HOWWOOD COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2007

PRESENT
Robert Scarsbrook (Chair), Linda Smith (Vice Chair), Andrew Wilson (Secretary), Douglas Paxton (Minutes), Christine Scarsbrook, Bill David, Norma David, Jackie Mackenzie, Margie Stewart, Grace Weir, Nick Walker.

IN ATTENDANCE
Mike Smith, Inspector John Laing, PC Andrew MacLeman, Councillor Tracie McGee, Councillor John Caldwell, Gillian McLarnon, Sharon McLarnon.

APOLOGIES
Councillor Iain McMillan

2.             MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the meeting of 13th November 2007 had not been distributed by Renfrewshire Council – Andrew Wilson was asked to find out the reason.  Copies of the minutes were circulated by the Chair and time given for all to read.  Approval of the Minutes were proposed by Nick Walker and seconded by Grace Weir.

3.             MATTERS ARISING

4.             POLICE REPORT
November 2007     

Inspector John Laing, area Community Police Inspector – additional post due to public pressure throughout Scotland to see more police on the beat.

5.             SCOTTISH EVENING
Andrew Wilson again reminded all of the event on 9th February 2008.  The hall has been booked from 17:00 – 24:00 and both the Fiddle and Country Dancing group are booked.  Raffle prizes to be discussed at the next meeting.  Appeal for as many helpers as possible.  It was agreed to continue with the address to the haggis.

6.             INFO-WEB                        
It was noted that David McKie will be supplying an update report on a quarterly basis.  Newsletters have all been delivered.  There is a need to re-advertise the Energy Watch meeting and the location of the next Community Council meeting when new locations have been confirmed – will ensure local press are notified and local posters prepared.  It was agreed that meetings should be delayed by 10 minutes to allow people to go to the correct location.

HWW – new year walk 5 January 2008 13:00 leaving from triangle – route will be decided on the day and will be weather dependant.

7.             PLANNING
Mike Smith gave full brief on the new house planned for the Midton Road site.  The design was to be in keeping with the rest of the village area.  Plans were circulated for all to see – Planning application would be going in early 2008.

8.             COUNCILLORS ISSUES

9.             CORRESPONDENCE

10.           OTHER BUSINESS

NEXT MEETING:  Tuesday 8th January 2008 at 7.30 pm, please note meeting to be held in the Howwood Parish Church Hall (Andy Summers – Renfrewshire Council in attendance).

Thereafter, second Tuesday monthly – 12 February 2008, (Scott Allan RC Roads to attend). 11 March 2008,
8th April etc.

HOWWOOD COMMUNITY COUNCIL

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2007 

PRESENT

Nick Walker (Chair), Andrew Wilson (Secretary), Christine Scarsbrook (Minutes), Jackie Mackenzie, Grace Weir,
Robert Scarsbrook (Vice Chair), Douglas Paxton, Norma David

IN ATTENDANCE

Councillor Tracie McGee, PC Andrew MacLeman, Scott Allan and Gordon Blair (Renfrewshire Council (RC), Roads), Councillor Iain McMillan

APOLOGIES

Margie Stewart, Bill David (Treasurer), Linda Smith, David McKie, Councillor John Caldwell, Councillor John Hood

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the 11.09.2007 meeting were adopted – Proposed by Norma David and Seconded by Grace Weir.
The Minutes of the AGM 5.10.2007 were agreed in principle pending formal adoption at the next AGM.

1.   OFFICE BEARERS
Being the first regular meeting after the AGM, the subject of Office Bearers was due to be discussed.

The Chair passed to RS at this time.  The new Chair expressed thanks and appreciation to the outgoing Chair for all his hard work and fine example since taking over this role. This was endorsed by the meeting.  Thanks were also given to the previous Minutes Secretary for her work over the past few years.   The new Chair also welcomed the new Vice Chair and Minutes Secretary.

 POLICE REPORT

3.     ROADS

Roads Cont.

4.      SCOTTISH EVENING – Saturday 9 February 2008

The Village Hall has been booked for the event.  Cost of hall hire has increased by an additional £30 for special cleaning costs.  As there is no viable alternative venue and as this is a much anticipated event by our seniors the additional cost will have to be met.  Cost for hire of the hall for this event in future will be subject of a grant request to the Council. 

ENVIRONMENT

Chair advised that environment matters will be dealt with on a 3 monthly basis similar to Roads.  Councillors suggested that RC Environmental Services representative be invited to attend.  It was agreed that Secretary should extend an invitation.  Target first meeting will be either Jan or March 2008.

