Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill Community Council 

Minutes of Meeting

Kyle Academy, 27^TH February,  7pm

FHMCC :       John McGuire, Anne Miller, Douglas Smith, Bill White, Samantha Laidlaw, Mary Elliot, Alison Russell, Elsie McDougal

SAC :  SAC Cllrs Chris Cullen, Brian McGinley

Police :   Apologies.  

Scotland   

Guests:          Lee Stewart, Cara Bennington 

Apologies:    SAC Link Officer Sandra McMath, Laura McIloney, Steven Mackie

Matters    

Arising:  None

Declarations

Of Interest :   None

Sept :   Proposed by W. White, Seconded by  S. Laidlaw

Minutes

Secretary's   In agenda

Report  

Treasurer’s Read out and discussed

Report

SAC Councillors Report -   Cllr Cullen, Cllr McGinley

· SAC budget meeting will be held on February 29^th 2024.  The Labour group are prepared to support the proposals.

· Awaiting Place Plan decisions.

2023 Initiatives – most on hold pending the outcome of the Place Planning funding.   

· Traffic.  It was noted for future discussions that this initiative cannot be included in the Place Plan.  Lindsay McRoberts will monitor the situation around local schools.  Cllrs Cullen and McGinley will feedback at the March meeting.

ROUND TABLE

· The Place Plan.  FHMCC agreed that further information is required before the Community Council can move forward.  We require an overarching view of the survey including timescales and what rules are in place.  For example, SAC Councillors advised that should a project require post maintenance care, SAC are not prepared to take this responsibility.  

(FHMCC Feb 24 minutes Cont)

Cllr McGinley suggested we invite SAC Officer Jamie Tate to the March meeting to discuss this fully.  Some proposals being considered by FHMCC include, an upgrade to the ruins on the banks of the River Ayr, install a ‘floating’ pathway through Glencairn park, look at the possibility of an FHM Community Building, a new children’s playpark in Castlehill Woods, the addition of sensory items to walkways in both parks.

· Holmston House.  Questions were raised as to who the owner of the property is.  Cllrs Cullen and McGinley will look into this and advise at the March meeting.

· Forehill Defib.  Comm Cllr Dougie Smith advised this defib is out of commission and will feedback at the March meeting.

· Forehill Shops.  The rear of the shops is heavily littered and have some fly tipping. SAC will investigate the fly tipping to try to determine who is responsible.  They will also arrange a clear up.  Cllr Cullen will feedback at the March meeting.

· Tree felling in Castlehill Road.  Comm Cllr W White advised that the owners of the ground are responsible for replacing the felled trees with saplings and that it is SAC’s responsibility to enforce this.

· River Ayr Walk ruins.  SAC will fence parts off for safety issues.

· Fund raising update.  The recent fundraiser raised a Net total of £907.40.  The next fund raiser is planned for October 2024.

AOB

· Lorne Arcade, Ayr Town Center.  The owners of the Arcade are apparently considering closing off the Arcade when the shops have closed due to vandalism.  Cllr McGinley will update on this at the March meeting.

· Comm Cllr Dougie Smith noted that the survey regarding the regeneration of Ayr Town Center closes at the end of March.

· Due to the delay of the funding application outcome it was mentioned that the May fun day planned for 27^th May should be moved to a later date – date to be decided.

· A copy of the FHMCC Constitution was agreed and signed off – to be submitted to SAC.

· Former Station Hotel.  The safety work should be completed mid to end March.  Under discussion was ‘what happens next’.  As the area is privately owned, SAC are unable to carry out any work other than safety work.  Cllr McGinley will update regarding who the owner is and what steps are planned to resolve the state of the building/ground, at the March meeting.

· Comm. Cllr Mary Elliot commented on the very poor bus service in the area and proposed approaching Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) with a view to re-routing one of the Kincaidston Services to take in parts of Forehill/Holmston.  CC Elliot will draft a letter to SPT and submit it to the FHMCC Email account.

· FHMCC Chair will arrange for litter picking equipment / tabard to be provided to a local Resident who carries out regular litter picking in the area.

NEXT MEETING 

• Tuesday  26^th March 2024 at Kyle Academy, 7pm

Minutes of Meeting

Kyle Academy, 30^TH January  7pm

FHMCC :       Anne Miller, Douglas Smith, Bill White, Samantha Laidlaw, Mary Elliot, Alison Russell, Elsie McDougal

SAC :  SAC Cllr Chris Cullen, SAC Community Asset Transfer Office Colin Love

Police :   Apologies.  

Scotland   

Guests:          Lee Stewart, Lynn Stewart, Justin Malone, David Mattear, Cara Bennington 

Apologies:    SAC Link Officer Sandra McMath, Com. Cllrs John McGuire, Laura McIloney,                      Steven Mackie

Matters    

Arising:  None

Declarations

Of Interest :   None

Sept :   Proposed by Mary Elliot, Seconded by Alison Russell

Minutes

Secretary's   In agenda

Report  

SAC Councillors Report

Councillor Cullen updated on the demolition works of the former Station Hotel.  On asked for further plans for the remaining section of the building it was noted that it is still privately owned.  Planning for the 2024 Ayr Show is underway with two days allocated to the show and a third day on events in the town.  It was commented that the Town Centre Consultation close at midnight on 31/1/24 – the link has previously been distributed to all FHM Comm Cllrs and was posted on our Social Media Sites. The 2024 Community Council Elections are approaching. FHMCC have advertised these in accordance with SAC Guidelines.  It was noted that any damage to Council property due to the recent high winds will be repaired however unless these are emergencies, they will not be a priority. Cllr Cullen noted that the plans for Holmston House have expired and no further plans have been submitted by the owners.

