Dunning Community Council Meeting 1 July 2024

1. Welcome: The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting, reminding everyone that this would be the last meeting before the Summer recess. Those present were: Neil Johnston (NJ) – Chair, John Stockley (JS) – Vice-Chair, Ann Myles (AM) – Treasurer, Colin Young (CY) – Secretary, Amanda Howie (AH), Tony Fitzpatrick (TF), Councillor Steven Carr (SC), Councillor Keith Allan (KA) and members of the public.
2. Apologies: Ally Dewar (AD), Councillor Crawford Reid (CR)
3. Update from Police: No officers were able to attend by members continue to receive the Local Area Commander’s Weekly Bulletin.
4. Minutes of the meeting of 3rd June 2024: These were agreed and signed by the Chair.
5. Treasurer’s Report: This was agreed with income and outgoings explained.
6. Matters arising from the Minutes:
   1. Grass cutting of Duck Race area – NJ explained that he had been on holiday and had not yet discussed further work with Neil Payne. There was some concern that the CC might be asked to look after other areas if it became known that we were paying for this work to be done and advice was sought as to how to pursue the landowner. It was agreed to investigate the High Hedges Act and also seek out the residents opposite to learn if they would still contribute.                                Action: AH
   2. Bridge of Earn Road grass cutting – SC explained that the incline was too steep for the mowers and that a further section might also exceed the pitch of slope acceptable to PKC. AH pointed out that the excessive growth could be regarded as a road safety matter.
   3. Kirkstyle Inn planning – KA reported that an application had been lodged but rejected by planning officers as being inadequate. The matter has been returned to Enforcement for action.
   4. Dropped kerbs – this matter is ongoing and the work will be scheduled in due course.
   5. Ducks – AM suggested that we forget about this until next year while we search out the best possible options.
   6. Lower Granco seat – CY explained that a reasonable spell of dry weather would allow him so sand this down and then give it a protective finish.
   7. Collapsed drain on Perth Road – KA reported that this had been examined and that the work was to be carried out as soon as possible.
7. Planning matters:
   1. 24/00567/FLL – Extension to 3 Croft Place – Refused
   2. 24/00540/FLL - Extension to industrial building at Findony Farm – Approved
   3. 24/00293/FLL & 24/00380/LBC – Replacement windows & door at 7 St. Serf’s Terrace – Approved
8. Roads matters:
   1. 11 Kirk Wynd – AH reported that she had contacted PKC regarding the growth of brambles and weeds blocking the pavement outside this property. The response from PKC had been that it was not their problem, despite this house being a PKC property.
9. Correspondence:
   1. Renewables Sustainability Group – CY explained that this Group comprised all the CCs on the south of the Ochils and that they had invited Dunning to join them. Details will be passed on to the Chair but there was general agreement that larger groups could achieve much more in terms of community benefits from wind farm developments.                                                                            Action: CY
   2. Scottish Water Survey – CY reported that he had contacted them about a leaking fire hydrant outside the Primary School and suspected that this had prompted this survey.
   3. Tillhill Forestry Consultation – CY explained that there were three relevant areas – Greenhill, Rossie Hill and Balquhandy – and that there were no issues with the management as Tillhill Forestry met all the relevant criteria and protocols for forestry management.
10. DCC Projects:
    1. Duck Race – AM reminded all that this would be held on Saturday 24th August with the first race at 6.30pm. The tickets had been written up and would be distributed to members soon. Due to a lack of members it would be necessary to find some volunteers to assist in running this event and all should ask around. TF indicated that he would put the details on Facebook and ask for help. It was agreed that there would be a maximum of 15 races plus the Duck of Ducks. The Duck Trophy would be recovered by NJ. AH agreed to organize the Tombola with CY on the table. TF said the PA system was now in place and there should be enough money to buy 2 radios. Duck Maidens would be recruited as for last year. The Scouts would run the BBQ again.
11. Meeting s attended:
12. Councillors’ Reports:
    1. KA indicted that they had all been kept busy with some of the items from earlier on the agenda.
    2. SC suggested that joining the Renewables Sustainability Group could open up funding for ‘big ticket’ projects. It was also becoming known that hydrogen production was on the agenda to ensure the use of surplus electricity while the National Grid is awaiting upgrading.
13. Any other business:
    1. AH asked about Duck Race posters and CY was able to report that they were on his laptop and the date could be changed very easily.                                                                                                                Action: CY
    2. TF confirmed that details of the Duck Race would be on Facebook along with the request for volunteers.
    3. JS asked about the ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event and was delighted to hear that it had been well attended with TF reporting that the main issues had been covered – speeding, vandalism, drugs, etc. - but that it had been clearly stated that Dunning didn’t have any crime issues.
    4. JS reported that there had been considerable damage done to the 7th green on the golf course on the night of 29th/30th June but the CCTV did not appear to be able to identify those responsible. The damage had now been repaired but any information about this damage would be gratefully received. 
    5. AM asked about how to raise the profile of the CC and suggested that copying the Police event might get some results as few could ignore a free coffee. AH agreed that we should be available to report back on the matters raised by the Community Questionnaire. It was suggested that October might be the time to organize this. KA indicated that he would fully support this proposal and be in attendance.
    6. NJ asked about progress on the repairs to St. Serf’s Churchyard wall and KA was able to confirm that this would be done. AH had been in contact with PKC as well.
    7. AH said that she was not content with the explanation about the grass cutting on Bridge of Earn Road and would take this matter up as a road safety matter with PKC.                                       Action: AH

The next meeting will be held on Monday 2nd September 2014 at 7.30pm in Dunning Village Hall.