Issue - meetings

Update from Police Scotland

It was noted that there was no representative from Police Scotland at the meeting.

Sergeant Eddie McGunnigal from Police Scotland was in attendance and highlighted that he was happy to take any questions the group may have.

Liz Neilson highlighted that she was asked on behalf of residents of Sandbank to attend the meeting due to concerns of speeding in the area, advising that in June there had been an accident which resulted in two fatalities. She added that she has since found out that the incident was not considered to be a speeding offence by Police Scotland. Miss Neilson highlighted that there was a similar incident on the 5^th of November.

Miss Neilson advised that there is no pedestrian crossings at any point from Sandbank highroad to Sandhaven and there are a number of cars parked on the pavements and road which restricts the view for pedestrians and other drivers.

A Community meeting is scheduled to be held on Thursday 24^th November at Sandbank Village Hall with over 200 people having intimated an interest to attend and discuss the concerns of residents.

Discussion took place in regards to speed detection completed by the Police within the locality. Sergeant McGunnigal highlighted that speed detection is carried out when the police have free time or have available resources. He added that there are a number of safety aspects for staff they need to consider when doing undertaking these duties, he added that he would enquire about a speed survey.

Sergeant McGunnigal advised that he would ensure that someone from Police Scotland would attend the Community Meeting. The Chair added that he would enquire about someone from the Roads Department attending the meeting also, and advised he would be happy to attend as well.

Councillor Sinclair highlighted the serious concerns after the incidents in Sandbank. He advised that he is planning to meet with a representative from the Roads Department to discuss the potential ways to reduce the speed along that road. Sergeant McGunnigal highlighted that he would be more than happy to support any road safety measures in the area.

Discussion took place regarding the recent release of wild boar in Strachur. Sergeant McGunnigal highlighted that he had attended a Multiagency meeting last week regarding this and advised that a plan is in place to keep them in an area of fields and added that they are now being fed by the Forestry Commission with a plan in progress to capture and rehome them. He advised that road users need to be aware as they are with other wild animal with public safety advice been given through various sources.

Kirstie Reid highlighted that shopkeepers on Argyll Street are fed up with the number of people cycling on the pavements. Sergeant McGunnigal added that officers will be encouraged to talk to anyone using the pavements as a cycle lane.

Discussion was had in regards to cars being parked along the side of the road. Sergeant McGunnigal highlighted that this can often act as natural traffic calming with cars slowing down when they see them. Miss Neilson added that if there were crossing facilities this could also cause traffic to slow down. Sergeant McGunnigal added that he agreed and highlighted that this would be down to the Roads Department and added that once the speed survey is completed it would be presented to the Forum.  

Outcome

The Forum noted that:

1.          the Chair would enquire about the possibility of a representative from Roads and Amenity Services attending the Community meeting on 25 November 2022; and

2.          Sergeant McGunnigal would enquire about the possibility of undertaking a speed survey at Sandbank.