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NOTICE OF MEETING
A MEETING of the PETITIONS PANEL will be held in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
VIEWFORTH, STIRLING on THURSDAY 14 MAY 2015 at 10.30 am
ELIZABETH M DUNCAN
Chief Governance Officer
Clerk to the Council
8 May 2015
BUSINESS
1.
APOLOGIES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
2.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
3.
MINUTES – 15 JANUARY 2015
(Pages 1 - 6)
PETITIONS
General - Guidance Note on the Submission of Public Petitions (Pages 7 - 10)
4.
PETITION – NEW SAFE CROSSING ON STATION ROAD AT SCHOOL
ENTRANCE
Report by Director of Corporate Operations (Pages 11 - 58)
(For further information, please contact Michelle MacDonald – 01786 233097)
1
STIRLING COUNCIL
MINUTES of MEETING of the PETITIONS PANEL held in COUNCIL CHAMBERS, OLD
VIEWFORTH, STIRLING on THURSDAY 15 JANUARY 2015 at 10.30 am
Present:
Councillor Steven PATERSON (in the Chair)
Councillor Martin EARL (Substitute)
Councillor Corrie MCCHORD
Councillor Mark RUSKELL
Also present:
Councillor Danny Gibson
In Attendance:
Richard Barron, Senior Access Officer, Corporate Operations
Jane Menzies, Senior Manager, Community & Place
Peter Morgan, Manager, Planning, Corporate Operations
Margaret Wallace, Manager, Communities, Community & Place
Michelle MacDonald, Committee Officer, Democratic Support (Clerk)
Petitioners:
Mr David Prescott
Mrs Ann Rogerson
and 3 members of the public
PT30
APOLOGIES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
An apology for absence was received on behalf of Councillor Neil Benny.
Councillor Martin Earl was in attendance as substitute for Councillor Benny.
PT31
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor McChord enquired if Councillor Paterson would be declaring an
interest in Item 4 - Petition – Request for CCTV Presence at The Toll, St
Ninians. Councillor Paterson advised that he had received advice from the
Chief Governance Officer and the Clerk on this matter, and advised that he
would not be declaring an interest. The Clerk confirmed that the there was no
2
requirement for Councillor Paterson to declare an interest as he had had no
involvement with this matter since the Petition had been submitted.
Councillor Ruskell declared an interest in Item 5 on the agenda – Petition –
Removal of Fencing and Re-instatement Work at Holmehill, Dunblane as he
had signed the petition in support of it. He advised that he would take no part in
the Panel’s decision on this item but would speak in support as a local member.
PT32 MINUTES – 28 AUGUST 2014
Decision
The Panel approved the Minutes of the Meeting held on 28 August 2014 as a
correct record.
PT33 PETITION – REQUEST FOR CCTV PRESENCE AT THE TOLL, ST NINIANS
A valid petition entitled “Request for CCTV presence at The Toll, St Ninians” was
submitted for the Panel’s consideration.
The petition was attached as Appendix 1 to a report submitted by the Director of
Corporate Operations. The full petition contained 428 signatures. The first 25
checked and valid petitioners were shown to indicate the petition complied with
the guidance. The petition had the support of Broomridge Community Council.
The relevant correspondence was attached with the petition.
A briefing note from Communities on the background to the petition was attached
at Appendix 2.
The Petition Statement read
“Broomridge Community Council were very disappointed by Stirling Council’s
decision to delay the installation of CCTV at The Toll until March 2016.
CCTV at The Toll has been fully supported by ourselves, local businesses,
Police Scotland, Community Wardens, Bannockburn High School and
Neighbouring Community Councils – ie Borestone and Braehead & District.
The outcome of this installation would be a safer community; a deterrent for
those intent on theft, drug dealing, vandalism, Anti-Social Behaviour, etc.
Also, there is a reluctance to use the underpasses at the Borestone roundabout
as people do not feel safe. CCTV presence would encourage them to use this
facility instead of risking their lives crossing the busy Bannockburn Road.
