Author: strathavenandglassfordcommunitycouncil

Minutes of meeting March 28th 2023

Avondale Community Wing

1. Sederunt: Aileen McMann (Chairperson); Gordon McAllan (Vice Chair); Les Hoggan (Secretary); John Graham (Minute Secretary); Morag Arnot; Linda Brown; Margot McDonald; Douglas Scott and Aileen Stewart. Visitors: Robert Murray.

2. Apologies: Dr. Lisa Cameron MP; Councillor M. Cooper; Councillor E. Frame; Councillor S. Kerr; Jacqui Laing; Mairi McAllan MSP and Sheila Munro Tulloch. 

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting (28/02/2023). The Minutes were Approved without change. Proposed: L. Hoggan. Seconded: D. Scott. 

4. Police Report. (a) No Report was received. (b) The fact that two teenagers had been hit by cars in separate incidents was noted and Police Scotland to be contacted regarding these incidents. (c) It was reported that the 20mph signs were not flashing on some roads in the town. L. Hoggan to send an E-Mail to SLC regarding this. 

5. Standing Items.

(a) Strathaven Castle: The Tenders have gone out for the work which has to be carried out. It is expected that the work will begin in May, 2023.

(b) Clydesdale Tourism Group: Nothing to report.

(c) Transport Sub-Group: There has been no meeting of the Group but nothing has been done about previous complaints from the CC.

(d) The new Post Office will open on 4th April, 2023 at the Gulf Petrol Station on Hamilton Road. The CC feel that this is not a satisfactory solution and will continue to work with all parties concerned to see if a different outcome can be achieved. It was suggested that the Community Bus could schedule in times when it could transport people to the site on Hamilton Road. L. Hoggan to find out if this would be possible. Lisa Cameron MP is continuing to challenge the move with the issue to be raised in Westminster. L. Hoggan to E-Mail SLC on behalf of the CC regarding confirmation of the need for a change of use given the increase in traffic on Hamilton Road and to check whether the original application made mention of a Post Office.

6. Planning Applications. There were no concerns regarding the March Applications. 

7. Funding Opportunities. Social Inclusion and Isolation Fund: Maximum that can be applied for is £72,000 over three years, starting from August, 2023. Expressions of Interest to be submitted  this week and L. Hoggan to put together this, based on discussions at the Meeting, and submit it on behalf of the CC. Discussions have taken place with Connect2Renewables with a view to joint working and it is also an option to apply for Community Funding for laptops and tablets to support the initiative meaning it could start earlier than August, 2023. 

8. Working Together for Avondale (WTA).

(a) The third Peer Support Group is now under way. Anyone over 16 can attend the Sessions and people can self-refer to join the Group. A fourth Peer Support Group will start in the spring through Creative Strathaven.

(b) The Strathaven Hotel has donated duvets to WTA and the Strathaven Food Bank. The Food Bank works closely with Loaves and Fishes and the duvets will be transported to a warehouse in East Kilbride for onward distribution to families in need.

(c) Avondale Radio has been working with ‘Roasted’ and Loaves and Fishes to produce a set of videos promoting effective use of food parcels. 

9. Strathaven CARS.

(a) This Project has now finished and a final audit will be produced soon. This item will now be removed from the CC Agenda.

(b) Discussions have taken place with Strathaven Academy regarding the 2nd Heritage Photography Competition. 

10. Kype Muir Fund.

(a) The Bridge Club applied for £3,000 for a Card Dealing Machine. The Application has been referred to allow other local CCs to assist with funding this.

(b) The local Beekeeping Group would also like funding and this may also involve other local Community Councils. 

11. Micro Grants Report.

(a) The full Report was circulated to CC Members prior to the Meeting.

(b) As agreed at the CC Meeting on 28th February, 2023, payments have been made to the new Applications and all funds for 2022/23 have been allocated at this time. Thirteen Grants were awarded in this Financial Year.

(c) During the past month five further Micro Grants have been signed off. All Projects over six months old have been contacted to request the follow up paperwork. 

12. Secretary’s Report. Nothing to report not covered on the Agenda. 

13. Treasurer’s Report.

(a) The full Report was circulated to CC Members prior to the Meeting.

(b) As agreed at the CC Meeting on 28th February, 2023, the following payments have been made during the month – £144 to 360 Graphics for CC Banners to be used at events.

(c) Due to a coding error by SLC the CC received a payment of £53,710 in error. After investigation this sum has been returned to SLC.

(d) COVID Fund – Current figures are as follows:- Value of COVID Fund £61,892.00 Total Spend to Date £53,298.39 Committed/Estimated Spend £ 3,388.00 Total Estimated Spend £56,686.39 Balance Uncommitted £ 5,205.61 

14. Reports from CC Members.

(a) Balloon Festival planning is going well. Buses and Parking sites have been identified for the Event on the 26th and 27th August, 2023. However, some sponsorship is still required. (L. Hoggan).

