Agenda
Nairnshire Partnership/Ward Forum
Action Note of Nairnshire Partnership/Ward Forum held on Wednesday 27 February 2008 at 6.00 pm in the Chamber, the Court House, Nairn.
Attendees
Provost Liz MacDonald, Nairn Ward, Highland Council (Chair) (LM)
Councillor Laurie Fraser, Nairn Ward, Highland Council (LF)
Councillor Graham Marsden, Nairn Ward, Highland Council ((GM)
Councillor A S Park, Nairn Ward, Highland Council (SP) – joined the meeting at 6.40 pm
Sheena Baker, Association of Nairn Businesses (SB)
Inspector David Bushell, Northern Constabulary (DB)
Ed Chambers, Council for Voluntary Service, Nairn (EC)
Louise Clark, Ward Manager, Highland Council (LC)
Anna Dougan, Youth Forum (AD)
William Gilfillan, Corporate Manager, Highland Council (WG)
John Mackie, Chairman, Nairn Suburban Community Council (JM)
Campbell Mair, Practice Manager, Lodgehill Clinic (CM)
Jack Starke, Chairman, Auldearn Community Council (JS)
Mrs J Tolmie, Chairperson, Nairn River Community Council (JT)
Rosemary Young, Tourism Sector (RY) – representing Iain Fairweather
John Bruce, Senior Education Officer, Education, Culture & Sport (JB) - joined the meeting at 6.30 pm
Mags Duncan-Stirling, Community Learning & Leisure Officer, ECS (MDS) – joined the meeting at 6.30 pm
Andrew McCracken, Senior/Principal Planner, Planning & Development Service (AM)
John Dolan, Nairnshire Telegraph
Lynne Larby, Cawdor & West Nairnshire Community Council
Kyle MacKintosh, Auldearn Community Council
Mrs Margaret MacKintosh, Nairn River Community Council
Diana Mitchell, Auldearn Community Council
Dick Youngson, Nairn Suburban Community Council
and 4 members of the public
Maureen MacKenzie, Administrative Assistant, Highland Council - Minute
1. Apologies:
Apologies for absence were received from Roddy Dyce, HIE Inverness & East Highland; Iain Fairweather, Tourism Sector; Debbie MacBean, Chairperson, East Nairnshire Community Council and Margaret Robertson, Chairperson, Cawdor & West Nairnshire Community Council.
Provost Liz MacDonald in the Chair.
2. Minute of the Previous Meeting
The Minute of the Previous Meeting held on 5 December 2007 was approved as a true record.
3. Matters Arising
3.1 Tourism/Events Group (3.6) – LC reported that she had met with Roddy Dyce and would suggest that, as Nairn Hotels are not in a position to help at the moment, that the Nairnshire Partnership identify suitable private sector representatives to be involved. A meeting would then be called.
ACTION: NP to identify suitable private sector representatives and then LC to call meeting.
3.2 Tourist Information Centre (TIC) – LC reported that the Nairn Community Centre Development Company and VisitScotland have met and they are hopeful that the TIC will be operational in the new Community Centre, for a one-year trial, prior to Easter subject to VisitScotland providing display boards, leaflets and a freephone. LC further reported that Elected Members had met with VisitScotland and added road signage to that list. LC confirmed that the TIC is presently based in the Library and that leaflets were updated recently.
4. Drug & Alcohol Forum “Healthy Living Event” held on 22 February 2008
EC reported that 15 exhibitors attended this well organised event however the public did not turn out in high numbers due, presumably, to the event taking place on a Friday night (the only night the venue was available) and the inclement weather. EC added that the exhibitors would like to hold a further event later in the year.
EC also advised that Helen Guy, Community Development Officer, had another two projects which she would be reporting on to the Partnership:-
1. Youth Jazz Orchestra (which may also involve adults)
2. Camera Club – to document Nairn in photographs in one day (June 2009) by handing out disposal cameras to the public and then holding an exhibition in Nairn Museum
WG commented on the Project Group being involved in this, adding that he would ask James Gibbs, HIE IEH, to identify who would be replacing Roddy Dyce on this group.
ACTION: WG to contact James Gibbs of HIE IEH.
5. Nairn Town Centre Redevelopment
WG invited Andrew McCracken, Senior/Principal Planner to update the meeting.
AM reported that the main outline planning application from Somerfield would be going to the INBS Planning Committee on 4 March, where his recommendation would be to approve, with some conditions. AM added that he is awaiting comments from the Trunk Roads Authority and is actively pursuing this.
ACTION: On the question being put by SB, WG confirmed that he would check the legality concerning the car parks if another body were to buy out Somerfield.
It was agreed to take Nairn Suburban Community Council’s questions, relevant to the town centre, at this stage.
5.1 Nairn Town Centre Public Toilets – the principal Nairn Public Toilets to the rear of the old Community Centre are scheduled to be demolished. What are the plans for their replacement?
AM reported that there will be no public toilets however the toilets in the supermarket would be available to the public during opening hours.
WG reported that Members are mindful of Nairn being a seaside town and as such proper consideration will be given to provision of public toilets.