Chair advised that information / web matters would move to a 3 monthly review period.

Chair advised that nothing has been received for consideration.  Planning would be discussed only if anything was received.

NEXT MEETING:  Tuesday 11 December 2007, at 7:30 pm Howwood Village Hall

Thereafter, second Tuesday monthly – 8 January 2008, 12 February 2008, (Scott Allan RC Roads to attend), 12 March 2008 etc.

HOWWOOD COMMUNITY COUNCIL

MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
HELD ON 5TH OCTOBER 2007 AT 7:30 P.M. IN HOWWOOD VILLAGE HALL

PRESENT

Nick Walker, Chair; Andrew Wilson, Secretary; Bill David, Treasurer; Christine Scarsbrook, Grace Weir,
Linda Smith, Norma David, Margie Stewart, Jackie Mackenzie, Robert Scarsbrook

APOLOGIES
Douglas Paxton, Ken Macdonald, Councillor Tracie McGee, Councillor Iain McMillan, Councillor John Hood

IN ATTENDANCE
Craig Crawford, Rosee Macdonald, William Atherton, Joe Waclawski, Agnes Crawford, Jean Peddie

INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME
Nick Walker, Chair, welcomed Community Council members and members of the public to the 2007 AGM of Howwood Community Council.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING AND MATTERS ARISING

The Minutes of the 10.10.2006 AGM, which were agreed in principle at HCC meeting in Nov 2006, were adopted – Proposed, Linda Smith and Seconded, Rosee Macdonald.   There were no matters arising.

CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW OF THE YEAR

Since last year’s AGM, there have been some important developments for Howwood Community Council and for Community Councils across the country.  The most significant was a major change in the local authority election system.  This created fewer, larger council wards, with multiple Councillors.  Along with many other CCs, we had concerns that the interests of Howwood as a fairly rural village may be lost within a super-ward including Elderslie and Johnstone South.  The changed system means in fact that the four Councillors from Johnstone South, Elderslie and Howwood are all entitled to attend our meetings, and that all have a legitimate role in working with and for us within the Council.  Cllrs John Caldwell, John Hood, Tracy McGee and Iain McMillan have all attended CC meetings.  I have to say that our fears about the new system have proven unfounded thus far, and that we have benefited from the support of all four of our new Councillors already, and I have no doubt we will continue to do so.

The other development for CCs is the Scottish Government’s Working Group on Community Councils.  This was set up by the previous Scottish Executive but has continued since the Scottish Parliamentary election, and its remit has widened.  Six local authorities were invited to participate:  Orkney, Stirling, Dundee, Borders, Highland and Renfrewshire.  Each Council’s CC Liaison Officer is on the Group and each asked a Community Councillor to participate as well.  For Renfrewshire, I am that representative.  The Working Group is to produce national guidance on the governance and roles of community councils.  These were to be compulsory and were intended to standardise CC function and accountability across the country.  The Scottish Government may not be able to enforce the guidance however, so we will have to wait and see how things work out.  The draft documents will be out for consultation early next year.  The second purpose of the Group is to consider ways in which CCs might become more influential, for example having some control over local services, funding and so forth.  The Government has yet to clarify what this might involve. 

In Howwood though, your CC has been up to its usual!  There has been another Fête; there was another Scottish Evening for Pensioners; more bulbs were planted; and we had our fifth annual Howwood Spring Clean.  All were well attended.  Apart from the litter clearing, all were enjoyed.  Mundane business has continued as usual also;  with large numbers of complaints about road safety, road surfaces, traffic speed and so forth;  and with a number of planning applications, such as the proposal for wind farm development in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and a Pet Crematorium in Midton Wood.  We were awarded a grant for the installation of Christmas lights to replace the tatty old tree we had previously, and there was a lighting ceremony with a selection of carols.  The Act of Remembrance was again well attended, timed to coincide with coming out time from the village’s churches; and we were impressed by the level of feedback both for and against improving the visibility and upkeep of the Howwood War Memorial.  In case you have not heard, the decision was for it to remain where it is, but the Council has agreed to attend to the graffiti and to improve regular upkeep; and we will have it better signposted so people can use it for informal remembrance and contemplation. 

Sadly, during the year, the First Howwood Guides came to an end.  But the Sports and Hobbies Group continues to do well, and recently received a substantial cash injection from the Johnstone Area Grant Board.

