Minutes of meeting on 17th February 2010 at 7.30pm in Uphall Community Education Centre
Present : Mr J Richardson (Chair), Mr J Moore (Vice Chair), Dr G Paisey (Planning Secretary), Mr F Graham (Treasurer), Mrs A Milne, Mrs J Cumberford, Mrs I Bishop, Mrs H Hinton, Mrs M Davies, Mrs I Jones and Mrs M Pow. Clr E Glass, Clr G Morrice, Clr A Davidson, Clr J Campbell and PC A Kidd.
Apologies: Mrs J Baxter.
Declaration of interests
None given during the meeting.
Minutes of the previous meeting
Resignation of Secretary: Mrs H Hinton raised this subject. Mr Richardson intimated that the matter had been discussed at length and was now closed. The minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2010 were duly read as a correct record. Proposed by Dr G Paisey and seconded by Mrs J Cumberford.
Matters arising from the previous minutes
Correspondence: Due to an oversight, Mr Richardson had been unable to respond to the West Lothian Council questionnaire regarding the proposed traffic calming/speed management proposals. He assured the meeting that this would be progressed the following day (18 February 2010). Action: JR
Planning Aid Scotland: Mr Richardson distributed copies of this leaflet to members for information.
West Lothian Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy 2010-2012: Mr Richardson distributed copies of this leaflet to members for information.
Reports
Police: Statistics wise during the month of January 2010, 15 crimes were reported in Uphall area of which 5 have been solved to date, which gives a solvency rate of 33.3% for the month. This was a drop in reported crime from a total of 32 for the much busier month of December 2009.
Vandalisms, whilst still occurring infrequently, are noticeably down on November and December 2009. An update to last months report confirms a group of local youths suspected of being involved have been proactively targeted during this period, by both Community Officers and Safer Neighbourhood Team Officers. A large number of vandalisms in the area in a period stretching over the past year have been solved after several of the group were detained, interviewed and subsequently charged regarding their parts in the 80 or so crimes.
Most of these youths appear to have begun to engage with the local Officers and steps are in hand with other partner agencies including Youth Justice, Community Learning Support, Youth Action Project and West Lothian Council to address and correct the anti social behaviour of the youths in the future, hopefully this will result in less vandalism in the area.
There was one Business Housebreaking with intent overnight on 16-17th January at the Butchers in East Main Street, Uphall. Persons gained entry to the premises but nothing was taken, the unseen culprits possibly being disturbed?
No Domestic housebreakings or attempts during January 2010. Statistics for February 2010 are currently being compiled and will be available at next month’s meeting. No real incidents of note to date during February so far.
As always I would appreciate your news, information, views and input regarding these or any other Police matters and can be contacted at Broxburn Police Station. Andrew Kidd (Community Officer).
Comments
- A member raised concerns that a shop in the village may be selling alcohol to underage youths.
- A member reported youths driving at speed shouting out of the car window at passer-bys and this was deemed dangerous behaviour.
- A member asked PC Kidd to inspect the garden area of a nearby property as he has concerns about young persons congregating on it.
- A member stated that youths congregate (with alcohol) at the steps to Westhall Gardens (from the red iron bridge). Clr Morrice stated that he was aware of this ongoing problem, and that he has raised it with the appropriate council departments.
Treasurer: Mr Graham, Treasurer, reported that the Uphall Community Councils financial position was as follows:
Bank Account: £623.12
Savings Account: £418.95
Total Balance: £1,042.07
Newsletter: Mr J Moore presented the council members with a copy of the first “Uphall Village News” and informed all present that it was currently being printed by Brian Currie Printers Ltd (Broxburn). He also circulated a distribution list and asked members to indicate their willingness to assist. Action: All
Website: The website has been updated and includes the current agenda and minutes of previous meeting. Updates are ongoing. Web site visitor statistics are January (196 visits) and February to date (112 visits).
Uphall Community Education Centre Management Committee: Nothing to report. However, Mrs Bishop informed us that the next meeting will be held on Monday 22 February 2010.
Uphall and Broxburn Town Centre Management Committee: Cllr Glass reported that regeneration funding has been secured. She indicated that the tender process had commenced for works to be undertaken. Mr Richardson distributed copies of the proposals for Uphall Main Street. Clr Davidson informed the meeting that he and Mr Richardson would be meeting with the appropriate council representative in the near future.
Mr Flight asked that the Community Council obtain a copy of the Conservation Area Guidelines (planning) and Mr Richardson confirmed he will request this from West Lothian Council. Mr Flight also asked that we invite a WLC representative to a future meeting to talk about conservation areas. Action: JR
Uphall Fairtrade: Clr Morrice informed all that Uphall’s Fairtrade fortnight event, a morning event in the centre of the village, will be held on Saturday 27 February at the Open Door, Uphall. A West Lothian wide Fairtrade event will take place on 5th March. Mrs Milne queried progress on Fairtrade village entrance signs. Clr Morrice offered to investigate the delay. Mrs Hinton reported that a Fairtrade debate will be held in the Scottish Parliament.
Planning Report
Our Planning Secretary gave his report outlining planning applications:
- No. 5 East Main Street, Uphall – new fascia signage on front of building. Item was noted.
Dr G Paisey also advised the meeting that a recycling facility is proposed at East Mains Industrial Estate. Mr Flight requested that more information be provided if available.
Correspondence
Two items of correspondence have been received:
- A letter and petition from Stop The Downgrade Campaign. Clr Glass outlined her concerns regarding the re-alignment, and removal, of services within the Lothian’s Health Board area. Mr Richardson distributed the petition, stressing that it was up to each individual member to sign or not.
- Broxburn Food Festival. Mr Richardson read out an e-mail received from Mr Turnbull of Netkast Ltd. A Food Festival will be held in Broxburn and Uphall. He outlined events which will take place.
Any Other Competent Business
Mr Moore reminded members that we must make arrangements for someone to officiate at the AGM in April 2010. After discussion, Clr Morrice agreed to carry out this duty. This was unanimously agreed.
Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting of Uphall Community Council will be on Wednesday 17th March 2010 at 7.30pm in the Uphall Community Education Centre.