(b) There is still a problem with fly-tipping not being cleared up by SLC in spite of the exact locations being notified to them. (G. McAllan). (c) The Strathaven John Hastie Museum Trust (SJHMT) Exhibition is now open and has got off to a good start. The Display is well organised and laid out. Thanks were expressed to Russell Preservation for giving their time, free of charge, to help renovate the Museum building. (G. McAllan).

(d) The SJHMT are to hold a Quiz Night on the 21st April, 2023 at the Golf Club. (M. McDonald).

(e) The new flats on Kirk Street have been offered to prospective tenants. The flats are due to be occupied sometime in August, 2023.

(f) Berebriggs Road has now re-opened. (A. Stewart).

(g) South Lanarkshire is to become an Age Friendly Community. (J. Graham).

(h) It was asked if it was known when Boots, the Chemist on Green Street would re-open. This is not known at present. It was suggested that, should it not do so, an independent Pharmacist could be required for the town. Securing this would be difficult due to NHS rules. (L. Brown).

15. Reports from SLC Councillors. No Councillors attended the Meeting. 

16. AOCB. A. McMann to attend the East Kilbride Health and Social Care Forum on behalf of the CC. 

17. Date of Next Meeting. Tuesday 25th April, 2023 at 7.00pm in the Avondale Wing. 

Members of the Public are most welcome to all our Meetings. All correspondence to:- strathavencommcouncil@gmail.com 

TUESDAY, April 25th 2023 at 7pm Avondale Community Wing, Strathaven

A G E N D A

1. Sederunt
2. Apologies
3. Minutes of Previous Meeting
4. Police Report
5. Standing Items
   1. Strathaven Castle Update
   1. Clydesdale Tourism Group Update
   1. Transport Sub-Group
   1. Strathaven Post Office
6. Planning Applications
7. Funding opportunities
   1. Proposal discussed at last meeting
8. Working together for Avondale Update and future plans
9. Kype Muir Community Fund
10. Community Council Micro Grants
11. Secretary’s Report
12. Treasurers Report
13. Reports from CC Members
14. Reports from SLC Councillors
15. A.O.C.B
    1. Proposed Tree Planting Development
16. Date of next meeting: Tuesday May 30^th 2023 at 7pm in Avondale Community Wing

Members of the Public are most welcome to all our Meetings

All correspondence to strathavencommcouncil@gmail.com

A Community Council as constituted under Section 52 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (As amended)

February 28th 2023 at Avondale Community Wing

1. Sederunt: Aileen McMann (Chairperson); Les Hoggan (Secretary); Sheila Munro Tulloch (Treasurer); John Graham (Minute Secretary); Morag Arnot; Linda Brown; Margot McDonald and Douglas Scott. Visitors: Jan Dawson; Kate Defazio; Dylan Hampshire; June McKenzie and Robert Murray.

2. Apologies: Dr. Lisa Cameron MP; Councillor M. Cooper; Colin Drysdale (Police); Councillor E. Frame; Councillor S. Kerr; Jacqui Laing; Gordon McAllan (Vice Chair); Mairi McAllan MSP; Andy McIntyre (Police) and Aileen Stewart.

3. Minutes of Previous Minutes (31/01/2023). The Minutes were Approved without change. Proposed: M. McDonald. Seconded: L. Brown. 

4. Police Report.

(a) The Report was circulated to CC Members prior to the Meeting.

(b) Crime Figures from 29th January, 2023 to 28th February, 2023 were as follows:- 6 Road Traffic Offences. 1 Vandalism (Detected). 8 Anti-Social Behaviour (4 Detected). 2 Fraud Offences. 4. Theft. 2 Dangerous Dog Offences (1 Detected). 2 Communication Act Offences. 1 Bail Offence.

(c) The Chairperson said that reports about dog offences had been noted and the Police had been contacted to check on possible dog fighting in the area.

(d) Reports of a break-in at George Allan Place and suspicious activity in that and in an other area have been noted. There have also been reports of someone parking overnight in their car in the Car Park in the Kirklandpark area. 

5. Community Action Plan Update. CCTV – There are still queries from SLC about how the scheme will be run and managed and a rethink may be needed regarding a funding source. 

6. Standing Items.

(a) Clydesdale Tourism Group – Nothing to report.

(b) Strathaven Castle – Representatives from the Friends of Strathaven Castle told the CC that the Group had been formed as the community did not know what was happening with the Castle. L. Hoggan had supplied the Group with a full update prior to the Meeting and said that the CC were happy to work with them on this issue. The CC are meeting with SLC on 10th March, 2023 about the Castle and will update the Group on this meeting. R. Murray said that Lisa Cameron MP has also been discussing this issue with SLC and HES. [D. Hampshire and J. Dawson left the Meeting at 7.30pm.]