Community Council membership was 13 at last year’s AGM, and is now twelve.  Tom Purse resigned due to increasing work commitments which prevented him contributing to the CC as much as he had hoped.  We therefore have a number of vacancies and would welcome new members, as we also welcome local residents attending our monthly meetings either to raise issues of concern, or simply to hear what is happening and contribute to village life through the CC.  Over the past year, we have averaged 4 or 5 non-CC members at each meeting.  And I was very pleased, and grateful, that many residents who come to the CC from time to time, were able to help at the Fête. 

Lastly, this is my last AGM as Chairman of Howwood CC.  I would like to thank all involved for their commitment to the Community Council, and for the considerable work everyone - CC member or not - has put in. 

In addition I would like to give a special note of thanks to Alex Hewetson (Renfrewshire Council, liaison officer). Alex has been of great assistance over the years.  Alex is moving to a similar role in Glasgow and will be a great loss to RC.

Chair invited questions from the floor:

An expression of appreciation was made from the floor for all the work carried out by the Community Council on behalf of the community especially given the small number of members.  The Triangle refurbishment was singled out as being a particular achievement. 

There was comment on the low attendance at the meeting. 

SECRETARY’S REPORT
Every year, the job gets more familiar therefore easier, on the other hand life can feel as though I am moving a pile of papers from one place to another. I do keep copies of letters and e-mails religiously, which is as well because Renfrewshire Council is not always good at replying; partly I am sure due to pressure of work, but since the last set
of Council elections we seem to have 4 new councillors for the Johnstone South, Elderslie and Howwood ward, who take an active part in our meetings, and are willing to chase up matters on our behalf. That is proving to be a help.
The slowness of response has been the reason for lack of progress in putting any of our plans for the park into action. We badly need paths that are more accessible, and better facilities.

As before Roads takes up the Lions share of correspondence: we are fortunate to have direct access to one of the senior officers from that department Scott Allan, who attends meetings every 3 months. A major improvement has been the "Slow Down 30 mph" signs which we now have in both directions on Beith Road. We will still campaign for other traffic calming/safety measures, but these signs are having a significant impact. Other correspondence has been on things as diverse as bus routes, gas leaks, ownership of land and overgrown access roads belonging to Scottish Water.  Planning, occupies the next biggest category of correspondence. We have the threat of destruction of part Midton Wood to make way for a Pet Crematorium hanging over us, as does plans for a Windfarm in the Clyde Muirshiel Park. This Community Council has been strongly opposed to both. The application for a new house in the Hotel car park, was withdrawn, but the application for demolition of Thorntree cottage was successful, so unfortunately we will lose that landmark soon. We were supportive of more nursery provision in the village at Dreadnought building, but unfortunately the Council did not think it was an appropriate site. Robert Scarsbrook and I attended a useful seminar run by Friends of the Earth, it was on the changes to the whole planning process, and how we as a community should be more widely consulted before planning applications go in, in the future. The down side will be even less opportunity to object, afterwards. So vigilance as soon as we get notice, and attention to the Council's "Participation Statement", are going to be essential. We all know how easy it is to complain once something is being done, in this case we will have lost our chance, if we don't act pronto!

We have been involved in responding to consultations: principally the Draft Core Path Plan for Renfrewshire, and Community Planning, and been asked to provide representatives on various public bodies.

The best thing about the last year has been the number of community events. The Remembrance Sunday service was very well attended, we had a St Andrew's night Ceilidh for families; a service to turn on the Christmas Lights (the lights we purchased last year were really splendid, and we hope to have a brass band present this year). The Scottish Evening went well ( we have invited Largs & District Fiddle Orchestra to play at next year's), and of course the Fete. It is a good sign to have so much going on; these events bring people together and strengthen the strong community spirit that already exists in Howwood. I know that other people and groups do their bit too, but I am pleased that the Community Council plays such an active role in the life of the village.  Our most recent purchase, a Public Address System that can be used out of doors as well as inside, will make a big improvement to these occasions. Thanks are due to Cllrs McGee, McMillan, Caldwell and Hood, for the grant awarded to us to buy the PA system. It would be of great assistance should we have any public meetings in the coming year. The one in May, called over the "Homeless Unit" in Hallside Street saw senior Council officials come out to address the meeting. The end result was the closure of the unit. Some residents especially those with young families, were understandably not happy that secrecy allowed the situation to develop in the first place. It remains a most important function of our Community Council to provide a platform for concerns to be aired.

