Minutes of meeting held on Thursday 13th June 2002

In Castletown Drill Hall at 7:30pm.

Present

J. Crowden, E. Geddes, M. Cormack, A. Hill, G. Firth, W. Swanson, A. Macdonald (H. C. Councillor), G. Ewing ( Northern Constabulary), G. Calder ( Press).

Apologies

I. Calder, W. Stark, A. Swanson, I. Moodie.

2/LAST MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM THEM

The last minutes of the 16th May 2002 were read and agreed as a true record.

Doggie Bins- will be in requested places shortly.

Watering Device for Hanging Baskets- no progress.

Action A.M.

Putting Green Fence- condition not any worse.

Action I.M.

Footpath Group- Castletown and Thurso on hold due to new Water Plant.

Action G.F.

Bathing Water Results- will be checked as soon as the first of the 2002 samples become known.

Action J.C.

Morrison's Garage- (Scrap cars and buses)- no progress.

Action J.C.

Removal of coil- being attended to.

Action A.M.

At this point a picture of Castlehill Harbour was presented to George Ewing our "local bobby" with grateful thanks from the Community Council members. After 6 years in the village George is now working in Wick.

3/PROPOSED NEW BASKETBALL/ SPORTS AREA

No further forward.

Action A.M, G.E.

4/QUEENS GOLDEN JUBILEE

Jubilee Day Celebrations had been very successful with everyone enjoying themselves in spite of the wet afternoon. Flower Baskets Committee had forwarded a letter to Council applying for their promised £500.

5/HOUSING SURVEY

About 30% have returned the survey. Ann Mackay, Highland Small Communities Housing Trust, offered to come along to the next meeting and discuss the results.

Action J.C.

6/VILLAGE OFFICER UPDATE- NEW MOWER

No money from Council for Village Officer. Has been paid from own funds. Several Firms visited regarding purchase of new mower. Funding to be applied for. Wall at Betsy's Cottage not repaired and wall at Castlehill Avenue even more down.

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

7/CLOSURE OF A&E DEPARTMENT AT DUNBAR HOSPITAL

Should be re- opened August 2002.

8/CORRESPONDENCE

Letters received were discussed and noted as follows:-

A9 Ord- Reply from Jamie Stone MSP enclosing copy of letter from Lewis Macdonald, Scotland's Deputy Transport Minister. It was to be hoped that the level of winter maintenance would improve this year with the Highland Council and BEAR Scotland Ltd. working more closely together.

Suzanne Roberts of Clean Coast Scotland Campaign would like to speak to as many people as possible. Perhaps a meeting could be arranged by Highland Council.

Highland Council restructure of services:- Richard Guest- Area Roads and Community Services Manager. Alfred Gunn- Principal Environmental Health Officer.

9/AOCB

We should have a new policeman by August 2002. Concerns expressed about underage drinking in the village, also the removal of roses from the rose bed adjacent to the corner.

Being no further business the date for the next meeting was set for Wednesday 3rd July at 7:30pm in the Castletown Drill Hall.

The meeting closed at 21:00hrs.