Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill Community Council 

Meeting Minutes, Tuesday November 25^th, 2014, Kyle Academy, 7pm

Attendees: Roddy Cochran, Chris Campbell SAC, Tom Houston, Anne Stewart, Dougie Smith, Cllr Brian McGinley, Lynne Thomson, Brian Wotherspoon, Cllr Corri Wilson, Eileen Alexander, John McGuire, Samantha Stewart, Nicola Murray, Bill Smith.

Neighbours: Tom Bruce, Julie Bruce.

Guests: Lyndsay McRoberts from Kyle Academy

Apologies: Cllr Ian Douglas, Garry Thomson, Cllr Mary Kirkpatrick

Minutes: From our last meeting of September 30 2014 were accepted although our October's meeting was Inquorate.

Matters Arising: No items not covered by the proposed agenda.

Co Option of new members: Notice is made that three new individuals have been proposed to be co-opted onto Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill Community Council until 31March 2015. These members were proposed by Eileen Alexander and seconded by Lynn Thomson. These minutes will appear in local notice boards and our web pages. The new members are:

• Nicola Murray, 28 Sycamore Crescent, Ayr, KA73NS.
• Samantha Stewart, 52B Cunningham Crescent, Ayr, KA73JB
• William White, 57 Dongola Road, Ayr, KA73BN

Police: Not required to attend this meeting.

Secretary's report Summary of Correspondence attached here, note no alarming planning applications.

Treasurer's Report. Roddy Cochran has had our accounts audited and accepted. We have a balance of £289, this to keep us going until the new financial year. With our ongoing commitments, this could be a problem. John McGuire will ask SAC for some help…

Children's House: We said that the turbulence we experienced has completely died down and we welcome that. However there have been three instances where the fire alarms have been tripped. This means that the Fire Service is fully deployed, disrupting the neighbourhood. There is now also a boarded up broken window? Note that certain people were taking photographs of the kids on there mobile phones during the fire alarm instances. As some of the children are under the protection of SAC, for whatever reason, it is imperative that none of these photos be published, in any medium.

Notice Boards.. These are now available and once we have our funds organised we can take delivery and get these installed. Dougie Smith has the action to negotiate a deal with Ailsa Hospital… good luck…

Litter around Kyle Academy. The situation is improving and ongoing the pupils will be made more aware and educated on the litter nuisance. They will be actively involved in litter picking and follow the example of PC Sykes. The weeds have been strimmed again to help litter picking and they will be sprayed with weed killer too. We all recognise that the food van across from the school is a major source of litter and the available bins are quickly filler and then over flow. Chris Campbell to look into th possibility of additional bins being positioned

Cycle Track behind Kyle Academy As above, the situation is improving but we need ongoing engagement with the School and this will happen with the deputy head or her representative coming to this Community Council meeting when necessary. Also, some adjacent woodland to be prepared as a teaching aid — educational use to study forestry management at an entry level

Forehill School Vandalism: South Ayrshire council is very aware of the groups of youths causing damage. SAC know the names of many of these kid and they can expect a ‘home visit’… The CCTV and lighting will be immediately improved and the anti vandal paint reapplied on the appropriate structure, including the roof, to obstruct ‘climbers’. 80 letters requesting support went thru doors in the area. Neighbours have actively reported incidents and the police and our Community Safety Officer.

Glencairn Road, Traffic Calming: SAC conducted a survey and traffic speed and volume was not deemed to be problematic. Hence no further action here although we will now request (thru Cllr Wilson) that a similar survey takes place in Caledonia Road near the roundabout.

Bicycle Shed in Caledonia Road. This is adjacent to the Children's house and some staff are smoking there. While nobody has the right to stop folk smoking out side there maybe a use for the shed at Forehill School. John McGuire has enquired with SAC, no answer and will expedite again…

Neighbourhood Watch: An enquiry was made as to the possibility of setting up this scheme around Lesley Crescent. Chris Campbell followed this up. No further action.

Dog Fouling: A new mother has highlighted the fact that the pavements around Caledonia road are heavily ‘contaminated’ with dog excrement. Chris Campbell will organise a letter to local residents. Maybe we should also request/consider pavement stencils too.

Parking around Gavin Hamilton Court: This has been highlighted as being really problematic. Maybe a survey of the homes there and see how many vehicles are in that area versus the number of parking spaces?

Disturbance in Gavin Hamilton Court. All quite. This item will be off the agenda unless more bother.

Finally: We agreed that we would again make Christmas gift of chocolates to Orchard House. However we have no money for this. John McGuire volunteered to see if he could get a deal of Morrison's and he'd find the cash…

Finally, finally. Our office bearers have agreed to continue until our AGM in March. At that time we will need to elect a need Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. We seem to be much more optimistic with new members and a membership drive in January. Be aware that your Secretary cannot attend either January or February meetings.