If you add to the above the annual Village Spring clean, and Bulb planting in the autumn, it’s a wonder those on the CC have any time left for a social life. On that subject we should not forget the central role the village hall plays in community life, lobby Renfrewshire Council for better maintenance, and do our best to support the facility and those who work here.

The Secretary invited questions from the floor:

An expression of appreciation was made from the floor to the Community Council and in particular to the Secretary for pursuing so many issues on behalf of the community.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Audited accounts for the year ended 31 August 2007, showing a balance of £5,073.48 credit, were presented to the meeting.  A small deficit for the year of £535.87 was noted.

Treasurer invited questions from the floor:

Questions were raised from the floor regarding the Rights of Way Society subscription and cost of bulbs.  Treasurer clarified the position with Rights of Way subscription payment and advised that the bulbs were invoices for two years.

The accounts were accepted; Proposed by Grace Weir and Seconded by Craig Crawford.

MEMBERSHIP & OFFICE BEARERS

Villagers were invited to come along to regular meetings and to apply for membership.

It was agreed to defer the election of office bearers to the next regular meeting of the HCC in November 2007.

UP-COMING EVENTS
Bulb planting will again take place this year.  Dates are weekend of 27/28 October 2007.  Meet at the Triangle at 2PM each day.  All welcome.

Remembrance Day will take place on Sunday 11 November 2007.  Villagers are invited to attend this special day of remembrance.  Meet at the war memorial at 12:30 PM.  Arrangements for Standard Bearers and music will need to be addressed.

Christmas Lights switch on and carols event has been tentatively arranged for Friday 7 December at 7:00PM at the Triangle.  Details will be confirmed as soon as possible.

OTHER BUSINESS
A737 Junction – it was suggested that as there is now a speed restriction on this road between Beith and Lochwinnoch the HCC could again raise the issue of the problem junction with AMEY.

X33 Bus Route – it was noted that the bus terminates at Paisley and therefore no longer goes to Braehead.  This information to be passed to the local paper.

NEXT MEETING
Regular Community Council meetings are second Tuesday each month.  Next meeting Tuesday 13 November 2007,  11 December 2007 etc at 7:30pm in Howwood Village Hall.

Next AGM October 2008.

HOWWOOD COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 11th SEPTEMBER 2007
PRESENT
Nick Walker (Chair), Andrew Wilson (Secretary), Jackie Mackenzie, Margie Stewart, Bill David (Treasurer), Norma David, Douglas Paxton, Linda Smith

IN ATTENDANCE
Cllr John Caldwell, Cllr Iain McMillan PC Andrew MacLeman, Gillian McLarnon, Sharon McLarnon,

APOLOGIES
Christine Scarsbrook, Grace Weir, 
Robert Scarsbrook, David McKie, Cllr John Hood, Cllr Tracie McGee

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The Minutes of the 14.08.2007 meeting were amended as the Planning section was omitted.
i) Following a site visit to the Hotel car park, the application to build a house there was withdrawn
ii) Application for Nursery at 2 Dreadnought Buildings was deferred for a site visit.
iii) Wind Farm application for a 24, two megawatt wind turbines has been submitted to North Ayrshire Council. It falls just below the capacity threshold for consideration by the Scottish Government. CC agreed to object in terms of previously stated position on wind farm development in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.
With these amendments, the minutes were adopted – proposed Linda Smith, seconded Jackie Mackenzie.

1. POLICE REPORT
i) August 2007 – 2 road traffic offences, 1 assault, 1 vandalism, 1 breach of the peace, 1 theft.
ii) Comments on speeding traffic on Station Road had been passed on to the Traffic Police.
iii) The change in the Electoral wards will mean a change in “beats". This is unlikely to have a significant effect on Howwood. PC MacLeman will up date us on any developments.
iv) Inspector Laing is now in charge of Community Policing in Johnstone, and is keen to attend CC meetings. December 2007 suggested as a time he could attend; PC MacLeman to see if this suits.
v) Window in Parish Church Hall broken again; matter to be reported to the Police.