(c) Transport Sub-Group – Nothing to report.

(d) Strathaven Post Office – Progress has been made regarding funding and Creative Strathaven have agreed to oversee the Project. No progress has been made regarding finding a Post Master/Mistress and Post Office Management have been asked to appoint someone to this position. 

7. Planning Applications. No Applications listed during February caused any concern to the CC. 

8. Funding Applications. Nothing new to report.

9. Working Together for Avondale. (a) Peer Groups are ongoing and two have been paid for.

(b) The Top-Up Fund to get more money if possible.

10. Strathaven CARS. The meeting to close the Project to take place on the week beginning 5th March. 

11. Kype Muir Fund.

(a) The way forward for the Fund was discussed at the recent meeting. It is proposed a set fund will be given to each CC area and the remainder will go in to a Central Fund. The CC will be asked to approve any planned changes.

(b) Applications will still go to the larger group for approval.

(c) The CC and other area applicants could consider planning a large project which would be ready to submit when Applications open.

(d) Funding is being pulled from Connect2Renewables next year and this will go back into the pot.

(e) How the REF operates was discussed and requests from this area will now be shown to the CC.

(f) It was agreed that discussions with Banks Renewables should continue and decisions to be brought back to the CC. 

12. CC Micro Grants.

(a) The full Report was circulated to CC Members prior to the Meeting.

(b) Since the CC Meeting in November, 2022, three new Applications have been received for consideration:- – 2022 /23 – 011: Strathaven Darby and Joan – Requested a Grant of £250 to help fund their Annual Outing to Oban in the summer. Proposed that a Grant of £250 be awarded. – 2022/23 – 012: Frets Creative – Requested a Grant of £500 towards the purchase of a portable PA System for use at events across Avondale. Proposed that a Grant of £400 be awarded. – 2022/23 – 013: Strathaven Miniature Railway – Requested a Grant of £500 to renew a number of tools vital to the maintenance of the steam engines. Proposed that a Grant of £400 be awarded.

(c) The above Grants were approved and this completes the allocation of the Fund for the current financial year.

(d) Outstanding Grants: During the past month one further Micro Grant has been signed off:- 2022/23 – 007: Strathaven Gardening Club.

(e) At present outstanding paperwork is still required for the following:- 2020/21 – 009: Strathaven Business Association (£500). 2021/22 – 013: Strathaven Rugby Club (£400). 2022/23 – 001: Strathaven Memory Club (£500). 2022/23 – 003: Strathaven Girls Dynamos (£500). 2022/23 – 004: Trinty Church Guild (£200). 2022/23 – 006: Strathaven Balloon Festival (£500). 2022/23 – 008: Strathaven Knitting and Crochet Ninjas (£480). 2022/23 – 009: Strathaven John Hastie Museum Trust (£500). 2022/23 – 010: Strathaven Choral Society (£450).

(f) All Projects over 6 months old have recently been contacted to request the follow-up paperwork. 

13. Secretary’s Report. Sheltered Housing in Park Crescent: A resident attended the Meeting to ask if the CC could assist in helping the residents find a way to set up social events. They would also like to find some communication support as few of the residents are comfortable using I.T. equipment. The warden is in attendance from 8.00am until 3.30pm and little takes place after this time. It was suggested that they set up a Resident’s Committee and ask the warden to arrange a meeting with SLC to discuss the situation. 

14. Treasurer’s Report.

(a) The full Report was circulated to CC Members prior to the Meeting.

(b) As agreed at the Meeting of 31st January, 2023, the following payments have been made during the month. Two honorarium payments of £50, purchase of Printer Ink for £54.79 and payment of Micro Grants to the value of £2,436.00 was made to the Outreach Church for the Peer Support meetings. (

c) £193.01 remains in the CC Fund and it was agreed to purchase Outdoor Banners at an estimated cost of around £140.

(d) COVID Fund:- Value of Fund = £61,892.00 Spend to Date = £50,862.39 Currently Committed/Estimated Spend = £ 5,824.00 Total Estimated Spend = £56,686.39 Balance Uncommitted = £ 5,205.61 

15. Reports from CC Members.

(a) The SJHMT will open their new Exhibition on the History of the Buildings in the Common Green in March. (M. McDonald).

(b) The Health and Social Care Forum (E.K.) has begun meeting again and it was asked if the CC should consider joining this Group. The Chairperson agreed to go along to the next meeting of the Group in April. (J. Graham).

(c) The white lines in the Common Green and at Overton Road and Ashkirk Road were meant to be redone last year. This has not yet been carried out. (L. Brown). The following response was received from Councillor Cooper after the Meeting:- (White Lining of the Common Green, Car Parks and Junctions. SLC agreed to refresh all lining around the town centre some time ago and still intend to do this. However, please note that this will require 5 days of clear, dry and not frosty weather other wise the process will fail. The rubberised material used for the white lines needs a reasonable time to solidify and it does not work in inclement weather. The job will be done when the forecast is more positive probably in the spring).

