Community links updated

The links to the Community Police and Community Council have been updated as both the Police and Council websites have been reorganized.

Mayfield rowdyism returns

The police had to be called last Friday night (29th) about very load shouting and general uproar emanating from an area near the Mayfield Centre football pitch. The racket started from before 11pm, was reported to the police at midnight, and was still going on at least until 1.15am. Being a very warm night, it was even more galling to have to close windows to get some peace to sleep.

Further fire raising

During the last week there has once again been a fire-raising incident adjacent to the steps leading from Pelstream Avenue to Shirra’s Brae. The damage was the most severe and closest to Pelstream Avenue yet, destroying about 3m of larch-lap fencing and also badly scorching the trees surrounding it. It was reported that the Fire Service was in attendance. We shall certainly bring this latest incident to the attention of the police.

Fire danger at steps

The following concern has been emailed to the Community Police team:

For the second time in a couple of weeks, the dry tinder under the fir trees beside the steps which lead up from Pelstream Avenue to Shirra’s Brae Road has been set on fire. The earlier incident caused considerable damage to the wooden fence and there is obviously a serious risk that the whole line of trees could conflagrate, threatening the properties on either side of the walkway. Whilst the earlier incident could maybe be attributed to a discarded cigarette, it now looks more likely that other (drug-taking?) behaviour could be responsible. Your attention to this situation would be most welcome, thanks.

Update on 24 June: The police have now thoroughly investigated this incident, and gleaned further information from various residents. Although the owner of the affected property does not wish to make a complaint, the police are taking definite steps to prevent a re-occurrence: contacting the roads department at the Council requesting clearance of debris which could fuel any potential further incidents; ensuring the area is incorporated into patrols; and informing colleagues of the on-going issues. Reasonably enough, the police also request that residents keep an eye out for any further trouble and promptly report same.

Update on 7 July: Yet another fire-raising incident at the same location, spotted at about 7:45 pm. The police were informed and asked us to also call the Fire Service who attended shortly afterwards.

Needle danger again

Today’s Stirling Observer carries a report that “Police patrols are being stepped up in the Broomridge area after the discovery of used hypodermic needles around Mayfield Park … needles are still being found despite it being brought to their attention previously … There [are] obvious health and safety issues …”. Our own reliable sources have also witnessed blatant drug taking and dealing in the area, so the problem is doubly confirmed. The police obviously wish to hear of any suspicious activity and Stirling Council should be contacted immediately on 01786 443322 regarding the removal of any needles found.

PS: It is good to know that the size of the community police team in our area has been increased.

Rats on the move?

We have heard a report that several rats have recently been in gardens at the end of Randolph Road nearest to us. This is considered most unusual and presumably the rats have been displaced by the demolition of the buildings, including the nurses’ homes, at Stirling Royal Infirmary. Let’s hope that the creatures are reluctant to cross the A9!

Meeting with Council on Friday 19th March 2010 re Pelstream

Meeting at Pelstream Avenue with Stirling Council employees
On Friday March 19th. 2010.
To review the progress and plans for maintaining Embankment and surrounding areas.

Embankment
D.L. stated that Streetscape were only prepared to keep trimmed the first few metres due to health and safety issue plus one metre running along the top of the embankment. This was unacceptable and more research was required as to how other Councils coped with similar slopes.
It was pointed out that the slope to the right of the underpass was successfully trimmed. It did suggest that the work on the main slope would be easier if the main area was free of scrub and half hidden tree and bush stumps. i.e. similar to the slope on the right hand of the underpass. Admittedly the latter slope was not quite as steep as the main area.
It was recoqnised that the slope on the far left should pose no safety problems in trimming same.
It was explained that Streetscape -( grass cutting supervisor) uses a tractor with a long arm to trim this sort of area. So presumably the minimum trimming would cover at least half way up the widest area.
NB: Post the meeting some research on the Web identified a machine quite capable of trimming the area. This has been flagged to Streetscape for comment.
Further discussion in respect of the Embankment would apparently needs to be progressed with grass cutting supervisor.

Wild Rasberry Canes
Agreed that canes would be cut right back to avoid encroaching onto the path leading to the inner relief road.

Town Burn exit
Agreed that the tree stumps growing out of the brick work and railings surrounding the exit pipe would be removed and particularly branches lying in Burn but still attached to trees on far side of Burn.
Note: The poor state of the brick work and protective railings must be referred for maintenance. This had been done in 2008 but was refused.

