TURRIFF& DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Incorporating Turriff Town Pride Group

Minute of meeting of the Turriff District Community Council held on Monday

7th December, 2015 in Turriff Town House, Municipal Building, High Street,
Turriff at 7pm.
Present: Rose Logan (Chair) (RL); Mike Rawlins (Vice Chair) (MR); David Salmon
(Secretary) (DS); John Smith (Treasurer) (JS); Sandra Gray (SG); Ian Garden (IG)
and Annette Stephen (AS).
In attendance: K Wylie (Press); Cllr A Norrie; Cllr A Duncan; PC J Riddell and PC Maritary and
Angela Mackay, Minute Secretary (AM).
Visitors: Mr F Watson (Resident)
DRAFT Minutes
1. Welcome
The Chair welcomed all to the meeting.
b) Apologies
Apologies had been received from Cllr Robertson, D Capel and D Park.
2. Police Report
The Police report covered period 1st November until 7th December, 2015. Within this period
Turriff and District had 23 reported crimes detected crimes consisted of 2 speeding and 2
drink driving offences; 3 anti-social driving warnings (Section 126) and 1 licensing offence
(refusing to leave). In addition there was 2 theft by shop lifting(same accused) and 2
assaults.
Undetected crimes recorded include 2 thefts, 1 petty assault and 2 unrelated crimes which
are to be detected shortly. Because of proactive policing and detecting crime these figures
appear higher than the last two months.
It was reported that Police had joined the Licensing Standard Office in carrying out license
checks in all Turriff pubs. This was a success and allowed the Police to speak with new and
existing pub owners/managers and promote pub watch initiative.
The Police advised all of the community to be vigilant in what they place onto social media,
especially if they promote that their house and valuables are unattended.
Cllr Norrie advised that there has been several reports of anti-social parking around the
sports centre, residential area near the caravan park and the surrounding businesses. Now
that there is no longer a tax disc displayed on motor vehicles Cllr Norrie enquired if the Police
can check vehicles whilst on patrol for valid paperwork. It was confirmed that the validity of a
vehicles paperwork can be checked by providing registration plate and the Police can check
the VRM documentation is in place.

Action Points

Following the closure of the Four Seasons Care Home AS advised this appears to be new
congregational area for anti-social behaviour. AS advised that this area is not Council
property and as it is not yet boarded up enquired if the Police were aware of any issues. PC
Riddell confirmed that they are aware of this area and patrols have been carried out
regularly.
In addition to the above, PC Riddell confirmed that patrols are regularly carried out at the
carpark opposite Markethill Academy, the Industrial Estate and a regular loop is carried out
to the target areas.
PC Riddell confirmed that in the run up to the festive celebrations, provisions have been
made to ensure that Turriff is suitably manned, especially on black eye Friday where
support from Ellon Police has been confirmed.
Police Scotland continue to encourage householders to secure their property, outbuildings
vehicles and property of value at all times to prevent opportunist thefts. Ensuring unattended
vehicles do not have Christmas present on open display will prevent opportunist thefts.
3. Visitors Mr Watson (Resident)
Mr Watson was welcomed to the meeting. As a local resident he enquired about the works
being carried out to the carpark at the Haughs. He questioned why the carpark works were
being out when the skate park has not had attention since it was closed. In addition
questioning the astro turf condition and that at present these two facilities, primarily used by
the children of Turriff, are in disrepair.
RL was happy to answer the points raised:The residents of Turriff requested that the carpark at the Haugh was reviewed especially
to accommodate May Day parking. This request was made over 2 years ago to the
Council through the Community Council.
A steering group was recently formed for the skatepark. This group was formed with a
view of overseeing the reopening of the skatepark following repairs and managing same
for the future. .At the last meeting of the steering group on 24th November, 2015
Aberdeenshire Council notified that work would be carried out hopefully before
Christmas.
The Astro Turf had its first treatment carried out over 2 weeks ago, the community council
was informed that there was still 1 further treatment to be done, after this the facility will
be reopened within the next couple of weeks.
Mr Watson advised the community council that a social media petition has been started in
relation to the astro turf. The facility is used all season round from football teams, to youth
clubs and is a vital facility for Turriff children and families.
Mr Watson brought up further matters of concern relating to dog fouling around the Haugh
and posed the question of the dredging of the burn. The burn dredging would permit the
clearance of debris and could assist with the algae problem on the astro turf. He questioned
when this was last done.
Discussions took place in relation to the current state of the cemetery in Turriff. In particular
the state of the headstones after grass cutting. RL made reference to a previous report to the DS/Mr Watson
Community Council from a resident; this matter had been appropriately minuted and reported
to the Council. A formal reply from Aberdeenshire Council had been made stating that this
was a council wide issue and was undergoing a process. RL advised that Brian Shand from
Aberdeenshire Council as attending to this. It was agreed that DS would chase this up to
see if there was any further developments and email Mr Watson appropriately.

