Balintore & Hilton Community Council
Minutes of meeting held 9th of March 2022 7pm by Zoom
Present:
Alastair Gill (AG) Chair
Brian Gallagher (BG) Treasurer
May Ross (MR) Minutes Secretary & Community Group Liaison
J McCann (JM)
Leighanne Hodgkins (LH)
Derek Louden (Councillor)
Fiona Robertson (Councillor)
A Rhind (Councillor)
Members of the Public: N Balfour and A Smith
WELCOME
AG welcomed members to the meeting. He thanked the Councillors for attending.
PRESENT (as above)
APOLOGIES – Dave MacRae, Tain Development Trus
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING – approved
MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES – no matters arising
POLICE REPORT/POLICE ISSUES
AG reported that he had made contact with Gordon Smith from the Police Office in Tain, who will keep the meeting informed of any Police issues in the area in the future.
PLANNING
No planning issues in the area.
TDDT REPORT
Although Dave MacRae couldn’t attend the meeting, it was noted that the Trust would hold Community Consultation Meetings in the area, the one being held in our area taking place on 15 March 2022.
LOCAL TRAFFIC ISSUES
A lengthy discussion took place on the current situation regarding potholes and the general state of the roads in the area.
AG thanked LH for attending the Ross-shire Journal’s photoshoot to highlight the problem.
Councillor Robertson has had discussions with the Highland Council’s representative, but it was generally acknowledged that funding is a problem.
F Robertson informed the meeting that the “smiley face” traffic sign is on the list for the area.
Maureen Ross suggested in her update that the Community Council should report large potholes in front of Moray Place, Hilton,
FUNDING FOR 2022
It was generally felt that any way of acquiring funding should be explored.
CC MEMBERSHIP
Everyone agreed that more members would be more than welcomed onto the Council.
COMMUNITY GROUP UPDATE
NB gave an update on future plans for the Poly Tunnel.
Maureen Ross gave the following update:
She confirmed that the Post Office will open on 17 March, although the official opening will be early April and this is being organised by the Post Office.
The opening of the John Ross Visitor Centre is set for Friday 13 May, the Chair and one other will receive an invite.
The Fisherfolk Festival will take place on 27/28/29 May in collaboration with the Hilton Historic Trust.
The Balintore Harbour Toilets will be open to the public at the end of March, early April.
Broken glass has become an issue at the Scheme. Maureen is reporting the issue to the Highland Council.
AOCB
Concern was expressed by Alice Smith on the impending impact on people once the expected rise in prices take effect which was a huge concern to everyone.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
TBC