Minutes of Meeting of Troon Community Council

MINUTES OF MEETING OF TROON COMMUNITY COUNCIL

HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, TROON

ON TUESDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 2016

SEDERUNT

TCC: Chair H Duff, Vice Chair D Graham, Secy & MIN Secy M Love, D Barr, A Cameron, E Williamson, K Workman, A Wainwright, J Thornhill, E McNish, G Baird, F Carson, D Cram, B Phillips, L Matheson, R Milligan

SAC: Cllr N McFarlane, Cllr P Saxton, Cllr P Convery, Link Officer P Scully

MEDIA: S Houston (Ayrshire Post), D Docherty(Troon Times)

APOLOGIES

S Dunning, A McIndoe, Police Scotland

CHAIRPERSON'S WELCOME

H Duff welcomed all those present and requested the assembled company observe a minute's silence as a mark of respect for the recent sad passing of Vicki Smith.

POLICE REPORT – NONE

OPEN FORUM

·  M Connolly spoke of having raised the subject of Gordon Brown Memorial Garden furniture damage at previous meetings, whilst emphasising that the report in the local press was not at his instigation. In addition he asked the situation re the “Bin Dispute”. Cllr Saxton replied that negotiations were continuing.

·  C McKay reported a broken glass problem at the Central Avenue Playground. Cllr Saxton will attend to this.

·  E Saunders spoke of a reported sale of property adjoining the latest apartments development at Beach Road, and consequent planning application. Vice Chairman D Graham stated that he had not received any notification of planning in this respect.

GORDON BROWN MEMORIAL GARDENS

Cllr Convery spoke at length of the situation re the conditions prevailing at the Garden, confirming that discussions with the Brown family are currently taking place; that South Ayrshire Council will be pro-active in the refurbishment.

YOUTH FORUM

M Love was asked to write to the Head Teacher of Marr College regarding two senior pupils representatives to join Troon Community Council. Cllr McFarlane suggested that 16 year olds could be included, adding that their input could be useful in the Blue Book Revision Review.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes were approved by E Williamson, and seconded by D Cram.

MATTERS ARISING

Barassiebank Lane Garages

E McNish confirmed that the conditions at Barassiebank Lane remained unchanged barring one door having been washed. Cllr McFarlane referred to her previous undertaking to investigate the situation, to find that this had been superseded by Cllr Saxton.

Sand Build Up at South Beach

A Cameron spoke again of the situation being unresolved, and that South Ayrshire Council is making no attempt to clear. Cllr Saxton will look again at the situation and report back.

TREASURER'S REPORT

H Duff stated that, following L Matheson“s resignation from the post, she had asked B Phillips if he would be prepared to act as Treasurer. His position was proposed by D Cram, and this was seconded by E McNish. Cllr McFarlane enquired as to the reason for L Matheson”s resignation to which L Matheson replied. Cllr McFarlane also queried the non-invitation of SA Councillors to the Extraordinary Meeting in July.

Newly appointed B Phillips, Treasurer, gave details of the currently healthy bank balance.

CORRESPONDENCE

OUTGOING

·  CK Marr Educational Trust re TCC representatives on the Trust

·  Ms F Ross, Env. Strategy Officer, SAC re The Gordon Brown Memorial Garden

·  SP Energy Networks Invoice re Financial Assistant FOR the Gala Fair

INCOMING

·  Ayrshire Roads Alliance – Winter service Community Resilience.

OTHER REPORTS

E McNish reported on the current position of grants applications, and the need for details of impending events requirements from the Activities Group. H Duff informed that the Activities Group would be disbanded post Wintertainment, in order to allow participation in all dealings by each member of the Community Council.

D Graham reported on the following:

·  SA Local Access Group meeting when the Pre- application Notice was discussed re a Proposal of Application Notice re Hillhouse Quarry extension by linking to Hallyards was discussed involving the Smugglers' Trail Route.

·  Introduction of Management of Rules with regard to dogs on sports pitches

E Williamson reported on the following

·  Ivy Cottage AGM where the achievements of IVY/E4 saw the registration last Friday of 150 people;

·  the P Walsh fund being almost exhausted after 20 years duration, and outings/functions being funded by Ivy Cottage Committee without ANY assistance from South Ayrshire Council.

·  the seeding situation outside Ivy Cottage, and the lack of attention and finance currently existing in Troon.

·  dangerous situations occurring regularly in the Academy Street Car Park and the necessity for clear directional signage

H Duff spoke of the following:

·  The forthcoming Live@Troon parade at which the Gala Queen and her Princess will attend,and the necessity for stewards

·  Wintertainment – only 5 responses are still outstanding. Gas Board will check the Beacon and J Moffat, as qualified engineer, will attend the Lighting Up ceremony.