2. ENVIRONMENT
i) Scottish Water Pumping Station: Scottish Water has contacted the household bordering the poorly maintained service road off Mayfield Crescent.

ii) Mayfield Gas Site: Scotia Gas Network has not replied; another letter to be sent with copy going to Councillors.

iii) Park Consultation: Cllrs managed to get a reply from Shona MacDougal (Head of Environmental Services) offering to meet and discuss HCC’s proposals. The question of how much the football pitch is used, and therefore how realistic it would be to lose it in favour of a MUGA (Multi-use Games Area) remains unanswered. Discussion followed about growing interest in Tennis, and absence of any facilities in the village, and desirability of cycle track and proper paths round the park. Cllrs Cladwell and McMillan to arrange a meeting with representatives of Environmental Services and HCC to progress these matters.

iv) Spring Bulb Planting & Grass Cutting: discussion about the mess left behind every time the Council grass cutting team comes out in the village. View was that is was worse than ever. Also the grass verges of Station Road as far as Garthland Bridge are no longer being mown, this together with overgrown hedges means pedestrian access is harder than ever. Cllrs aware of grass issue across Renfrewshire and discussed during “Early Warning Walkabout” with Council officials on 11.9.2007.

One of the proposed sites for bulb planting is beside Station Road between Station Avenue and the Railway line. It seems that most of the bulbs planted in this area 2 years ago by HCC have been destroyed by RC weed killing. RC to be advised, and assurances needed that they will desist. Bulbs planting scheduled for weekend of 27 and 28 October. Meet at Triangle 2pm both days.

v) Recycling: meeting reminded that extra blue boxes, green boxes and brown bins available to the public from Underwood Road depot. Cllrs informed us the Renfrewshire is doing well with recycling, now at 28%, but penalties will accrue if progress is not maintained; AW and NW added comments on an excellent presentation at CCs Forum by Alison Ewing (Recycling Officer). Recycling has started in the workplace at RC, and at Reid Kerr. Others commented on recycling now common in children’s nurseries, and in schools through the Eco Schools scheme.

vi) Black Bins George Street: complaints received by the CC and Cllrs about black bins belonging to residents of George Street, being left on Main Street pavement, several days after the rubbish has been uplifted. People unable to get past on the pavement. Cllrs to aks Environmental Services to address this.

vii) Energy Efficiency Advice Centre: Offering to come and speak to CCs on renewable energy, etc. issues and schemes. Meeting decided this would be welcome, but a separate meeting would be required, probably in January.

3. INFORMATION / WEB
i) Website: There were c 19 000 visits to the website in August. Recoding has started, which should mean that the Guest Book and Forum could be re-instated free from e-graffiti.

ii) Newsletter: Suggested that one should be produced for distribution in mid November, to include information on Christmas festivities, Christmas Lighting ceremony, Scottish Evening, Energy Efficiency meeting, and Crime Prevention information (PC MacLeman to send this to AW).

4. PLANNING
i) Dreadnought Building: Application for day nursery was declined, apparently due to noise and traffic. HCC remains supportive of plans that would provide extra nursery places in the village.

ii) Windfarm: letter of objection sent to North Ayrshire Council, against the reduced capacity 24 two megawatt turbines proposed for a site in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. Members reminded that there is an e petition organized by the Ladymuir Wind Factory Action Group on the Scottish Parliament website if they wish to register their concern about wind farm development in environmentally sensitive areas.

iii) Pet Crematorium: still to be heard by RC Planning Board; meeting reminded that HCC objected to the plans, following an environmental impact report produced by the applicant. There has now been an update to this which attempts to minimise the relevance of Midton Wood’s designation as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.

5. OTHER MATTERS ARISING
i) Fête 2007: Comparison now possible between 2006 and 2007 figures. In 2007, there was a slightly larger take from the gate and the bar did better, both of which are likely to reflect the weather. Bouncy Castles did not do well, perhaps because of location and over supply. Previous suggestion form Cllrs about a Bouncy Castle, etc. operator providing this service at no cost to be considered. BBQ may be available by this method too. The raffle did a lot better than previous year, due to combination of better organisation, cheaper printing due to longer notice, much longer sales period, and the purchase of only one major prize. It was agreed that next year’s fête date be 21 June 2008 despite a probable clash with Kilbarchan Agricultural show.

Details of PA systems from ABC purchasing to be circulated, for decision as soon as possible, to apply to Local Grant Board.

ii) Storage Facilities: Hillfoot Drive site is a vacacnt site adjacent to existing garages. A container may be placed there buyt may require planning permission and may not be acceptable to residents. Cllr McMillan to see if RC can provide us with container. Alternative siting may include Hall carpark, but that could significantly reduce parking capacity which already overflows at times, or in eth school grounds where there is already such storage.

iii) War Memorial and Act of Remembrance: Cllrs visited the memorial garden on their Early Warning Walkabout and confirm that it has been tidied up; its future care is being looked into. Cllrs agreed to ask if Neighbourhood Forum would be able to pay for memorial garden sign. AW to ask Scott Allan if Roads would be able to cover the cost.

