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Company: Dunrossness Community Council

DUNROSSNESS COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Chairman			 		    	Clerk
Mr Donald Robertson					Mrs Shirley Leslie
7 Toabsgeo			Ringesta
Virkie			Quendale
Shetland  ZE3 9JJ					Shetland  ZE2 9JD
Tel:  01950 460300					Tel: 01950 460868
							Fax: 01950 460922
                                                                           E-mail:dunrossness.cc@zetnet.co.uk
					           www.dunrossnesscc.shetland.gov.uk

Minute of Meeting of Dunrossness Community Council held in Dunrossness Primary School on Monday 28 November 2005.

PRESENT:
Mr R Nickerson		Mrs E Mainland 	Mr R Tulloch  		Mrs F Mitchell
Mr J Hunter		Mr J Ridland		Cllr W Tait		Cllr G Mitchell
Sylvia Jamieson (Community Worker)

APOLOGIES
Mr D Robertson  	Mrs W Kay		Mr I Garrick		Mr J Sinclair
Mrs S Jones 		Mr B Robertson		PC Ian Brown

IN ATTENDANCE:
Mrs S Leslie (Clerk)	

In Mr D Robertson’s absence, Vice Chairman Mr R Nickerson took the Chair.

Mr Nickerson welcomed Sylvia Jamieson, Community Worker, to the meeting.                  Ms Jamieson informed the members that she is Community Worker for the Central and South Mainland areas and was previously Community Worker in the West Mainland for three years.

05/44 	MINUTE

The Minute of the meeting held on 31 October 2005 was adopted on the motion of  Mr Nickerson.

05/45
28 November 2005						page two of eight

05/45	MATTERS ARISING

1. Road Matters: 

a) Dunrossness Primary School to A970: There was nothing new to report.

b) Paths between Turniebrae and Dunrossness Primary School: The Clerk reported that she had spoken to Neil Robertson, SIC, regarding the matter and he had informed her that he had visited the site and considered the paths to be an important asset.  However, he had been unsuccessful with his application for funding through the ‘Quality of Life’ initiative and is therefore investigating other possible sources.  He suggested that the Community Council write him a formal letter indicating their desire to have the paths maintained and this was agreed.

c) Roadside Verges: Following the Community Council’s letter to SIC requesting that a safety cut be carried out on one verge of all single-track roads in the Dunrossness area, David Coupe, SIC Roads, had replied that this would not be possible in the time frame available.  He further states that, as previously noted, each area would require to be considered on a site-by-site basis and that he would be happy to meet with someone to have a look at the problem areas during the spring of next year so that the agreed road sections can be included on the safety cut programme.  It was agreed to defer the matter until February 2006.

2. Westvoe and Grutness Car Parks: There was nothing new to report.

3. Scousburgh Hill: The Clerk reported that Graham Wilson of Monteray had been in contact.  Mr Wilson had informed the Clerk that it is now BT’s intention to re-tie the existing chain link fencing where possible, and where this is not possible, they intend to erect high tensile stock fencing.  The Clerk had enquired if BT would therefore continue to maintain the repaired chain link fencing and Mr Wilson had replied that they were aware that this would be necessary.  Mr Wilson had then requested that the Clerk forward, to him, the names and contact details of local fencing contractors, which she had done.  It was agreed that the Clerk write to Mr Wilson requesting a time frame for the works.  

4. Ireland Beach Launching Ramp: Mr Nickerson had spoken to Bigton Rowing Club’s secretary regarding the possible provision of a launching ramp at Ireland beach and the Clerk had forwarded a copy of the Community Council’s letter.  A letter of support for the proposal had subsequently been received. 

05/45/4
28 November 2005						page three of eight

05/45	MATTERS ARISING

4. Ireland Beach Launching Ramp (continued):

It was agreed, as pointed out by Cllr Tait, that a committee should be formed to take this matter forward.  Sylvia Jamieson confirmed that this would be the best way forward as a committee are more likely to be successful in funding applications than a Community Council.  Ms Jamieson suggested that she meet with the Bigton Rowing Club to discuss the proposed project.  This was agreed.  Mr Nickerson confirmed that he was in possession of basic plans for the proposal, which he agreed to forward to Ms Jamieson.

5. Levenwick Beach Car Parking: Mr Jim Grant, SIC, had replied to the Clerk’s e-mail apologising that he had not formalised the current parking arrangements for funerals at the Levenwick Church Yard but that he would ‘try and report back’ during November.

6. Air Ambulance Service: There was nothing new to report.

7. Channerwick Footbridge: Mr Roger Tait, SIC, had replied to the Clerk’s recent e-mail stating that the new Footbridge will be constructed early next summer when water levels are reduced.  The Roads department have agreed to carry out and finance the works.  Mr Hunter pointed out that the footbridge and path at the south end of the Channerwick Beach are also in need of some maintenance and that the provision of a style in the area would also be beneficial as walkers currently have to climb over the fence which is causing damage and allowing livestock to escape.  It was agreed that the Clerk write to Vic Hawthorne, SIC, regarding the matter.  Mr Hunter also volunteered to accompany Mr Hawthorne, or a member of his staff, on a site visit.

