Thurso Ward Forum
Action note of meeting 22nd January 2008
Present
Cllr John Rosie – Chair
Cllr Donnie Mackay
Cllr The Lady Thurso
David Sutherland – Caithness Wards Manager
Sgt Steve Raeburn – Northern Constabulary
Lorna Simpson – Ormlie Community Association
Jean Lipa – Thurso Community Council
Bert Macleod – Thurso Community Council
William Brown – Caithness West Community Council (Scrabster representative)
Iain Moncrieff – Principal Engineer, Highland Council TEC Services
Robbie Mackintosh – Caithness Wards Managers Team
Alex Macmanus – Caithness Wards Managers Team
20 members of the general public
Apologies – Campbell Stewart, Area Road & Community Works Manager, Highland Council.
Recycling – June Ross, Principal Waste Management Officer, Highland Council
June gave a very informative talk on the Councils recycling programme. Focus is on the ‘3 R’s’, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and this narrative is prominent on their vehicles. Reduce – over packaged goods, stop junk mail, remember love food, hate waste e.g. buy 1 get 1 free, etc. Reuse – Bags, real nappies, batteries, rent or borrow items e.g. DVDs. Recycle – home composting (discounted bins sold by Council)
Highland Waste plan which includes SEPA, HIE & HC targeted 20% recycling for 2006 target was 28%. 2010 target is 40% so a long way to go. Scottish Government requested for £290m up to 2020 but only agreed £62m
Ten local primary schools are interested in the ‘eco-school’ and June will be meeting with them all shortly.
Future – Increased kerbside collections. Pilot scheme at present collecting plastic films from farmers. Containers for white goods, etc. for repairing. Each adult in life time would discard 3.3 tonnes of electric goods. Aim towards 40% recycling target by 2010 as fines will be levied. Scottish Government has still to announce their Waste Strategy
Glass is not collected at kerbs due to Health and Safety reasons for operators and general public. Cost of collecting commercial waste is not included in business rates so therefore full cost recovery must be achieved. 35% of businesses had taken up the recycling permit. Plastic is light and bulky as weight of load is targeted. A pilot project in Tain and Dingwall for plastic bottle recovery is presently being carried out. Envelopes can not go with paper recovery due to the gum as this will reduce the quality of recycled paper.
General Public in Highlands need to embrace the recycling culture and to make full use of all the facilities available in the area. June is fully committed to achieving the stretching targets set.
Q – Why can’t all recyclable waste be put in one box?
A – Council do not have the infrastructure in place to have waste separated centrally and rely on this being done at initial stage i.e. general public.
Q – Who has control over emptying the central bins e.g. Summerfield’s, Lidls, etc?
A – Community Works are responsible ultimately. There are contact numbers on the bins and if the bins start to overflow public should make contact.
Q – Why is glass not collected at kerbside?
A – Already answered re Health and safety.
Q – Where does the waste paper go?
A – Goes to Invergordon for processing then to Sterling Fiske in Kilsyth. Our recycled paper is of a very high quality and is in demand. Hence no envelopes as gum will corrupt quality.
Q – Why is paper not ‘bricked’ and used by Caithness Heat & Power (CH&P)?
A – CH&P require a constant source of wood which ‘bricked’ paper would not give.
Thurso Precinct Proposals – Iain Moncrieff, Principal Engineer, Highland Council.
Iain Moncrieff introduced the Precinct proposals to the Forum and used a large map to pick out various areas of the precinct. He had made separate presentations to the Thurso Ward Members and to the Thurso Community Council and both groups were in support of his recommendations. Following a recent survey carried out with the local traders issues raised were more appropriate seating e.g. 12 Victorian benches, litter bins. Street lighting was not an issue. It was agreed that the lighting columns would be left as they were and that the ‘roadway’ be guided by these columns. To give the precinct a character suggestions were made for features such as flagstone compass, mounted clock and directional signs. The parking square outside Town Hall would have the far side pavement width increased to two meters. Tarred ‘roadway complimented with flagstone ‘pavements’ would give a natural directional flow to the centre. ‘Roadway’ could be a colour other than black if required. Services would be accessed via the tarred ’roadway’ and therefore easier to dig than flagstone. A change in traffic priority at Swanson Street to deter speeding would also be completed along with an extension of the parking in Market Street with space for eight ‘nose in’ vehicles.
Works could be completed in two or three phases with estimate for completion at £300k and he was hopeful for financial support from Glenurquahrt Road but that monies may be diverted from area roads budget. Overall the work is achievable and following further consultation I am happy to proceed with this project.
Q – Why should the roads budget have to finance this when our roads are an absolute disgrace and require repair?
A – The three Ward members will be trying vigorously to squeeze every penny they can from Glenurquhart Road for this scheme.
Q – Why are you referring to this being a road when the precinct is for pedestrians?
A – It is not a road in the sense of a normal road. The precinct is a pedestrian way but requires being able to give access to emergency vehicles. There is a traffic order on the precinct and any issues should be reported to the police but this does not appear to be a problem maybe only on the odd occasion with strangers to the town.
