Minutes of meeting held on Thursday 28th February 2008 in the Castletown Drill Hall at 7:30pm.

Present:

E. Geddes, D. Fraser, W. Swanson, I. Calder, A. Hill, I. Moodie (Village Officer), R. Gunn, R. Coghill (Landward Caithness Councillor) G. Calder (Press). Others: - A. Wilcock, C. Davidson.

Apologies:

M. Cormack, A. Swanson, M. Murray, G. MacLennan.

2/ MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING AND MATTERS ARISING FROM THEM:

The minutes of the last meeting held on 31st January 2008 were read and agreed as a true record.

3/ VILLAGE OFFICER UPDATES

Bin at Heritage car park has still not been replaced. Cutting back of over-hanging trees in Harland road area- members were pleased to record that one responsible land owner had cut the trees on his ground. Council still seeks to identify other landowners. Bridges at sand-end have not yet been replaced. Concrete bridge at the car park may be replaced, but not the other two. Problems with costs, landowners and issues over insurance. Members were disappointed that a dry stone wall at the new houses at west-end of Castletown had been knocked down and replaced with a block one. Green and Cameron contractor had put a drain across the road at the same site and left the ground in an untidy state. Contact to be made with the council regarding the use of a skip over the Easter period. Grass cutting- contact to be made with A. Mowat with regard to the cutting of grass in the Olrig Place, Memorial Square and Pentland Place areas.

4/ POLICE REPORT

Brief overview of calls received at Thurso Police station in relation to incidents that have occurred in the village and surrounding areas in February 2008. 55% reduction of incidents evident from February 2007.

Future plans by sub-area officers: -

• Youth letters scheme still being utilised on occasions when appropriates.
• Patrols for anti-social driving, speeding and use of mobile phone/ hand held devices will also be conducted.
• It is anticipated that the Northern Cameras Safety Partnership vehicle will be operating in Caithness on 4 occasions over the next month.

5/ NEW MOWER

Funding still being sought.

6/ CORRESPONDENCE

Letters received were discussed and noted as follows:

• UKAEA - Today – February 2008.
• Dounreay - Bulletin – January & February 08
• Scottish Health Council- winter 2008
• RAF Community relations officer (Scotland) re. Presentations
• Strandline Marine Conservation Society newsletter winter 07-08
• Highland Environmental Network newsletter winter 08
• Highland Council planning and development/community councils
• Highland council area planning consultation letter re eight 2 bedroom flats at former shop.

7/ AOCB

Planning application submitted by Norscot limited for flats at former shop. After a discussion took place members were in agreement that this development was not in keeping with the main street of Castletown and would create parking problems. Also the Princes Trust is interested in developing a centrepiece for the village in the car park area and members would like to see this take place.

Traffic problems at West End. Ways of deterring speeding motorists were discussed, rumble strips suggested also gateways at the 3 entrances to the village. Repositioning of 30MPH signs has been requested but will not happen overnight.

Parking outside shop- it was agreed to opt for double yellow lines.

Purchase of photo copier- no decision made.

Being no further business the date for the next meeting was set for Thursday 20th March 2008 at 7:30pm in the Castletown Drill Hall.

The meeting closed at 21:10hrs.