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LARBERT, STENHOUSEMUIR & TORWOOD COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING – 27Th April 2015
LOWER HALL, LARBERT OLD CHURCH
Attendance Details
Committee:
 Yvonne Weir (YW)
 Gillian Bellingham (GB)
 Colleen Hurren (CH)
 Jim Kelly (JK)
 Ted Bingham (TB)
 Denis Shovlin (DS)
 Lauralin Scott (LS)
 Peter O’Rourke (PO’R)
Also Present:
 PC Archibald
 PC Templeton
 Jack Thomson (LHS)
 Kevin O’Connor (LHS)
 Richard Armitage (Car Club)
 Karen Armstrong (Falkirk Community Trust)
 Fraser Johnston(CATCA)
 Christine Bell (CATCA)
 7 members of the public
Apologies:
 Eric Appelbe (EA)
 Margaret Cheyne (Mch)
 Charles Gillespie (CG)
 Cllr Carleschi
 Cllr Coleman
1. Welcome
 The meeting was chaired by Yvonne Weir. She welcomed all to the meeting.
2. Police Report

PC Templeton delivered the April Police Report. From 1 April 2014 to 27 April
2015, 75 enquiries were commenced in the Community Council area. Of these,
23 remain undetected.

Efforts to address ongoing concerns regarding speeding in the area of Torwood,
as well as antisocial behaviour in the areas of Kinnaird Primary and Hallam Road,
and parking complaints in the area of Larbert Train Station remain ongoing.

Ward Priorities:
o DRUGS – 5 drug offences – these include both possession of controlled
drugs and possession with intent to supply.
o DISHONESTY – 15 crimes of dishonesty. This includes theft,
housebreaking, fraud and embezzlement.
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VIOLENCE – 7 crimes of violence. This includes assaults.
ROAD TRAFFIC – 28 road traffic crimes. This includes driving whilst
drunk, speeding, parking illegally, document offences and vehicle
rectification forms.
DISORDER – 13 crimes of disorder. This includes beach of the peace
and breach of bail conditions.
VANDALISM – 8 vandalisms in the area. Of these 6 were to motor
vehicles and 2 to buildings.

Additional attention being paid to the new bike track near Larbert High School

Continued attention being paid to Lido Lane, Hallam Road area (including shops
and bus stops), and Kinnaird Primary School.
Questions for police

YW asked about large numbers of car thefts reported on Facebook. The police
advised a lot were coming in from other areas. They emphasised the importance
of locking cars, and advised about the practice of using a fishing rod through the
letter box to hook keys lying near the door. They also advised that “nice areas”
are being targeted.

A MoP asked if they were still policing parking. They replied in the affirmative,
especially misuse of disabled areas but manpower is limited. DS suggested the
MoP attend the meeting of the Access Panel for further information and advice.
The MoP was unhappy with this advice and left the meeting.

A MoP asked about antisocial behaviour at Kinnaird PS. About 50 youngsters
were congregating and displaying dangerous behaviour. There was also a litter
problem.
Action: YW will contact the litter team.

JK asked if Inspector Kellet had acted on the request to look into parking around
Ladeside PS. It was confirmed he had spoken to the bus company and Falkirk
Council has upgraded the road signs.

A MoP asked about a situation when stones were thrown at his window by a
group of young people, and how he should react if repeated. He was advised to
phone the police if a window was broken.
Community Safety Team (CST)


2 members of this team attended from Denny, the local officers being off duty.
A printed report was supplied on a separate sheet covering information on the
CST and their activities the 3 key local issues:

DOG FOULING – Presently the CST are working on 3 dog fouling complaints that
are spread from Larbert to Carronshore. Extra patrols have been put in place and
dog bags handed out to some dog walkers. Dog fouling continues to be a big
problem throughout the whole are and remains a priority for the team.

YOUTH DISORDER – The CST is currently looking into 7 anti-social behaviour
issues. The grounds of Kinnaird Primary School has been the source of several
complaints with the youths causing damage, littering, lighting BBQs and playing
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loud music. This has been given priority status by the CST with regular visits in
the evenings. The Police have also been attending. Most of the Anti-social
behaviour complaints have come during the Easter break. There are a couple of
complaints regarding Larbert High School children littering and being a nuisance
on the way home in the Stenhousemuir Town Centre area.

