Craigleith/Blackhall

Minutes of meeting of Craigleith and Blackhall Community Council on 12 December 2011 in Stewart's Melville College Dining Room.

Present; Eddie Thorn (Chair), John Young (Vice-chair), Alan Denham (Treasurer), Maureen Kane (Sec), Jack Burton, Neil Watt, John Adams, Alastair Nairn, Ian Hewitt, PC Gordon Ross, Cllr McIvor. Guests: Philip Mearns, William Nicholson

Apologies: Alasdair Watson, Margaret Richardson, Cllr Hinds, Cllr Whyte, Dave Halbert

Minutes of previous meeting: approved by Jack Burton, seconded by John Adams.

Treasurer's report: December 2011 Current balance - £2660.47. Anticipate cheque to be paid for use of Blackhall St Columba's Church for September debate. Awaiting further invoice.

Planning Report: No new applications with major impacts – majority were householder applications. Banners /adverts - response letter from City Council regarding South Groathill Ave circulated. Also letter received from Council regarding banner at 2 Strachan Road, indicating there was no issue to be addressed – may be because the banner has now been removed.

Chair's Report; Eddie Thorn (Chair) attended meeting re parking around the mosque with possible problem of overspill to CBCC area. He reported that residents in several streets around House O'Hill would like to join CBCC. Inclusion was debated and it was agreed to wait for further approaches.

Secretary's Report: Weekly updates emailed to committee. Poor lighting at entrance to Sainsbury's was reported to Elaine Lennon for clarification of responsibility. Dave Halbert's email expressed disappointment with late notice of Councillors' meeting in Stockbridge House.

Councillor's Report: Cllr McIvor recognised problems with road works for utilities. He reported that goalposts from Drylaw could not be found.

Police Report: PC Ross reported stats on crime in area. Police will be present in retail park, near licensed premises and on roads in the area. Jack Burton raised problem with parking close to corners in streets: Queens ave/Forthview/ Seaforth . PC Ross will raise matter with road safety team and traffic wardens. Road crossing officer has been appointed for Queensferry Terr. Alan Denham pointed out that police monitored traffic in the Dip instead of road past the church. Ian Hewitt asked if anything has been done about speeding in Groathill Ave. PC Ross will report back.

Matters arising;

Parking: Philip Mearns and William Nicholson raised problems with Housing Association parking. Councillor Hinds forwarded email with legislative position of housing association which was read out. Cllr McIvor said he would get details and assist with problem. Orchard Park North: John Young met with Richie Fraser who is responsible for Orchard Park North. Steps on the north side of the park and fitness equipment may be possible. A local resident asked for no ball games in the park. Richie Fraser will submit suggestions to CC as well as seek suggestions from residents in the surrounding streets.

Blackhall Signage: Alasdair Watson's email was read out explaining continuing problem with planning permission for signage for The Dip; no name can be displayed. Murals would be the only alternative. Committee agreed that all avenues were exhausted and decided to abandon further attempts to arrange signage.

Youth Football: John Adams wants to organise a team to play in the Youth Development League. No location has been identified but Orchard Park North has been suggested. Funding of £1100 - £1200 would be required for start-up costs. Maureen Kane (Sec) will forward information re grants and Eddie Thorn suggested INP for funding. Committee felt idea was good and asked to be kept updated.

Broadband: Neil Watt made general enquiry about super-fast broadband in the area. Alan Denham said that Craigleith and Blackhall had not been highlighted as area for consideration in the initial round.

Next Meeting: Monday 9 January in Stewart's Melville College at 7.30pm.