8. Interpretive Panels: There was nothing new to report.

9. Museum – Tom Henderson Plaque: There was nothing new to report.

10. Local Housing Zones: The Clerk had met with SIC Planning staff to prepare maps showing the proposed modifications to housing zones in the Dunrossness area.  The members studied the proposed changes and considered them to be satisfactory.  It was agreed that the next step is to hold a public meeting in the Dunrossness Central Public Hall to allow members of the public to make comment on the proposed changes and that it would be helpful if Bessie Baron, SIC Planning, could attend. 

05/45/10
28 November 2005						page four of eight

05/45	MATTERS ARISING

10. Local Housing Zones (continued):

It was also agreed to display the maps in the Hall, subject to Hall Committee and Ness Learning Centre approval, to give anyone unable to attend the meeting an opportunity to view the proposals and make alternative arrangements for putting any views they might have to the Community Council.  As suggested by Mrs Mainland, it was decided to provide forms for the public to use to put forward any alternative suggestions they may have to the Community Council.   The Clerk was therefore requested to make the necessary arrangements with a view to holding the public meeting in January/February 2006.

11. Fair Isle Medical Cover: A reply to the Community Council’s letter had not been received to date.

05/46	FINANCE AND GRANT APPLICATIONS 

There were no grant applications for consideration.

05/47	PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND PLANNING MATTERS

1. Construct new access into existing house site, Scousburgh by      Mr & Mrs S Downing, Ronan Cottage, Bigton - There were no objections.

2. Install 110mm drain as a septic tank outfall, field adjacent to Sumburgh Hotel, Virkie by Mr M Donaldson, Sumburgh Hotel, Virkie - There were no objections.

3. Extend dwellinghouse on north elevation, Upperton, Levenwick by Mr J Miller and Ms M Todd, Upperton, Levenwick - There were no objections.

4. Erect extension (south elevation), Ringesta, Quendale by              Mrs S Leslie, Ringesta, Quendale – The Clerk declared an interest.  There were no objections.

05/48
28 November 2005						page five of eight

05/48 	CORRESPONDENCE  

1. 60 North Recycling Ltd letter ref. Customer Satisfaction and Christmas Skip Arrangements – As part of 60 North’s commitment to improving service delivery and due to the fairly significant changes to the way in which Skip Hire Services to Community Councils was amended when the Contract was renewed earlier this year, the Community Council was asked to take part in a customer satisfaction survey.  The Clerk had replied, on the form provided and in reply to the questions asked, that the Community Council is not satisfied with current skip arrangements and that they are unaware whether the new scheme has reduced the instances of hazardous items being placed in skips as they have never been kept informed of such matters either under the new scheme or previously.  Secondly, the offices of 60 North will be closed, as usual, over the Christmas/New Year holiday period – closing on Friday 23 December and re-opening on Wednesday 4 January 2006.  All skips on the various rotas have been scheduled around these closure dates to avoid any disruption to service.

2. ‘Thank you’ letter from Dunrossness Girls’ Brigade for the donation received for services rendered – The letter was noted.

3. ‘Thank you’ letters from Cats Protection, The Salvation Army and Overtonlea Daycare for Da Voar Redd Up grants received – The letters were noted.

4. Scottish Executive Discussion Paper entitled ‘What Can We Do To Help Community Councils Fulfil Their Role’ – Wendy Fraser, ASCC, had attended the Association of Scottish Community Councils annual conference recently and reported that the introduction of the above paper was the main item.  Comments on the questions and issues raised are required by 28 February 2006 and it has been agreed between Mrs Fraser and Jan Riise, SIC, that the best way forward would be to provide a joint response from both Community Councils and the ‘Council’.  To this end,  Mrs Fraser has invited the lead officer to visit Shetland and attend a meeting of the Joint Liaison Group, due to be held in February, so that she can hear the Shetland Community Councils’ views on the paper first hand.  Community Councils are therefore requested to consider the document and submit their response to Mrs Fraser before the end of January.  It was agreed that the Clerk e-mail the ‘link’ to those members with e-mail and supply paper copies to the rest.  Each member is requested to forward their answers to the questions at the back of the document to the Clerk by         16 January 2006 to enable her to collate them for the meeting on               30 January 2006.

05/48/5
28 November 2005						page six of eight

05/48 	CORRESPONDENCE (Continued)

5. Scottish Health Council letter ref. Local Officer: In the letter, Camille Brizell introduced herself as the newly appointed Local Officer for the Scottish Health Council in Shetland.  The SHC is a new body which was set up in April this year by the Scottish Executive to ensure that NHS Boards properly take the view of patients and the public into account.  The Shetland office is based within the Administration Offices at Montfield Hospital.  Camille can be contacted at the Administration Offices, Montfield Hospital, Burgh Road, Lerwick, or tel. 01595 741260 or e-mail camille.brizell@btconnect.com

6. ASCC letter ref. Payment of Clerks: At the last meeting of the ASCC, the issue of payment of clerks was brought up.  It had been agreed that Wendy Fraser, ASCC Secretary and Treasure, would write to the Inland Revenue to clarify some issues.  Mrs Fraser also requested that Clerks forward details of their arrangements with their respective Community Councils to enable the ASCC to ensure that there is consistency.  It was agreed that Dunrossness Community Council and the Clerk are perfectly satisfied with their current arrangement and do not wish it to change as, should the SIC take over responsibility, this is sure to incur a charge which would then have to be met from the community council’s budget.  Finally, it was the member’s opinion that “consistency” in this case is not necessarily necessary, providing each Community Council and their Clerk is happy with their own arrangement.