4. Approval of Minutes of 5th October 2015

Minutes from the previous meeting had been circulated and amendments noted as follows:
Agenda item 8 second paragraph
The winners of the bauble decoration competition have been selected and all 9 winners
will receive vouchers from Turriff Toy Shop. The overall winner from the 9 schools will turn
on the lights on the night.
Agenda item 11 Corporate Communication
Removal of the word double
Agenda item 12 fifth paragraph
Cllr Duncan advised that at present there didnt appear to be an issue with the hedge.
Raised by JS and seconded by AS subject to above amendments.
5. Matters Arising
9a) Turriff Care Home:
RL advised that a meeting of new steering committee would take place on Thursday 10th
December, 2015 at Towie House, Turriff to discuss Turriff Care Home. Notes attached in
appendix i
9b) Den Development
RL advised that Den development meeting took place on 10th November 2015 at Turriff
Academy with Mark Mitchell. Still awaiting formal Minutes from Mark Mitchell. RL to chase. RL/Mark Mitchell
11) Double Parking at Bowling Green Road this seems to have ceased and no more
complaints received.
12a) Wall- Delgaty Crescent/Lane area concern was raised regarding Delgaty Lane which
runs north/south between Delgaty Crescent and Delgaty Terrace, between houses 9 and 11
Delgaty Terrace.
The barrier erected at the lower end of the further up path had been erected by the Council
to prevent access. The garden wall is in a state of disrepair. The path was never adopted by
Aberdeenshire Council because of this issue and the ownership remains with the original
developer.
Aberdeenshire Council felt that closing the path for safety reasons was the best decision
under the current option.
Explanation- adopted means that the Council takes on the responsibility from a developer. In
a housing scheme the developer builds the roads/pavements etc but before the council takes
responsibility for them they have to be done to the same standard as any council road.
12b) Beaconsfield Lane running to St Ninians Church. There is no access for cards but
this is an extremely well used route/walkway for mums with children and buggies. It is also a
route used by both senior and junior schools. The lane is heavily potholed and would benefit
from some remedial works. Aberdeenshire Council advised that this lane is privately owned
therefore no council maintenance can take place. It was suggested that the footpath on
Hillcrest Road or the adopted lane to the West of the church are good options for the use by
school pupils. RL to attempt to find out who owns this path and notify them of its current RL
state.
12c) Skate Park RL advised that theth steering group was meeting on 24th November, 2015.
There will be an open evening on 19 January, 2016 at Turriff Academy to substantiate the
Office Bearers and formalise the group.
The formal name is Turriff Action Sports
Committee (TASC). RL advised that the group will be utilizing the community council bank
account until they can open their own account after their Constitution is in place. RL advised
that they happy for parents and other youngsters to be more involved and join the steering
group.
12d) Community Council Constitution:- currently under review through Scheme of
Establishments for Community Councils. Further details of this will be issued in March 2016
to all Community Councils and amended Constitutions to be submitted to Aberdeenshire
Council by the end of 2016.

6. Treasurers Report
JS circulated the financial report for this month.
JS advised that there was a donation received from TSB Turriff for the Christmas Lights
which was appreciated. Many thanks to TSB.
JS also circulated year to date accounts from 1st June 2014 to 31st May, 2015 as these had
been independently examined and approved. In addition accounts were circulated from 1st
June 2015 to 5th December, 2015.
JS advised that the Town House was gearing up for a busy period and that a bank account
has now been opened for the Town House, this will be run by the Turriff Town House
Association and not from the Community Council.
7. Correspondence
RL advised that all correspondence has been emailed and covered.
8. Planning & Infrastructure
MR confirmed that no applications have been submitted for this period.
MR advised of an update on a take away application. An inspector is due to visit the
location shortly. The legal team for the application have advised that 25% of liability
expenses will be sought following appeal. Cllr Duncan advised that if the decision was
upheld these costs would be covered by the Council.