FHMCC next meeting: Tuesday January 27^th 2015. – Kyle Academy – 7pm

All residents of Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill are warmly welcomed.

Meeting Minutes, Tuesday 29^th April 2014, Kyle Academy, 7pm

Attendees:, Roddy Cochran, Lynne Thomson, Dougie Smith, John McGuire, Brian Wotherspoon, Tom Houston, Cllr Corrie Wilson, Chris Campbell (SAC), Anne Stewart.

Neighbours: Samantha Stewart, Mark Willis, E Anton, Robert Campbell, Nicola Murray

Apologies:, Eileen Alexander, Gary Thomson, Cllr Ian Douglas

Minutes: From our last meeting February 25th 2014. Proposed by Dougie Smith and seconded by Anne Stewart.

Matters Arising: Nothing not covered by the proposed agenda.

Secretary's report See the summary of Correspondence, attached. Salient items will be covered in our agenda.

Treasurers Report. We have £864.27p in our account. However our donation cheques to Orchard House, Holmston and Forehill schools have not been cashed. We also approved our Secretary to buy printer cartridges. We agreed that we would make a £40 donation to Marion Curragh for the Kilt Walk.

Police Update: No police attended but we have their commitment that they will attend except where operational duties prevent. Again please note that the crime statistics available from Police Scotland web pages. We did note that Housebreaking was not included. This will be corrected and included. All residents are encouraged to report issues or negative behaviour either through SAC ‘Laggan’ system or to the police on 101.

Children's Unit: We had quite a lot of discussion on the incident at the children's house. We now understand that new guidelines have been developed to assist the staff in these circumstances. It was also stressed to all attendees that their first recourse is to phone the police on 101. The police can physically restrain any individual if necessary where the staff may be inhibited. The new staff guidelines will be shared and discussed at the next meeting.

Traffic issues at Forehill School. Working with the interested parties a ‘Problem Solving Group’ will be established with the involvement of the Roads Dept and a survey will be conducted covering all aspects and a solution could include signage and maybe cameras.

Litter at Kyle Academy. As we last recorded good progress has been made and working with SAC consultants we can involve local volunteers and SAC contractors have brush cut back some growth and Kyle Academy pupils have been committed to care and litter pick. Residents with litter pickers and bin liners have picked (maybe) a decade's worth of litter.

Going forward SAC will investigate the deployment of a tree surgeon to cut back heavier growth. A major effort will be made to apply weed killer to new growth of brambles a other weeks. The residents association must take some praise in being the drivers of this initiative. One wee problem is that the true owners of this land is unclear, ‘Lost in the mists of time’.. We fear it would be very expensive to find out

Castlehill Woods. As previous minutes, moves there appears to be two aspects, The first is the general maintenance of the park and how its appearance can be enhanced. To that end John McGuire will contact and discuss this with Thea Pettigrew and maybe also a ‘Friends of Castlehill Woods’. Folk are still concerned about potentially dangerous trees and their threat to people or homes and an initial map of the affected streets produced. John McGuire and Chris Campbell to liaise with SAC (Fiona Ross), although John has other business issues demanding his attention in the coming months.

Notice Boards. We expect to get these from the Ailsa Hospital workshop of £60 and we agreed to progress.

Election. The election process for the Community Councils is closed and SAC have the documents for Anne Stewart and Brian Wotherspoon. John McGuire to work the process and work to update the membership list held by the council, he has restated of our three resignations from this Community Council: Mr William Blane, Mr Bob Shields and Mr David Callan.

Web Pages: With Anne Stewart's positive help we have our web pages live. They really look good, please have a wee look

www. http://fhmcc.org.uk/

AOCB

• A point was raised that an additional Dog waste bin would be good fro Glencairn park. Those interested can apply through SAC ‘Laggan System’… and advise
• Also a concern and wish that fencing be erected around the children's play park. Also, Those interested can apply through SAC ‘Laggan System’… and advise
• Local litter pick was mooted as an idea to raise the Community Council's profile. We should invite David Pugh to our next meeting to discuss.
• Also that we purchase some tabards to ‘brand’ the community council at events.
• To have our FHMCC web page on the SAC Community Council web pages

FHMCC next meeting: May 27th 2014 – Kyle Academy – 7pm

All residents of Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill are warmly welcomed.

Meeting Minutes, Tuesday 25 March 2014, Kyle Academy, 7pm

Attendees: Eileen Alexander, Dougie Smith, John McGuire, Brian Wotherspoon Tom Houston, Cllr Corrie Wilson, Cllr Ian Douglas Chris Campbell (SAC)

Guests: Wylie Smith

Neighbours: Samantha Stewart, Mark Willis, E Anton,

Apologies:, Cllr Mary Kilpatrick, Anne Stewart, Gary Thomson, Roddy Cochran, Lynne Thomson

Minutes: From our last meeting February 25th 2014. Proposed by Eileen Alexander and seconded by Dougie Smith.

