Minutes of meeting held on Thursday 28th November 2002

In Castletown Drill Hall at 8:30pm.

Present

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

Apologies

A. Hill, W. Stark, G. Firth.

LAST MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM THEM

The last minutes of the 22nd October 2002 were read and agreed as a true record.

Doggie Bins- to be placed near to the School.

Litter Bin- was in place at Harland Road.

Wall in front of Pentland Place- had been reported.

Action A.M.

Footpath Group- nothing to report.

Action G.F.

Bathing Water Results- letter has been written to Norfrost re. poor state of Stanergill Burn.

Action J.C.

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

Action J.C.

Clean Coast Scotland Campaign- no further forward.

Action A.M.

New Police Officer- should now be on duty in Castletown. To be invited to the next meeting.

Action E.G.

Perspex for Noticeboard- no further forward.

Action I.M.

3/PROPOSED NEW BASKETBALL/ SPORTS AREA.

An approach has been made to Mrs. Grant's personal secretary, who had indicated that a letter was on it's way to Community Council regarding the ground for the above project. Mr. W. Reid reported that almost 100 people had signed a petition supporting the need for a basketball area. Mr. A. MacDonald to speak to Tina Robinson re. funding.

Action A.M, J.C.

4/HOUSING SURVEY

No word officially. G. Campbell in talks with Scottish Water re. sewer pipe. R. Taylor to begin housing developments at Stanergill early next year.

5/PROPOSED SITING OF SHORE STATION AT HARLAND ROAD

Meeting had been held with residents of Harland Road who strongly objected to the siting of the shore station and the access to the building. Letter had been written to Iain Ewart (Area Planning Manager), voicing the concerns of the local people.

Action J.C.

6/VILLAGE OFFICER UPDATE

Grit Bins in position and filled. Council can stop access to gardens for cars in Council houses. Not much chance of winter funding for Village Officer. Letter to be written to Richard Guest.

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

7/PURCHASE OF NEW MOWER

Letter to be written to Area Manager re. funding for above.

Action J.C.

8/CASTLEHILL HARBOUR TRUST

No update to report.

Action J.C, D.M.

9/CLOSURE OF A&E DEPARTMENT AT DUNBAR HOSPITAL

Members were pleased to hear that the above department will re-open as a GP led unit on 1st February 2003. Loss of N.H.S. Dentists- no update to report.

Action J.C.

10/PARKING AT MACE SHOP AND POST OFFICE

Advice from new Police Officer to be sought re. parking at the above. Yellow lines were favoured by Inspector Reiss, but they have an unfortunate history in Castletown.

Action J.C.

11/CORRESPONDENCE

Letters received were discussed and noted as follows:

Reply from Scot Rail regarding free travel for the elderly. Scottish Executive decided free bus scheme and did not ask Scot Rail to participate.

Public Meeting in Dunbeath re. the possibility of adding fluoride to water supplies. Members signed a petition opposing this action.

Childline Scotland

Donation to be sent next month.

North Highland Forest Trust News Letter.

Castletown Junior Football Club- no support for basketball area.

Highland Council Minutes.

UKAEA- Dounreay bulletin.

N.H.S. Annual Report for Highlands.

Report on Meeting held in Helmsdale regarding repairs to A9- Navidale Section. Questionnaire handed out to members detailing the Options available.

Bear Scotland has assured the public that winter maintenance should be improved this year. It was hoped that something could be done about the flooding problems.

12/AOCB

Letting houses to undesirables and a recent rise in crime in the village was fully discussed by members. A letter to be sent to the Housing Officer expressing the concerns of the village people.

Action J.C.

Being no further business the date for the next meeting was set for Thursday 23rd January 2003 at 7:30pm. in the Castletown Drill Hall.

The meeting closed at 22:00hrs.