May

Kemnay Community Council
Report of Meeting Held in the Village Hall on:

30 May 2002

1. Present:-
Mr A. Davies, Mr D. Evans, Mr P. Findlater, Mr C. Hunneyball, Dr J. Piggins, Mr A. Thomson, Mrs M. Wainman
Attending:-Inspector D. Allan, Mr D. Duncan (Inverurie Herald), G.Henderson, Ms L McKay, Councillor A. Leitch, Mr G. Paterson, Ms L. Robertson, L. Service, Ms L Sneddon, Ms S. Taylor.
Apologies:- Mr D. Caney, Mr T. McKay, Mrs M. Michie, Mrs S. Milton, Councillor G. Saluja

2.Police Matters.
Dr Piggins welcomed Inspector Allan and thanked him for hosting the last meeting at Inverurie Police HQ. Inspector Allan said that the reduction in reported crime was continuing, with only 20 reports in May.
The police were looking at crime prevention measures, such as small modifications to buildings and changing bus parking arrangements at the Academy.
More foot patrolling was being done, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. The Deputy Chief Constable had also accompanied Inspector Allan for a couple of hours on patrol.
Mr Davies said that there was a problem with young lads driving golf balls near houses, which had resulted in a resident's window being broken.
There was a fear of intimidation if the perpetrators were confronted. Inspector Allan said that the Council could put up a sign prohibiting ball games, but contravention would be a civil matter, as the police could not interfere directly.
Intent to cause damage would have to be proved before they could take action. Ms Robertson said that there was a bid in for funds from the New Opportunities Fund to provide better recreational facilities, but most money was being allocated to the central belt.

3. Presentation - The Eye of Youth
The Council heard an interesting and thought provoking presentation from three Academy pupils. Although there was a football pitch, they highlighted the lack of social recreational facilities for the young in Kemnay, and the terrible lack of regular public transport.
In the ensuing discussion Clr Leitch noted that Kemnay would not be given a swimming pool because there already pools in Alford and Inverurie.
It was suggested that the village hall could be available for some activities, as could the pavilion, although adult supervision would be needed.

4. Minute of Last Meeting
The Minute of meeting held on Thursday 25th April 2002 was adopted.
Proposed: Mrs M. Wainman Seconded: Mr A. Thomson

5. Matters Arising from Last Minute
a. Jubilee Celebrations.
Nothing to add. The party will be held on Sunday 9th June from 1.00 to 6.00 pm.
b. Aberdeenshire Local Plans.
These were still being discussed by Aberdeenshire Council.
c. Station Road Pavement.
A sign from the Laird's Throat was often blocking the pavement, making it difficult for the elderly to walk from Littlewood Court to Alldays. It was agreed to write and ask that it be removed.
d. Renewing Local Democracy.
The consultation paper on renewing local democracy, which would be discussed at the next meeting, was available on the internet at www.scotland.gov.uk.

6.New Business
a. Lawrence of Kemnay.
The move of Lawrence's to Inverurie was noted with regret. The future of the site and the filling station was not known.
b. Calor Gas Community Council Awards.
It was agreed to submit an application for one of these awards. Mr Evans would cover Environment, Mr Davies Business, Dr Piggins Young People, and Mrs Wainman would co-ordinate the Community Life and Older People entries.

7.Report from the Safety Group.
The problems of the Midmill roundabout had been represented to the Area Manager. The approach to litter reduction in Inverurie seemed to be having an effect. Home Safety Booklets were going to be given to all 1st Year Academy pupils.
The emergency information refrigerator pots for the elderly would be distributed in June/July.

8.Report from the Press Scrutiniser
The £500 gift from Aggregate Industries had been widely reported. It would probably be used to buy trolleys for storing tables in the village hall.

9. Aberdeenshire News.
Clr Leitch said that the street columns in Bremner Way were to be replaced. A revision of bus services was in hand, but would probably not affect Kemnay.
He also commented on the drug testing centre in Gallowgate, the victim support AGM, and the need to tie in housing support with the care package.

10.Planning Applications.
Twelve applications had been submitted, but none was controversial. The application for a house at Dalmadilly, discussed last month, had been rejected.
It was noted that there had been an application for a four bedroom house on the derelict site opposite the village hall.

11. Correspondence.
Various circulars had been distributed. A letter had been received from the Area Manager noting the Community Council's support of the skatepark project, and the possibility of erecting youth shelters.

12. Any Other Business.
There had been further complaints about the smell from the knackery, and a formal complaint would be made to SEPA

13. Date of Next Meeting.
Thursday 27th June 2002 in the Wainman Room, Kemnay Village Hall.