 | Planning Aid | Subs ack | |
| 31/07/2002 | APRS | Summer newsletter | |
| 31/07/2002 | Fife Health Council | Healthwatch newscetter | |
| 31/07/2002 | SMP Playgrounds | Playground shelters & sports structures | |
| 31/07/2002 | Planning Service | Brambles objection ack | |
| 2/08/2002 | Iain Smith MSP | Strategic Planning | |
| 2/08/2002 | Community Services | Replacement Play Equipment |
(Circulated at the meeting)
Judges' Comments
Despite being an extremely busy tourist town, municipal displays were considered rather poor, with some plantings held back to ensure some street colour at a golf event later in the year. Madras Playing Fields were immaculate as were the areas of the Golf Courses we saw. The Links Clubhouse looked extremely attractive but it is not generally known that it is open to the public.
Rusacks Hotel had an impressive display and the baskets in South Street were equally good, the standard of maintenance in the University Grounds was high but the quality of the Botanics is slipping.
As promised Louise Sutherland has sent copies of the new Housing Allocation Policy documents and tenants' newsletter. Copies will be distributed.
[July 4.5.1.]
=== DRAFT – NOT FOR PUBLICATION===
School Rolls
I write on behalf of the Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council to raise our concerns over the size of secondary school rolls in Fife in general, and Madras College in particular.
Madras College serves a wide catchment area, with children travelling by fleets of buses, inevitably causing problems of congestion and damage to road surfaces in the immediate area of the school buildings, and gradually increasing disturbance and inconvenience to local residents over the years. Other problems of the policy of transportation must include the expense of transporting them, and not incidentally the pollution from the buses' long journeys. The length of bus journey must result in a long 'school' day; the unsupervised journey itself has its drawbacks, reportedly, in terms of poor behaviour and bullying . The removal of the children from their natural communities, such as on the banks of the Tay, to a remote place they only see for the school day, cannot help to build the strong local communities we all desire.
We hear that Fife has the highest average secondary school roll size in Scotland and that Madras College's roll is itself substantially higher than the Fife average - indeed the second largest in Scotland. Size is important; and bigger is not necessarily better. That the school is as effective as it is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all the staff and students coping with this ungainly split-site behemoth.
We have heard that in a recent submission to East Development Committee (18/6/02) regarding additional housing development in Tayport, Education Service described secondary provision in the area as being adequate. We would be pleased to hear the reasoning behind this statement.
This community council considers the size of Madras College has been a long building, and now urgent, problem. We are anxious to know what Fife Council propose to do about it.
=== ===
Newsletter and consultation paper on Human Rights, circulated.
Who should respond?
Effective Enforcement; Weighty Matters; Approved Garage Scheme; Convenor in Shades; Exchange Placements; Website; Counterfeiters stopped in their tracks; Fife's First Lady Chairman; Trading Standards Contacts