Minutes of General Meeting on 19th May 2011
at 7pm in the West Lothian Civic Centre,
Howden Road South, Livingston
Present: Vice Chair Jim Wilkie, Tommy Davidson, Robin Lever & D Moore, Alex Heggie, Anne Walsh, E.Woollen, Bill Haggarty, John Clarkson, Peter Coles, Nancy Mcintosh, Nick Killane, Alison Kerr, Stephen Elliot (LBP)
Guests speakers:-
Stephen Elliot from Lothian & Borders Police
Apologies: Ronnie Mcleod, Chairman John Richardson,
Welcome: Vice Chair J. Wilkie 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 Vice Chair also welcomed the guest speaker Stephen Elliot
Minutes of the previous General Meeting :- approved by R Lever and seconded by J Moore
New Sponsor on website update, concerns raised as to who Mech-A-Tech were and if WLACC had received a donation of £1,000 -
After discussion it was proposed by John Clarkson & T Davidson that WLACC make contact and ask if owner of Mech-A-Tech meets us prior to advert being put onto website. Delta design added advert without permission from WLACC, T Davidson informed WLACC that he had noticed this and contacted Delta Design to have this removed until advised by WLACC.
E Wollen suggested a standard / process to be put in place for any future sponsors thus protecting WLACC’s reputation.
Treasurer Report:
Current balance = £3,170.76
Treasurer required ink for computer
Secretary stated that going forward he would ask WLACC for stationary costs, also stated that a computer was required as his own was now broken. WLACC not paying for secretary this year has saved WLACC money, however training costs and possible website handbook was still being discussed.
Delta design were looking to charge £597 to support training for all CC’s. T Davidson updated WLACC of training session he attended and suggested we only pay after a full report/feedback on what we are paying for is agreed by WLACC members.
E. Woollen had concerns and suggested we ask for unlimted copies of the handbook, software copies and ensure the website is safe for future years. E. Woollen suggested we practice on members with support of T Davidson to ensure “user” guide is to WLACC satisfaction.
It was suggested that letters and correspondence be uploaded to website, T Davidson stated managing this would prove difficult and time consuming, the website was now looking better with the updated monthly agenda/minutes/AGM and future dates.
Correspondence:
- Acknowledgment letter from West Lothian Council Graham Hope relating to our concerns over the future of WLACC funding, WLACC awaiting full reply as to reasons “why” this was requested.
- Newsletter for Dedridge Envionment Ecology Project Sat 21st May
- Letters from Land Securities – in reply to WLACC concerns over parking charges charges, also letter from WLC Provost Tom Kerr and MP Graeme Morrice.
- Newsletter from Livingston Art Association 14th May – 12th June 2011, Howden Park Centre 9am till 9pm Mon-Sat, free admission.
- Letter from West Lothian Community Health & Care Partnership, meeting held 12th April Broxburn Partnership, serious concerns raised over reduced parking, with no consultation.
- Email from Dave Scott – update on Bathgate to Beecraigs Path project
- Community Action – Blackburn News “spring edition” (8 page newsletter) Blackburn had received £2,000 for project funding to create a newsletter and it was successful. T Davidson complimented A. Kerr in her community work, the newsletter shared info: Local Poilce names and contact details, Blackburn Football Club, Gala Day update, Local children schools, nursery and St Kents success.
General Business:
Stephen Elliot from Lothian & Borders Police shared with us his role and responsibilities. (WLACC hopes to upload his presentation to website a.s.a.p)
Hate Crime
Community Planning
Community Health & Care
Community Safety
Community Partnership
Strategic Analysis –
Engagement model
Violence
Public detection
Vulnerable Groups
Alchohol
Structure –
Operational service
Criminal Justice
Voluntary Organisation
Fire & Safety
Police Officers are experts at Crime Prevention & Road Safety
Police need feedback to deal with crime
Engagement model – Police ask communities what their priorities are, preventing crime, supporting victims, intervene and support young people.
Focus on drug related crime, alcohol crime
Working in partnership with communities
Single outcome agreement
Reduce vandalism
Street violence has been reduced
Hate crime has reduced by 26%
Stephen hope to be back in 2 months to tell us more about “hate” crime
Q & A
E. Woollen asked for Stephens views on Single National Force
S Elliot commented that a review paper was handed in to the new incoming Scottish Government. West Lothian is leading the way in Policing, rest of Scotland has been recommended to adopt the West Lothian model.
A.Walsh – Road Safety, what’s being done about speeding?
S.Elliot – there is a group who review priorities ie:
- Young drivers
- Speeders
Contact your local Community Officers if you have any problems, police need to know before they can act. You can also try “fixmystreet.com”
A Heggie said he used this “fixmystreet.com” and it didn’t work.
J Clarkson raised points of groups being shunted across into Stoneyburn/Bents, this was concerning.
N. Killane asked what is classed as “hate crime”?
S Elliot stated: Racial, Beliefs, Sexuality, Colour, Sex
Acting Chair J Wilkie thanked S Elliot and hopes he comes back to future meetings.
A. Kerr stated that Partnerships were the way forward for all communities; community partnership was working well in Blackburn.
Stephen stated he is now the point of contact for WLACC.
AOB:
J Moore gave update word for word of Councils action in relation to funding being reviewed for all CC’s & WLACC.
WLC has a follow up meeting planned, WLACC had sent a letter asking why?
N Killane asked about the Mech-A-Tech sponsorship and the £1,000. T Davidson suggested we ask Chairman to explain at next meeting and not to discuss in his absence.
J Moore stated that the treasurer has no record of the £1,000, this was an agreement between Delta and Mech-A-Tech.
A. Kerr commented on T Davidson’s swift actions to remove the sponsor until WLACC agree sponsor.
J Wilkie gave update on on-going visits to all CC’s, both J Richardson and J Wilkie were working very hard to attract members to WLACC. All CC’s have been lettered.
Addiewell Community Council were given the impression that a retrospective planning application, to build an earth mound and put cars on top of it, was going to be rubber stamped despite the possibility of a number of objections – one of them being that the land was likely to sink.
Acting Chairman then thanked everyone for their attendance, support & feedback.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 2100hrs.
Next meeting: confirmed as Thursday 16th June 2011
Tommy Davidson
WLACC Secretary