Penpont Community Council Minutes of Meeting of Penpont Community Council In Gladstone Hall Date: Tuesday 5th August 2019

Present: Innes Carruthers, Irene Haining, Fiona Cuthbertson, Neil McKay, Tim Simmonds, Caroline Anderson, PC Gary Adair Apologies: Robbie Logan, Andrew Wood In attendance: Steven and Jane Leask, Mel Teale

Previous Minutes: Approved by Fiona and Innes. Tote winners: July 1st Paul Markwell 2nd Mary Crosbie 3rd Caroline Anderson August 1st Eileen Sutherland 2nd Madge Malloy 3rd Mrs McTear Police Report • No offences in Penpont. • Disturbances at Kelloholm, suspicious vehicles reported in Upper Nithsdale and intelligence on drink driving followed up. Also a theft reported in Thornhill • Dumfries and Galloway Police working in partnership with U Division has been very successful and resulted in several back-road ‘operations’ being apprehended. Police continue to urge the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious vehicles. • There has been problems with cars parked by visitors to Scaurbridge Cottage. Jane Leask reported on a meeting they had had with local residents to try to resolve this problem. The Leasks and the police are keen to work with local residents to resolve this. As the street lights already extend beyond the 30mph sign, they are looking again to get the 30mph limit extended. • Scaffolding is to be erected at Braeside House soon, D&G permission for this was noted at the last meeting. • The ‘road narrows’ sign at the west end of the village gets knocked by lorries. PCC to request a dog- leg pole. . Treasurers Report • The account stands at £6,578.61 • £4,094 has been paid to the Joint Communities Benefit Fund. • Insurance has been paid £776.67. This covers hall, gala etc. Open Business • Windfarms: Dalswinton application for the grant for this year is now due. Innes to do that. Sanquhar II: There has been an extension to the consultation period. A decision by the Energy Consents Unit is expected in December. • Hall: Tim to get in contact with Maureen Halkett for guidance on establishing charitable status for the hall. Thanks very much to Margaret for painting the toilets. • Speed advisory signs: D&G recommend Morelock MSID Vario Radar Speed Signs which are solar powered. Caroline confirmed that PCC Community Safety Grant of £2000 was still available towards the cost of one if PCC were willing to match fund. The council need to check the proposed location. It was unanimously agreed that one on each existing pole at either end of the village would be the best location. Using the existing poles, two speed signs would cost £7500. Irene to see if Timber Transport funds might be available to cover the shortfall for two. • Salt bins: Innes to order the salt bins as discussed in the spring. • Community Council Enquiry Service – no update on repair of school lane wall or gate at the MUGA end of the park • Capenoch Estate Forestry Plan: Capenoch Estate had invited PCC to comment on their ten year plan. Copies of the plan were circulated to members in July as there was no meeting. No comments or objections were received as the proposed phased felling and replanting are thought to have no major effect on Penpont households. • Gala feedback: The gala went extremely well this year and was well attended. Tim will have a meeting soon to review and discuss plans for next year.

Correspondence • Fiona had received a thankyou letter from Duke Richard for the loan of crockery for Dabton Gardens Open Day. • Kirsty Peden of D&G Council wondered if PCC would be interested in a Federation of Community Councils. It was agreed that this could be useful and to ask for further information. • PCC agreed to support the petition for a railway to Stranraer and to display a Food Train poster in the hall. AOCB • Irene had attended a meeting in Thornhill to discuss ideas for reducing the costs of running public toilets and libraries. This was not just about facilities in Penpont and Thornhill but region wide. The strong opinion of those present at the meeting was that Thornhill library hours must be protected and that Dumfries Whitesands, Thornhill and Penpont public toilets were very important and must be maintained. Options to reduce costs were discussed and formal consultation about proposals will be carried out before any action is taken. • Community Council elections: Penpont Community Council members all require to be re-elected this year. Election forms will be available from 13th August and all nominations have to be in by 3rd September. If more than 16 people submit nominations then elections will be held on 3rd October, otherwise all will be elected. Anyone interested in joining PCC please see Innes or Fiona.

• Meeting closed 9.00 pm

Next Meeting: Tuesday 3rd September, 2019 at 7.30