Action Note of Landward Ward Forum held on 7th April 2009.
Present.
Councillor Robert Coghill (Chair)
Councillor Willie Mackay
Councillor David Bremner
David Sutherland-Ward Manager
John Green-Dunnet & Canisbay Community Council
Anne Alexander-Watten Community Council
Jim Macdonald Watten Community Council
Billy Manson-Halkirk Community Council
Janet Mowat-Halkirk Community Council
Neil Buchannan-Berriedale & Dunbeath Community Council
Elizabeth Henderson-Tannach & District Community Council
Donald Henderson-Tannach & District Community Council
Elizabeth Geddes-Castletown Community Council
Bill Brown-Caithness West Community Council
Robbie Mackintosh-Ward Managers Team
Alan Cowie-Digital UK
Gordon Calder-Press Reporter
Six members of the Public were in attendance.
1. Apologies.
Councillor David Flear
Ian Hargrave-Area Corporate Manager
Douglas Fraser-Castletown Community Council
Elizabeth Cameron-Berriedale & Dunbeath Community Council
2. Previous Forum Action Notes.
John Green reported that he was unable to find anything on the Council website regarding commenting on the Transport Strategy plan.
3. Digital UK-The Switch-Over.
The Chairman introduced Alan Cowie Digital UK and commented many would recognise him from his days as a presenter with Grampian TV.
Alan began his presentation by stating that he was part of a team of four whose remit was to travel around the country, attending meetings and explaining what the switch over is all about.
He stressed that the switchover will go ahead and those who have not taken the necessary steps to convert their TV will not receive a picture after the cut off date for switching off the analogue signal. Older types of Video recorders will also be affected.
Alan went on to explain the reasons why the switch over was necessary and the benefits it would bring in the way of better reception, bigger choice of programmes and he pointed out it was a much fairer system. Most households will be able to receive around 40 channels with all areas getting at least 20 of the most popular ones.
He explained the timetable for change and stated STV North would change over in 2010. A specific date will be announced once it is confirmed the system is ready to go and this will be a year ahead of the actual switchover date.
He showed where all the main transmitters are located and also all the relay stations. He also explained that the digital signal being transmitted from main transmitters is lower at the moment in order that it does not interfere with the analogue signal however on switchover it will be increased which will result in a better reception. Alan gave advice on using the Postcode checker to access further information.
Alan informed the meeting that The Highland Council had initiated an action plan and were surveying its existing usage and planning for the future and in this respect they were way ahead of other local authorities.
Digital UK will be making use of all media options open to them to get the message out and they also have a website and call centre where calls are charged at local rates.A leaflet will also be sent out shortly to all households and he was confident nobody will be unaware of the change taking place.
There is also a Switchover help scheme for those aged 75 and over, blind or partially sighted or in receipt of certain disability benefits and anyone qualifying will be contacted direct by Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) however Alan asked those present who if they were aware of anyone who qualified to encourage them to make use of the scheme as it will provide reassurance and any help required. Leaflets on the Switchover and Help Scheme were available to all those present.
The Digital UK national and regional teams were involved in community engagement and were working to protect consumers by liaising with suppliers and Alan emphasised there would be no cold calling made by Digital UK. He also stated it was essential they had the confidence of the consumer and viewers.
He also stated that hopefully only between 5% to 10% of aerials will require renewing and that anyone seeking advice regarding aerials should contact reputable contractors. Advice on doing a home aerial check was contained in the guide leaflet.
Alan concluded his presentation by stating that he was confident any television, regardless of age could be converted and they were running a competition to locate the oldest working model.
In answer to a question from the audience regarding the amount of channels consumers would receive Alan explained that those receiving their signal from a main transmitter will receive more than those getting theirs via a relay station.
Councillor Willie Mackay enquired if the oldest TV had yet been found and Alan stated that one had been identified as being pre 1950 however they were still looking for an older one. He again emphasised the set must be in working order.
Alan also commented again on aerial requirements and on a query regarding purchasing booster boxes he stated there should be no need for them when the full signal comes on stream.
He finished by informing those present that he or his colleagues are available to meet with any organisation to discuss the changeover and he was thanked by the chairman for a very comprehensive and enlightening presentation.
4. Community Safety.
As there was no one present from the police the chairman asked if anybody had any points to raise regarding community safety. Bill Brown Caithness West CC reminded of the need to keep grass cut on the verges in the vicinity of all road junctions throughout the summer months.
5. Ward Discretionary Budget.
David Sutherland informed those present that as stated at the last Forum the budget allocation had been expended and therefore no balance sheet had been distributed but if anyone required a copy this would be provided.
He explained that the budget for this year was now in place and applications were starting to come in. New applications which also attracted Leader funding would be the ones most likely to be approved.