(d) Can the dates of the CC Meetings be put on the CC Noticeboard? It was agreed that this could be done. (S. Tulloch).

16. Reports from SLC Councillors. No Councillors were at the Meeting. 

17. AOCB.

(a) The Transport Sub-Group to take up some of the points from a recent Survey on traffic on Glasgow Road.

(b) It was asked if there was a list of where the defibrillators were located in the town. In reply, it was said that a document showing this would be available soon. It was commented that training in their use would be useful.

18. Date of Next Meeting. Tuesday 28th March, 2023 at 7.00pm in the Avondale Wing.

Members of the Public are most welcome to all our Meetings. All correspondence to:- strathavencommcouncil@gmail.com 

THE SUB-GROUP of Strathaven and Glassford Community Council (SGCC) met with representatives of South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) on March 10th for an update on progress with work on Strathaven Castle. 

SGCC has been in discussions with SLC about the condition of the castle since 2019, and reached agreement in early 2020 that funding would be set aside for repairs to the castle and installation of a fence.  It was also agreed at that time that after repair work was completed further public consultation would take place on further plans for developing the castle grounds as a visitor attraction.

It was confirmed that Scheduled Monument Consent has been given for the construction of a fence around Strathaven Castle from the entrance to Castle Park round to and up the steps leading to the castle itself, with a gate at the bottom of the steps. Planning approval has also been given for the work to proceed.

A tender is due to be issued w/e March 17th for the construction of the fencing, repairs to the boundary wall and repairs to the boardwalk in Castle Park.  

There will be a four week deadline for returns of tenders followed by a six week assessment, award and mobilisation period, with work expected to start in May.  There is a 4-6 week construction period, depending on what is discovered once the ground is broken.  The work will include the installation on foundations for two information boards and ducting for cables for future lighting of the castle. SGCC to identify locations for the information boards.

A meeting has been held between an SLC architect and an accredited conservation structural engineer about the development of a report highlighting what work is now required, following a three year gap since the last survey.  This will involve a full height assessment of the condition of the castle and may also involve producing drone footage of the top of the castle structure. 

March/April is the expected completion date of this report.

The budget currently set aside is £65,000.  This will be assessed following the production of the report to identify shortfalls, depending on the scale of urgent and essential work identified. The report will identify essential and immediate repairs and highlight further work that could be undertaken over a further 3-12 month schedule.  There will be discussions internal to SLC about funding requirements.

SLC agreed that SGCC would be the group with which it has formal discussions and is happy that SGCC liaises with Friends of Strathaven Castle (FoSC) on further consultation of options for any future proposals for the castle site.  SLC confirmed that Scheduled Monument Consent would be required for any work that disturbs the grounds of the castle.

Once the fence is erected and repair work completed to the boundary walls and the boardwalk, access will be restored to Castle Park.  There will be no access to the castle itself until the essential repair work is completed, due to safety concerns about the current condition of the stonework.  It is intended that full access will be restored once the repair work is completed.

Historic Environment Scotland may be in a position to provide match funding for community groups to undertake projects based on community consultation.  SLC agreed to pass the contact for those discussions to SGCC.

There are no current timescales on the start of repair work on the stonework, as it requires the report to be produced first.  That will set out the scale of essential repairs and enable production of a tender for the work to be carried out.  Depending on the scale of the work required, tenders may be required from specialist teams and for that reason no timescales are currently available.

SLC agreed to keep in regular contact with SGCC on developments 

and plans and is happy for SGCC to advise FoSC on updates and to liaise with SLC on behalf of the community through it working closely with FoSC. 

The Friends of Strathaven Castle set up only a few short weeks ago has, of writing, reached an online membership of 725 with more than 10 people stepping forward to form a committee.

Jan Dawson, acknowledged that the information and access that FoSC has obtained was in no small way helped along by the continuing support of all members of the Facebook Group.  FoSC can be found and contacted by joining the Friends of Strathaven Castle Facebook Group. 

Another founder member Dylan Hampshire said “part of the problem in the past was the lack of firm information about the Castle but that is in the past.”  Jan added “We look forward to liaising with Strathavenand Glassford Community Council in the future and in getting an actual timeline for repairs.”

Information received about the Castle and the Groups aspirations can be found online in the groups Facebook Files and on their website when launched. FoSC plan to host an online Castle Conference with a guest panel that will include the Friends of Dundonald Castle and the Friends of Stonehouse Park who will share their experience in creating these Community Organisations.  Details to be announced.

A spokesperson for SGCC said: “We are delighted that after lengthy discussions between the Community Council and SLC that we now have dates for the installation of the fence and plans in place for the repair work on the Castle.  These plans were initially developed in early 2020 but were subsequently held up by the global pandemic and planning issues with the initial application. We are delighted to be working with FoSC to take forward proposals for further development now that discussion between SGCC and SLC have reached this positive stage.” 

