March

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

27 March 2003

1. Present:-
Mr A. Davies, Mr D. Evans, Mr P. Findlater, Cdr C. Hunneyball, Mrs S. Milton, Mrs J. Newberry, Dr J. Piggins, Mr A. Thomson, Mrs M. Wainman
Attending:-
Mr P. Aikenhead, Ms H Al-Kowarri, Mr W. Blackwood, Mr D. Duncan (Inverurie Herald) Mr R. Dunham, Mr L. Fettes, Mrs J. Fettes, Mr D. Fyffe, Mr A. Hinton, Cllr A. Leitch, Mr K. Milne, Mr I. Morgan, Mr G. Paterson, Cllr G. Saluja, Mr C. Simpson, Miss S. Taylor

Dr Piggins welcomed the Councillors and members of the public.

2. Police Matters
There was no police presence, but the problem of speeding motorists was raised. On occasion Bremner Way was being used as a racetrack, and the new island in Aquithie Road seemed represent a challenge to "boy racers", rather than acting as a traffic calming measure. The behaviour of some was positively dangerous. It was agreed to ask a member of the Roads Department to speak at a meeting and explain what calming measures could be taken, as the perceived logic of the Council was not understood.

3. Minute of Last Meeting
The Minute of the meeting held on Thursday 27th February 2003 was adopted.
Proposed: Mrs Newberry Seconded:Mrs Wainman

4. Matters Arising from Minute
a. The Glebe Obstruction.
There was no information on the obstruction at The Glebe, but Cllr Leitch was trying to establish ownership of the pile of rubble.

b. The "Water Carrier" Fence.
Cllr Leitch had reported the problem of the fence, and was awaiting a reply.

5. Community Council Elections.
There had been 15 nominations to fill the 15 available places, so no election would be necessary.

6. Garioch Area Bus Forum.
A lively meeting had been held on 26th March. The meeting was dominated by complaints from Kemnay, but it was made clear by Stagecoach that financial constraints prevented an immediate improvement to the service. However, the many points made were noted and would be considered.

7. Garioch Area Community Council Forum.
Two meetings had been held. At a special one to consider the Area Partnership it was agreed in principle that this would happen. All Community Councils (10) were being asked for their views. The partnership would concentrate on youth issues.
At the main meeting it was reported that the top-up budget for 2003/4 would be £35,000, to be aimed at projects which improve appearance.

The village orderly scheme would be continued, but unfortunately not during term time.

8. Unfinished Business.
a. Aberdeenshire Local Plan.
This now looks like being the subject of an Inquiry. It was felt that, in this case, it would be more effective to give evidence verbally rather than as a written submission.
b. Waste Recycling.
It was agreed to ask Clair Wright, the Area Recycling Co-ordinator, to speak to a public meeting in the village. Advice had been rested from the Community Council about the possible location of a second mini recycling centre. No other place could be identified, so Aberdeenshire Council will be asked to enhance the existing facility, which is often overloaded.

Thanks had been received from Mrs Sneddon for the help in obtaining a grant for the Youth Café. Fetternear had also been awarded a grant towards the cost of their information boards.

9. New Business.
Mr Fyffe, of the Netherton Business Centre, gave a presentation on Broadband Internet Access. A leaflet was being distributed to all Kemnay households urging them to register for this, as unless a certain level of interest was shown BT would not upgrade the exchange. Registering did not commit one to installing it.

A resident had asked about the possibility of building a swimming pool. This had been requested before without success, so Mrs Wainman had given her the background papers and asked if she could see a way forward.

A large document on Community Care had been received. As the timescale for responses was short, any comments would be made individually.

10. Report from the Safety Group.
The "Bicycle Stamping" morning had been most successful, with a total of 612 processed.

It was reported that from 1st April the Aberdeen Ambulance Control Centre would be closed, and all calls would be dealt with in Inverness. Assurances had been given that this would not affect the service provided.

There was a limited supply of smoke alarms for the deaf, but the cost was quite high, at £90 including fitting.

11. Aberdeenshire News.
Cllr Leitch reported that the potholes in Bremner Way had been repaired, and the footpath in Kendal Road was being resurfaced. The wet area was being drained, as it gave cause for concern when frozen. The paths over the village green had been welcomed. It was noted that there were still no double yellow lines opposite The Grove, although the poles for the signs had been erected.

12. Planning Applications.
There were no contentious planning applications.

13. Correspondence.
All correspondence had been previously circulated.

14. A.O.C.B.
A complaint had been made about the trees on the green blocking light to houses in Paradise Road. It was agreed to discuss this at the next meeting after members had had the opportunity to look at the area. Comment was made about school children dropping litter, mainly fast food containers.

15. Date of Next Meeting.
The next meeting will be held at 7.30 pm on Thursday 24th April 2003 in Kemnay Village Hall. All are welcome.