5.2 The listed former school building to the rear of the old Community Centre – what are the current plans and proposals for this charming old building? It is a valuable part of our built heritage.
AM reported that this building is outwith the development for Somerfield. WG confirmed that the building will be retained by the Council and will be looked at when rationalising office accommodation in Nairn.
5.3 The former Police Station and Jail – should have a Highland Council Protection Order placed upon it, if not, a Historic Scotland listing. Before it is demolished, Highland Council should re-assess its value as an important example of Nairn’s built heritage.
AM confirmed that this building is within the development for Somerfield and was not a Listed Building. GM commented that the prison doors have been retained and will be stored at the Museum. AM made the suggestion that the stonework is broken down to provide border walls for King Street.
6. Sandown Lands
AM reported that a large number of representations had been received from the public regarding Deveron Homes’ planning application at Sandown Lands. AM added that recommendations from the Planners would go forward in due course to the Planning Committee, although this was likely to take a few months, and any decision would then require to be ratified by the Scottish Government. On the question being put by SB, ASP clarified that although all 80 Highland Councillors are Trustees of the Common Good Fund it would be the four Nairn Ward Members who would make any decisions regarding disbursement of funds.
7. A96 Corridor and Nairn By-Pass
ASP reported that the Strategic Transport Review by the Scottish Government is due to be published in July/August and he is continuing to put pressure on Government Ministers regarding a By-Pass for Nairn. On the question being put by SB, ASP suggested that it would be worthwhile putting together an Action Group once the review is to hand.
ACTION: Item for next meeting – Project Group for Nairn By-Pass.
8. Any Other Competent Business
8.1 Nairn Town & County Hospital – CM reported that Morrison’s take entry of the site on 3 March with construction taking place over the next two years. CM thanked members of the Partnership for their support over the years and expressed delight at construction being underway.
8.2 WG commented that the Scottish Government has published a series of Outcome Agreements for Partnership Working which this Group is ideally set up to meet, and he would like to see projects coming forward.
There being no further competent business, the meeting moved on to the Ward Forum.
WARD FORUM
9. Minute of the Previous Meeting
The Minute of the Previous Meeting held on 5 December 2007 was approved as a true record.
10. Matters Arising
10.1 Local Action Fund (Young People) (8.2) – LC advised that two applications had been successful - £6,672 for Playparks and £4,000 for the Nairn Youth Café.
10.2 Playparks (11) – LC advised that one tender had been received (awaiting one other) and that the work required to be completed in this financial year.
On the question being put by LM, WG reported that this funding had come to an end after three years. MDS commented that funding was available through the Cash for Communities Fund, but no information was available on this at the present time. LM commented that it would be useful to know what funding streams were available for local projects early in the year so applications could be made timeously.
ACTION: MDS to report on funding streams to the next meeting.
10.3 Streetscape Update (12) – LC reported that the Project Group next meets on 4 March to consider all written comments.
JT enquired whether she would be able to attend the Project Group Meeting and LC agreed to meet JT to discuss this.
ACTION: LC to report back to next meeting.
11. Nairn Ward Discretionary Budget 2007-2008 - £58,616
LC reported that there had been three allocations since the last meeting - Nairn Citizens’ Advice Bureau £2,000; Nairn Playparks £25,000; Nairn & District Gardening Club £150. LC commented that there are three pending applications which will account for the remainder of the budget.
On the question being put by ASP, LC reported that £111,666.93 match-funding had been identified in this year’s Discretionary Budget.
12. Community Safety
DB gave a verbal update on Community Safety issues.
• Youth Issues which the Police are involved in – regular visits to all schools in the area; Healthy Day Drug & Alcohol event involved some of the children from Nairn Academy; visits to the Youth Café; youth groups visiting the Police Station; children from Nairn Academy attending the Station for a week’s work experience; Youth Advantage Operation – which is a joint initiative involving the Police and the Army offering outward bound events to young people; the possibility of holding “Blue Light Discos” – where the Police organise discos in a safe environment with no alcohol; Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme; and Young Driver inputs.
• Public Consultation Survey – a survey was carried out last year which highlighted the public’s main concerns as being speeding/dangerous driving and disorderly behaviour by youths. DB advised however that Domestic Abuse, which had featured low on the list of concerns, was given a high priority by his officers.
• There had been a fairly quiet festive season presumably due to the high visibility of officers on the street.
• DB advised that Northern Constabulary is presently going through a review and as of 1 April 2008 Nairn will be part of the Eastern Division with Superintendent David O’Connor in charge. DB also advised that Chief Inspector Andrew Walker will be retiring shortly.
• JS enquired about a Police presence in Auldearn given that the Community Council have been receiving a number of complaints. DB confirmed that his officers had been called to Auldearn on a number of occasions and was conscious of the necessity to patrol villages within the area, however, with limited resources the Police could only respond to calls from the public with specific concerns.
• On the question being but by DY, DB confirmed that there are plans for a new Police Station in Nairn but he could not comment further at this stage.
13. Youth Matters – presentation by Anna Dougan
AD gave an extremely informative presentation (attached) which the Forum greatly appreciated.
