Spotlight on Kilmadock Community Council

The KCC has resumed meetings after the summer break, with a meeting in Kilmadock Information Centre on Monday 8 September.  Along with our councillors, also attending were Cllr. Martin Earl (Stirling Council), Neil Fergusson (KDT Development Officer) and David Clark (Minute Secretary).  Apologies for absence from David Harding.  We also had a Doune resident as a guest who wanted to speak to the meeting.

Visitor

We began with the Doune resident who raised the issue of drug-taking and general anti-social behaviour in the village which appeared to be on the increase. A lengthy discussion ensued in which frustrations with inadequate housing regulations and police presence were aired.

The need to make a record of all incidents was emphasised to enable Council and police action to be effective. It was agreed to seek a meeting with the new police sergeant and inspector as well as the Council’s Safer Communities Team. Martin Earl reminded us that concerned residents can contact Crimestoppers anonymously to report illegal or antisocial behaviour.

Community Council members

It was noted that David Harding and Elizabeth Wallace wished to stand down as Secretary and Treasurer respectively. They were thanked for their service in these posts. It was agreed that David Harding would be Treasurer and Graham Silcocks would be Secretary until the next AGM.

Chair’s Report

Tony Farrant outlined a number of matters in his circulated report.

Signage to and at the new Park & Stride facility has not yet been done.

Work to remove the polymeric surface of Moray Park tennis courts was now under way, with the hope that the tar surface underneath would prove suitable as a court surface.

Drop-in consultation sessions on the proposed Visitor Levy would take place in a number of locations in the next few weeks, with a survey to close on 12 October. Stirling Council was likely to make a decision in December.

Views of residents and taxi operators are sought on a proposed Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle and Driver Policy for Stirling Council.

An Informed Communities gathering will be held on 24 September providing an opportunity to share local initiatives.

Challenge Poverty Week runs from 6 – 12 October.

Police Report

6 June – 6 September 2025, compiled by Constable Lorna Deans.

Antisocial behaviour – In the early hours of 23 June damage was caused to a parked vehicle on Balkerach Street, Doune.  The person responsible has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal. On 5 June a serious assault occurred on Balkerach Street, Doune.  The person responsible for this was arrested and kept in police custody to appear at court on 7 July.

Road Safety – On 26 June there was a collision between 2 vehicles near to Teith Bridge.  The driver of the offending vehicle failed to stop after the collision.  Enquiries were carried out and the driver was traced and has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal. On 10 July on B8032 at Deanston, a cyclist was knocked off their bike by a van.  The driver of the van failed to stop.  Enquiries have been carried out however this remains undetected. On 11 July officers carried out speed checks in the area of Doune.  One driver was issued with a fixed penalty ticket for speeding and for a defective part on their vehicle. On 30 July whilst officers were on patrol on A84 near Doune, they had cause to stop a vehicle due to the careless manner in which is was being driven.  The driver was issued with a fixed penalty ticket for careless driving.  On 31 July a vehicle left the road on A84 between Doune and Blairdrummond.  As a result, the driver was issued with a fixed penalty ticket for careless driving. On 15 August there was a minor collision between 2 vehicles on Main Street, Doune.  The driver of one of the vehicles failed to stop.  Enquiries have been carried out. However this remains undetected.

On 26 August a vehicle crashed on the A820 between Doune and Dunblane.  As result of this, the driver was arrested and kept in police custody for a number of road traffic offences. On 27 August at Teith Bridge there was a minor collision between 2 vehicles.  The driver of one of the vehicles failed to stop.  Enquiries have been carried out and this remains undetected.

Theft – Overnight on 17/18 August two pushbikes were stolen from a secure bike rack on vehicle parked near to Woodside Hotel, Doune.  Enquiries are still ongoing.

Overnight on 28/29 August a pushbike was stolen from a secure bike rack on a vehicle parked near to Woodside Hotel, Doune.  Enquiries are still ongoing 

Councillor’s Report

Cllr. Martin Earl reported that an interim Chief Executive was now in post at Stirling Council. He indicated that there would be a change to the method of collecting household glass – moving from blue boxes to larger 140 litre dedicated bins, with a collection every 8 weeks.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer, Elizabeth Wallace reported that at 8 September the bank balance was £6,113.71 of which £4,908.91 was in restricted funds and £1,204.80 in unrestricted funds.

Development Officer

Neil Fergusson reported that the new Youth Project building was virtually ready for use but awaited a completion certificate. A part-time General manager has been appointed, thanks to National Lottery funding. On the matter of solar panels on the Moray Park toilets it was confirmed that Kilmadock Development Trust would need to apply for funding.

Roads

Ro Drowley reported that some pot holes had been repaired but that there appeared to be no action on other matters.

Villages

Sue Sedgwick reported on suggestions that a shop in Doune was selling alcohol and vaping materials to under age people. It was emphasised that this should be reported immediately to both police and trading standards officials.

Community Resilience – Alistair Sutherland indicated that a meeting had recently been held and that a report was awaited.

Kilmadock Development Trust

Ken Russell indicated that two promotional leaflets were now available for distribution, one featuring the pistols in the Information Centre and then other with more general tourist information.

Village Pride

Ken Russell had no further progress to report on the formation of this group but indicated that the Village Pride volunteers had been active in tidying up the community generally. Graham Silcocks agreed to take on the role of co-ordinating this group. The Community Council expressed its appreciation of the efforts of these volunteers in improving the Doune environment.

Woodland Group

Tony Farrant reported on a successful Family Day on 7 September with a good turnout despite inclement weather. On 27 September the Scottish Community Woodlands Association would meet locally and it was hope that it would be able to visit Doune Ponds.

Moray Park toilets

Drainage work had now been undertaken and, to date, appeared to have been successful with no further blockages reported.

Other business

A84 towards Buchany – it was noted that a section of the footpath had recently been swept but other sections remained untouched. There appeared to be some uncertainty over responsibility between BEAR Scotland and Stirling Council.

Remembrance Sunday 9 November – it was agreed that Elizabeth Wallace would represent the Community Council on the planning group.

Next meeting – the next meeting will take place on Monday 13 October at 7.00pm at Deanston Community Hall.