STRATHAVEN AND GLASSFORD COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, March 28th 2023 at 7pm Avondale Community Wing, Strathaven

A G E N D A

1. Sederunt
2. Apologies
3. Minutes of Previous Meeting
4. Police Report
5. Standing Items
   1. Strathaven Castle Update
   1. Clydesdale Tourism Group Update
   1. Transport Sub-Group
   1. Strathaven Post Office
6. Planning Applications
7. Funding opportunities
   1. Social Inclusion and Loneliness Fund 2023
8. Working together for Avondale Update and future plans
9. Strathaven CARS
10. Kype Muir Community Fund
11. Community Council Micro Grants
12. Secretary’s Report
13. Treasurers Report
14. Reports from CC Members
15. Reports from SLC Councillors
16. A.O.C.B
17. Date of next meeting: Tuesday April 25th 2023 at 7pm in Avondale Community Wing

Members of the Public are most welcome to all our Meetings

All correspondence to strathavencommcouncil@gmail.com

A Community Council as constituted under Section 52 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (As amended)

Minutes of Meeting

1. Sederunt: Aileen McMann (Chairperson); Gordon McAllan (Vice Chair); Les Hoggan (Secretary); Sheila Munro Tulloch (Treasurer); John Graham (Minute Secretary); Morag Arnot; Linda Brown; Jacqui Laing; Margot McDonald; Douglas Scott and Aileen Stewart. Councillors: Susan Kerr. Police: Colin Drysdale and Andy McIntyre. Visitors: Robert Murray. 2.

2. Apologies: Councillor M. Cooper and Councillor E. Frame. 

3. Minutes of Previous Minutes (29/11/2022). The Minutes were Approved without change. Proposed: M. McDonald. Seconded: S. Tulloch. 

4. Police Report.

(a) Crime Figures from 30/12/2022 – 30/01/2023 were as follows:- 3 Thefts. 2 Theft Motor Vehicles (2 detected). 2 Assaults (2 detected). 3 Road Traffic (1 detected). 4 Frauds. 4 Vandalism (2 detected). 1 Misuse of Drugs. 2 ASBO (2 detected). 3 Communications Act. 1 Protection of Workers Act (Detected). 1Emergency Workers Act (Detected).

(b) The Speed Gun has been used on random roads but some roads are not suitable for speed checks. The 20mph limit does act as a deterrent.

(c) There has been bother with speeding on Glasgow Road and a resident has gathered interesting results from a survey which was carried out. R. Murray said that he can provide the survey to the Police.

(d) Housebreaking is not prevalent in the area and any incidents which occur usually involves the targeting of high value cars from outside properties.

(e) Some crimes are reported to the Police but many are not and the public should be encouraged to always report crimes. 

5. Community Action Plan – Update. CCTV: No further news regarding its installation. 

6. Standing Items.

(a) Clydesdale Tourism Group: Nothing to report. 

(b) Strathaven Castle. 1. No sign of work beginning and L. Hoggan to contact SLC for an update. 2. A Friends of Strathaven Castle Group has been formed and the CC Members agreed that contact should be made with the Group. Action – L. Hoggan and M. McDonald.

(c) Transport Sub-Group: The Group met on 20th December, 2022 when it was stated that the consultation on the one-way system for Bridge Street and Wellbrae was ongoing. Two proposals for layouts for the Bridge Street/Castle Street Junction were shown to the Group.

(d) Strathaven Post Office: Several meetings have taken place regarding moving the Post Office from Green Street involving the CC, CAS, Post Office Management, the Landlord, the Garage Owner and Politicians. Suggestions have been put forward for a solution to the problem and a six week extension to the 31st January deadline has been requested. CC Members were requested to consider possible ideas for a solution to where a Post Office should be situated.

7. Planning Applications. There were no concerns regarding recent Applications but one of the proposals has attracted an objection from a resident. 

8. Funding Opportunities. The next phase of the Town Centre Fund will begin soon. One Application will be allowed for Strathaven as before. Due to problems managing the previous phase the CC are reluctant to submit a Bid this time. L. Hoggan will forward the Rules to CC Members. 

9. Working Together for Avondale.

(a) £9,696 has been received from VASLan for Peer Groups. One Group has been completed and paid for.

(b) More support may be needed for the Top-up Payments Scheme. 

10. Strathaven CARS. All the work has been completed and the financial aspects of the scheme are being finalised. 

11. Kype Muir Fund.

(a) A Report was sent to CC Members prior to the Meeting.

(b) There have been no new Applications.

(c) Representatives of the CC met with Gordon Thomson from Banks Renewables to raise concerns over aspects of funding distribution. He will now speak to other members of the Kype Muir Group about the way forward regarding this. Nothing will be agreed without the CC being informed of any plans.

