PRESENT: Fred Treadgold(Chairman), Meg Robertson(Treasurer), Doug Piggott, Susan Robertson, John Glenday, Angus McNicol,(Cawdor Estate), Victor Laidlaw, Inspector Bushell,  Councillor Roddy Balfour,Douglas Fraser, Ian Bain, Bryce Stewart, Christine Fraser, Joan Ford, Colin Forsyth, Steven Webster, Rupert Furze, Chloe Furze, Hugh Robertson

 APOLOGIES:  Fiona Lewthwaite, Lynne Larby

The chairman welcomed everyone especially Councillor Balfour and Inspector Bushell and opened the meeting.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

MATTERS ARISING
The stone dykes
Angus McNicol has contacted the roads department and a plan is being formalised to remove the dykes that are in a poor condition. Victor Laidlaw, Cawdor Estates stated that consent from the Roads Dept was required to remove the dykes. He suggested that the Chairman contact The Church of Scotland regarding their dyke.
Car Parking
This is to be reviewed
Village Speed Limit
The Chairman had contacted Mr I Wallace regarding the 40mph proposed speed limit. The response was that we were very lucky to get 40mph as the statutory guidelines for this limit were not met. Unless the CC withdrew their objection to the 40mph limit, there would be a delay and this would affect the new school opening. He was informed that “traffic lights have a calming effect.”  On this advice from the roads department the CC withdrew their objection for a 40mph speed limit.  Doug Fraser commented on the 30mph limit between Broadley Garden Centre and Nairn. Councillor Balfour and Inspector Bushell both spoke of the intricate regulations governing speed limits and that the Broadley stretch of road meets the requirement for 30mph in terms of the number of houses alongside. Insp. Bushell said speed limits are to be reviewed and C. Balfour agreed to take the matter up.
Fountain
Victor Laidlaw reported that the cost of refurbishment and provision of displays would be £14900.00 plus vat and professional fees. He said the Planners would like to see the whole area developed including the Rifle Range. He intimated that the Planning Office in Inverness may take a different view. He is to keep us informed.
Piperhill proposed sites
Angus McNicol, Cawdor Estates asked if the grass had not in fact been cut as it had been instructed. The Chairman said it had not been done.
Bowling Club
The Chairman announced that the CC had made a donation of £300 to the club to benefit junior members.
Lampposts
The Chairman stated that we were still waiting for these to be maintained and in one case to have a first coat of paint. They were last painted 10 years ago. C Balfour agreed to see that this work was carried out. He said the money for it could come from the Discretionary Budget.

A96 Corridor
C Balfour said this will be a “very interesting year.” He said there was a need for Council to go back and consult on this matter. A lot depends on the upgrading of the A96. He will keep us informed.

Raitloan Planning Application
The Chairman informed the meeting that the CC had written to the Planners voicing the concerns/objections raised at the last meeting.

CC Meetings
The Chairman said the members had discussed the possibility of holding more regular meetings but had decided to leave it at 4 per year meantime. If important matters cropped up between meetings then extra meetings would be arranged.

Other Matters

Inspector Bushell introduced himself as the new Area Inspector. He stated that the police operated an “Open door” policy and encouraged people to take advantage. While he did not consider that Cawdor had many policing issues, nowhere is exempt. There are three main areas of emphasis for his Force:
1 Youth Disorder (which also encompassed Operation Magma)
2 Road Traffic Matters
3 Drugs 
The Chairman thanked the Inspector for taking the time to attend the meeting.

Councillor  Balfour addressed the meeting as one of the new councillors representing the area as a result of boundary changes. He promised to give as much time as we need to CC matters. He said that Councillor Glynis Sinclair will also be available to attend to local matters. He foresaw few changes as a result of the boundary change. Services will still be provided from Nairn.
Part of the CC area is still served by Nairn Councillors.

AOCB
Meg Robertson asked about the repairs to the footbridge at Bridge House which had been proposed some time ago. Angus McNicol said it was owned by the Castle and he understood the Chairman was arranging the necessary repairs following consultation with The Dowager Lady Cawdor. The Chairman said he pointed out the poor condition this part of the bridge was in and received agreement from Cawdor Estates that they would split the cost of repair with the Dowager.  As the Chairman had contacted Carl Andrassy Joiners to carry out the repairs he would pass all information onto Cawdor Castles administrator, David Broadbent.

Members of the community had been enquiring what plans Cawdor Estates had for the soon to be redundant Village hall and School.  Angus McNicol stated that they were reviewing options for the longer term and that in the short term there may be insurance implications for the use of the hall once the Hall Committee cease to hold the lease.

The Chairman gave a vote of thanks to CC member Ted D’Arcy who had resigned following his move from the area.

Angus McNicol voiced concern about the new lampposts on Bog Road. He said it was regrettable that they were of modern appearance. He asked C Balfour to pursue the matter.

The Chairman stated that some of the C Councillors are soon to stand down. He asked that people consider standing.
He then thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting.
The date of the next meeting will be Wed 5th Sept at 7.30 p.m.