Colin Love – SAC Asset Transfer Officer.

Colin addressed the room regarding the possibility of transferring ownership, or offering long term lets, of publicly owned buildings.  These premises would not necessary have to be in the FHM area and can be owned by a variety of public bodies – eg the Police.  Community Councils are unable to acquire these properties however local groups are able to apply.   Colin advises that there are a number of funding agencies where applications can be submitted for property maintenance etc.  If any local groups have an interest, they can contact SAC for further details.

(FHMCC Jan Minutes Cont)

2023 Initiatives – all are on hold pending the outcome of the Place Planning funding.   

ROUND TABLE

· The Place Plan.  At the November meeting it was agreed that amendments are needed in the design of the survey.  The SAC Link Officer is taking this forward and will report back.  It was noted that FHMCC find it difficult to move ahead to the next stage (taking the survey to the community) until the survey is more suitable to our area’s needs.

· Holmston House update from Cllr Cullen & FHMCC Vice Chair (& Planning Officer).  The Vice Chair has made extensive enquiries to determine who owns Holmston House. Ownership changed hands following the original company going into administration.  Cllr Cullen will make further enquiries and update us at a future meeting.

· FHMCC boundaries – SAC advise this is in progress

· Symington CC Local Biodiversity Action Plan – it was agreed to support this

· SAC Magazine Contribution – pictures and comments submitted

· Funding update – the next fundraiser is booked for 23^rd Feb – Sally Buxton.  The event is being held as usual at Forehill outdoor Bowling club and tickets will be on sale soon.  The usual raffle will also be drawn.

AOB

· A Resident of Ayr East emailed to express concern regarding the chemicals used during SAC weed spraying.  Cllr Cullen advised that SAC are committed to using only chemicals within the accepted safety range.

· Acting Chair Dougie Smith updated on expenses owed by SAC.  The Forehill Defib repairs (currently out of commission) and parking changes in Ayr and some surrounding areas.

· An enquiry regarding enforcing the banning of pavement parking is not yet in place in South Ayrshire

· A local Resident would like to raise awareness of the potential danger to dogs on the south side of the River Ayr walk at the ruins near Wallace’s Heel,  There is an unseen drop at the ruins which dogs off the lead cannot see  This may result in pets falling onto the path below and sustaining injuries.

· The acting Chair extends thanks to SAC Officer Colin Love for his presentation regarding Community Asset Transer.

NEXT MEETING 

• Tuesday  27^th Feb 2024 at Kyle Academy, 7pm

Agenda

· Apologies

· February Minutes

· Police Scotland

· Declaration of Interest

· Secretary’s Report – Community Council Elections update

· Treasurer’s Report  

· SAC Councillors report

2023 Initiatives – some on hold pending the outcome of the Place Plan Consultation

· Monitoring of Traffic concerns around local schools - update from Cllrs Cullen and McGinley

Round table

· Place Planning Project

· Forehill shops litter/fly tipping – update Cllr Cullen

· Forehill Defib – update CC Dougie Smith

· Holmston House ownership – update Cllr Cullen and Cllr McGinley

· SPT  local bus service – update CC Mary Elliot

· Lorne Arcade possible evening closure – update Cllr. McGinley

· Former Station Hotel ownership – update Cllr McGinley

· Date for Childrens Fun day at Glencairn Park / Discuss possible spend of some funds

AOB

Agenda

· Apologies

· February Minutes

· Police Scotland

· Declaration of Interest

· Secretary’s Report (in agenda)

· Treasurer’s Report  

· SAC Councillors report

2023 Initiatives – all on hold pending the outcome of the Place Plan Consultation  

· Castlehill Pathways – proposed sensory path – Cll Cullen - deferred

· Glencairn Park – access to bins, lighting on center path – Cllr Cullen - deferred

· Traffic Concerns - deferred

· Litter/Environment

Round table

· Place Planning Project – discuss / agree Survey publishing timetable in our area

· Place Planning Project – discuss the possible formation of a sub group to liase with BKCC

· Tree felling at 39 Castlehill Road, Ayr – TPO concerns – B. White

· Community Council Constitution - Anne

· Holmston House ownership – update Cllr Cullen

· River Ayr Walk Ruins – safeguarding plans – Cllr Cullen

· Fundraising Update – Samantha / Mary

AOB

Agenda

· Apologies

· November Minutes

· Police Scotland

· Declaration of Interest

· Secretary’s Report (in agenda)

· Treasurer’s Report  

· SAC Councillors report

2023 Initiatives – all on hold pending the outcome of the Place Plan Consultation  

· Castlehill Pathways – proposed sensory path – Cll Cullen - deferred

· Glencairn Park – access to bins, lighting on center path – Cllr Cullen - deferred

· Traffic Concerns - deferred

· Litter/Environment

Round table

· Place Planning Project – feedback on survey form – Bill/Sandra

· Holmston House update – Cllr Cullen

· Discuss FHMCC boundaries

· Symington Community Council Local Biodiversity Action Plan 

· SAC Magazine Contribution

AOB