(d) The Kype Muir Extension should be up and running by May, 2023. This will mean that the Community Benefit will increase.

(e) There may be a chance for a bigger project for the Strathaven area in the future and ideas should be considered soon so that a project can be ready when the time for submitting Applications arrives.

(f) Gordon Thomson to provide the CC with a map and information about other Wind Farms in the area.

[Councillor Kerr left the meeting at this point]. 

12. CC Micro Grants.

(a) The full Report was sent to CC Members prior to the Meeting.

(b) There were 4 new Applications to the Fund:- – 2022/23 – 007: Strathaven Gardening Club – A Grant of £500 for purchase of an electric projector unit. Proposed to grant the full Award. – 2022/23 – 008: Strathaven Knitting and Crochet Ninjas – A Grant of £480 to assist payment of accommodation for meetings and to develop complex projects. Proposed to grant the full Award. – 2022/23 – 009: Strathaven John Hastie Museum Trust – A Grant of £500 to assist in the provision of an internal door within the Museum on Todshill Street. Proposed to grant the full Award. – 2022/23 – 010: Strathaven Choral Society – A Grant of £450 towards a Ceilidh Dance to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. Proposed to grant the full Award.

(c) All of the above Applications were Approved by the CC. This leaves £1,050 remaining in the Fund in the current year.

(d) One further Application has been received since the Micro Grant Report was circulated. The Derby and Joan Club have requested a Grant of £250. There may be one other Application in the pipeline. 

13. Secretary’s Report. Nothing to add not covered on the Agenda. 

14. Treasurer’s Report.

(a) The full Report was sent to CC Members prior to the Meeting.

(b) Since the last Meeting a Grant of £9,696 was received from VASLan for Peer Support Groups as part of the COVID Fund monies.

(c) £466 remains in the General Grant Fund. £84 to be spent on the renewal of the Website Licence, two £50 Honorariums to be given to the Secretary and the Minute Secretary and Printer Ink to be purchased from this money.

(d) The £860 due to the Strathaven John Hastie Museum Trust has been paid out.

(e) Balance remaining uncommitted in the COVID Fund is £5,205.61. 

15. Reports from CC Members.

(a) The problem of fly-tipping was raised again. (G. McAllan).

(b) The Strathaven John Hastie Museum Trust will be opening a new Exhibition in the Museum on Todshill Street at the end of February. (M. McDonald). 

16. Reports from SLC Councillors. No reports were given. 

17. AOCB. In Memory of the passing of Donald McKillop a Eulogy was given by G. McAllan praising his work for the CC and for the community in general. He was a well respected person within Strathaven and he will be much missed by all. A moments thought for him was held by the CC Members. 

18. Date of Next Meeting. Tuesday 28th February, 2023 at 7.00pm in the Avondale Wing.

Members of the Public are most welcome to all our Meetings. All correspondence to:- strathavencommcouncil@gmail.com A 

MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING 29TH NOVEMBER, 2022 

1. Sederunt: Aileen McMann (Chairperson); Gordon McAllan (Vice Chair); Les Hoggan (Secretary); Sheila Munro Tulloch (Treasurer); John Graham (Minute Secretary); Morag Arnot; Linda Brown; Margot McDonald; Douglas Scott and Aileen Stewart. Councillors: Susan Kerr. Visitors: Tom Barbour; Donald Cooper; Craig Cunningham and Robert Murray. 

2. Apologies: Dr. Lisa Cameron MP; Councillor Margaret Cooper; Councillor Elise Frame; Jacqui Laing and Mairi McAllan MSP. 

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting (25/10/22). The Minutes were approved with the following change:- The name of Councillor S. Kerr added to the list of Apologies. Proposed: M. McDonald. Seconded: G. McAllan. 

4. Police Report. (a) No Report was received prior to the CC Meeting. (b) The Chairperson to write to Police Scotland requesting that a representative attend the January CC Meeting. 

5. Community Action Plan Review. CCTV. (a) L. Hoggan to document the views of the CC to the concerns raised to the Project and send them to SLC. (b) Discussion to be held with Strathaven Business Association as to the way forward. 

6. Patient Participation Group (PPG). – Craig Cunningham. Craig Cunningham was invited to attend the CC Meeting to inform CC Members about PPGs.

(a) He said that he was responsible for Primary Care in NHS Lanarkshire which included GP Services.

(b) There are issues with GP Practices across the country due to there being fewer GPs, an older population, COVID problems, screening being paused, planned operations being cancelled and longer waits for some procedures. All of this meant that patients were visiting GPs more often.

(c) There are 98 Practices in Lanarkshire and all work differently. There are four ways in which they work – On-Line System, Phone between eight thirty and ten in the morning, Phone for an Appointment (This could be up to two weeks later) and Care Navigation.