Matters Arising:Nothing not covered by the proposed agenda.

Secretary's report See the summary of Correspondence, attached. Salient items will be covered in our agenda.

Treasurers Report. We have £1078.26 in our account and from that we need to donate £195.40 ASAP. We agreed a £50 donation to Kyle Stroke Group, £40 each to Holmston and Forehill Schools for Easter celebrations and £50 to the Trussell Trust Food Bank.

Police Update: No police attended. But crime statistics available from Police Scotland web pages. However we are aware of an increasing number of house break - ins. Please be vigilant and keep doors and windows secure. Also be aware that the anti social behaviour around Glencairn Park has been moderated. However all residents are encouraged to report issues or negative behaviour either through SAC ‘Laggan’ system or to the police on 101.

Children's Unit:All quite. Although at the time of writing we are aware of the incident that was reported in the Ayrshire Post. John to ask an SAC officer for an update.

Traffic issues at Forehill School. All initiatives to enhance this situation and bring improvements to safety are being co-ordinated by the appropriate authorities. However we have been unable to have an SAC officer to attend. Chris Campbell will work an appropriate attendee who can talk about roads. A member of this Community Council will attend a parent council meeting on April 28^th at 7.00pm.. Action John McGuire

Litter at Kyle Academy. The Resident's Association in the area of the school are well pleased with the improvement in the area with the brush being cut well back and the imbedded litter exposed. Our Link Officer is exploring other options and will liaise on continuing progress. The Link Officer will connect with the Resident's Association and work to explore these options and the Resident's Association opportunities for funding. Chris Campbell will also explore the potential for Kyle Academy to take responsibility for the area in the longer term and also explore the possibility that the Community Payback Teams be involved in the clean up.

Castlehill Woods. As this conversation moves there appears to be two aspects, The first is the general maintenance of the park and how its appearance can be enhanced. To that end John McGuire will contact and discuss this with Thea Pettigrew and maybe also a ‘Friends of Castlehill Woods. Also our guest, Mr. Wylie Smith, lives in Roman Road and along with other residents is very concerned about potentially dangerous trees and their threat to people or homes. Mr Smith and John McGuire will work to identify the streets and house numbers that could be effected by trees coming down. They will then work with Chris Campbell to develop a communiqué and questions for these householders that a plan can be developed. Note that ‘Friends of Castlehill Woods, if created, could gain access to funds that SAC cannot. John McGuire and Chris Campbell to liaise with SAC (Fiona Ross)

Notice Boards. The board at Holmston Primary has been nailed closed.. Dougie Smith has a price from the Ailsa workshop of £60 and we agreed to progress.

Election. The election process for the Community Councils is closed and SAC have the documents for Anne Stewart and Brian Wotherspoon. John McGuire to work the process and work to update the membership list held by the council.

Web Pages: With Anne Stewart's positive help we are moving towards having our pages going live.

FHMCC next meeting: April 29th 2014 - Kyle Academy - 7pm

All residents of Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill are warmly welcomed.

Meeting Minutes, Tuesday 25 February 2014, Kyle Academy, 7pm

Attendees: Eileen Alexander, Roddy Cochran, Lynne Thomson, Dougie Smith, John McGuire, Brian Wotherspoon, Cllr Brian McGinley, Cllr Corrie Wilson, Cllr Ian Douglas Chris Campbell (SAC)

Guests: Linda Given (SAC), Fiona MacDonald (SAC) PC Caroline Hewitt, PC Geraldine Connell.

Neighbours: Robert Campbell, Samantha Stewart, Mark Willis, E Anton,

Apologies: Tom Houston, Cllr Mary Kilpatrick, Anne Stewart, Gary Thomson

Minutes: From our last meeting January28th 2014. Proposed by Lynne Thomson and seconded by Eileen Alexander.

Matters Arising: Nothing not covered by the proposed agenda.

Secretary's report See the summary of Correspondence, attached. Salient items will be covered in our agenda.

Treasurers Report. We have £1078.26 in our account and from that we need to donate £195.40 ASAP. We agreed a £50 donation to Kyle Stroke Group, £40 each to Holmston and Forehill Schools for Easter celebrations and £50 to the Trussell Trust Food Bank.

Police Update: The Police statistics are available on their web pages, search for Beat 71. Over the past three moths we have 21 nuisance level incidents usually cause by youths. However we do also have a rash of 72 incidents over the same period classified as Housebreaking, Insecure premises, Intruder and Suspect Persons. Police activity has increased, including plain clothes and this continues through the night. All residents are especially encouraged to be vigilant and make sure their property is properly secure.

