Present:
Les Downes (Chair), Sylvia Porter (Acting Secretary), Norma Young, Sheena MacLeod, Isobel MacDonald, Janet Lamont
Apologies:
Angus MacLeod
Janet, seconded by Les, approved the previous minutes
Matters Arising:
1. Fire brigade: Nothing heard this month, and no update. The matter is to be kept pending
2. A855: A number of concerns regarding the number of potholes that have appeared over the winter as a result of the weather and gritting, especially Clachan towards the campsite. Also the lack of gritters on the road to the campsite. Les to inform Harold Yates
3. Village Officer: Further discussion regarding the type of work that can be done. To be discussed further if funding is available this year.
4. Bins at Slip: The amount of rubbish at the slip area is disgusting and a health hazard. This is not helped by the fact that the bins have blown away. They need to be secured properly and be weather proof. John MacDonald (H/C) to be informed.
5. No Camping signs at Beach: No sign of them yet. Les going to chase up with Harold Yates, as they need to be in place prior to the tourist season starting.
Treasurers Report:
Jane Ross is auditing the accounts at the moment. The current balance stands at £638-45. A donation cheque has still to be cleared.
Planning:
Staffin House extension to house. No objections
Leaflet outlining the proposals for housing transfers
Action against Climate Change Conference at Strontian 6th May
Waste Management: Poster making residents aware of the new recycle bins at C1400.
Draft Copy of guidelines for new Skateboard Parks
Derelict Land Survey: Staffin has 3 areas which have been highlighted. Lealt Quarry, Land opposite Old Mission House Culnacnoc, ex croft Ellishadder Junction. Norma has taken the survey as there are queries regarding the criteria.
1. Scottish Exec: Consultation for the strategy for a Scotland with and ageing population
Consultation questionnaire for age and experience completed
2. Forestry Commission: Review of the Scottish Forestry strategy now available on the forestry commission web site
3. Tote Forest: Ian Thomas the consultant for the owner of Tote Forest is drawing up a plan for an amenity forest, which will include walking and mountain bike tracks, and a link to the Storr. An extraction licence will be required for the removal of timber. As a community council we have raised an objection regarding timber lorries coming through Staffin to Uig, or down the single-track road to Portree for shipment, as approximately 20% of the forest will have to be removed. It has been suggested that timber should be shipped from nearer to forest, possibly the natural harbour at Rigg. The whole project is dependent on funding and licences. It is a long-term project and could take 10 to 15 years. As there is a local election in2007 local policies could change. A suggestion was made that some of the timber could be used locally and used to build shelters throughout the trails
4. Northern Constabulary: Inspector Andy Brown has now moved on and a new inspector is on Skye
5. Community Safety Officer: Jim Heddle is holding a seminar on 2nd May at Inverness Caledonian Thistle Ground
6. Gesto Hospital: Gesto Hospital is under threat of closure. It would appear that the land and buildings were a donation to the community. A letter of support to be sent to the community council.
7. Local Channel: They are offering free web sites. Angus MacLeod is setting one up for Staffin so we have no need for another.
8. NHS 24: Various newsletters
9. Crown Estate: newsletter
AOCB:
1. Mess on the Grealin Road Complaints have been received from holiday homes in the area, deliverymen and motorcycles regarding the mess and amount of mud on the road. Harold Yates to be informed
2. Static Caravan at Ellishadder a large static caravan has arrived on the croft at Ellishadder and would appear to be used as accommodation. The planning office has been informed and looking into the matter.
3. Rapsons Bus Timetable: The new bus timetable has been issued. It appears that the 8am bus on a Saturday morning to Portree no longer comes through Staffin. This makes it impossible to get to Portree, by bus, in time for the Inverness bus.
4. Sign to Staffin Slip: Foreign tourists dont recognise the word slip when looking for the beach. Could we change the sign to Staffin Beach. This has been raised previously and Highland Council unable to change the sign
5. Local Planning: At the public meeting last year regarding the changes to the local plan, we were told we were going to get an update in the New Year; as yet we have had no feedback
6. Request for Skip: Margaret MacPherson at Flodigarry has requested a community Skip
7. Broadband: Some people who have gone onto broadband are complaining regarding the connection speed. Sylvia and Nick Wakeham are in serious discussions with BT trying to solve the problems. BT are asking if you are on broadband, even if you think you have a good connection, can you check your connection speed on WWW.ADSLGUIDE.ORG.UK. If you are at less than 400KBPS ring Sylvia
The next meeting is 6th June 2006 at 7-30pm at Staffin School.
The meeting closed at 8-45pm
Les Downes (Chair) Sylvia Porter