Remembrance Service to be held Sunday 11 November at 12.30pm as in recent years. This clashes with the service in Johnstone, however at least one Cllr will attend Howwood service. AW to arrange similar wreath to 2006 and to arrange piper, etc.

iv) Scottish Evening: this is confirmed for Saturday 9 Feb 2008. Largs & District Fiddle Orchestra can attend.

v) Church school holiday club: MS reported this was well-attended and enjoyable.

vi) Community Planning: AW to write to Stuart Graham to ask that at least one Confernce be held on an evening.

vii) Hall Ants: Ants seem to have been irradicated from the Village Hall.

viii) Road repair suggestions: Several locations were suggested and AW will feed back to Scott Allan. Halhill Road, the Smith/McLaurin roundabout at Cochranemill/Kilbarchan Roads Johnstone and the roundabout where one would join the A737 at the foot of Easwald Bank.

6. COUNCILLORS’ REPORT
Cllr McMillan spoke about the need for investment in Council Housing.

7. CORRESPONDENCE
i) ASCC membership survey filled in at the meeting.
ii) Corporate Services Dept annual report available on request from secretary.

8. OTHER BUSINESS
i) Christmas Lights turning on ceremony provisionally set for Friday 7 Dec 7.30 pm.
ii) Bus routes still no response. AW to pursue.
iii) Core Paths Draft plan AW to e-mail all members with the draft letter of response; any comments to him by Friday 21st Sept.

NEXT MEETING: AGM Friday 5th October at 7.30 pm in Howwood Village Hall
with talk on “Autumn Gardening” by Joe Waclawski

Next ordinary HCC meeting: Tuesday 13th November 2007, at 7:30 pm

Contact Details Raised At Meetings
Adshel (Bus shelter issues) Number awaited
Aircraft Noise Telephone Line 0141 848 4644 (answer machine)
Antisocial Behaviour Help line 0800 169 1283
Dog Warden, Michelle Knox 0141 840 3164
Fly Tipping 08452 30 40 90
Police 01505 404000
Renfrewshire Council 0141 842 5000
Roads & Lighting Faults 0141 842 4466 (M – F)
0141 889 2314
Scottish Water Contact 0141 355 5187
07 875 879 754
Secretary, Andrew Wilson 01505 702 392
Andrew@howwood.com

Village Web site www.howwood.com

Youth Nuisance Help line 01505 325 030

HOWWOOD COMMUNITY COUNCIL

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 14 AUGUST 2007 

PRESENT

Nick Walker (Chair), Andrew Wilson (Secretary), Christine Scarsbrook, Jackie Mackenzie, Grace Weir,
Robert Scarsbrook (Vice Chair), Douglas Paxton, Linda Smith, David McKie

IN ATTENDANCE

Councillor John Caldwell, Councillor Tracie McGee, PC Andrew MacLeman, Scott Allan (Renfrewshire Council (RC), Roads), Gillian McLarnon, Sharon McLarnon, Terry Higgins, Ian Weir, Laura Storrie

APOLOGIES

Margie Stewart, Bill David (Treasurer), Norma David, Councillor John Hood, Councillor Iain McMillan

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the 10.07.2007 meeting– correction to Other Matters Arising b) Roads, point xii – should read ‘Chair noted an improvement in progress on some matters but not others since Scott Allan begun attending meeting.’
Minutes adopted – Proposed by Douglas Paxton and Seconded by Grace Weir.

1.   POLICE REPORT

2.  ROADS

Roads Cont.

3.  ENVIRONMENT

5.   OTHER MATTERS ARISING

5.  COUNCILLORS’ REPORT

6.   CORRESPONDENCE

7.   A.O.C.B.

NEXT MEETING:  Tuesday 11 September 2007, at 7:30 pm Howwood Village Hall

AGM 5 October 2007

Thereafter, second Tuesday monthly –13 November 2007(Scott Allan RC Roads to attend), 11 December 2007 etc

HOWWOOD COMMUNITY COUNCIL

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 10 JULY 2007 

PRESENT

Nick Walker (Chair), Andrew Wilson (Secretary), Christine Scarsbrook, Jackie Mackenzie, Grace Weir,
Robert Scarsbrook (Vice Chair), Margie Stewart, Douglas Paxton, Bill David (Treasurer), Norma David,

IN ATTENDANCE

Councillor John Caldwell, Councillor John Hood, Flora Cunning, Iain Cunning, Vincent Carlton