·  Glasgow Taxis Outing confirmed as Wednesday 21st June 2017, and a “Free of Charge” situation for the Walker Halls and the Concert Hall.

G Baird spoke of the following

·  The possibility of a firework display at the Switching On Ceremony which may be funded by Troon Business Association

·  additional Lighting in Church Street, and West Portland Street. Discussion followed on the siting of the Christmas Tree,and the suggestion that the trees at the Library be illuminated, with the Council Chambers being the focal point of the illuminations.

D Barr spoke of the continuing situation of posters on many lamposts depicting the Open Tournament, and stressed the necessity for their removal. In addition she spoke of the problem of fly-posting and encouraged their removal.

A Cameron spoke of bus stops having been moved to corners of roads, and of the unreliability of timetables. Cllr McFarlane will discuss with the Bus Users Group at their forthcoming meeting.

J Thornhill spoke of the damaged signage at the Muirhead Co-op Car Park and the need for repair.

R Milligan spoke of the Cycle Path being still a Work in Progress situation, and of his enquiry as to whether the promised funding towards the Gala Fair from SP Energy Networks had been received. H Duff was able to confirm that the promised donation was in the post.

SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

Cllr Peter Convery spoke of the following:

·  the 30 September completion date at the Gym, and of the brand new equipment being installed

·  Under Section 69 (Stewart Milne) a sum of £91,367.14 towards Barassie Station Car Park has been forthcoming, together with a contribution towards educational facilities which include possible extension to Struthers Primary and monies to Marr College.

·  Further discussions with Stewart Milne re the Kilmarnock Road Roundabout overruns and a T Junction enhancement at the top of the road

·  The landscape planting hazard at the Roundabout

Councillor Phil Saxton spoke of the following:

·  his pleasure in seeing D Graham's brief TV cameo appearance at the Festival!!!!

·  Masonhill Crematorium's award

·  survey presently being carried out on lock-ups, with demolition being proposed for Barassiebank Lane, and Central Avenue, although 5 owners cannot be located at present. Those owners are urged to contact South Ayrshire Council.

·  Fun Day at the Citadel on Saturday 10th September.

Councillor Nan McFarlane spoke of the following:

·  the Dog Ban Policy with regard to Playing Fields and Play Parks

·  the use of hockey pitches for car parking at the R & A Open, and the closure of the all weather pitches, together with the failure of SAC to take advantage of a financial opportunity

·  the flooding at Polo Gardens apparently due to drain blockage which will be cleared

·  flooding issues being experienced at Dornal Drive backing onto the N E Development

·  unstable condition of headstones at Crosbie Cemetery

·  clearing of bushes by Network Rail

·  the replacement of litter bins at Central Avenue

·  lack of privacy re flats at Towers development at Beach Road

·  Bus Users' Group meeting on Saturday

·  Removal of Dog Bin abd replacement at Craigend Road

·  Invitation to the opening of the Gaiety Theatre

Response/Questions to Councillors:

The Open

D Graham asked who benefited from rental income from Mercedes Benz for the parking facilities at the Playing Fields, maintaining that the income should have been paid to the people of Troon for the use of their facilities.

Booking of All Weather Pitches

F Carson spoke of these pitches not being available for use during the summer break; of bookings requiring to be made well in advance due to the volume of bookings being taken. Cllr Saxton undertook to investigate the closure of leisure activity places during the summer break

Damaged Bollards at Muirhead

E McNish spoke of the dangerous condition of the bollards. P Scully agreed to investigate

K Workman asked as to whose responsibility for cleaning/clearing of the alleyway at the side of Oxfam in the Academy Street Car Park. She also asked for responsibility/guidance re speeding cars at Brodie Avenue. She was advised to contact Police Scotland re speeding.

Steps requiring Repair at the Italian Gardens

M Love spoke of poor, possibly dangerous state of repair. Cllr Convery will speak with Ms F Ross re this matter and report back.

Lamppost No Waiting Signs

D Graham spoke of the conflicting information re the sign at the Walker Halls AND that of the one at the Car Park

ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS

Website and Facebook

After some discussion, by a majority, it was agreed that Gregor Baird manage the TCC Facebook Page, and that L Matheson continue to service the TCC Website. Both G Baird and L Matheson will have joint access to either medium, but are required to liaise with H Duff before any input.

Letters of Thanks

D Barr requested that letters of thanks be sent to the following

·  Territorial Army IN Dreghorn for the invitation and hospitality at their Open Day

·  The Crew of RNLI, with especial mention for Sandra Griffiths, for the hospitality and delicious afternoon tea which TCC members enjoyed at the recent Open Day.

RNLI

Chairperson H Duff read out a letter which she wishes sent to Ms E Gibson, Troon RNLI, for the approval of Troon Community Council. Approval was granted and M Love was asked to dispatch.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at approximately 9.30pm.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING – TUESDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2016