(d) Patients don’t always need to see a GP, other options are available. These include Nurse, NHS Inform On-Line, Minor Ailments in Pharmacies, Lanarkshire Eye Service and Nurse Practitioners.

(e) There are two PPGs in Lanarkshire, Biggar and Lanark, and they aim to improve communication within the Practices.

(f) He was asked if the system mitigated against full time working as many of those trained opted to go abroad. In reply he said that there were more women GPs now who wanted flexible working and young Doctors did not want to run a GP Practice as a business. He did not feel that having a PPG would help the situation. The Health and Social Care Partnership can help Practices with communication.

(g) CC Members decided to see if any interest in having a PPG came from a Public Consultation before progressing the matter.

(h) The Chairperson thanked Craig Cunningham for his presentation. Craig Cunningham left the Meeting at this point. 

7. Standing Items.

(a) Clydesdale Tourism Group. A meeting of the Group will be arranged soon.

(b) Strathaven Castle. The erection of a fence is now at Planning.

(c) Transport Sub-Group. The sight lines have been improved at the junction of North Street and Commercial Road and the Consultation on the one-way system for Bridge Street and Wellbrae is ongoing.

(d) Strathaven Post Office. 1. The Consultation regarding the moving of the current Post Office to a different site is ongoing. Dr. Lisa Cameron and L. Hoggan were in talks with Post Office Management on Friday 25th November, 2022 about this. 2. The closure of the current Post Office from Friday 2nd December has nothing to do with the Consultation. 3. The CC Members feel that the proposal to move the Post Office would be detrimental to the community and that some way needs to be found to retain Post Office Services in the town centre. 4. A meeting to take place on Monday 5th December at 4.30pm in the Climate Action Strathaven (CAS) premises. The meeting to be with CC Members, CAS and a representative of the landlords. 

8. Planning Applications.

(a) There were no issues concerning Applications for the CC area since the October Meeting.

(b) A question was raised regarding the extension to the East Kilbride Sub Station and if it would have implications regarding wind turbine expansion in the CC area. L. Hoggan to contact Scottish Power about this. 

9. Working Together for Avondale (WTA).

(a) Four more Peer Group Support Sessions will be held from January, 2023.

(b) Fifty new £10 Vouchers have been purchased from Aldi.

(c) Loaves and Fishes are now working along with the Food Bank.

(d) Demand for Energy Vouchers is growing.

(e) People with pre-payment meters can qualify for three £48 grants per year from the Fuel Bank Foundation.

(f) It was asked if the Evangelical Church could accept cash as well as food donations. While it can, it is easier for them to accept food donations. This can be done on Thursdays at lunch time at the Church. 

10. Strathaven CARS.

(a) Although the Project has ended, meetings still take place in the Strathaven Hotel.

(b) Work on the Barbers Shop has been completed and work is ongoing at The Weavers.

(c) A Heritage Photography Project at Strathaven Academy will go ahead in 2023. 

11. Kype Muir Community Fund.

(a) A lengthy account of Connect2Renewables funding dispersal was given at the Kype Muir Meeting. Some disquiet was raised regarding the funding handout. Entrants to Colleges and Universities and Modern Apprenticeships can be given up to £500 each.

(b) The Kype Muir Extension will end December/January.

(c) Training to be given on SLC Grant Vision with a view to coming together with the REF.

(d) The CC had £128,008 and has funded groups continually, leaving £20,301.91 in the Fund. The CC has spent more than any other CC in the area. (

e) The Kype Muir Meeting on the 9th January, 2023 will discuss funding arrangements after three and a half years of the Fund.

(f) M. McDonald to forward a copy of the full cash account awarded to CC Members. 

(g) CC Members to E-Mail either M. McDonald or A. McMann with ideas for a fairer distribution of Funding. 

12. CC Micro Grants.

(a) There have been no new Applications since the October CC meeting but there are three Applications pending.

(b) There is still £2,980 remaining in the Fund.

(c) During the past month three further Micro Grants have been signed off:- 2021/22 – 009 Strathaven Miniature Railway (£300). 2021/22 – 003 Strathaven Round 50 (£500). 2021/22 – 012 Avondale Community Playgroup (£400).

(d) All projects prior over six months old have recently been contacted to request the follow up paperwork.

(e) The full Report was circulated to CC Members prior to the meeting. 

13. Secretary’s Report. Nothing to report not covered on the Agenda. 

14. Treasurer’s Report.

(a) Since the last CC meeting a payment from the Town Centre Fund of £1,500 to Creative Strathaven has been refunded by SLC.

(b) Payment of £33.20 for the Remembrance Day Wreath made to Colin Dempster.

(c) There is still £466 in the General Grant Fund for the current year. Ideas are required for any appropriate purchases which may be required.

(d) The only activity with the COVID Fund in the last month has been the purchase of Aldi Vouchers for distribution by the Food Bank (£500). There is still £5,340.61 remaining uncommitted in the Fund.