Children's Unit: We appreciate the attendance two officers from South Ayrshire Council who gave us an update on the Unit. This is now fully staffed and 3 young people are already placed with another joining soon. The unit has a capacity for six young people and there will be staff on duty all the time. Now that we have occupancy the officers do not envisage a repeat of the break in where valuable stolen when the unit was unoccupied.

Traffic issues at Forehill School. We have a letter from one of the ‘lollipop ladies’ at the school who makes clear that her, and her colleagues, are being threatened and put at risk. The police and SAC are aware of this. The police will always try to be at the school when parents are picking up their children. But bad and dangerous behaviour continues by some parents. All initiatives to enhance this situation and bring improvements to safety are being co-ordinated by the appropriate authorities. A member of this Community Council will attend a parent council meeting. Action John McGuire

Litter at Kyle Academy. The Resident's Association in the area of the school have four volunteers that are keen to help in clearing the brush and litter. However our Link Officer is exploring other options and will liaise with prospective contractors for a way forward. The Link Officer will connect with the Resident's Association and work to explore these options and the Resident's Association opportunities for funding

Castlehill Woods. There is a suggestion that setting up an association of ‘Friends of Castlehill Woods’ might be an option and also set up funding opportunities not available to SAC. Essentially the locals want the area improved and a level of consultation of work planned and executed that is within an agreed plan.

Notice Boards. The board at Holmston School has been repaired. Many thanks to who ever did the repair. Dougie Smith will check our with our prospective supplier when we can see the new one.

Election. The election process for the Community Councils is upon us. John McGuire to work the process for the members

Web Pages: With Anne Stewart's positive help we are moving towards having our pages going live.

FHMCC next meeting: March 25th 2014 - Kyle Academy - 7pm

All residents of Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill are warmly welcomed.

Significant Correspondence Summary - Tuesday, February 25^th 2014

Correspondence Summary

• Planning.. No items worth highlighting specifically.

SAC Community Council Communications

• Email exchanges re agenda items Castlehill Woods, Traffic at Forehill School and Children's Unit.
• South Ayrshire Council External Funding Newsletter - February 2014
• COMMUNITY COUNCIL BY-ELECTIONS 2014 - NOTICE OF ELECTION
• Fifth Reviews of Local Government Electoral Arrangements
•  

Other

• Police advice on Public Counter Service provision.. as reported in the media.
• Scottish Government's Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES).  CARES provides grant and loan funding to help community groups become involved in renewables,. New web Pages for information.
• Community Empowerment Conference: Voice, Participation, Action Date: Tuesday 6th May 2014,Venue: Edinburgh
• Learning Disabilities, Scotland. Edinburgh Thursday 24^th April 2014
• Upcoming hearing aid clinics across Ayrshire and Arran.  Currently have 15 running, with more due to be launched in Spring 2014.  All services are free of charge
• Ayr Division Police update for January and February 2014.

• Kyle Stroke Group requesting any ££ donation deemed appropriate.
• Letter from our Lollipop lady at Forehill School re lack of concern from drivers and dangerous driving.

Meeting Agenda, Tuesday 29^th April 2014 at 7.00pm, Kyle Academy

Regular Meeting Agenda

Apologies:

• Minutes of last meeting
• Matters Arising:
• Secretary's report:

o    Summary of correspondence.

• Treasurers Report
• Police Update:
• Traffic planning in and around Forehill Primary School.

o    Note: Parent council meeting April 28th

• Castlehill Woods
• Round table discussion

o    Eileen Howat visit.—when?

o    Anti Social behaviour

o    Webpage update. Ann

o    Notice Boards.. discuss, Dougie

o    Membership.

o    SAC Funding 2014/2015

o    Litter and Community Pay back.

• Futures discussion and membership going forward.

Date and time of next meeting: Tuesday April 29^th 2014

Meeting Agenda, Tuesday 25th February 2014 at 7.00pm, Kyle Academy

Regular Meeting Agenda

Apologies:

• Minutes of last meeting
• Matters Arising:
• Secretary's report:
• Summary of correspondence.
• Treasurers Report
• Police Update: and discussion… Children's Unit update. Fiona MacDonald and Linda Given
• Traffic planning in and around Forehill Primary School. Waiting on Kevin Braidwood's reply.(SAC)
• Castlehill Woods, dangerous trees - Thea Petticrew, March Meeting
• Round table discussion

  o    Eileen Howat visit.-when?

  o    Anti Social behaviour

  o    Webpage update. Ann

  o    Notice Boards.. discuss, Dougie

  o    Membership numbers and co-option

  o    SAC Funding cuts and Impact?

  o    Litter and Community Pay back.

• Futures discussion and membership going forward.

Date and time of next meeting: Tuesday March 25th 2014