Q – What are the difference in costs of flagstone and tarmac?
A – Flagstone is priced at between £70 to £80 per square meter with tarmac at £20 per square meter. As already mentioned it is easier to connect services through the tarmac than flagstone and also the tarmac colour can be spruced up at times.
Q – Your plan shows bollards at Flower Shop as being fixed. Flower shop has advised that this will cause problems with their delivery van. Can these bollards be collapsible?
A – We want to cause the least amount of disruption to local traders and certainly the use of collapsible bollards can be an option and will be looked at.
Q – What has happened to the seats that were at the Town Hall?
A – The seats were being systematically wrecked and have now been removed for safe keeping.
Q – What has happened to the plaque for Mac Mowat?
A – Plaque is now at Mac Mowat’s shop.
Previous Meeting Notes – 5.11.07
Mall footpath now reinstated with thanks to Morrison’s for the work.
Drinking in public places bylaw is ongoing with the new Police Superintendent eager to get this in place.
In relation to the question from Mrs Sadie Mackay a meeting is being held on Friday 1st February between the Caithness Transport Forum and Rapsons with her issue being one of many to be discussed.
Car Parking issues have been discussed with TEC Services with update report as follows from Neil MacRae, Transportation Officer, Highland Council :-
‘Iain Moncrieff and I had originally planned to meet with PARCO (please allow residents cars only) and local members to discuss the findings of our survey but having forwarded PARCO the results of this and other recent surveys (following a FOI request) we have not heard back from PARCO. However, I understand that other aspects relating to parking in the town centre are currently being looked at and I would be happy to meet to discuss further if you wish.
Survey background and actions -
TEC Committee (1st June 2006) agreed that consultants be appointed to carry out parking surveys during peak summer months in a number of towns throughout Highland. Where this initial parking survey identified any traffic management problems relating to congestion or insufficient parking a further detailed assessment would then be undertaken. The initial survey in Thurso was carried out in August 06. The results showed that demand for parking spaces, on streets immediately adjacent to the town centre, peaked on weekdays for short periods either side of lunch hours (1200-1400). However, total occupancy levels indicated there was no overall capacity issue with on-street parking in Thurso town centre.
It was agreed that the Council would continue to monitor the on-street parking and carry out a further parking survey, which was undertaken by myself and colleagues in June 07. An audit of the five main off street car-parking areas was also undertaken and the following actions agreed.
• Ongoing work to upgrade road marking and signage on some town centre streets is still to be completed. This should help with the enforcement of existing restrictions (Area TEC colleagues to progress)
• Signage directing public to and from the available free off-street parking can be improved (NM to liaise with Area colleagues in order to progress)
• There is inadequate provision for cyclists and disabled (some funds are available to purchase and install cycle stands at suitable locations in town centre which will help encourage more commuters to leave the car at home particularly in the summer months when demand for parking is highest (locations for cycle stands and increased disabled parking provision to be agreed)
• Continue to monitor parking demand following the introduction of above measures and effect of proposed new developments.’
Thurso Ward Discretionary Budget
Caithness Riding for the Disabled approved £2000 for upgrade to Portacabin with a further £4,000 split between Wick and Landward Wards as total application was for £6,000
Thurso Community Council approved £837 to allow for a replacement seat at Riverside walk.
Budget balance remaining was now £22,443 with £34,375 agreed for projects with a total value cost of £66,272.
Caithness Fund
Cllr Rosie raised the issue over the transfer of £233,563 from the Caithness Fund to Highland Opportunity Limited (HOL) in April 2005. The letter received by Caithness Members dated 1th November 2007 and the briefing note (PDF 685Kb) were handed out to the Forum Members. He was unhappy that this transfer went through without any member involvement or consultation with the people of Caithness and that it has taken over two years for this to surface.
There is no Common Good Fund in Caithness now as the funds were spent prior to the time of reorganisation. In Thurso the bulk of the Common Good Fund was spent on the swimming pool. There were no properties owned by the Common Good Fund.
Thurso Community Council intends writing to Highland Council for an explanation on how and why this transfer was not debated and consultation carried out. A request was made for Cllrs Bill Fernie and Graeme Smith to attend the next Forum meeting.
Date of next meeting
Tuesday 18th March 2008 at 7.00pm – venue to be advised nearer the time.
Any other business
None
Question and Answer Session (20 minutes)
Question for Thurso Ward Forum - 22nd Jan 08 - Derelict House in Sir Johns Square Thurso
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Q -Have the Councillors discussed with their solicitor, any future contingencies to participate in, in advance of any action by the owner? Any action by the owner seems to come as a complete surprise to the councillors.
A – A meeting is due to be held in the town on 1st April to discuss this derelict building. This is a top priority but progress will be slow. The Members are in constant touch with our solicitors in Inverness and things are progressing. Don’t hold your breath because it will be a long process. We have to have a plan brought forward as to how the building is going to be restored to accompany the compulsory purchase order and the meeting on the 1st is a stage in that process.