He also gave an update on Village Warden funding explaining that a package had been put forward for Leader funding which if successful would result in a budget of £40,000 being available over the next three years part funded by Leader, TEC Services and Discretionary budget and administered by the Association of Community Councils.
Councillor Willie Mackay commented on the wide range of projects supported during the past year and said he wondered where new ones for this year would come from.
Following a query from Billy Manson Halkirk CC regarding the landward area contributing to projects in Wick and Thurso it was pointed out that they are classed as being of benefit Caithness wide and Landward members discuss and agree if they will contribute before reaching a decision.In the event of a split decision the Ward Manager will make final decision.
The way funding is allocated to Ward Discretionary Budgets was also queried and it was pointed out that this was discussed at a full council meeting and although other proposals were put forward including four member wards receiving more the decision to award all Wards the same amount was agreed. Councillor Willie Mackay pointed out that the vote was very close.
6. Date of Future Meetings.
The next Forum would be a combined Caithness Wards Forum on 16th June 2009 at 7.30 pm in the Assembly Rooms Wick. Topic(s) to be confirmed.
The next Landward Forum will take place on Tuesday 6th October 2009 at 7.30pm in the Ross Institute Halkirk.
7. A.O.B.
There was no other business to discuss.
8. Question and Answer Session.
A written question was received from Jane Coghill regarding The Highland Council support and financial contribution to the new proposed sport facilities planned for Halkirk. David Sutherland read out the question and the reply compiled by Ian Murray, Head of Community Learning & Leisure, EC&S Services and which had been sent to Mrs Coghill. These are both as follows -
Q1 - ‘Opinions in Halkirk and now beyond have changed considerably with the realisation that the proposed Sports Complex in Halkirk is now only a football stadium.
How can the council now justify to the public the £200,000 awarded, which will benefit so few people and especially this far north where population numbers are too low for such a singular development.
A prompt reply would be appreciated.
Regards Jane Coghill’
A1 – ‘Thank you for your Email with regard the Sports Facility being developed on a site in Halkirk.
Initially I would stress that this development is proposed to support the Communities of Caithness and North Sutherland and not just the area around Halkirk.
I am not aware that the concept of a Sports Barn has changed into a football stadium, something that has been confirmed by the Organisation.
I am also somewhat surprised that with regard your statement re the benefit to the Area being limited because of the population numbers. This is the exact opposite of the opinion held by the majority of sports organisations in Caithness including the well established Caithness Sport Council who have expressed concern that a lack of such sports facilities has a negative effect not only on the people who want to pursue sports in the Far North but on an Economic basis when trying to encourage inward migration associated with Economic Regeneration
The catalyst for this development was multifaceted with the donation of £1.2 Million pounds private funding given specifically to develop sports facilities for the North based in Halkirk. The failure of the Caithness Sports Council over the past 20 years to bring forward a development of an indoor sports facility also the desire by sports clubs, schools and other organisations to have a modern indoor centre in Caithness.
Highland Council in recognising that no major indoor facility exists North of Dingwall commissioned a Consultant to look at the best way of providing new sports facilities for the Far North. This Consultation recognised that the Halkirk complex was part of the overall strategy as was the potential new development planned for the Viewfirth site in Thurso.
The Consultants conclusion was that both High Schools should be developed to provide a variety of sports experiences in Caithness with the Council discussing with the Halkirk Organisation the specific part it could play in this strategy.
The Consultants report was finished last year and as yet not been presented to the Education Culture and Sport Committee for consideration. If it is eventually included in the Councils future Capital Programme it will have to compete with the new schools agenda which is a particular controversial issue in Caithness.
The Councils future Capital programme will be for the period of 2012 to 2022 with the potential of facilities not being on site foe approx 10 years.
Similarly the Viewfirth development at present remains a desk top exercise with a cost of £10m at present day costs being estimated. At present there a no funding avenues available for this project.
The development of the Halkirk project in its initial phase was far more grandiose than its present vision, with facilities such as an ice rink being included. However after discussion with potential funders including Sports Scotland and other organisations it was felt that phase one should concentrate on a Sports Barn and a new outdoor football pitch to S.F.A. standard.
The Sports Barn will accommodate sports beyond football such as golf practice, archery, rugby training, and athletics along with other sports that may require inside training facilities at certain time of the year. The Barn also has the potential to provide a fitness suite and eventually a climbing wall.
The total cost of the Halkirk project is £4.1 million, with the future costs to the Council for the development of the High School facilities being in the region of £6 million at today’s prices.
The Council in the recent past has supported our many football teams in the provision of synthetic pitches based in Wick and Thurso at a cost of over £600 thousand pounds.
The contribution of £200k from the Council will only be available if the total funding package is in place .if this is not achieved the Council will review its position.
In conclusion if individuals have concerns or wish an update on the project there are a considerable number of local residents on the Management Committee who could answer more detailed questions.
I trust this is a full reply that sets out the council’s current position’