Therefore, Broomridge Community Council request that Stirling Council find
monies from their existing budget to install CCTV at The Toll immediately.
3
If this cannot be achieved, then Broomridge Community Council would state that
this installation MUST be prioritised in next year’s budget.
We cannot wait until 2016!”
The Council’s Guidance on Submission of Public Petitions had been circulated
with the agenda papers for the meeting. The Chair advised those present of the
remit of the Petitions Panel and the meeting format.
Mrs Rogerson was given the opportunity to speak as Principal Petitioner. Mrs
Rogerson advised that Panel that she was representing the people who live,
work and pass through the Toll area of St Ninians and also had the support of the
neighbouring community councils, Braehead and Borestone, as well as
Bannockburn High School, Community Wardens and Police Scotland.
Over that last few months members of the Community Council had been
speaking to business owners, employees and members of the public and had
been given details of numerous incidents which were summarised at the
meeting. A number of the comments received by the Community Council was
that people were frightened of reprisals if they spoke out about crimes witnessed.
The Chair and Vice Chair of the Community Council had met with Area
Commander Paul Rollo and Superintendent Kenny MacLeod from Police
Scotland and passed on the details of the incidents that they had recorded. The
Community Council representatives felt that the meeting had went well and was
productive.
Mrs Rogerson advised that members of the Community Council had visited local
businesses in the area during the month of November and stressed that they
must report all incidents to the Police or Crimestoppers.
At the conclusion of her statement, Mrs Rogerson thanked the Panel for the
opportunity to speak in support of the petition.
The Environment & Housing Portfolio Holder advised that there were currently 32
working cameras in Stirling, however these were on the analogue system and no
longer fit for purpose. He advised that the Council were currently reviewing the
role of the Safer Communities Team and the CCTV provision to support
community resilience and present and tackle priority issues, which included anti
social behaviour, violence and theft.
The Senior Manager Community & Place advised the Panel that keeping
communities safe was a priority for Stirling Council. She advised that intelligence
was gathered from colleagues in Police Scotland and Scottish Fire & Rescue on
a weekly basis and collectively analysed on a monthly basis. The Senior
Manager Community & Place advised that she and Area Commander Rollo were
happy to meet the Community Council and look at ways of supporting the
community.
4
The petitioners and officers were thanked for their attendance.
Decision
The Panel agreed:
1.
that Officers should encourage members of the public to report any crimes
witnessed to Police Scotland;
2.
that Officers write to local businesses encouraging them to report crimes to
Police Scotland; and
3.
that a report be brought back to the October meeting of the Petitions Panel
providing an update on progress made with installing new CCTV
infrastructure.
(Reference: Report by Director of Corporate Operations dated 7 January 2015
and Petition, submitted)
PT34 PETITION – REMOVAL OF FENCING AND RE-INSTATEMENT WORK AT
HOLMEHILL, DUNBLANE
A valid petition entitled “Removal of Fencing and Re-instatement Work at
Holmehill, Dunblane” was submitted for the Panel’s consideration.
The petition was attached as Appendix 1 to a report submitted by the Director of
Corporate Operations. The full petition contained 53 signatures. The first 25
checked and valid petitioners were shown to indicate the petition complied with
the guidance. The petition had the support of Councillor Mark Ruskell. The
relevant correspondence was attached with the petition.
A briefing note from Transport, Planning & Access/Outdoor Access Team on the
background to the petition was attached at Appendix 2.
The Petition Statement read:
“1.
To petition Stirling Council to ensure removal of the Heras fencing at
Holmehill, in order to restore public access to this area designated as
open green space.
2.
To petition Stirling Council to proceed with re-planting of trees at
Holmehill, in order to re-instate the woodland.
The intention of the Council to do this is indicated in the email from the
Tree Officer, dated 1 October 2014.