Path leading to Mayfield Street
This was in a very poor state and in icy conditions quite useless for the elderly. Path leads to the library and Health Centre. Resurfacing could be carried out under the arm of the Criminal Justice. Contact should be made with same based at Wolf Craig. As minimum, work should be registered with Criminal Justice.

NB: Contact A.N Other Re tubs located along Pike road.

Work done Post Meeting
The next day Saturday it was pleasing to report that work requested outwith embankment was completed. Still a few tree stumps left lying near Burn. Will end up in Burn unless removed!

Pelstream embankment and surrounding area

As a continuation of the work I first started in year 2008 and many times since as a member of PEG, a meeting of the Council at the Pelstream site was completed on Friday 19 March 2010. This to seriously review where the Council were heading in maintaining the whole area. In this instance I was acting as a member of our Community Council. Invitation had been extended to the Chairperson of same C.C.
Agreement was reached that the trees still growing around the Burn exit and trees recently fallen across the Burn further upstream would be cleared. Additionally, the wild blackcurrent bushes growing over the path would be cut back.
Streetscape continue to claim that the upper half of the embankment is restricted (for trimming) because of health and safety reasons. There are many examples in the area where similar slopes are well kept, eg Stirling University near to the golf range. Research since the meeting had identified a machine (called a Ransome Spider) however, specially designed to cut such a terrain, which eliminates health and safety issues. This detail has been passed to Stirling Council. Further discussion re the Embankment would need to be progressed with the Grass Cutting Officer.
The path leading to Mayfield street, seriously needing a new surface (first raised by the writer with photographs passed to our Community Council some ten years ago) would be best progressed by contacting the Criminal Justice department at Wolf Craig.
As some Stirling Council members present were new to this area I passed to them a written record of our endeavours in respect of this area going back to year 2008. Much pleading and pressing to start and then complete the clearing had been documented via numerous emails. Patience was beginning to wear rather thin. No time was wasted, however, following Friday’s meeting as work started the very next day, Saturday 20 March 2010. The group doing this clearing is not the group who would in future maintain the area. This is how the work is organised.
It was pleasing that our local Councillor Ian Brown made an appearance before the meeting broke up.
We were not over-enamoured with the use of tarmac in repairing the recently vandalised steps in front of the underpass. (I had personally called in to Viewforth to report this damage and to get the repairs done) This can only be a very temporary arrangement. Two slabs could have been laid in the same time taken to lay the tarmac. Doesn’t look good either. The slabs vandalised had clearly been broken by dropping two of the large concrete blocks previously pulled off the entrance to the underpass some years ago. It was pointed out that three blocks out of about 16 had been left lying about for some reason. I bet this serious vandalism wasn’t recorded. Most importantly perhaps is the need to ensure that this recent anti-social behaviour has been recorded. To this end, same is being progressed with our Community Policeman.

Keeping track of new comments and posts

The left-hand column of the blog now features listings of ‘Recent Comments’ and ‘Recent Posts’. At a glance this should let you easily keep track of what’s been happening. (To accommodate this change, the ‘Categories’ and ‘Archives’ sections have been moved to the right-hand column.)

Authors please note: You can edit any of your existing your comments after logging in. Just locate the comment you wish to edit and click on the small ‘e’ letter to the right of the comment’s date and time. Remember to ‘Update Comment’ when finished editing.

Google’s Street View invades the Avenue

Google’s Street View snoopers have now recorded the Avenue for all to see on the Internet. You may be rather appalled at the level of detail which can be discerned when you zoom in on the images now available. Car registration numbers may have been obscured, but various security features are easily visible. Serious privacy concerns about Google’s services have existed for a long time, but it’s a very different matter when they are snooping literally on your doorstep. Who knows to what use Google’s images will be put?

Car crashed into burn

Here’s a bizarre sight: a car reversed down the bank into the burn at the west end of the Avenue. We’re used to all sorts of rubbish being dumped in the burn, but this certainly took the biscuit! (The sight was missed by many people since it was very hard to see walking down the Avenue, but much easier when walking up.) First thoughts about joyriders being responsible have been dispelled as it was apparently an Avenue resident’s car which went AWOL for whatever reason. We won’t embarrass them by pressing for details!