LITTERING – The CST continue to deal with littering offences when seen and
also keep a presence in Stenhousemuir town centre in an effort to keep the
littering down when the pupils form Larbert High School break for lunch. This is a
challenging task due to the number of pupils and the numerous places that they
frequent throughout the area.

YW asked if Kevin O’Connor could take these issues back to Larbert High School
for discussion. Kevin agreed to do this.
3. Youth Report - Jack Thomson

Earlier this month Larbert High School had a successful epilepsy Awareness
Day.

A team from the school including Jack will travel this week to London where they
have been nominated for an award from Amnesty International for the “Most
Committed Group”.

The school was also the School of Sport for the second time in 3 years, this is a
big achievement.

The Bike Pump track is due to open as soon as it is safe to do so. There will be
an official opening. A MoP asked if it would be available to the public and was
advised it would be open to all. It will be colour coded for degree of difficulty and
wardens will be present.

This was Jack’s last meeting prior to exams and YW thanked him for his
contribution to the Community Council.
4. Falkirk Community Trust – New Gym In Stenhousemuir

Karen Armstrong presented on behalf of Falkirk Community Trust, her remit
being Sport and Fitness.

Falkirk Council has had spending cuts to cope with but are spending to save.
This encompasses the new Gym facilities at Hallam Place in Stenhousemuir.

Key areas covered by Karen included:
o They have taken over three vacant units and work will start soon to install
all the necessary equipment.
o There will be a gym with state of the art technology & equipment (Life
Fitness).
o There will be a fitness studio running around 40-50 classes per week; a
wide range of fitness classes ranging from teen/young adult classes to
high impact classes to mind/body classes.
o There will be teen sessions in the gym.
o The Active Forth rehabilitation referral programme will also operate at the
facility.
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
There will be full changing facilities available.
Recruitment of additional Falkirk Community Trust staff will take place in
the next few weeks – posts advertised across facilities are likely to include
cleaners, FT/PT gym instructors, FT/PT receptionists, supervisors etc.
Work will start in June 2015 and the gym is expected to open at the end of
August 2015.
Pricing & membership packages will be the same as other Falkirk
Community Trust facilities.
Opening hours are likely to be weekdays 6:30am to 9:30pm and
weekends: 8am to 7pm.
A question was asked about links with Tryst Community Sports Club. This
appears to be a separate entity. Karen will enquire about this.
Car Club

Richard Armitage presented about this on behalf of Falkirk Council. He
represents Car Plus Scotland, and was approached by Adam Watson, Transport
Planner with Falkirk Council.

This gives people access to a car without owning it. One would join the scheme,
paying by direct debit, and would be liable to a DVLA check.

The car would be booked online or by phone and would be collected from a point
nearby.

Wheelchair access cars are available in Aberdeen.

After meeting with different groups, RA will report back to Falkirk Council, when it
will be decided or what further action, if any, will happen.
5. Matters from the Floor

CATCA
o Christine Bell and Fraser Johnston gave an update from CATCA.
o The Dorrator Bridge opening will go ahead on 16/5/15, between 11.00am
and 3.00pm. Rev Stuart Sharp from Camelon Parish Church will bless the
bridge and Douglas Harper, grandson of the original designer will cut the
ribbon. There will be a marquee available. The aim is to recreate what
happened 120years ago.
o The bike project is under way and a development officer is now in post.
o Christine Bell is to give the Community Council a key for the notice board
at Crownest Park.

Windfarm update: 410 questionnaires have been completed online and paper.
The photo competition shows the best and worst of the area. Entries close at the
end of the week. The consultants will collate the results and write up a report for
the end of May. The 2 public meetings provided good discussion. A panel will be
set up from names obtained at the consultation. Once formed the money can be
released, if not used it can be carried forward year on year. Stakeholder events
will happen soon.
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6. Minutes of Last Meeting

Approved: proposed by DS and seconded by TB.
7. Matters Arising

Page 3: Ineos Upstream – YW advised that Tom Pickering has confirmed he will
address a public meeting hosted by the Community Council on 7th September
2015. The big hall at Larbert Old Church has been booked. It was discussed
whether anyone else should share the stage with INEOS Upstream – e.g. a
health professional. The meeting will require to be facilitated. It was agreed that it
would be preferable to have other speakers at the event and further consideration
of this would be made. A question was asked of who would pay for a health
expert.

