Gulberwick, Quarff & Cunningsburgh Community Council

GULBERWICK, QUARFF & CUNNINGSBURGH COMMUNITY COUNCIL

MEETING ON 10 JUNE 2014 IN THE CUNNINGSBURGH SCHOOL AT 7.30PM

AGENDA

1. Apologies

2. Approval of Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 6 May 2014*

3. Matters arising from Minutes

4. Police Report

5. Finance

6. Income & Expenditure Account*

7. Annual Report 2013/2014*

8. Community Development Fund – Distribution Fund 2014/2015*

9. Applications for Grants

10. Planning

11. Refresh of the Blueprint Update

12. Coastal Erosion at Mail, Cunningsburgh*

13. Community Council Elections – November 2014*

14. AOCB

15. Date of next meeting – Tuesday 26 August 2014

*denotes papers attached GULBERWICK, QUARFF & CUNNINGSBURGH COMMUNITY COUNCIL 2 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 6 MAY 2014 IN THE GULBERWICK HALL AT 7.30PM

PRESENT Mr G Malcolmson Mr E MacPherson Mr R G Feather Mr A Ockendon Mr S Smith Mr I Jarmson

EX OFFICIO Mr B Fox Mr P Campbell Mr G Smith

IN ATTENDANCE Mrs J Clark Mrs P Christie (part-time) Mrs K Geddes

CHAIRPERSON Mr G Malcolmson (Chair)

1. APOLOGIES Mrs L Johnston Mr J A Nicolson PC Ian Brown Mr C Smith

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 25 MARCH 2014

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 25 March 2014 were approved on the motion of Mr S Smith and seconded by Mr A Ockendon.

3. MATTER ARISING FROM MINUTES

. Social Housing at Dandiegarth, Cunningsburgh

An email dated 28 April 2014 was read and noted. All concerns from residents should be directed to their Housing Support Worker.

. Community Benefit Fund

An email dated 4 April 2014 from Kate Massie, ASCC, was read and noted. There are no meetings scheduled at the moment.

. Recruitment of Clerk

Mrs Clark reported that interviews had been held on 3 April 2014 and Mrs Kerry Geddes has been appointed with effect from 1 July 2014. Mrs Clark to continue in the post until 30 June 2014 and be shadowed by Mrs Geddes.

. Bus Shelter Request, Shurton Brae, Gulberwick

Mr Feather reported that the foundation for the bus shelter had been completed. He expressed his thanks to the SIC councillors for their help in securing the bus shelter.

4. POLICE REPORT

An email dated 6 May 2014, from PC Stuart Millar was read and noted.

There have been 27 incidents in the Community Council area since the last meeting. Five of these were motoring related. The remaining items were firearm renewals and miscellaneous matters.

5. FINANCE

Mrs Clark verbally reported on the finances of the Community Council. The bank balance at 5 May 2014 was £2,670.16.

A letter dated 2 May 2014 from Michael Duncan, Grants Unit, was read. The core funding grant of £9,923.00 had been approved and will be lodged within 7 days. The budgets for 2014/2015 as set by SIC are:

Administration - £3,968 Environmental Services - £356.00 Grants to local/district groups - £2,519 Roads - £3,080

6. APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS

An application for grant from the Shetland Library had been circulated to members. The Shetland Library produces the Large Print edition of the Shetland Directory and requested financial assistance towards the project.

Members agreed that as it was a Shetland-wide project it does not meet the requirements of grants awarded by the Community Council. The reduced core funding also restricts supporting projects such as these.

7. PLANNING

Nothing to report due to internet connection problems. Members were advised that any Planning Application Consultations would be sent direct to them for comment

8. REFRESH OF THE BLUEPRINT UPDATE

Councillor George Smith advised members that the consultation on the Sandwick Secondary Department ended on Friday 28th March 2014 and more than 300 responses were received.

The consultation report is to be made available on 19 May 2014 for consideration by elected members on 9 June 2014.

It was noted that a consultant’s socio-economic report is also to form part of the report.

Members noted that the timescale is not ideal for the new school year which starts in May.

It was also noted that as the school transport tenders are still being considered, all estimated costs are being calculated on the best information available at this time. Therefore the true cost of school transportation is not known.

Councillor Smith advised that the Statutory Consultation into the proposed closure of North Roe Primary School and Urafirth Primary School and Nursery class began on 16 April and runs to 30 May 2014.

Mr G Feather expressed concern that if the proposed closures went ahead then it would destroy rural life in Northmavine.

***MRS P CHRISTIE JOINED THE MEETING AT 7.50PM***

9. COASTAL EROSION AT MAIL, CUNNINGSBURGH

An email and attachments, dated 7 April 2014, from Tavish Scott MSP had been circulated to members. A letter and attachments, dated 8 April 2014, from Alistair Carmichael MP, had been circulated to members.

Councillors Fox and Smith explained again how this project would not qualify for financial assistance from the Bellwin Scheme.

Mrs Pat Christie advised that the best way forward would be for the residents to form a steering group to investigate the project further. All aspects of the project would need to be considered, such as timescale, cost and public interest.

