Minutes of meeting held on Thursday 23rd January 2003

In Castletown Drill Hall at 7:30pm.

Present

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

Apologies

W. Reid.

LAST MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM THEM

The last minutes of the 28th November 2002 were read and agreed as a true record.

Wall in front of Pentland Place- in hand for repair.

Action A.M.

Footpath Group- nothing to report.

Action G.F.

Bathing Water Results- no reply from 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- contact has been made.

Action A.M.

New Police Officer- now on duty in Castletown and welcomed to the meeting.

Perspex for Notice board- to be purchased from Screwfix Direct.

Action I.M.

3/PROPOSED NEW BASKETBALL/ SPORTS AREA.

Letter from Norfrost had been received giving written permission for use of land behind Youth Club. Tina Robinson to be approached re. funding.

Action A.M.

4/HOUSING SURVEY.

No further forward. Situation to be monitored.

5/SITING OF SHORE STATION BEHIND HARLAND ROAD.

Amended application had been submitted and no objections received.

Action J.C.

6/VILLAGE OFFICER UPDATE.

Doggie Bins in place at school but not being used. Suggestion that Grit Bin be moved from Pentland Place to Mackay Street. Letter had been written to Richard Guest Detailing the duties of the Village Officer, hours worked etc, also stressing the need for winter funding. No reply as yet.

Action J.C, I.M.

7/PURCHASE OF NEW MOWER.

Still seeking funding for the above.

Action J.C.

8/PUTTING GREEN.

It may be possible to get funding for a new fence and shed for the above provided someone was willing to run the " putting green" or suggest another suitable use for the area. Posters to be put in shop windows.

Action J.C.

9/CASTLEHILL HARBOUR TRUST.

No update to report.

Action J.C, D.M.

10/CLOSURE OF A&E DEPARTMENT AT DUNBAR HOSPITAL

Re- opening on 28th February 2003. Should be a better service than before. N. H. S. Dentists- 3 interested in the vacant dental posts.

Action J.C.

11/PARKING AT MACE SHOP AND POST OFFICE.

PC Gary MacLennan said he would try to discourage motorists from parking at the two problem areas, as a first step.

Action G.M.

12/VANDALISM IN VILLAGE AND LETTING HOUSES TO UNDESIRABLES.

PC MacLennan said that they had suspects for the recent spate of damage, but no proof and urged members to be extra vigilant and keep their " eyes and ears" open. Reply had been received from Ian Hargrave- area housing manager- indicating that he was willing to come and discuss with us the problem of anti- social behaviour amongst certain tenants.

Action J.C.

13/CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters received were discussed and noted as follows:

Drill Hall Committee AGM Tuesday 28th January 2003.

Highland Council performance report. Increase Grant to Community Councils. Questionnaire on funding.

Post Office- Closure of Weydale Post Office.

Draft Scheme for Highland Community Councils.

Scottish Water- Winter Campaign.

North Highland Forest Trust AGM Saturday 8th February 2003 in Lairg.

Village Entrances- Count down signs

Home Aid AGM Wednesday 29th January 2003.

Friends of the Far North Line. Subscription due.

Fluoride Consultation- Friday 28th February 2003.

UKAEA- Dounreay bulletins.

Highland Council Minutes.

NHS Highland Health Plan 2003- 2005.

Health Council- Annual Report.

14/AOCB.

Request for Bus Shelter at end of West Murkle Road. Flooding at East Murkle. Visibility coming out of Battery Road.

Action A.M.

Request from G. Campbell Thurdistoft to find out who put the bridges at Sand- End. This question asked because of Insurance. Perhaps Jessan MacKay may know.

Action I.M.

It was agreed to service the photocopier and get a price for another one.

Action M.C, D.S.

Letter to be written to A. Goodall of Rapson's re. withdrawal without notice of 16:05 bus from Wick to Castletown.

Action J.C.

Proposed Retail Outlet behind old Post Office refused permission due to access problems. Query from W. Lamb as to why he should pay full rate of Council Tax.

Action A.M.

Condition of Middle Cemetery.

Burnt out car in garden of 20 Traill Street.

Action A.M.

Being no further business the date for the next meeting was set for Thursday 20th February 2003 at 7:30pm in the Castletown Drill Hall.

The meeting closed at 21:50pm.