Held 17th February 2011 at 7pm
the West Lothian Civic Centre,
Howden Road South, Livingston
Present: Chairman: John Richardson, Vice Chair: Jim Wilkie, Secretary:Tommy Davidson,
Mr Robin Lever & Mr Derek Moore, Mr Alex Heggie, Mrs Anne Walsh, Mr Douglas McInnes,
Mrs Margaret Brown
Guests speakers:- Ms Kirstaine McDowall, Mr Colin Innes representing EFR(Sustainable Energy Project). And Mr Paul Streaker Manager WLC (Criminal Justice Team).
Apologies submitted: Armadale CC, Blackburn CC, Mr Ronnie Mcleod (Bathgate CC), Mr J Clarkson (Stonneyburn CC).
Welcome: Chairman John Richardson welcomed all CC’s to the meeting and noted that any declarations of interest could be declared at any point during in the meeting.
The Chairman welcomed the guest speakers and intimated that we may have a member of Lothian & Borders Police attending our meeting moving forward. Also Jim Gallacher of Business Gateway may attend future meetings.
Minutes of the previous General Meeting :- Proposed by; Robin Lever and Seconded by; Jim Wilkie
Amendment to previous AGM minutes: Mr R Lever noted – Dechmont as his CC, typing error, should have read Dedridge CC.
Treasurer Report: Current Bank balance = £3,170.76
Members discussed possible options of better bank product/service. Mr Moore Treasurer explained he had looked into all options and that our current bank was the best option.
It was proposed and seconded by Mr J Wilkie and Mr T Davidson that we do not bring copies of the treasurer’s report for each CC. Currently the treasurer brings a copy and the balance is recorded in the minutes. A breakdown of income and expenditure is to be made available at each meeting for transparency & for all to view if required. The only meeting where everyone attending will receive Treasurers Report copy would be at the AGM, to discuss WLACC bank balance etc.
Correspondence:
General Business:
Guest: Mr Colin Innes (Solicitor acting on behalf of EFR) gave overview of the proposed Fauch Hill (Wind Farm) Sustainable Energy Ltd Development Project and discussed the following points in a question and answer session.
He also supplied the following information to members present.
Guest: Ms Kirstanne McDowall (from the EFR Consultants) explained the company’s proposed future contact with the West Lothian Community:-
Questions asked:
Answer = Unsure at this stage however he will ask, but he did clarify that an electrical sub station was within ½ mile of the proposed site boundary.
Answer = Yes, we plan to keep the community informed at all stages of the project development, through the Forum and also the all local press
Comment made by Mr C Innes; – As this was a large scale/strategic project costing approximately £100 million, and was anticipated to have a 25 yr plan. At the end of the projects period, EFR would have to reinstate the development back to it’s original condition. If further development were to take place on the same land, EFR would then have to go through a full consultation process again.
Further questions asked:
Answer = Though the site could accommodate 43 Turbines, the proposal is for
33 Turbines to be installed, ensuring the natural landscape is respected.
Answer = This would be approved and discussed as part of the development process.
5. Mr Lever asked question about – loads – access roads from A70 and after 25 years do you remove everything and re-store back to as it was previous?
Answer = Mr Innes explained that this must all be considered and approved prior to the commencement of the development, it’s usual that the Mast’s are removed and the base stays. The life expectancy is 25 years, offshore technologies are expensive, On shore are less expensive.
6. Mr Davidson asked if WLACC as well as all other CC’s impacted could be part of the on-going process. Ms K McDowall agreed this was the intention of EFR Scotland Ltd.
The Chair thanked the EFR representatives for providing an excellent and informative presentation and wished them all the best with their project, and requested that the association be kept fully informed of the next steps as part of the on-going consultation and thanked the EFR representatives for providing an excellent and informative presentation and wished them all the best with their project.
Guest: Mr Paul Streaker West Lothian Criminal Justice Social Work Services
Paul explained that his departments were currently consulting with West Lothian’s Communities to understand what suggestions / improvements could be made, Paul was asked if Facebook was being used to gather feedback, social network sites are becoming very popular, ideas may come from it.
Questions from Community Councils:
Points made by Newton CC representatives – relating to the New Forth Road Bridge Crossing – Just to share example from Transport Scotland and the newly planned Forth Road Bridge.
Newton CC feedback – What communities want to know is:
Any Other Competent Business:
Visit to Community Council’s - Chair & Vice Chair intends to arrange visits all CC’s where possible and give an overview / presentation of WLACC and it’s Web site facility. No objections were raised to this suggestion, and the Vice Chair agreed to write and arrange appointments. Newton CC agreed 19th April and welcomed Chair & Vice Chair to attend their meeting.
Dedridge CC also hopes to invite Chair & Vice Chair to meeting on 30th March.
Broxburn CC – Chair hopes to meet Tom Roy before our next meeting to discuss disabled parking issues in Broxburn.
Winter Maintenance – Communication sent via email awaiting responses from CC’s
Addiewell CC’s representative Mrs Anne Walsh – Mentioned that a local Pharmacy bid was rejected recently. Chair offered support and will bring up at next WLCPP board meeting, and will also take note to see if it is raised at the next PPF HC & CHCP Board meetings which he attends. WLACC to be kept informed of any progress.
Chairman then thanked everyone for their attendance, support & feedback.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 2110hrs.
Agenda TBC –
Date of the Next meeting: confirmed as 21st April 2011
Tommy Davidson
WLACC Secretary
email:tommydavidson@hotmail.co.uk