APOLOGIES

Linda Smith, David McKie, Councillor Tracie McGee, Councillor Iain McMillan,

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the 12.06.2007 meeting were adopted – Proposed by Jackie Mackenzie and Seconded by Grace Weir

1.   POLICE REPORT

                None

2.   VILLAGE FETE – 2007

• Chair thanked all who assisted at the Fete.  Special thanks to villagers for assisting with the various tasks on the day and to those who attended.  General feedback has been positive.
• Debriefing and thoughts for next year

• Treasurer provided an update on Fete finances.  Once final monies are received and paid out a formal account will be provided at the next meeting.  Treasurer requested that in future if all monies collected could be bundled by denomination to assist with banking.  Raffle sales were encouraging.
• Wind Band concert held at the Church of Scotland raised £228 net subject to final accounts.  A donation of £50 was agreed for Church of Scotland.  Chair thanked the Rev Stewart for use of the Church.
• Suggestion that a contractor could supply and run Bouncy Castle, merry go rounds and food stalls.  Contact details will be passed to the Secretary by Cllr Hood.  HCC will consider this matter.
• Agreement to apply for grant funding from Renfrewshire Council (RC) towards cost of 2008 Fete.  Expenses which could be requested from a grant include Bouncy Castles, food hygiene courses and a Public Address (PA) system
• Secretary to check if a PA system could be borrowed from RC and if RC provides food hygiene courses.
• Cost of a food hygiene course from Reid Kerr is £40 for a one day course.  AW, RS and GW indicated that they would be willing to take the course.  DP to ascertain length of validity of a food hygiene certificate.
• As HCC is now a member of ABC they will be contacted for an estimate for provision of a PA system.  Cllr Hood indicated that Sound Control in Glasgow also supply PA systems and thought that cost would be around £350.
• Discussion on the difficulties of running the burger stall and the complications of regulations.  HCC to consider alternatives for 2008 including hot plate to replace BBQ, hot dogs, healthy options.
• Chair thanked the dog club for attending the Fete and for their hard work in organising this activity. The club raised funds for Gray Hound Awareness charity.  A donation of £50 was agreed for the dog club.
• Kilbarchan Pipe Band was well received and is to be invited to attend the 2008 Fete.  If they cannot do so then an alternative Pipe Band will be contacted e.g. Houston Pipe Band
• Battle re-enactment society ‘Medieval Clydesdale’ was well received and is keen to come back in 2008. JMack to make enquires on availability and if more members of the society could attend.
• Football competition was enjoyed by the young players.
• A letter of appreciation was received from fund raisers from Dykebar Hospital who had taken a stall at the Fete for a fund raising activity.
• A ‘wild west’ group was suggested for 2008 Fete.  Secretary to contact Cllr McMillan for details.
• Provisional date for next Fete is 21 June 2008 which might clash with other events. Treasurer to check past records for an indication of whether or not fund raising is impacted if there is a clash of events in the area.
• Christ the King group is due to provide teas at the next Fete.



HOWWOOD COMMUNITY COUNCIL

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 12 JUNE 2007 

PRESENT

Nick Walker (Chair), Andrew Wilson (Secretary), Christine Scarsbrook, Jackie Mackenzie, Grace Weir,
Robert Scarsbrook (Vice Chair), Margie Stewart, Douglas Paxton, David McKie

IN ATTENDANCE

PC Tracy Knox-McLean, Sharon McLarnon, Gillian McLarnon, Councillor John Caldwell, Councillor Iain McMillan, Councillor Tracie McGee

APOLOGIES

Linda Smith, Bill David (Treasurer), Norma David, Tom Purse, PC Andrew MacLeman, Councillor John Hood

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made.  This meeting was the first opportunity for the newly elected Councillors (Cllrs) for this Ward to attend HCC.  Chair expressed appreciation at attendance by the Cllrs.  Cllrs complimented HCC on the clarity of the minutes.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the 08.05.2007 meeting were adopted – Proposed by Grace Weir and Seconded by Jackie Mackenzie

 

1.   POLICE REPORT

• May 2007 – 8 crimes/offences and 4 detections;  4 thefts (1 detected) 1 Road Traffic Act (detected) 2 breach of the peace (1 detected) 1 misuse of drugs and theft of fish (detected),

• Points raised

• It was noted that new 30 mph speed activated signs had been installed in the village at either end of Beith Road. A question was asked regarding the effectiveness of the signs and the general view was that the signs do make drivers aware of their speed especially at first encounter with the signs.

