Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 22nd October 2002

In Castletown Drill Hall at 7:30pm.

Present

J. Crowden, E. Geddes, M. Cormack, W. Stark, I. Calder, A. Swanson, G. Firth, I. Moodie (Village Officer), A. MacDonald ( H. C. Councillor), G. Calder ( Press), D. Swanson, P. Worthington.

Apologies

A. Hill.

LAST MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM THEM

The last minutes of the 19th September 2002 were read and agreed as a true record.

Doggie Bins and Litter Bins - on waiting list.

Wall in front of Pentland Place- awaiting repairs.

Action A.M.

Footpath Group - nothing to report.

Action G.F.

Bathing Water Results - Disinfection processes should be installed next year ensuring no biological impact from sewerage. Full biological treatment in Dunnet by 2004 and Castletown 2005. Sepa had visited and found no serious problems that would affect water quality. However, poor state of Stanergill Burn behind Norfrost. Norfrost to be contacted regarding this.

Action J.C, A.M.

Morrisons Garage ( Scrap cars and buses)- being attended to. 

Action J.C.

Clean Coast Scotland Campaign - no further forward. Meeting perhaps February or March.

Action A.M.

New Police Officer - An Officer had moved to the village from Wick, but was not on duty in the village at the moment.

Delta North - no further word. 

Action J.C.

Perspex for Noticeboard - Jobs 4 All only interested if doing the job. Sheet of perspex to cost £67. Price to be obtained from Shearers' Wick.

Action I.M.

3/PROPOSED NEW BASKETBALL / SPORTS AREA.

Further approaches to be made to Norfrost regarding the above.

Action P.W, D.S.

4/HOUSING SURVEY.

No further word. Points noted - R.Taylor, Thurso that he was still interested in building houses at the other side of Stanergill Burn. Developers behind Harland Road project had been speaking to residents re. access.

Action J.C.

5/VILLAGE OFFICER UPDATE.

School grass cutting to be carried out by commercial operator ( signature for satisfaction of work done). Wood replaced at Heritage Trail. Clean-up of Stanergill Burn discussed.

Complaints received about the untidy condition of two gardens in Harland Road. Query made about the knocking down of walls to gain access to gardens for cars ( Council houses). Hopefully grit bins would be in position and filled in time for the winter months. Explore possibility of winter funding for Village Officer.

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

6/PURCHASE OF NEW MOWER.

£100 received from UKAEA. Cost of mower £450 approx. Obtain more funding.

Action J.C.

7/CASTLEHILL HARBOUR TRUST.

No update to report.

Action J.C, D.M.

8/CLOSURE OF A&E DEPARTMENT AT DUNBAR HOSPITAL & LOSS OF N.H.S DENTISTS.

Special meeting to be held at Dale House on 1st and 2nd November with Highland Primary Care NHS Trust representatives in attendance.

John Thurso MP has written to Malcolm Chisholm - Scottish Health Minister regarding the dental problems in Caithness. One application had been received for the vacant position in Thurso from Australia. New dental surgery to be built at the Dunbar Hospital.

Action J.C.

9/PARKING AT MACE SHOP AND POST OFFICE.

Arrangements to be made for the Traffic Warden to visit Castletown as a first step. Possibility of a crossing patrol at the Post Office.

Action J.C, A.M.

10/CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters received were discussed and noted as follows:

Questionnaire completed on a survey being carried out by the Highland Health Council.

Health Council report on open meeting.

Letter from John Thurso MP regarding repairs to A9 - Navidale Section. Meeting to take place in Helmsdale on 27th November.

Highland Council Housing Strategy.

RSPB Newsletter.

ScotRail. Why did they not introduce the Free Pass Scheme.

Post Office. Post Watch.

SEPA.

Highland Council minutes.

UKAEA- Annual Review. Corporate Plan- Site Restoration Plan, Dounreay bulletin.

Friends of Far North Line - AGM - 16th November in Beauly.

Local Plan - Planning Applications.

Public meeting in Dunbeath on 28th October re. possible fluoridation of water.

Being no further business the date for the next meeting was set for Thursday 28th November 2002 at 7:30pm in the Castletown Drill Hall. This will be the Annual General Meeting.

The meeting closed at 21:45hrs.