9. Local Issues
Christmas Light Committee - AS advised that the Christmas light switch on was a success
making 660.15 from donations on the evening. AS thanked everyone including Santa for
their attendance and support.
10. Affiliated Groups - Reports
Turriff Boating Pond No Minutes have been received from B Shand in relation to the
Haugh. RL to arrange a meeting with B Shand to discuss the Jetty and water and electrics to
the shed for the new season.
Turriff Caravan Park Ltd Nothing new to report. New sites are out to tender.
Turriff Town Pride Group AGM takes place in January.
Turriff Market - There has currently been no market for 2 months. MR emailed Elaine Brown RL/Business
regarding the accounts and to date has had no response. Discussions took place regarding Association
the three accounts that have been set up and used by the market and that these must be
accountable and the use of these given back to those responsible and the community council
involvement removed going forward. RL to contact Business Associate to establish the
current situation.
Turriff Town House JS advised busy session craft fayre on Christmas light switch on took
in 201.50 in income after expenses. Great to see people in the Town House.

Full answers to CAT 2 stage sent to the Formartine Area Manager, Mrs Brown, with a
request for clarification on points raised, JS feels that a meeting would be of more benefit to
allow all questions to be answered and discussions made. RL advised committee that JS
and she had attended a recent Community Asset Transfer information session in Inverurie.
AGM for Turriff Town House will take place in the middle of January, JS invites all members
of th
the public to attend and get involved in the Town House. The date of this will either be the
18 January, or 25th January date will be confirmed in due course.
AN asked about the Heritage Society meeting that took place with Town House Assoc. JS
advised that this situation is at stalemate. Heritage Society insist that they require the use of
two back rooms and main room which would be locked up when not in use by them. This
would restrict the use by the 45 local groups currently using the building as well as loss of
income and facilities. Incorporating the Museum would mean that these small local groups
would have nowhere to meet.
11. Public Events
a) Table top sale Town House 12th December 2015 10a.m. -2p.m.
b) 19th December Celebration of Life and Death of John Lytham Turriff Town Hall
c) Mens Shed Coffee Morning 19th December 2015 British Legion, Turriff.

12. Corporate Communications

Nothing to report.

13. Any Other Competent Business

IG was contacted to advise that concern was raised about the top of Crown Street. Skidding IG/All Councillors
is noticed and perhaps an anti skid tarmac could be laid?
JS advised that recently Traffords had been used for catering and was found to be of good JS
value for the recent Development Trusts meeting. JS to look into funding from the
Development Trusts and report back to community council.
RL asked the Councillors about current tarmac work taking place on the pavements on the
RL/The
Banff Road.
Councillors
RL asked about the pavements on Balmellie Street in particular the man hole covers (cooperative side) these appear different levels and are a trip hazard. The bottom of
Delgaty/Highfield walk where the water builds up. Hatton Road/Easterfield Road at the RL/The
Councillors
Hospital.
AN advised that Infrastructure Services Committee Council Website advises the rework of
winter maintenance. To cut costs they will do what is needed and not extras ie. Clear one
pavement not two.
AM advised that the yellow sand bin lids in Meadowview Road have been damaged, one at AM/The
the bus stop at the corner of Meadowview Avenue and the one down from Meadowview Councillors
Place on Meadowview Road. She enquired as too who is responsible for their repair.

14. Dates of future meetings

It was agreed that the next meeting would take place on: Monday 11th January, 2016, Turriff
Town House (Municipal Building) at 7pm.
Subsequent meetings are to be held on:
Monday 1st February, 2016
Monday 7th March, 2016
Monday 4th April, 2016
Monday 9th May, 2016
Monday 6th June, 2016 (AGM)
Meeting closed at 20:53
Contact Details:
Chair: Mrs Rose Logan
Rose.wlea@hotmail.com
Secretary: Mr David Salmon
David.salmon1962@gmail.com
Minute Secretary: Angela Mackay
tdccsecretary@hotmail.com

TURRIFF AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL ATTENDANCE SHEET

2015/2016
Location: Turriff Town Hall, Turriff

Name
R Logan
(Chair)
M Rawlins
(Vice Chair)
D Salmon
(Secretary)
J Smith
(Treasurer)
S Gray

02/11/15 07/12/15
A

I Garden
D Capel

A Stephen
D Park

Cllr Norrie
Cllr
Robertson

Cllr Duncan
Footnote:

A: Apologies Noted
: Present at Meeting

11/01/16

1/02/16

7/03/16

4/04/16

9/05/16

6/06/16
(AGM)