The landowner undertook unauthorised felling of trees within Dunblane
Conservation Area on 29 June 2013. He was issued with a reinstatement
report on 13 August 2013 requiring him to have undertaken tidying up and
re-planting work by March 2014. He failed to do so.
5
He was issued with a Tree Replacement notice 14/046/TRECON on 24
June 2014 requiring the planting of trees by 23 August 2014. Again he
failed to do so.
Stirling Council now has the authority to undertake re-placement planting
and maintenance of trees as detailed in the Tree Replacement notice.
We petition that this work is carried out during Winter 2014/15”
Mr Prescott was given the opportunity to speak as Principal Petitioner. He firstly
thanked Council officers and members who had helped with this situation to date
as many have gone beyond the call of duty.
Mr Prescott stated that this issue around the Heras fencing and replanting of the
trees had been on the agenda for quite some time. Mr Prescott advised that
unauthorised felling of trees had taken place in June 2013 within a Dunblane
Conservation Area. The Council had issues a re-instatement report in August
2013 requiring the replanting and tidying up of the area to be carried out by
March 2014, however this was not done. A Tree Planting Notice was issued
again in August 2014 and again this was not complied with.
Mr Prescott advised that tree planting had been undertaken at the end of October
2014 but felt that there was about 30% of the planting had not be carried out and
that the trees had been planted around the periphery.
With regard to the Heras fencing, this had been erected when sporadic works
were being undertaken and it was felt by the petitioners that this was intended to
cut off the core paths.
Mr Prescott concluded by stating that he would be happy to discuss ways
forward with the Council and landowner.
The Planning Manager confirmed to the Panel that the timeline of events which
had been outlined by Mr Prescott were correct. He advised that in respect to
Enforcement Action being carried out that this can take some time due to
statutory timescales which require to be adhered to, and that the Service would
always try and negotiate with those concerned prior to taking enforcement action.
When the Service were first advised that trees had been felled in this area,
Officers visited and site and spoke to the landowner, who advised that he was
unaware that the trees were located in a conservation area. The landowner had
advised the Officers that he was happy to work with the Council.
The Planning Manager advised that Officers had discussed the case with the
Depute Fiscal who was of the view that there were various routes the Council
could go down prior to serving a Notice, such as securing re-planting or taking
direct action.
After receiving an unacceptable timescale for undertaking the replanting, the
Council advised the landowner that they were going to undertake replanting
works and prior to this being carried out the landowner carried out the replanting.
6
There were different trees planted to what was previously there and it was felt
that some of the species were now better.
In response Members questions, the Planning Manager stated that the trees had
been replanted and that the Heras fencing had been removed from the site. He
confirmed that to reach this stage had taken a long time, however it was felt that
a positive outcome had been achieved.
The Chair of the Panel thanked the Principal Petitioner for his attendance and
sympathised with the frustrations shared.
The petitioners and officers were thanked for their attendance.
Decision
The Panel agreed:
1.
to note the petition;
2.
Officers continue to be vigilant when dealing with future Enforcement issues;
and
3.
that the Planning Enforcement Charter be emailed to all Community Councils
for information/awareness raising.
(Reference: Report by Director of Corporate Operations dated 7 January 2015
and Petition, submitted)
The Chair declared the meeting closed at 12.30pm
7
STIRLING COUNCIL
Guidance on Submission of Public Petitions
1.
Introduction
Stirling Council aims to make the Council as accessible as possible and to
deliver quality and best value by providing good quality services, which meet
the needs of communities. The public petitions process plays a key part in
these aims by encouraging communities to fully participate in the decision
making process, both in groups and as individuals. Councillors may not
themselves submit petitions.
Petitioners (the people submitting a petition) are advised to read the following
guidance and instructions carefully before preparing and submitting a petition
to the Council.
2.
