Minutes of meeting held on Thursday 18th April 2002

In Castletown Drill Hall at 7:30pm.

Present

J. Crowden, E. Geddes, M. Cormack, A. Swanson, A. Hill, G. Firth, W. Swanson, W. Stark, W. Reid, K. Stone, I. Moodie (Village Officer), A. MacDonald (H. C. Councillor), G. Calder (Press).

Apologies

I. Calder.

2/LAST MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM THEM.

The last minutes of the 21st March 2002 were read and agreed as a true record.

Doggie Bins- will be in place shortly. Long handled rubbish grippers- no contact with Mr.E.Ross.

Action A.M.

Putting Green Fence- regularly inspected.

Action G.F, I.M.

Footpath Group- nothing to report.

Action G.F.

Bathing Water Results- Reply from David Robinson of SEPA. Situation being monitored. One reason- sewerage outfall. Should improve when new system is installed in Thurso.

Action J.C.

Withdrawal of Bus Service- no reply from Alistair Goodall to letter sent offering advice on any future changes.

Action J.C.

Morrison's Garage- Scrap Cars and Buses The removal of the above had not taken place. Contractor had been to assess the situation but had not returned. Planning Department had replied to letter sent and requested the address of Mr. Morrison.

Action J.C.

Removal of coil not attended to.

Action A.M.

Scottish Executive A9 Ord- Reply from Keith Main stating that the contract specifications for Winter Maintenance was the same as the previous contract and was not available to the public. Jamie Stone MSP to be asked for an opinion about this.

Action J.C.

New Mower- Robertsons of Tain quoted £1100. Highland Industrial Supplies-£582 plus VAT. Until a decision was made Mr. I. Moodie agreed to hire his own mower at a cost of £15 per day.

Action J.C.

3/PROPOSED BASKETBALL SPORTS AREA.

Area behind Traill Hall - one of the possible sites to be looked at more closely. Personal visit to neighbours.

Action A.M.

4/QUEENS GOLDEN JUBILEE.

Plans are making progress. £470 has been donated towards the street party and Ceilidh.

5/HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY.

Delivery of Survey should take place shortly.

6/VILLAGE OFFICER UPDATE.

State of Coach Walk a disgrace - absolutely everything there. Rubbish in Plantation and in Stanergill Burn. Wall had been damaged at Betsy's Cottages. Fence on Harbour Road needs painting. Wall at Castlehill Avenue not fixed.

Action I.M, J.C, A.M.

7/HIGHLAND COUNCIL FIRST MEETING IN WICK.

Community Councillors met with Highland Councillors after the full meeting took place. Topics raised- staffing in service points, video conferencing between Wick and Inverness, involving the computer more, Village Officer and what does he do and is he willing to take on more duties, regenerate Wick, unemployment, standard of roads, Tourism in Caithness.

Action J.C.

8/CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters received were discussed & noted as follows:

*Caithness Planning Day- Wednesday 24th April 2002 in Weigh Inn, Thurso

*Playgrounds Price Guide.

*Highland Health Council- AGM Tuesday 23rd April at 1:30pm.

*Tree Fest Scotland 2002- Open day Saturday 4th May at Cawdor Estate. John Crowden to attend.

9/AOCB

Thurso Town Hall Plan- Concern about a plan to base the Dounreay Exhibition in the Town Hall was expressed. Existing users will still be able to use the Hall under better conditions.

It is possible that the View Firth Club will be demolished and something else built in its place was also said.

Being no further business the date of the next meeting was set for Thursday 16th May 2002 at 7:30pm in the Castletown Drill Hall.

The meeting closed at 21:30hrs.