YW advised she had attended the Ineos Upstream event in Falkirk on 22nd April.
It was well attended, and there was a lot of information provided in their
presentation and also a lot of questions from the floor. They are not planning a 2
km buffer zone and wells could be close to housing. There was quite a lot they
couldn’t answer until further tests are carried out e.g. on chemicals to be used in
the drilling process and on water treatment and disposal. Initially they plan that 2
D and 3 D seismic testing and early core exploration would be undertaken which
would determine the type of drilling (horizontal or vertical) that they would apply
for. This could take 2 years. The shale is 2.4km down. The UK government has
granted licenses but planning permission still needs to be applied for. They spoke
about 6% of “money” to the community but it was not clear what the 6% would be
based on. They had advised they will continue to communicate with the local
community on the project.

Page 4: Scottish Fire and Rescue – Local ward plans are now on their website.

Page 4: Moratorium on Unconventional Gas - Fergus Ewing, no response, YW
to chase up.

Page 4: Foundry Loan turning circle - to be converted to parking spaces.

Page 4: Bellsdyke Road crossing - YW has written but had no response in
relation to requirement for a further crossing near Tryst Road.

Page 4 – 3 Houses at Byways - a draft letter has been prepared for Audit
Scotland

Page 5 – Odours - no further complaints.

Page 5 - Waiting Signs - pictures of inconsistent signs on Main Street have
been forwarded to Falkirk Council. CH still to check the signs on Carronvale
Road.

Page 5 - Hamilton Road - Councillor Carleschi is trying to get answers about
works on the Moss Road.

Page 5 - Hallam Road crossings - there has been no response from ASDA.

Page 5 - Tappoch Broch Signage - Historic Scotland is in discussion with the
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factors.

Page 6: Concerns about road repairs following bridge works - Main Street,
GB to action.

Page 6: Constructions Vehicle Movements in Kinnaird – Awaiting update
from Cllr Carleschi.

Page 6: Damaged drains, off Mill Lade Path. JK to chase up.

Page 6: Old Police Station - planning for flats has been granted.

Page 7: Poo The Musical - YW has the draft application. They are also asking if
we can front application for marquees. This was agreed. Falkirk Council is
funding this element.

Page 7: Floodlights at Ladeside PS. JK to carry forward.

Page 7: River Carron Path – YW to ask Christine Bell about plans to extend
path to Bonnybridge/Denny roundabout.