Issues that can be considered
Petitions may be lodged in relation to services provided by Stirling Council
and any of its Statutory Community Planning Partners, namely:





Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service
NHS Forth Valley
Police Scotland
Scottish Enterprise
Tayside and Central Scotland Transport Partnership
In addition, the Council may agree to accept a petition, which refers to an
external corporate body (for example, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
National Park) and consider whether to submit a complaint on behalf of the
petitioner.
3.
Issues that may not be considered
The Council is unable to consider petitions that are sub-judice, that is, matters
that are the subject of any current court proceedings.
Petitions will only be considered if the criteria outlined in this guidance note
have been met.
4.
Content of Petitions
Once a petition has been submitted and acknowledged, it will be made
available for public access on the Council’s website. Petitioners should
therefore take care not to include any information or signatures that they
would not wish to be made available to the public.
In exceptional
circumstances, the Petitions Panel may agree that the name and address of
the petitioner is not made publicly available.
8
Petitioners must ensure that information is submitted in good faith and does
not include: false or defamatory statements
 information which is protected by an interdict or court order
 material which is commercially sensitive, confidential or which may cause
personal distress or loss
 the names of individual officers of public bodies
 the names of other individuals or information whereby they may be easily
identified
5.
Action Before Submitting a Petition
Petitioners may wish to consider other steps before a petition is submitted.
This may be by way of Stirling Council’s complaints procedure or by raising
the issue and attempting to obtain the support of the relevant Local Elected
Member, Member of Parliament, Member of the Scottish Parliament,
Community Council or Area Community Planning Forum. If petitioners have
explored these routes copies of any correspondence should be included as
supporting information and submitted with the main petition.
6.
Format of Petitions
A template for petitions is included as an Appendix to these Guidance Notes
and the form can be downloaded from the Council’s website
(www.stirling.gov.uk) or completed online (prior to signature). Copies are
also available from libraries and other public buildings.
The petition should be titled and include a short, clear and concise statement
(no more than 250 words) which covers the main subject of the petition and
details of action which the petitioner wishes the Council to take.
The petition must include the following:(a)
the name of the Principal Petitioner who must be on the Register of
Electors for the Stirling Council Area or in the case of a Local
Business Petitioner be on the Valuation Roll for the Stirling Council
Area;
(b)
the contact address of the Principal Petitioner to which all
communications should be sent;
(c)
the name, address and signature of any person(s) supporting the
petition.
It would be helpful if petitions were typewritten or completed in black ink to
facilitate checking, scanning and reproduction. If petitioners have any special
requirements, they should contact the Clerk to the Petitions Panel.
9
Petitions must not contain language, which is offensive, for example swear
words, inflammatory, sarcastic or provocative language or other terms that
could reasonably be considered as offensive by the reader.
7.
Validation of Petition
A petition must be supported by:-
8.
a.
Petition from Citizens - at least 25 signatures from people living in
the Stirling Council area and on the Register of Electors OR have the
support of the relevant Community Council or one of the Local Elected
Members by means of a Community Council Office Bearer or Local
Elected Member countersigning the petition at the appropriate point
and attaching a copy of the minutes of the Community Council
meeting when the support was approved.
b.
Petition from Local Business(es) - support from at least 5 other
businesses on the Valuation Roll OR have the support of the relevant
Community Council or one of the Local Members by means of a
Community Council Office Bearer or Local Elected Member
countersigning the petition at the appropriate point and attaching a
copy of the minutes of the Community Council meeting when the
support was approved.
How to Submit a Petition
When the Principal Petitioner is satisfied that it meets the criteria outlined in
this guidance, he/she should submit the petition to the Clerk to the Petitions
Panel. Petitions can be submitted by post or handed in, clearly marked for
the attention of the Clerk to the Petitions Panel, Stirling Council, Room 53,
Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET.
A written acknowledgement will be sent to the Principal Petitioner upon
receipt of the petition.
9.