• The recent thefts included the theft of gardening equipment.  Villagers were reminded to lock equipment away.

• A debriefing was given on the Public Meeting held in the Village Hall on 15 May 2007. The purpose of the meeting was to understand processes in the various areas of official responsibly regarding homeless people and anti social behaviour regulation. The Secretary gave thanks to the speakers from Police, ASIST, Housing Department and the Homeless Unit and recorded appreciation for Renfrewshire Council (RC) in sending senior representatives from the various departments to the meeting.   The homeless unit issue had been resolved prior to the meeting and this news was welcomed.  Attendees gained an understanding of the difficult issues faced by the Police and RC in dealing with these matters. The main message taken away from the meeting was for the community to report all incidences of anti social behaviour.  If the authorities do not know about a problem then they cannot deal with it.

• Advice was asked regarding how to deal with vandalism committed by very young children.  Police advised that vandalism is a criminal matter and therefore should be reported to the Police. Chair also advised that a call should also be made to ASIST.

• Police undertook to check if there had been an increase in calls received by ASIST since the Public Meeting.

• Police will attend the Fete, other duties permitting.

2.   VILLAGE FETE – SATURDAY 23 JUNE 2007 AT 1PM

• Progress report on Fete organisation.

• The re-enactment society attending the Fete will now be ‘Medieval Clydesdale’ The society is to arrive by noon and be set up for 1pm.

• Dog Show is on schedule and aims to start at 1pm with the fun competition following at 2:30pm

• Kilbarchan Pipe Band to set up in the middle of the stalls area and play from c2 – 2:30pm.

• Football competition arrangements are under control.  Expected kick off is 1pm.  Pitch lining is still to be organised.  Cllr IMcM advised that good contact in RC regarding pitch is Kenny MacLeod.

• Burgers and rolls on order.  Burger stall volunteers are AW, DMcK and Pam McKie.  BBQ is available from BD.  Agreement to purchase an additional BBQ if required.

• Bar licence is in place.  Volunteers for bar duties are NW and LS.

• Door and raffle sales volunteers are GW and Caroline Connie.  Request for pens to be left at door for raffle sales.

• Raffle sales well underway.  Prizes, monies and counterfoils to be given to GW in advance of the Fete.

• Fete set up will commence at 9am and volunteers were identified for this task.

• Bouncy Castles to be set up by 12:45pm.  Volunteers include DP, TMcG, and G McLarnon.

• AW to contact LS regarding cash float.

Village Fete Cont…

• RS, CS and BD to act as monitors for the Fete and assist others were required.

• Donations for the bottle stall being run by HWW to be given to Jean Peddie

• Stall bookings well advanced with 12 confirmed.   Bowling Club request for bottle stall revisited and decision to reject the request was confirmed as Howwood Wildlife and Woodlands (HWW) had already been granted permission to run a bottle stall. Suggestions for alternative fund raising activity for the Bowling Club were discussed.  DP to contact the Club to advise.

• DP advised that arrangement for the ice cream van have fallen through.  Alternative company will be contacted.  Agreed £25 donation for attendance.

• The tea room will be run by Church of Scotland this year.

• 30 tables will be required.  AW to contact Village Hall and Lochwinnoch regarding availability of tables.

• Pick up truck has been organised.

• Food hygiene was discussed and DP kindly undertook to investigate requirements.  A number of contacts who have Food Hygiene Certificates were identified and will be requested to assist at the burger stall.  DP will also investigate availability and cost of future Food Hygiene training courses.

• Volunteers running the Bouncy Castles confirmed as having the required ‘Disclosure’.

• Cllr IMcM advised on grant funding applications for community events for future reference.

• Parking arrangements discussed.  Hope to have access at the old Carsewood House site but this has yet to be confirmed.

• Qualified First Aider will be GW.

• Agreement to decorate the Triangle in the run up to the Fete.

• Quiz Night is Tuesday 19 June 2007 at Midton Bowling Club starting 7:30pm.  All welcome to attend this fun evening.

• The Wind Band Concert will be held in the Church of Scotland on 15 June 2007.  Ticket sales on track.  Arrangements for the evening were discussed and duties agreed.

3.   PLANNING

• Pet Crematorium – Land at Midton Wood, Midton Road

• Copy of developer’s environmental impact report received by local resident.  Copy to be forwarded to Cllrs.

• House in Howwood Inn Car Park

• No update

• New Application For Change Of Use – Dreadnought Buildings

• Application expected for change of use from a dwelli