Question for Thurso Ward Forum - 22nd Jan 08
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Hi David, Please can I put the following questions to the Councillors tomorrow night.
Q1. How many supermarkets to the Councillors think there should be in Thurso? I don’t want to lose my local chemist and butcher shop?
A1 – Lady Thurso said that we deserve decent shops in Thurso and that we have waited a long time for such facilities. However we still have our own local top class butchers, etc. We are entitled to as wide a spread of variety as the rest of the country enjoy. Large stores are coming north as they can monitor customers using their stores further south through such things as loyalty cards and as there is a demand they build. Cllr Mackay agreed that these large stores are doing their ‘homework’ and would not be coming north if the numbers did not add up. However there will also be a need for the corner shop. Cllr Rose agreed with his fellow members and commented that he would love to see ASDA in Thurso tomorrow.
Q2. The condition of the roads in Thurso is a disgrace, especially coming into the town past the Police Station. When can we expect any improvements? Also, can anything be done regarding the traffic problems at the junction at Ormlie Lodge Thurso? It can be very bad at peak times. Part time traffic lights?
A2 – Thurso Community Council are on top of this. Works were due to start on Olrig Street but ran out of money and it looks as if the works will now be a few years down the line. The point about the peak time flow at Ormlie Lodge/Castlegreen Road/Princes Street/Lovers Lane will be looked at by Ian Moncrieff.
Q3. Are the CCTV cameras being used to find out who the culprits, responsible for all the vandalism in Thurso are?
Are the cameras being monitored late at night?
On this subject, there’s far too much vandalism in the town. Every week we are reading of cars being scratched or windows broken, yet there are no Police walking about as a deterrent. The only time they were out walking was the lead up to Christmas.
Don’t the councillors agree that Bobbies out walking the beat would help the situation?
A3 – The CCTV system is being used but it is not infallible. Cameras will only pick up what they are looking at and what they see however it is the unknown factor if they are looking at ‘me’ that works as a deterrent. It is not the Big Brother as sometimes the public believe it is. The system has been used if a number of cases to identify vandalism. The effect of rain on the camera is that it can hinder the clarity, something like rain drops on car windows. Also the ability to identify culprits in the darkness is in doubt. There has not been an upsurge in vandalism in the town and that incidents in the areas covered by the CCTV had in fact fallen. The patterns of crime indicate that Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest when the majority of folk are out and about. The police at times only have five officers available to cover an area stretching from Melvich to Mey and as such their time has to be prioritised. As well as policing the streets officers are required to detect drink-drivers and respond to emergency calls. Police cannot be every where at once and do rely on the public as being the eyes and ears of their communities and without that we’re struggling. Public perception again may be inaccurate as a number of plain clothes officers are used to detect vandalism. Special Constables are used to bolster police numbers at weekends as well as special events e.g. Royal visits, but they are required to be accompanied by a servicing officer and cannot act on their own.
All three Thurso Members are unanimous that more police should be on the beat.
Cllr Mackay was interested to learn what the folk on community service orders actually did.
Q – It is believed that the new railings at the War Memorial do not meet with the required specifications. Can a copy of the specifications be made available to the Thurso Community Council (TCC) for inspection?
A- Ward Managers office will arrange to obtain a copy of the specifications for the TCC.
Q –Will the bridge at the Mall be replaced?
A – After a legal search the Highland Council have now accepted ownership and will replace the bridge that was washed away in the 2006 floods at a cost of £400k.
Q – The path at Mill Side is now in a dangerous condition when will this be sorted?
A – The Council are in talks at present with Scottish Water over this issue.
Q – Press reports have indicated that the Year of Culture 2007 has under spent their budget by £5m but that these monies have still to be committed to identified projects. When can the expected report on sports facilities in the County be issued?
A – It is understood that this report is still to be presented but should be in March this year.
Q – Since the opening of the TESCO store the increased level of litter on Millbank Road and Millbank playing fields has reached an unacceptable level due to the increase in the number of school pupils visiting the store. Can the Council now not arrange to have the Dog Warden speak to the schools as well as TESCO about this problem?
A –Litter is an ongoing problem. Talks to school pupils can be achieved but a continued reminder by all when they see litter being dropped is also an option. Admittedly there is a fear of confrontation when this approach is used. TECS will be contacted as regards school talks.
Q – When will the Town Hall be open and will there be a meeting room?
A – Thurso Town Hall is due to be completed by end of 2008 but there will be a period of time after that to have the internal exhibitions set up so it will not be open to the public until early 2009 and yes there will be a meeting room.
Q – Are the yellow boxes at the junction at (Bambers) Ulbster Place, Park Lane, Sir George Street and Castletown road legal?
A – These yellow boxes are not the Councils responsibility and must have been placed there by Transerve but it must be assumed that they are legal and motorists will have to recognise that and act accordingly.