Consideration of Petitions
Once the petition has been verified as having been correctly completed and
submitted, it will be considered at the next available meeting of the Petitions
Panel. The Chair of the Petitions Panel may invite petitioners to appear
before the Panel to speak in support of their petition if it is considered this
would be useful in assisting the Panel reach a decision. Petitioners should
indicate on the form whether or not they wish to have the opportunity to make
a statement before the Panel. Due to pressure of business, no guarantee can
be given that petitioners will automatically be invited to address the Panel.
The Petitions Panel will take a decision on action to be taken. Actions may
include:(a)
agreeing that the issues raised merit further action and formally
agreeing to:(i)
refer the petition to the relevant decision making body
10
(ii)
(b)
(c)
refer the petition to the relevant Community Planning Partner
or other body
agreeing that the issues raised do not merit further action
agreeing to take any other action as appropriate.
The petitioner will be advised in writing of the Panel’s decision.
10.
Contact Information
All correspondence and enquiries should be directed to:Clerk to the Petitions Panel
Stirling Council
Room 53, Old Viewforth
Stirling, FK8 2ET
Tel: 01786 233097
e-mail: [email protected]
11
STIRLING COUNCIL
THIS REPORT RELATES
TO ITEM 4
ON THE AGENDA
PETITIONS PANEL
CORPORATE OPERATIONS
14 MAY 2015
NOT EXEMPT
PETITION – NEW SAFE CROSSING ON STATION ROAD AT SCHOOL ENTRANCE
1
SUMMARY
A petition entitled “New Safe Crossing on Station Road at School Entrance” has been
received and calls on the Council to build a safe crossing from West to East on
Station Road, Gargunnock to allow the school children safe access into the school.
The petition also asks that the Council install traffic calming measures outside the
School gate to reduce the speed of passing traffic.
2
OFFICER RECOMMENDATION(S)
The Panel agrees to consider the petition entitled “New Safe Crossing on Station
Road at school entrance”, attached at Appendix 1 to this report, and take action as
deemed appropriate.
3
CONSIDERATIONS
3.1
On 11 September 2008 the Council established a cross-party Petitions Panel
and approved the introduction of a petitions procedure that would enable
Stirling’s citizens and local businesses to have a direct route of engagement
with the Council’s decision-making procedures. Guidance on the submission
of petitions is included with the agenda papers for this meeting.
3.2
The Panel has received a petition entitled “New Safe Crossing on Station
Road at School Entrance” for consideration. The petition is attached as
Appendix 1 to this report. The full petition contains 129 signatures. The first
25 checked and valid petitioners are shown to indicate the petition complies
with the guidance. The petition also has the support of the Councillor
Graham Lambie. The relevant correspondence is attached with the petition.
The Petition Statement states that
“We want the Council to build a safe crossing from West to East on Station
Road to allow the schoolchildren safe access into the school. We also want
the Council to install traffic calming measures outside the School gate to
reduce the speed of passing traffic.”
3.3
A briefing note from Housing & Environment on the background to the petition
is attached at Appendix 2.
12
4
3.4
The Petition is deemed to be competent and the Panel is asked to consider it
and to determine any action necessary.
3.5
The Principal Petitioner has advised that he will speak in support of the
petition.
POLICY/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS AND CONSULTATIONS
Policy Implications
Equality Impact Assessment
Strategic Environmental Assessment
Single Outcome Agreement
Diversity (age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation)
Sustainability (community, economic, environmental)
Effect on Council’s green house gas emissions
Strategic/Service Plan
Existing Policy or Strategy
Risk
Resource Implications
Financial
People
Land and Property or IT Systems
Consultations
Internal or External Consultations
No
No
No
No
No
No Effect
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Equality Impact Assessment
4.1
The contents of this report were considered under the Council’s Equalities
Impact Assessment process and were assessed as not relevant for the
purposes of Equality Impact Assessment.
Strategic Environmental Assessment
4.2
The contents of this report were considered under the Environmental
Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 and a Strategic Environmental Assessment
is not required.
