Armadale Community Council Meeting on 14^th October 2010

Present: A Smart (Vice Chair), Ms E Hands (Chair), Scott Mackay (Secretary), D Johnstone, Mrs Ross, D Wilson, J Mckee (Planning Secretary), D Duncan, Councillors Dixon and Borrowman. Mr W Drummond.

 

Agenda

1. Apologies:   Ms Brown, Mr Watson, D Dowds, Police

2. Minutes of last Meeting: Proposed – Mr McKee, Seconded Mr Wilson

3. Matters Arising – Jean Mackenzie confirmed as treasurer.

4. Police Report: Police sent their apologies. Numbers handed in as written report. On these Jean Mackenzie commented that things seemed to be much quieter on the main street now the Youth Space has opened. Cllr Borrowman added to this stating that the police are unofficially reporting that there has been a reduction of 40% in youth calls. At least some of this reduction would seem to be due to the opening of the youth space. Discussion followed on the possibility of other projects and involvement of the community council in same.

5. Armadale Station Development – Sandra Carter and her colleagues reported on the development at Armadale Station. The planning permission issue having been settled to a great extent following five months of legal work.  The first breaking of grounds should take place in Jan/Feb 2011 although the work would take many months to complete.

The supermarket would be the first stage of the development and the announcement as to who the operator will be must wait for an official announcement which would take place in two weeks. Cycle track will be redirected but would be part of first phase works.

Main discussions were on what contributions the first house building would attract and Ms Carter and her colleagues gave a figure of approx. £2 million for the first 180 houses. The building of school capacity was also an issue and it was reported that the only way forward at this time would be to extend Armadale Primary.

Mr W Drummond stated that this was unfortunate and a new school would give everyone a lift. Following further discussion it was agreed that the Chair would write to Gordon Ford intimating that a modular build of a new school would be preferable. Also Cllr Borrowman to raise same subject with Mr Ford at their next meeting.

Chair thanked Sandra Carter and her colleagues for their attendance.

6. Correspondence: Whilst much of the correspondence was out of date there were two pieces requiring action. The first was a questionnaire regarding sports pitches at St Anthony’s and at Watson Park. John McKee and Andrew Smart to look at this and respond if required. The second was a proposal that all disabled parking bays in Armadale (A list of locations was provided) be changed from ‘Advisory’ to ‘Actionable’. Chair to respond via letter indicating Community Council agreement with the proposal.

7. Reports:

Health:  Mr Smart reported that plans to turn Bangour Village into an Islamic University had been shelved. He also attended a Lothian Health Board meeting but felt that little progress was being made. Community Centre: Scott reported that he had heard only a little from the Community Centre as he was no longer chair but intended to go to the next meeting of their management committee.

Planning: Mr Mckee reported on various issues. An application has been submitted for two houses just off South Street. He also attended a meeting with Tony Irving regarding Doonin and was told that John Kelly is now dealing with the issues there.

Volunteer Park – Objections and appeals have been raised regarding the refusal of planning. Scotmid are now looking for an inquiry and West Lothian Council have forwarded all materials to the Scottish Office.

Application for a shop on the site of Armadale Motor Company is likely to be refused.

Almond Housing Association now involved in possible future development at Bathville Cross.

Flats at Armadale Primary – Market not yet conducive to building.

Supermarket at Watson Park – Junior Football Park now given permission in principle.

Old toilets on South Street to go up for sale.

New Speedway track – no movement on this issue.

Elizabeth Hands reported on her PDSP meetings which, in her opinion, achieve very little.

8. A.O.C.B.

A)        The new railway station will have its official opening on the 10^th December and network rail have approached the Community Council regarding the organization of a celebration at a hall in the town. It was felt that the hall would best be the community centre. The event must take place on that day and should be timed to coincide with the arrival of the first train which is scheduled for 11.41am.

Scott to get a list of groups in the town from Anne Coia.

B)        Jean Mackenzie raised the issue that the monument at the cross was in poor shape. The lettering was indistinct and the lamp was never lit.

C)        Discussion held on the bus services in the town. Commercial factors impact the service and the fact that the Whitburn road has been intermittently shut for many months was of no help.

D)        Cllr Borrowman indicated that Heatherfield Nursing Home had received a negative grading but that improvements had been made. Further points raised by the Councillor were

i)          Mayfield Early Years centre had been suffering building problems

ii)         9 High Academy Street was now habitable.

iii)        Community Councils will now get some input as to what offenders do in the community as part of community service.

iv)        Almond Housing – This is not imminent.

 

9. Date of Next Meeting:11^th November