If a community group is formed then it must be robust and have a good legal structure as it will be dealing with a large sum of money. Mr Ian Jarmson and Mrs Christie to liaise to arrange the first meeting. Mrs Christie to involve Jonathan Duncan, Coastal Protection, SIC, and Michael Duncan, Grants Unit, SIC.

It was noted that this group will be completely separate from the Community Council. However, the Community Council will support the group as necessary. SIC Councillors will also offer support where possible.

10. AOCB

. Traffic Counters

Mrs Clark to ask for an update on the traffic counters requested for: Quarff loop road North Gulberwick junction South Cunningsburgh 50/60mph zone.

. Black Bags Charges

Mr Ockendon expressed his dismay at the withdrawal of the distribution of black refuse sacks. The use of poor quality refuse sacks may lead to littering and residents may resort to fly- tipping.

Councillor George Smith advised members that the public are required to present waste in an appropriate manner for collection.

11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 10 June 2014. The meeting will be held at 7.30pm in the Cunningsburgh School.

CHAIRPERSON

OUTSTANDING ITEMS

. Proposed Soft Play and Cafe Development in Old Quarff School – awaiting decision by SIC on proposed asset transfer (December 2013) . Quarff Loop Road Speed Limit – awaiting data from traffic speed counters to be laid in Spring 2014 (December 2013) . Bad Weather Contingency Plan – awaiting draft plan (January 2014) . Gulberwick School Transport – awaiting feedback on pick up points (January 2014) . SIC Roads Improvements List – awaiting priority list of improvements from Roads (January 2014) . Speed limit at North Gulberwick junction – awaiting traffic count results (January 2014) 6

GULBERWICK, QUARFF & CUNNINGSBURGH COMMUNITY COUNCIL

ANNUAL REPORT 2013/2014 7

1. CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION

The Community Council comprises of ten members plus the Clerk. Five members are from Cunningsburgh, two members from Quarff and three from Gulberwick. There are currently two vacant seats (one from Cunningsburgh and one from Gulberwick).

The Community Council meets at approximately monthly intervals in the Cunningsburgh Primary School.

The ex-officio members for Shetland South are, Mr Allison Duncan, Mr George Smith and Mr Billy Fox. The ex-officio members for Lerwick South are Mr Cecil Smith, Dr Jonathan Wills, Ms Amanda Westlake and Mr Peter Campbell.

2. ADMINISTRATION COSTS

ADMINISTRATION 2013/2014 2013/2014 £ % Accountancy 50 1 Administration Salary 5,169 67 Broadband & other IT costs 230 3 Postage 7 1 Stationery & Advertising 281 3 Subscriptions 195 2 Property (Construction of Cunningsburgh notice board) 1,767 23 Total 7,699 100

3. ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENT 2013/2014 2013/2014 £ % Da Voar Redd Up 550 100 Total 550 100

NAME OF ORGANISATION BAGS COLLECTED 1. Cunningsburgh Football Club 25 2. Cunningsburgh Primary School 3 3. Fladdabister & Ocraquoy Settlement Group 24 4. Gulberwick Community Hall 10 5. Gulberwick Together 15 6. Hillhead Group – donation forwarded to Shetland 5 Juvenile Diabetes 7. Quarff Scaffies - donation forwarded to the Lerwick & 17 Bressay Parish Church 8. Quarff Youth Club 35 9. Shetland Under 16s Football Club 8 10. Voxter Corner – donation forwarded to Hillswick 13 Wildlife Sanctuary 11. Wester Quarff Residents – donation forwarded to 30 Shetland Aid Trust TOTAL 185 AREAS COVERED

Gulberwick beach Gulberwick roadsides Gulberwick main road

Quarff roadsides Wester Quarff beach Easter Quarff beach Casho, Quarff

Old Fladdabister road and lower road Fladdabister & Ocraquoy beaches Cunningsburgh School grounds and car parks Roadside verges in Cunningsburgh North Voxter to Mail Cemetary

4. SUPPORT OF LOCAL/DISTRICT GROUPS

In 2013 the Community Council was eligible to apply for £3,000 of a Distribution Fund from the Community Development Fund created by the SIC. This fund was to offset the reduction of the Core Funding grant. The purpose of this distribution fund was to support local sports groups, youth groups, senior citizens and community venues.

LOCAL/DISTRICT GROUPS 2013/2014 2013/2014 £ % Core Funding Grant - £904 Aithsvoe Marina Association 500 13 Cunningsburgh History Group 250 6 Sandwick, C’burgh & Quarff Church of Scotland 54 1 South Mainland Up Helly Aa (SMUHA) 100 3

Distribution Fund - £3,000 Aithsvoe Marina Association 800 20 Cunningsburgh Football Club 1000 26 Cunningsburgh Under Fives 100 2.5 Kinder Quarff 100 2.5 Quarff Public Hall 1000 26 Total 3,904 100