Single Outcome Agreement
4.3
The contents of this report were considered in terms of the Council’s Single
Outcome Agreement outcomes and were assessed as not relevant.
Other Policy Implications
4.4
This will depend on any action requested and agreed by the Panel.
Resource Implications
4.5
This will depend on any action requested and agreed by the Panel.
13
Consultations
4.6
Infrastructure Developments and Planning.
Tick ( )
to confirm
The appropriate Portfolio Holder(s) has been consulted on this report
The Chief Executive/appropriate Director(s) has been consulted on this
report
5
BACKGROUND PAPERS
5.1
6
N/A
N/A
Petitions Procedure – Report to Stirling Council, 11 September 2008.
APPENDICES
6.1
Appendix 1 - Petition entitled “New Safe Crossing on Station Road at School
Entrance”.
6.2
Appendix 2 - Briefing note from Housing & Environment.
Author(s)
Name
Designation
Telephone Number/E-mail
Michelle MacDonald
Committee Officer
01786 233097
[email protected]
Approved by
Name
Designation
Signature
Gerard O’Sullivan
Date
5 May 2015
Director of Corporate
Operations
Service
Reference
14
15
Appendix 1
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Form A
33
PETITION SUBMITTED BY CITIZENS
A petition must be supported by:-
at least 25 signatories living in the Stirling Council area and on the Register of Electors OR
have the support of the relevant Community Council or one of the Local Elected Members by
means of a Community Council Office Bearer or Local Elected Member countersigning the
petition at the appropriate point. (A copy of the minutes of the relevant Community Council
meeting should also be attached).
NAME
1.Lovat MacGregor
ADDRESS
Foot O Green Cottage, Station Road,
Gargunnock, Stirling FK8 3DA
2.Carol MacGregor
Foot O Green Cottage, Station Road,
Gargunnock, Stirling FK8 3DA
3.Murdo MacLeod
14 Charles Street, Gargunnock
FK8 3DD
4.Graham Dingley
28 Drummond Place, Gargunnock
FK8 3BZ
5.George Keeton
16 The Glebe, Gargunnock FK8 3HZ
6.Kate Bovill
11 The Glebe, Gargunnock FK8 3AX
7.Mike McGirr
15a Drummond Place, Gargunnock
8.Karen McDougall
7 Burnside, Station Road, Gargunnock
9.Virginia Grosvenor
8 McLaren’s Park, Gargunnock
FK8 3DG
10.Robert Burman
1 The Glebe, Gargunnock
FK8 3AX
11.Jaonne Dallas
4 The Glebe, Gargunnock
FK8 3AX
12.Louise Heron
4 Charles Street, Gargunnock
FK8 3DD
13.Shona Crawford
16 Millbrae, Gargunnock FK8 3BB
14.Chris Campbell
2 The Glebe, Gargunnock
FK8 3AX
15.Nichola Young
Glenfoyle, Station Road, Gargunnock
FK8 3DA
16.Lee Masson
Flat 4, Watson House, Gargunnock FK8
3BN
17.Lynda MacLeod
14 Charles Street, Gargunnock
File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\NewDecisions\Petitions
Panel\Petition\NewSafewCrossingGARGUNNOCK\SignaturesGargunnock.doc
SIGNATURE
34
18.Claire Smith
18 Drummond Place, Gargunnock FK8
3BZ
19.Morna Tinto
East Lodge, Watson House, Gargunnock
FK8 3BN
20.Neil Stewart
14 Millbrae, Gargunnock FK8 3BB
21.Gillian Bruce
27 Drummond Place, Gargunnock
FK8 3BZ
22.Edmond Mansion
Glendye, 6 Broom Park Gargunnock
23.Douglas Cooperthwaite
Greenside,
2
McLarens
Gargunnock
24.Rita Day
26 Stevenson Street, Gargunnock
25.Gordon Haggerty
43 Drummond Place, Gargunnock
*Add additional sheets if required
Park,
35
Appendix 2
Petitions Panel – Thursday 14th May 2015
Briefing Note – New Safe Crossing on Station Road at School Entrance, Gargunnock
Background
A petition has been submitted to the Council for provision of a new safe crossing on Station
Road at the school entrance in Gargunnock. The petitioners are concerned about road safety
and have stated “We want the Council to build a new crossing from west to east on Station
Road to allow the schoolchildren safe access into the school. We also want the Council to install
traffic calming measures outside the school gate to reduce the speed of passing traffic.”
