Minutes of meeting held on Wednesday 3rd July 2002

In Castletown Drill Hall at 7:30pm.

Present

J. Crowden, E. Geddes, A. Swanson, I. Moodie (Village Officer), A. MacDonald (H. C. Councillor), G. Ewing (Northern Constabulary), G. Calder (Press).

Apologies

M. Cormack, G. Firth, W. Swanson.

2/ LAST MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM THEM.

The last minutes of the 13th June 2002 were read and agreed as a true record.

Doggie Bins- not in place.

Watering Device for Hanging Baskets- no progress. should be some form of assistance from Highland Council.

Action A.M.

Footpath Group- nothing to report.

Action G.F.

Bathing Water Results- Dunnet area good pass. Check SEPA for Castletown end results.

Action J.C.

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

Action J.C.

Removal of coil- should have been attended to.

Action A.M.

Clean Coast Scotland Campaign- no further action at the moment.

No confirmation of new Police Officer. Letter to be written to Area Commander at Wick expressing concern and stressing the need for the post to be filled.

Action J.C.

3/ PROPOSED NEW BASKETBALL/ SPORTS AREA.

George Ewing had spoken to Mrs. Grant and was delighted to report that the piece of ground behind the Youth Club was to be made available for a Basketball area. Letter to be sent to Mrs. Grant thanking her and asking for written confirmation. Letters to go out to all organisations including Tina Robinson (Sports Development Officer) explaining the project in hand and asking for interested parties to either reply in writing before the next meeting or in person at the next meeting.

Action J.C.

4/ QUEENS GOLDEN JUBILEE.

Flower Baskets were now in place and looking good. Still to come- the Old Folks outing and meal.

5/ HOUSING SURVEY.

Ann Mackay had forwarded a rough draft of some results. She is to be invited to the next meeting of the Community Council.

Action J.C.

6/ VILLAGE OFFICER UPDATE.

Money had arrived from Council. Why should we have to wait? Wall at Betsy's Cottages not repaired and getting worse. Wall at Castlehill Avenue similar condition. Litter bins required urgently for Harland Road. Action A.M. No overnight parking sign gone from Sandend. Seat rotten at picnic table. Not Council Property. Discussion on state of Castlehill Harbour. Letter to be written to Dr. Donald McNeill- Harbour Trust Secretary- highlighting the need for the Trust to be reformed. Mr. MacDonald said that he would be happy to be involved.

Action J.C.

7/ PURCHASE OF NEW MOWER.

Funding had been applied for. Should hear within a few weeks.

Action J.C.

8/ CLOSURE OF A&E DEPARTMENT AT DUNBAR HOSPITAL.

Last comments made sounded hopeful. However no definite re- opening date.

9/ CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters received were discussed and noted as follows:-

Quality Awards- Highland Council Staff.

Dounreay bulletin.

UKAEA Today.

Highland Council Minutes.

North Highland Forest Trust- Life Membership- £5.

Sepa- Waste- 700 responses- What to do with waste? £70 a ton to dispose of waste at the moment. Will increase to £140- £160 in the future. More recycling and composting.

Hi Trans- Transportation Project.

Questionnaire on Bus Shelters and Notices.

Being no further business the date for the next meeting was set for Thursday 22nd August 2002 at 7:30pm in the Castletown Drill Hall.

The meeting closed at 21:45hrs.