LM enquired if, with regard to the Youth Café, any young people were involved in the Nairn Community Centre Management Committee. MDS confirmed there was feedback through User Groups. MDS further commented that the Youth Café had not been open long and part-time youth leaders were currently being appointed.
Other issues which were brought up:-
• Members’ visiting the School – they are happy to if Anna could identify appropriate events/times
• Political speed dating
• S4 Skills School which took place in Dingwall – SB suggested that Anna identify how this event was funded and report back to the Forum.
• EC commented that Helen Guy, Community Development Officer, should be able to help with funding/supporting some projects
SB commented that Anna, and previous youth representatives, on this group have been very pro-active and she congratulated them on their commitment.
RY commented that the presentation had been hugely interesting and offered any help she could give, through the hospitality industry, with regard to Life Skills, adding that it was appalling that children could come out of school without these skills.
LM added that Anna has given us a lot to think about and take back to the next meeting.
WG commented that suggestions should be prioritised so we can concentrate on one or two projects and get them done.
ACTION: To be further discussed at next meeting.
14. Open Question and Answer Session
Questions submitted by Nairn River Community Council:-
14.1 Flood Defences and location of Flood Gates
LC reported that flood barriers are located by the public toilets at the Harbour and the Seaman’s Hall. When the barriers are not in use, they are kept at the Park Quarry. An atmospheric surge forecast from the Met Office is provided daily before 6.00 am which four members of TECS staff receive. Three of these staff work on a rota as the Standby Officer for the Nairn Ward. Staff consider the tide tables, the “surge” forecast, wind direction/strength and river levels and then decide if the flood barriers need to be deployed. If a more serious flood is expected, then additional information and support would come from Highland Council’s Emergency Team. At Firhall, SEPA have a water level monitor which triggers a warning when the river reaches a certain height.
14.2 Harbour Street – are there any plans to improve Harbour Street in the future
LM advised that there have been some road works (resurfacing) carried out down by the Harbour but was unaware of any further works proposed.
ACTION: LC to report if any further works to Harbour Street are proposed.
14.3 The High Street “Brae” – have there been any representations made about reducing the speed limit?
LM advised that traffic calming had not previously been suggested but could be raised under the Streetscape Project. WG advised that if this proposal is to be looked we would require advice from the Council’s TEC Services.
SB commented that one of the proposals in the Streetscape Project was to stop traffic going up the Brae and route them via Gordon Street instead. Mr Dunbar (member of the public) commented that if the Brae were to be closed to vehicles then terrible traffic problems would be experienced in Gordon Street and the main A96.
ACTION: LC to take this issue to the Members’ regular meeting with representatives of BEAR (Scotland) scheduled for 15 April. At the request of SB, LC also agreed to also raise the matter of potholes on the A96.
Questions submitted by Nairn Suburban Community Council:-
14.4 Erosion of Nairn’s Coastal Dunes – the Central and East Beaches dune system is being steadily eroded by the pressure of human feet accessing the beaches from the Links Car Park (Cumming Street) and the pathways on the East Beach. It is suggested that Highland Council and other interested groups (eg SNH and RSPB) should take forward methods of people management to lessen the affects of trampling feet, restoration of the dunes and re-establishing marram grass to stabilise the dunes.
LC advised that following a similar query, it has been arranged that Highland Council’s Countryside Ranger, John Orr, will carry out an inspection of the sand dunes and report back on any action required.
ACTION: LC to report back to the next meeting.
14.5 A96 School Crossing Attendants - the total absence and failure to recruit School Crossing Controllers in the Rosebank zone of the A96 cannot be allowed to go on any longer.
JB advised that HC are investigating various solutions to this problem, including the possibility of a bank of people sharing the job as happens at Muirton Primary in Inverness. JB added that it has been suggested that an appeal be broadcast on Moray Firth Radio for public-spirited people to come forward. JB further advised that the possibility of a composite job with Janitors carrying out the duties of a Road Crossing Patroller had been looked into.
CM suggested that Parent Councils should be contacted to see if they can offer assistance.
JM commented that he believed the 20/30 mph signage at Rosebank Primary School to be illegal due to there only been one sign displayed.
ACTION: DB to check the legislation on this.
14.6 Extra Item – Altonburn Flooding: JM congratulated TECS for dealing with this so efficiently.
14.7 Extra Item – Hogweed at Lochloy (JM) – ASP confirmed that there is an annual programme for spraying hogweed.
14.8 Extra Item – LC reported that a request had been received for Showies to be situated on the Links in the weeks either side of the Nairnshire Challenge event (19 May to 31 May), including the Sunday of the Nairnshire Challenge (25 May).
There were various comments on this as follows:-
• Margaret MacKintosh of Nairn River Community Council – the public have previously objected to Showies being open on a Sunday
• ASP, LF and EC all expressed support for this event given that the Rotary Club raise a lot of funds for charity and the inclusion of Showies on the day would encourage members of the public to attend.
ACTION: Request to be discussed by Members at their next Ward Business Meeting noting the comments raised.
15. Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting would take place on Wednesday 30 April 2008. Update – the meeting has been rescheduled to Wednesday 23 April 2008.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.20 pm.