Minutes of Meeting of on 11 February 2016

at Ralston Community Centre

Present - Allan Thompson (AT), Robert Wright (RW), May Fernie (MF), Ian Rae (IR), Gail Burton (GB), Alison Scott (AS), Paul Masterton (PM)

In Attendance - Gavin Newlands MP, Cllr Jim Sharkey, Cllr Maureen Sharkey, Lynn Williams, Bill Robinson, David Dougan, Roberta MacInnes, Elizabeth Hamil, Margaret Duff, Margaret Rae, Betty Cade, Marlene Reid, Jill Shaugh, Dorothy Boyd

Apologies - Bill Whyte. Rebecca Kowalski, Susan McDonald, Christine Hamilton

Welcome - The meeting opened with a welcome from the Chairman.

Police Report - The lane at the old Hamiltons garage is being monitored after reports of alcohol being consumed there. Two crimes of vandalism have been reported. The house - breaking task team have been vigilant in the area. Traffic (buses in particular) speeds are monitored ongoing, and Road police are involved with this issue

Councillors Report - Reports from Councillors covered an update from the Local Area Committee (LAC) meeting which had just finished, where the agenda was predominantly 'City of Culture bid', 2021. The bid will also highlight the improvements Paisley needs as part of the application process. Culture, including artists will be promoted. The old Littlewoods store site is to be used for museum storage, which will be exhibited through arranged tours

Minutes of Previous Meetings - December 2015 minutes were proposed by MF and seconded by IR . January 2016 minutes were proposed by AS and seconded by PM

Matters Arising - BW had advised that the defibrillator relocation at St Marks Church should be confirmed at our March meeting. Ralston Games application to LAC to be submitted next month. Ongoing issues with noise from St Mirren training complex were noted. Scott Allan (Roads Dept) had confirmed attendance by him or a colleague for tonight's meeting, but no one attended. AT will follow up. We expected an update on flooding, and wanted to ask about emissions.

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Secretary’s Report – none available

Treasurer’s Report - Balance of £2345 advised by AS.

Ralston Sports Centre - Sports Centre reduced opening hours was discussed. No response received from Joyce McKellar, Renfrewshire Leisure (RLL) regarding the list of questions and request for figures. A sub group meeting is arranged. The public meeting on 3 March at St Marks Church will go ahead and RLL will be invited. An update on objections was give as 1800 names, including face book and letters.

Any Other Business -

Gavin Newlands MP advised that Coats Memorial Church is likely to close. AT was aware of this but Local Councillors had not been advised. Gavin outlined the focus on promoting CC over the next 4 years, which is an important part of the 2021 bid. There will be a reception arranged for the City of Culture bid

Allan Thompson intimated his resignation from the Community Council. Nominations for the post of Chairperson will be invited at the next meeting.

Date of Next Meeting – Thursday 10 March 2016 7.30pm

at Ralston Community Centre

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