7. Lerwick Port Authority letter ref. Ferry Terminal Parking: In reply to the Community Council’s recent letter, Allan Wishart, LPA Chief Executive, states that, although car parking spaces have been increased more that three-fold since the construction of the new ferry terminal, they are very conscious that there is still a shortage of parking spaces and that this being more of a problem to travellers from outlying areas of Shetland is indeed a valid point.  Mr Wishart states that the problem has been given some detailed consideration in the past and various options, including a pay and display car park, have been looked at and it is impossible to increase the parking area available as there is simply no more space.  However, Mr Wishart understands that M&R Gair Ltd advertised a scheme whereby cars could be picked up from the terminal, taken to a secure area, looked after for the duration of the travellers’ trip away from Shetland, and then returned to the ferry terminal for the arrival of the customer back in Lerwick.  Mr Wishart suggests that this may be something which the Community Council may wish to enquire about and concludes that he is sorry that he cannot be more helpful at this time.

05/48/8
31 October 2005						page seven of six

05/48 	CORRESPONDENCE (Continued) 

8. SIC letter ref. South Mainland Local Bus Service: In reply to the Community Council’s letter, Ian Bruce, SIC, states that he has discussed the matter with the bus operator (John Leask & Son) who will ensure the South Mainland bus does not leave the Bus Station until the published time of 1710.  However, he is reluctant to recommend that the departure time is changed to 1715 as he is concerned that, if bus departures are made too late, that some passengers may find other means of getting home.  This concern is shared by the bus operator who obviously does not want to lose fare income.  The letter was noted and it was agreed to monitor the situation.

9. The following are available from the Clerk on request:                                                          
-	Association of Scottish Community Councils Newsletter, November 2005
-	The Crown Estate Newsletter, Autumn 2005

05/49	ANY OTHER BUSINESS 

1. Community Transport Funding: As promised, Cllr Mitchell had made enquiries regarding the press report that SIC had received funding for community transport.  Cllr Mitchell could confirm that the funding is a continuation of that received by SIC previously.

2. North Light Road, Fair Isle: Mrs Mitchell reported that the North Light Road, which is used by visitors and islanders to access the hill, is in a poor state of repair and it is the wish of the Fair Isle community that the road be adopted by SIC.  It was therefore agreed that the Clerk write to Ian Halcrow, SIC Roads Department, with this request.

3. Access Group: Mr Ridland had attended a meeting of the Access Group.  The main aim of the meeting had been to appoint office bearers and Maurice Anderson (Lerwick) was duly appointed Chairman and 
Melanie Henderson, Vice Chairperson.

4. Out of School Club: Cllr Mitchell reported that the Out of School Club is due to move to the School in January.

5. Local Plan – Area Statement: Sylvia Jamieson reported that community workers have been requested to update and add further detail to the Local Plan Area Statements.  Ms Jamieson informed the members that she will be consulting with community groups, halls etc. and that she will be requesting groups prepare a ‘wish list’ of possible developments for the area for inclusion in the new document as, should any of these projects go ahead in the future, this could make the sourcing of funding more successful.  A draft of the updated plan will be sent to the Community Council for their consideration.
05/49/6
28 November 2005						page eight of eight

05/49 	ANY OTHER BUSINESS  

6. SAR Contract: The matter of the announcement that CHC is the preferred bidder for the forthcoming new SAR contract in Shetland was discussed.  Mr Nickerson enquired how this would affect local employment.  Cllr Mitchell replied that he had been assured that TUPE would apply and therefore those currently employed by Bristow Helicopters would have the opportunity to transfer to any new contractor which was awarded the SAR contract.   Mr Nickerson enquired what experience CHC has in SAR.        Cllr Mitchell stated that they are experienced in this field as they already have SAR contracts in Ireland for example.  Mr Nickerson also enquired if there was any doubt whether the SAR contract would continue to be operated out of Sumburgh, to which Cllr Mitchell replied ‘no’.  Although this was all positive, the Community Council agreed that it is unhappy with CHC’s proposal, should they be awarded the contract, to use a helicopter which is so far untried in this field and the general lack of consultation on the matter.  It was therefore agreed that the Clerk write to the MCA in Southampton, copied to Tavish Scott and Alistair Carmichael, informing them of the Community Council’s concerns.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.35 pm.

                                                                                                Chair

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF DUNROSSNESS COMMUNITY COUNCIL 
WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE SPIGGIE HOTEL AT 7.00 PM ON MONDAY 
19  DECEMBER 2005.