This issue has previously been raised by the community and a meeting was convened on site in
August 2013. A commitment was given at that time to undertake a traffic survey and this was
carried out week commencing 12th March 2014. The weekday northbound average speeds
recorded is 26.8 mph and average southbound of 27 mph. The average weekday combined
traffic flow is 916 vehicles (Appendix A). No further action was taken at that time due to a lack of
available funding.
At the meeting of Stirling Council held on Thursday 9th October 2014, the Council instructed
officers to ensure School Travel Plans, including Safer Routes to School Plans, are prepared as
a matter of priority for all schools.
Furthermore, at the special meeting of Stirling Council on Thursday 19th February 2015 it was
agreed that the CWSS Capital Grant of £138k be spent on Safer Routes to School projects. The
Council has bid for additional match funding through SUSTRANS Community Links programme
for monies to help support delivery of the safer routes to school initiative. We received
confirmation on Friday 24th April 2015 that £5k grant had been awarded to Stirling Council to
part fund a design process (which will be matched from CWSS monies), in conjunction with the
local community, to identify how an environment that prioritises walking and cycling to
Gargunnock Primary School (Stage 1) can be created.
A school travel plan prioritisation framework needs to be developed and the results of this will
dictate where Gargunnock Primary School sits as a priority in relation to all other schools within
the Council area. Given that SUSTRANS have supported the design stage, then it is considered
highly likely that a further Stage 2 bid for funding in 2016/17 to help build the scheme would be
successful.
36
Gargunnock Primary School has now completed its school travel Plan (Appendix B) and this
has identified the issue raised by the petitioners.
Traffic calming in the form of part-time speed activated signs was introduced on Station Road,
Leckie Road, Main Street and Manse Brae, Gargunnock, as part of works Stirling Council under
took in 2005 and 2010 to achieve the Scottish Government's aim of having a 20-mph speed limit
in force in the vicinity of all Primary Schools.
The attached plan (Appendix C) helps provide an overview of the scheme introduced.
Unfortunately, there has been ongoing technical issue regards the programming the timers
within with the signs, which we have been trying to resolve. We have had our own street lighting
electricians, an external electrician and the company Swarco Ltd, a specialist sign manufactures
maintenance engineer all looking into the problem, indeed we are still exploring a possible
solution. Unfortunately the signs manufacturer Gensol do not now support their signs.
Advice
The Council’s Road Safety Plan 2011 – 2015 supports the Safer Routes to School initiative
implemented by the Service. Page 13 of the Road Safety Plan refers to Vulnerable Groups and
the changed road environment on the routes to school, and action 6 on page 18 states
"Implement or support the promotion of any measures, initiatives or campaigns aimed at
improving road safety for children."
Given the on-going issues with the existing signage, it is envisaged that any new scheme will
look at addressing this as part of the wider traffic management scheme developed. A full
consultation exercise will follow on confirmation that the necessary additional funding has been
secured. In the short term and in light of this financial years successful funding bid for
Gargunnock Primary School, we will look at designing a solution for the specific issues raised by
the petition in the immediate vicinity of the school access in consultation with the community
council. Officers are due to meet with Mr Lovatt MacGregor on site to discuss the matter further
on Friday 8th May 2015.
Robert Steenson
Director of Housing & Environment
14 May 2015
37
Appendix A
38
39
40
41
42
43
Appendix B
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
Appendix C
58