Page 7: Quintinshill Parade – YW advised she had written to Falkirk Council
and they had advised that the carpark at the ticket office disabled spaces will be
unaffected. It will be open to taxis throughout the day. Most of our concerns over
the car park closure have therefore been addressed.
8. Correspondence Report – Items for discussion:
Date of
Item
Item
Action Taken/Required
30.3.2015
Falkirk Council – re crossing point on Bellsdyke Rd. Planning to
put additional crossing near central business park
1.4.2015
DPEA planning decision appeal - Reporter at DPEA has agreed
that the proposed Cala commercial units in Crown Cresc in
Kinnaird are not needed for commercial purposes & can be
turned into residential premises. For more info:
http://lstcommunitycouncil.org.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2014/02/Decision-on-a-Planning-Appeal-CrownCrescent.pdf
Facebook – Query about how to go about getting a new speed
limit put in place in inches estate for kids safety – estate is huge
and very busy now and people drive far too fast despite speed
bumps. Resident has spoken to a few folk and they agree a "20s
plenty" would be a good step to be taken along with double
yellows opposite the junction at Sainsbury’s,
Falkirk Council – Notice of Public Procession – Mid Scottish
Boys Brigade – Sunday 31st May 2:15pm & 3:55pm 100
marchers
Resident FB - with the light night coming in are the kids allowed
to use the football pitch next to the school at Kinnaird?
Agreed at March
meeting to write
welcoming crossing
and re-advising of
issues near Tryst Road
– awaiting response
Noted – also re Ryden
comments on lack of
interest in other sites.
2.4.2015
2.4.2015
4.4.2015
9.4.2015
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Falkirk Council – response to Quintinshill procession queries and
loss of parking spaces
Not to be taken forward
at present. Consider a
Facebook question to
gauge public opinion.
Noted
It was advised that this
is open for use
Parking and disabled
access have been
resolved so no further
action.
12.4.2015
&
13.4.2015
&
20.4.2015
13.4.2015
15.4.2015
16.4.2015
&
24.4.2014
16.4.2015
17.4.2015
18.4.2015
20.4.2015
21.4.2015
22.4.2015
&
23.4.2015
22.4.2015
26.4.2015
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Resident – FB – further issues with state of SUDS pond in
Kinnaird – grass cuttings and scum on top. Resident given
details of LSTCC last correspondence with Greenbelt and has
written to them. Received response that clearance instructed
13th April but by 20th April no action – can LSTCC assist?
JK – Information on “TADHA” The Annie Dow Heroism Award.
2016 potential nominees to be considered. Criteria:
Who: Young person, up to 30, with additional support needs and
resident in Scotland at the time of the incident during 2015
What (action): took action in exceptional circumstances, knew
what to do and did it well
How (demeanor): did not panic, kept calm in
crisis/emergency/under huge pressure
Outcome (against all the odds): something remarkable
happened as a result of the heroic act e.g. saved a life?
Falkirk Council – planning review body appeal for
P/14/0686/FUL - Erection of Dwellinghouse with Internal
Garage - Land To The South Of Aonach-Mor, Glen Road,
Torwood, Falkirk – response by 29th April
DS – Possible orphan land project at Balmoral place/Hamilton
Place - Poly Tunnels
Local Energy Scotland – Project extension to 31 March 2016
and also request for monthly forecasts to be submitted before
the last week of each month
Scottish Womens Convention http://www.scottishwomensconvention.org/activities/roadshows/f
alkirkroadshow
The SWC is funded to engage with women throughout Scotland
in order that their views might influence key decision makers and
politicians. A consultation event is being held in Falkirk on
Thursday 21 May 2015 (please see enclosed leaflet).
Time: 10.30am – 1pm. Venue: Callendar House
To find out more information about the format of the day or if you
would like to attend please contact us on 0141 339 4797 or
email [email protected].
Resident – FB - I take my dog for a walk at Larbert woods but I
haven't been able to use the road because of the building works.
The road was closed in June last year for 3 months then it was
extended to 9 months and still it isn't open. There is no reason
for this as a path could be made for you to walk up away from
the building works. This also deprives the children from
surrounding nurseries to go up to the woods and meet the
ranger. Please could you look into this?
CVS Falkirk - Volunteer Awards Ceremony 2015 - Nominations
Now Open- Closing date for nominations is Tuesday 5th May
2015.
INEOS Upstream – confirmation Tom Pickering will attend
special LSTCC meeting on 7th September
Falkirk Council –Poo the Musical – request for info for funding
application & copy of draft application.
Also request for LSTCC to submit an application to pay for the
marquee that will house the performances of Poo to Falkirk
Council for £1612.
CATCA – invitation to official opening of Dorrator Bridge - 11.00
am on Sat 16th May
Resident on FB - tweeted traffic Scotland about rubbish lying on
verge from North Broomage roundabout to M876 - lots of full
yellow bags which might be clinical waste.
YW to chase again.
Potential nominees to
be considered
Agreed to resubmit
existing response – no
change to position
DS advised he has
made initial enquiries
and will report to a
future meeting.
Noted
No-one available to
attend. Information will
be publicised
YW to contact Strathyre
Properties re access to
Larbert Woods
Noted
Agreed that alternative
views should also be
represented.
YW & EA to review
draft application–
agreed additional
funding bid to be
supported
EA to attend – all
welcome
YW to follow up
9. Treasurer’s Report

£89.73 was paid for insurance.

£4800 was received for the Community Action Plan and this was paid to the
consultants.

Balance stands at £3560.63

£240 cheque to Larbert Old Church for use of hall is yet to be deducted.
10. Planning Report

LS reported that there were no planning issues that required LSTCC contacting
Falkirk Council.

It was noted that there was a new EU directive on the height of the parapets of
railway bridges. The parapets of some bridges in our area might have to be
raised. YW to seek clarification.
11. Other Reports

Camelon Cemetery extension. CH had attended a meeting hosted by Falkirk
Council about the proposed extension to Camelon Cemetery. The extension will
not touch our boundaries and is not like to cause any issues for our area. The
current cemetery has capacity for a further 16 years. CH discovered that FC
plans to increase seating in the crematorium by approximately 70 seats (plans
not yet passed) and to increase parking by approximately 25 spaces. The
crematorium will be closed for a period on 2016 to allow new cremators to be
installed.

Dobbie Hall Consultation – CH reported that the Dobbie Hall Trust intends to
employ consultants to engage with the public about future use of the Dobbie Hall.
Consultants interested in carrying out this work should submit tenders by 18th
May 2015.
12. AOCB

No other competent business.
13. Date of next meeting – Monday 25 May 2015
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