Stonehaven and District Community Council (SDCC) held their AGM, followed by their regular business meeting, on Tuesday 13 May.
After the usual AGM formalities the chair, David Lawman, gave the annual report, highlighting what had been achieved over the past year. The past year’s accounts and planned budget will be presented at the June meeting. Councillor Dawn Black then presided over the election and reelection of office bearers, which resulted in David Lawman being re-elected as chair, Audrey Malcolm elected as secretary, Alistair Lawrie elected as vice chair and Norman Mackay re-elected as treasurer. There was no change to the constitution or format of the meetings.
Following the AGM the monthly business meeting was held. In matters arising from previous minutes it was noted that the event held to present the Hannah Dyson and Community Awards was very successful, and SDCC would like to thank everyone involved, with special thanks to No 44 for their hospitality and sponsorship of the event.
Coach Parking
The discussion then moved on to coach parking within Stonehaven. Members expressed serious concern about the plan for coach parking on Ann St, in front of the community centre, particularly relating to full size coaches being unable to turn or manoeuvre around junctions. Other options mentioned include Forest Drive or the Mill Lade. There was frustration expressed about Stonehaven being promoted as a tourist hub, while lacking the necessary infrastructure required. The discussion broadened to include signs prevent coaches accessing the harbour area, facilities for coach drivers, increasing visitor numbers, and concerns that, without the infrastructure, visitors will bypass the town, and business will be lost. After much debate a sub group was formed to investigate the issue further.
Farrochie Park proposed improvements
Members were shown a variety of photos of the park as it stands, and Audrey Malcolm suggested some amendments to the proposed plans, based on her local knowledge of the area, and the flooding which occurs there. Two SDCC members agreed to meet a representative from landscape services to discuss further. Audrey also encouraged everyone to complete this survey about the plans.
Police report
Very little of significance to report, but it was mentioned that slow action by police can be frustrating.
Reports from sub groups and outside bodies
The Community Resilience Group reported that two connectors for generators have been installed, and the group are currently waiting for final quotes. It was agreed that if the quotes are within the agreed budget the group finalise the purchase. There were no further updates from other groups.
AOCB – Public Toilets
Following the last Stonehaven Town Partnership meeting a subgroup met to investigate options for reopening the beach toilets. There was a strong feeling that since the decision taken to close the beach toilets in 2016, the number of visitors to Stonehaven has increased significantly, particularly since the opening of the AWPR in 2019.
The subsequent discussion was wide ranging with some of the main points and questions being
· Other available facilities – town hall, leisure centre, library, coop.
· Improved signage at beach toilets to nearest alternative – now done.
· No comfort partnership scheme participants in Stonehaven
· Uncertainty around the current running costs of each public toilet in the town
· Is reopening the beach toilets and closing the Margaret Street facility an option?
· Would that impact events held in the square, and if they were closed for the season would they ever reopen?
· Vandalism concerns
· Contactless charging, sustainability, use of Common Good Fund.
It was eventually agreed that the subgroup established earlier in the evening would initially focus on public toilet options, looking at both short and longer term solutions.
Next meeting Tuesday 10th June.