NAME OF GROUP MAIN USES FOR NUMBER OF OBJECTIVES OF WHICH THE PEOPLE TO GROUP GRANT WAS BENEFIT APPROVED FROM THE GRANT Aithsvoe Marina Association Marina Contribute to All residents of development of Cunningsburgh caravan site and beyond Cunningsburgh History History group To purchase All residents of Group computer Cunningsburgh software to preserve photographs Cunningsburgh Football Club Football Club Upgrade All residents of remainder of Cunningsburgh fence and beyond

South Mainland Up Helly Aa Up Helly Aa Purchase band All residents of Committee saw South Mainland Quarff Public Hall Community Hall Purchase of All residents of dishwasher Quarff and beyond Sandwick & Cunningsburgh Church Purchase poppy All who attend Church of Scotland wreaths the Church Kinder Quarff Toddler group Christmas Party Quarff mothers and toddlers Cunningsburgh Under Fives Toddler group Christmas Party Cunningsburgh mothers and toddlers

5. SUPPORT OF SHETLAND-WIDE GROUPS

There were no donations given to Shetland-wide groups in 2013/2014.

6. ROADS AND TRANSPORT

Assistance is given for the upkeep of unadopted roads and peat roads, normally by top dressing. A peat road received surface repair. Three residents received financial assistance towards the cost of chipping and tar spraying and the council is keen to encourage these improvements. All tar spraying, for which grant was applied, was carried out by SIC Roads.

ROADS AND TRANSPORT 2013/2014 2013/2014 £ % Top Dressing 2,381 100 Total 2,381 100

TYPE OF ROAD TYPE OF LENGTH DRESSING OF ROAD SUPPLIED UPGRADED Gravel – Unadopted Scalpings/ 2,818m 14mm down

7. IN-HOUSE PROJECTS

The in-house project for 2013 was the construction of a notice board which was erected at the foot of St Clair Road in central Cunningsburgh. The closure of North Bridge Stores in Cunningsburgh means there is no public outdoor area to display Community Council minutes and other relevant information. The total cost of the project, including planning fees, was £1,767. The notice board has been a huge success. It is frequently used and regularly updated with local news and events.

8. CONCLUSION

The Community Council continues to support and encourage any local group or association, and in particular youth groups, who wish to undertake any project which will further the well being of the three communities.

Mr G Malcolmson Mrs J C Clark Chairperson Clerk 8 ----- Original Message ----- From: Sally Ritch To: 'GQC Community Council' Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2014 12:20 PM 12 Subject: RE: Coastal erosion at Mail, Cunningsburgh

Dear Jolene,

Further to my e-mail of 7th April forwarding a copy of Tavish Scott’s letter to the Scottish Government Minister for Environment & Climate Change, Tavish has now received a response from the Minister which is attached for your information. Also attached is an earlier reply from the Minister in response to representations Tavish made on behalf of a constituent, Mr Andy Johnston, which preceded Tavish’s visit to Mail.

As the Minister’s replies confirm that coastal protection is the responsibility of the local authority and it is up to the local authority to use their powers at their discretion, Tavish has again written to the SIC Chief Executive asking if there is any stage at which the SIC would intervene to assist householders in the Mail area with work to prevent further erosion as it is clear that the Scottish Government will take no action in this regard.

A copy of the Minister’s replies has been sent to residents in the Mail area who contacted Tavish on this.

Tavish will forward on a copy of the reply that he receives from the SIC Chief Executive.

Regards,

Sally

Sally Ritch Secretary to Tavish Scott MSP Shetland Parliamentary Office Tel: 01595 69 0044 Fax: 01595 69 0055 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

For your information - Please find attached the timetable and other information relating to the election of all Community Councils in November this year.

Anne

Anne Cogle Depute Returning Officer for Jan-Robert Riise Returning Officer Shetland Islands Area

Shetland Islands Council Office Headquarters 8 North Ness Business Park LERWICK Shetland ZE1 0LZ

Tel: 01595 744554 Fax: 01595 744585 www.shetland.gov.uk/elections Community Council Elections 2014

Timetable

Notice of Election (Advert seeking nominations) Friday 12 September 2014

Closing date for nominations Tuesday 7 October 2014

Notice of Poll/Uncontested Election Friday 10 October 2014

Issue of Postal Ballot Papers by Friday 31 October 2014

Closing Date for return of Ballot Papers Thursday 20 November 2014

Verification and Counting of Votes Friday 21 November 2014

Write to successful and unsuccessful Monday 24 November 2014 candidates, and also Community Council Clerk, advising them formally of election result (with copies to Association of Shetland Community Councils)

Notes:

Election day is 20 November, and so ALL existing CC Members will continue until midnight on 19 November.

Uncontested members are elected from 11 a.m. on 20 November and those subject to a ballot are declared elected at the Count on 21 November.

The first meeting of the new Community Council must be held within one month of election day, namely by 20 December.

Election Staff:

Returning Officer – Jan Riise Depute Returning Officer – Anne Cogle Election Manager – Rachel Macleod Election Assistants – Louise Adamson, Leisel Gair and Lynne Geddes Senior Electoral Assistant [ERO Office] – Ian Leslie

Contact:

Anne Cogle 01595 74 4554 [email protected] or [email protected]