Held on Thursday 19th February in Castletown Drill Hall at 7:30pm

Present

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

Apologies

A. Hill, M. Cormack, G. Firth, G. MacLennan.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING AND MATTERS ARISING FROM THEM.

The minutes of the last meeting on 22nd January 2004 were read and agreed as a true record.

Website- No progress has been made on the website. Updating others to meet standards for design and accessibility being attended to as this is a Legal requirement for public sites now. Deadline of 12th April 2004 when the current address expires.

Action D.S.

Broadband- Castletown has reached its broadband trigger Level. Now awaiting an installation date.

BEAR Scotland- Mr. A.D. Fraser- Senior Area Manager to attend next meeting.

Action J.C.

Street Lights- No contact has been made with Robbie Gunn.

Action D.S.

David Flear and Ian Hargrave- Letter had been received from Ian Hargrave thanking for friendly Reception. Also taking on board the various issues raised such as dog fouling, housing, state of cemetery etc.

Scottish Access Code- A.M will check Jessan’s path and bridges.

Action A.M.

3/ HIGHLAND COUNCIL RANGER.

Mary Legg, Highland Council Ranger and John Crowden had walked around the village and Heritage Trail. Suggestions made to improve the look of Castletown were the planting of trees and shrubs at various locations along the Main Street, at the Car Park and roundabouts at the Heritage Trail and possibly extending the hedge at the cemetery. Project could cost between £2000 and £3000. Funding could be obtained from Scottish National Heritage, Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise, Leader Plus, and perhaps Aggregate Tax. It may be possible to involve the Castletown Heritage Society and Castletown Beyond 2000 in the scheme.

Action J.C.

4/ PROPOSED NEW BASKETBALL/ SPORTS AREA.

This project could cost £20,000. £2000 to come from the Council Discretionary Fund. Other sources of funding- National Lottery, Dounreay, Coop Community Fund. Letter to be sent to Norfrost giving an update of the plans etc. Planning permission to be looked into.

Action D.S., A.M, J.C.

5/ VILLAGE OFFICER UPDATE.

Churchill Place rubbish has gone. Furniture in gardens in Calder Square.
Coach Walk a disgrace.
Grassed island area along from the Chip Shop needs attention.
Dog fouling a serious problem. Suggested- heavier fines for dog owners and the dog wardens to be more vigilant. Also too many dogs in council houses.

Action A.M, I.M.

6/ CORRESPONDENCE.

• Highland Access Project Newsletter.
• Out of Hours Seminar- Portland Arms Hotel, Lybster. Wed. 3rd March 2004.
• Highland Council Minutes. Agendas.
• Dounreay Newsletter. UKAEA Today.
• Caithness Depression Support Group. Town Hall, Thurso. Sat.28th Feb 2004.
• SNH North Highland Newsletter.
• North Highland Forest Trust- Sat. 13th March 2004.
• Sepa Newsletter.

7/ AOCB

Village Officer- more money could be available depending on duties performed. R. Guest would be the person to contact regarding this.

Mention of speed camera at top end of village.

Fence at Putting Green in a dangerous condition. Posts could stay.

Being no further business the date for the next meeting was set for Thursday 18th March, 2004 at 7:30pm in the Castletown Drill Hall.

The meeting closed at 21:10hrs.