Minutes of meeting held on Thursday 22nd August 2002

In Castletown Drill Hall at 7:30pm.

Present

J. Crowden, M. Cormack, E. Geddes, W. Swanson, I. Calder, A. Swanson, G. Firth, A. MacDonald ( H. C. Councillor), Dr. D. McNeill, D. Swanson, W. Moodie.

Apologies

I. Moodie, G. Calder, W. Stark.

LAST MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM THEM

The last minutes of the 3rd July 2002 were read and agreed as a true record.

Doggie Bins & Litter Bins- not in place.

Walls at Betsy's Cottages and Castlehill Avenue- not repaired.

Action A.M.

Footpath Group- nothing to report.

Action G.F.

Bathing Water Results- lower level of passing at Dunnet. No result for Castletown.

Action J.C

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

Action J.C.

Removal of coil- has been attended to.

Action A.M.

Clean Coast Scotland Campaign- no progress.

Action A.M.

New Police Officer- Reply from Chief Inspector Gregory, no progress at the moment.

Action J.C.

3/ PROPOSED NEW BASKETBALL/ SPORTS AREA.

No reply from Mrs. Grant re. confirmation of availability of ground behind the Youth Club. Therefore no progress.

Action J.C.

4/ HOUSING SURVEY.

In attendance:-Anne MacKay- Highland Small Communities Housing Trust, Di Alexander- Development Manager of the Highlands Small Communities Trust, Andi Wakeman- Pentland Housing Association, Ian Hargrave- Highland Council Area Manager.

Anne MacKay and Andi Wakeman were happy with the response to the survey. The most obvious issue raised was land for building. One owner appears to monopolise the village. Try to identify other sites. Sub standard rented accommodation. Regenerate main street. Letter to be sent to Alan Ogilvie regarding the land issue.

Action J.C.

5/ VILLAGE OFFICER UPDATE.

None. Council grass cutting in general and state of weeds also cutting of grass at school football pitch not satisfactory

Action A.M.

6/ PURCHASE OF NEW MOWER.

No further forward.

Action J.C.

7/ CASTLEHILL HARBOUR TRUST

Dr. McNeill to co-ordinate a group of volunteers with tractor, trailer, cement mixer, shovels etc. to repair holes at the pier. Donation of cement. To be published via posters and local press. Contact Dr. McNeill if interested.

Action J.C, D.M.

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

Reply from Eunice Cameron- Corporate Services Manager-September or October before re-opening of Department. Another Doctor required.

9/ CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters received were discussed and noted as follows:-

Delta North- Proposed Water Waste Treatment Plant-Thurso to Castletown. Finishing date 2004- Letter to Sandy Hutchison regarding connection onto pipeline.

Action J.C.

Dunnet Forestry Trust- Letter of support to be sent also agreed to pay £5 life membership.

Action J.C.

Caithness Local Plan.

O2 Airwave Service, Masts mid 2005.

Enviros.

Proposed Wind Farm.

Caithness Riders Access Group. Refer to Footpath Group.

Action J.C.

Highland Council Reports.

Dounreay bulletin.

10/ AOCB

W.Moodie requested help with the removal of neighbours scrap cars and limited access to house.

Action A.M.

Perspex needed for noticeboard.

Action G.F.

Civic Awards- Nominations.

Being no further business the date for the next meeting was set for Thursday 19th September 2002 at 7:30pm. in the Castletown Drill Hall.

The meeting closed at 22:05hrs.