MINUTES OF THE MEETING 28 September 2016
ACTION Present: Jenni Brown (Chair), Craig Chalmers, Roy Christie, Frances Havenga, Heather Kelly (Treasurer), Katelin Reid In attendance: Jean Henderson (Minute Secretary), Judi Young (SFRS) part time, Cllr Ronnie Proctor
1. Apologies: Brenda McIntosh, Eddie Anderson, Elaine Findlay, Cllr Iain Gaul, Cllr Jeanette Gaul, PC Scott Anderson
2. Approval of 31 August Minutes: Agreed a true and correct record. Proposed by Roy and seconded by Craig.
3. Police Report: In his absence, PC Scott Anderson has submitted the following report:-
POLICE REPORT:
Local Community Policing Team: Sgt Colin Echevarria (colin.echevarria@scotland.pnn.uk) Constable Scott Anderson ([email protected])
New Air Weapon Legislation: Police Scotland's Air Weapons Surrender Campaign launches on 20 May (three days after the Scottish Government's Air Weapons Campaign launch) with opportunities throughout the year for the partnership working and media/social media opportunities.
The Scottish Government is changing the law around the legislation of air weapons. From the end of December it will be illegal to have an air weapon without a licence. The new air weapons licensing law will come into effect on 31 December 2016. This requires people to apply for a licence for air weapons that they own and wish to keep, surrender weapons before this date (PS surrender process takes place between 23 May – 12 June 2016) that they don't have a licence for and/or get rid of any weapons that they possess but don't wish to keep. The Scottish Government's campaign will focus on making the public aware that from 1 July 2016 you can apply for an air weapon licence by downloading the application form www.airweapon.scot and sending it to Police Scotland.
New Community Policing Structure: From November, dedicated locality Inspectors, dedicated Community Sergeants, and an increase in dedicated community officers will be introduced into Angus. There will be an Inspector for Brechin/Montrose, Forfar/Kirriemuir, Arbroath/Landward and Carnoustie/Monifieth. There will be additional dedicated Community Sergeants for Brechin/Montrose and Carnoustie/Monifieth. Colin Echevarria will remain with Forfar/Kirriemuir and Grace Morrison with
1 Arbroath/Landward. There will also be dedicated community officers for each area.
Closure of Police Offices: Consultation is currently ongoing in respect of the closure of two police stations in Angus which have not been used in several years, Letham and Birkhill. All Local Councillors are aware and should update you in the coming months. In relation to the Letham and Birkhill areas, communities will have a nominated community officer with contact details. Drop-in surgeries will also be held every month at an advertised/pre-arranged location. To complement the increase in engagement, the new monthly document will be circulated to community councils. This is being organised by Sgt Colin Echevarria and the first will be issued at the end of the month.
Current Performance: There has been a reduction in crime in Angus overall in the last year. Crimes of violence have reduced from last year but overall numbers are still high. All incidences of violence and disturbance at peak times have alcohol as a contributory factor in 60% of cases. Work to be done through Focus on Alcohol (FOA) and ADP to assist prevention and recovery. Anti-social behaviour levels are in the decline and this has been helped by the reintroduction of dedicated community officers. There has been a 2.6% reduction on this time last year.
Recent crimes/issues in the area: Kirriemuir: 17.9.2016 Theft from garage – Henry St. Kirriemuir 11.9.2016 Vandalism, break windows – Prosen Road 10.9.2016 Vandalism, break car wing mirror – Clova Road 10.9.2016 Theft from a motor vehicle – Clova Road 29.8.2016 Vandalism to lock-ups – Prosen Road 29.8.2016 Theft of trailer – Kirriemuir Show Fields, Logie 15.8.2016 Vandalism – High Street 20.8.2016 Vandalism to a motor vehicle, snap windscreen wipers off – Slade Gardens
Road Policing issues locally: Dangerous and anti-social parking remains an issue so when resources allow then officers will be deployed to target these offences. Officers continue to conduct pro-active vehicle stops. This is a very useful tactic in targeting our travelling criminals. This helps to keep road users and our communities safe.
Getting ready for winter. It may only be coming into Autumn but we are advising motorists to ensure their cars are ready for the time of year. Traditionally, as the darker nights and mornings approach, motorists get caught out with faulty bulbs which they have not had to use for some time. Please check your bulbs and replace any faulty ones to ensure you are safe on the road. Please check your tyre pressures and also washer fluid.
Other topics of note/messages: Thank you for your support over the last six months with regard to the creation of the new Local Community Policing team. As we move forward things will get even better for our communities and dedicated officers will be on hand to deal with local matters.