(e) The full Report was circulated to CC Members prior to the meeting. 

15. Reports from CC Members.

(a) The fly-tipping reported at the October meeting has not been removed. (G. McAllan).

(b) Investment in East Kilbride was discussed at the Cycling Partnership but no mention of investment in Strathaven. (G. McAllan).

(c) The Inaugural Strathaven John Hastie Museum Trust Exhibition is now open. It is open Thursday – Saturday from 10.00am to 4.00pm and Sunday from 1.30pm – 4.30pm until 18th December. (G. McAllan).

(d) Reindeer Day will take place on Sunday 11th December. (L. Hoggan).

(e) The Festival Committee has been collecting recently. Who are they collecting for and who runs it? (M. Arnot). An attempt to be made to ascertain this information.

(f) The Chairperson asked if the Town Group had been disbanded and, if so, could the setting up of a Town Forum, run by the CC, be considered. 

16. Reports from SLC Councillors. Councillor S. Kerr.

(a) She was unable to attend a briefing on GP Practices but she has a copy of the Slide Presentation which she can send to CC Members.

(b) The Road Safety Forum is carrying out a Road Assessment in South Lanarkshire using criteria for the setting up of 20mph speed limits. The Assessment to finish in Spring 2023. Councillor Kerr to send information to L. Hoggan. 

17. AOCB. Discussion on a new Cemetery for Strathaven to be held over until the January CC meeting. 

18. Date of Next Meeting. Tuesday 31st January, 2023 at 7.00pm in the Avondale Wing.

Members of the Public are most welcome to all our Meetings. All correspondence to:- strathavencommcouncil@gmail.com 

STRATHAVEN AND GLASSFORD COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, January 31^st 2023 at 7pm Avondale Community Wing, Strathaven

A G E N D A

1. Sederunt
2. Apologies
3. Minutes of Previous Meeting
4. Police Report
5. Community Action Plan Review
   1. CCTV Update
6. Standing Items
   1. Clydesdale Tourism Group Update
   1. Strathaven Castle Update
   1. Transport Sub-Group
   1. Strathaven Post Office
7. Planning Applications
8. Funding opportunities
9. Working together for Avondale Update and future plans
10. Strathaven CARS
11. Kype Muir Community Fund
12. Community Council Micro Grants
13. Secretary’s Report
14. Treasurers Report
15. Reports from CC Members
16. Reports from SLC Councillors
17. A.O.C.B
18. Date of next meeting: Tuesday February 28th 2023 at 7pm in Avondale Community Wing

Members of the Public are most welcome to all our Meetings

All correspondence to strathavencommcouncil@gmail.com

A Community Council as constituted under Section 52 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (As amended)

The Post Office has started a consultation process on plans to move from its current full post office service in the town centre on Green Street to a local post office service at an out of town location at the Gulf Petrol Station on Hamilton Road.

The map below is from the Post Office’s own consultation document and shows that the new location is a minimum 13 minute walk from the existing location and over half a mile away from the town centre. It is not on a direct public transport route and is in the middle of a residential area.

We feel this is detrimental to the service provided to both individuals and businesses as well as families, and will be particularly inaccessible to the elderly and those with mobility issues. The post office will be accessed through a busy petrol station forecourt and the location can only result in an increase in both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, impacting on local residents and potentially resulting in traffic queues on Hamilton Road. It could also cause increased on-road parking due to the lack of parking spaces in the petrol station and the need to use cars to get to the proposed location. Local businesses using the post office for banking in the absence of other options in the town centre will need to drive to Hamilton Road to access services, increasing traffic volumes yet again.

We urge as many people as possible to complete the consultation document to show the strength of feeling in Strathaven about this planned move and reduction in services. (See letter below).

To complete the consultation go to https://www.postofficeviews.co.uk/national-consultation-team/strathaven-ml10-6lt-163832/consultation/intro/

The deadline for submitting a response is December 13th 2022.

October 25th 2022 at 7pm

Avondale Community Wing

1. Sederunt
2. Apologies
3. Minutes of Previous Meeting
4. Police Report
5. Community Action Plan Review
   1. CCTV Update
6. Standing Items
   1. Clydesdale Tourism Group Update
   1. Strathaven Castle Update
   1. Transport Sub-Group
   1. Rotary Installation in Allison Green
7. Planning Applications
8. Working together for Avondale Update and future plans
9. Strathaven CARS
10. Kype Muir Community Fund
11. Community Council Micro Grants
12. Secretary’s Report
13. Treasurers Report
14. Reports from CC Members
15. Reports from SLC Councillors
16. A.O.C.B
17. Date of next meeting: Tuesday November 29th 2022 at 7pm in Avondale Community Wing

Members of the Public are most welcome to all our Meetings

All correspondence to strathavencommcouncil@gmail.com

A Community Council as constituted under Section 52 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (As amended