4. Scottish Fire & Rescue Services Report: Officer Judi Young gave the following report:
Activities undertaken in September: 4 High Risk visits 2 6 Medium Risk visits 8 Low Risk visits
Community Safety Initiatives in September: Post Domestic Incident Response x 1 Nursing Home/Sheltered Housing Direct Target
Incident Activity 27 August to 25 September: 2 x Fire Dwelling (washing machine and electrical) 1 x Fire Other Building (garage) 1 x Special Rescue (youth in swing) 1 x Rope Rescue (adult fallen down embankment) 3 x Fire Alarm Operating (3 Forfar) 2 x Fire Alarm (Nursing Home)
5. Councillors' Reports: Cllr Proctor reported that he is a member of the Tactran Forum which meets in Stirling, Perth, Forfar and Dundee. The Forum deals with transport problems, city grants from the Westminster Government, etc. Upgrading railways, roads infrastructure, issues on the A90. Cllr Proctor assists veterans in his role as Veteran Champion and will be a guest speaker at a meeting soon in Glasgow. The Kirriemuir Cherrette has recently taken place resulting in lots of very good ideas. Kirriemuir Regeneration Group Ltd. continues to make good progress. The Kirriemuir Christmas Lights campaign is proving a big success – well done to everyone!
Re the Christmas Lights, Jenni reported that 8 of the 27 Christmas Lights inherited are faulty and it appears it is falling to Kirriemuir to repair them. Surely there should be 27 working lights coming to the community. This situation is delaying the audit. Cllr Proctor offered to investigate. RP
Statistics are showing that Angus is well ahead with regard to recycling- thanks to the support of the people of Angus. Vandalism in Clova Road is under Police investigation.
6. Matters Arising: P Recycling Depot updates: Jenni is continuing to keep in touch with other Community Councils on this matter.
Z Defibrillator delivery update: No further information available. HK/JG
A1 Twinning review/other options update: Eddie has a new job outwith the area, therefore, he is taking a leave of absence from KCC for the next few months.
C1 Inappropriate parking – letter to the Council: Cllr Proctor has reported this to a Police Meeting and understood it had been taken forward. It seems nothing will be done until April 2017 when parking regulations will be changing. It was agreed by KCC that a regular Police presence in the area in question, meantime, would act as a deterrent. Roy highlighted the regular parking on double yellow lines in the Roods which is fast becoming a serious problem. Cllr Proctor RP offered to investigate.
H1 Autosales – cars on spare land showing “for sale/prices” Cllr Proctor reported that Mr. Ewart, of Autosales, had received a letter from the Planning Department and didn't think he would flout the law? Cllr Proctor will re-investigate the situation. RP
K1 Paths at the Hill: Jenni explained that there is disabled access at the benches on the Hill but 3 no disabled access to get to the benches and that is the problem. Although grants are available, the meeting didn't think this is something a community group should have to undertake. Jenni reported that one of the things that is quoted is to lower the pavement for access. The grass is too soft for wheelchairs. A firmer “ground” is needed – mesh? Cllr Proctor offered to investigate. RP
L1 Storage stands for War Memorial: Done. The stands are an excellent job! It appears there was a wreath left over from last year. Craig will contact Dave Milne. CC
M1 Donation to Police Museum update: Jenni will contact Hamish Gray. JB
N1 Angus Alive posters/signs around the town: Cllr Proctor has spoken with Angus Council CEO, Alan McEwan and Alison Smith and they are looking into this. Discussion ensued about RP the Angus Alive posters. Community Councillors were surprised that such expensive posters could be afforded to be distributed around the community in such numbers, given the current financial economic climate?
7. CARS Next meeting is Tuesday, 4 October, 08.45 in the Lesser Hall of the Town Hall. The public is welcome but no one is allowed to participate/speak. Jenni asked Cllr Proctor for an ad hoc RP report of this meeting to be sent to her and Jean for the Minutes.
8. Kirriemuir Community Council's goals, objectives, for the future: Jenni showed the meeting the finished article – the Suggestion Box. Excellent job. Currently, there is a Box in 88 degrees (for a month), and the ACCESS Office (for a month). The ACCESS Office Box will then go on to the Library. Discussion ensued on where to place the Boxes. Suggestions: Roods Co-op, Westmuir Shoppe, Golf Club, etc.etc. – a month at a time. Publicity suggestions: Facebook, The Kirrie Herald.
9. Treasurer's Report: Balance at the end of August £2987.49. Various costs need to be deducted which leaves a current balance of £2191.44.
10. Correspondence: Various correspondence has been emailed throughout the month. Letter of thanks received from Kirrie Day Care Centre in response to KCC's donation in memory of Ian McIntosh.
11. AOCB 11.1. Jean and Jenni have both received offers of support for KCC from two different organisations. These will be followed up in the future. 11.2. Cllr Proctor said he could organise an invitation to the Fire Academy if anyone is interested – this takes place two or three times a year. 11.3. Kirriemuir Regeneration Group Ltd has been given a beautifully inscribed vase by Bruce Walker to raffle in aid of Camera Obscura. Camera Obscura's building is featured on the vase. Tickets are £5 each obtained from Jenni and her team.
12. Date of next meeting: Wednesday, 26 October 2016
4.10.16
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