Lack of Grit and Gritting Pelstream Ave.

To Councillor Brown,

Many residents feel that our local Council has let us down Big Time during this iced-up period. Please consider the following aspects. Your early response would be appreciated.

1. Residents in Pelstream Avenue are still looking at their recyclable boxes lying on the pavement for the third week. The elderly are suffering greatly because of this (eg accessing boxes via iced up drives, paths etc).

2. Question
Why are the boxes still not emptied?

3. Answer
The collecting vehicle is not prepared to enter Pelstream Avenue due to iced-up conditions applying to this area’s unique terrain,  ie a sharp bend followed by a slope on entry to the Avenue.
A number of requests to grit Pelstream Avenue has fallen on deaf ears. The reason given today (Monday 4th. Jan approx 11.45 am) was that the Council had run out of Grit.

4. A number of requests, some over a week ago, to refill the Grit container located at the entrance to Pelstream Ave. has not happened.

Surely Pelstream Avenue should be given gritting priority because of its dangerous bend and slop on entrance to the Avenue during these iced-up conditions?

5. Why were extra Council staff not requested to report for duty on Monday 4th. January? Shame on the authority for leaving one powerless person answering hundreds of phone calls.

I plead on behalf of residents living and visiting Pelstream Avenue that you use your authority to ensure the gritting of Pelstream Ave ASAP.

Drug problems in Mayfield area again

After a lull of some months, we have reliable reports again of drug dealing and drug-taking around the Mayfield football pitch and shops area. Some of this activity has taken place brazenly in daytime, and some of the characters involved are apparently accompanied by an off-lead Staffordshire bull terrier.

Reassuringly, Community Constable Robinson has informed us that he has been patrolling the area by bicycle and is aware of this resurgence in activity. He says: “There are several plain clothed operations too in action and several weeks ago, 2 people were reported to the PF for drug related matters. There is one particular person I am looking for who sits on the bench and has a dog with him, he is invariably there from 0930 – 1100 hrs and is involved in drugs related activity.”

Added on 26/10/09: update from Constable Robinson: “On Friday; 9 persons searched for drugs with one positive result – this was in conjunction with plain clothed operation”.

Maintenance of Soft Landscape Area (Embankment) Pelstream Ave.

Maintenance of Soft Landscape Area – Pelstream Avenue

Detailed below are various emails between PEG (Pelstream Enterprise Group) and Streetscape, Stirling Council. These have been copied and pasted and are in reverse date order. Apologies for this.
Note however that on the email to Streetscape dated 4th September,
it was noted that the Community Council had previously enquired on progress. No comment from Streetscape was provided on this.
Unfortunately this writer has given up trying to access Community Council minutes on their usual notice board as they are not posted..
Since these emails were sent and replies received it is noted that our Community Council has referred this problem to our Local Councillor due in their opinion to a lack of progress. PEG are more than willing to work with the Community Council in progressing this.
All references to names have been removed.

Dear
thank you for your e-mail following up on our discussion regarding the banking area. As we discussed previously, from a health and safety perspective our grass cutting squads are unable to cut the slope itself on a regular basis. However, they will cut a strip approx 1 metre wide along the crash barrier and the path edge. Due to the wet conditions this has not been carried out yet but is due to start imminently. If you need further information on this please contact Streetscape Officer responsible for grass cutting.

In terms of future maintenance of the banking as a whole we are currently exploring a couple of options: either to create an area of structure planting using shrubs such as rhododendrons (this work would be carried out over the winter period) or to maintain the site as a biodiversity area (in which case it would be cleared over the winter period and seeded with wildflowers come spring). We should have all the information required to allow us to make a decision on this soon, and the work will then be programmed in over the coming months. I will be in touch to let you know the outcome as soon as possible.

Kind regards,

Streetscape Officer
Stirling Council
Environment Services
Springkerse Complex
Kerse Road, Stirling, FK7 7TE
Tel: 0845 277 7000 – Ext: 3523
Fax: 01786 448329

:

From>
Subject: Soft Landscape area at Pelstream Avenue
To: Date: Friday, 4 September, 2009, 12:41 AM

Hello,
We spoke a few months ago concerning the failure to keep the area at the bottom of Pelstream ave. in good order.
You claimed that your delay in cutting the grass was because of a perceived health and safety issue. Any conclusions on this?
Despite the claimed problem in not keeping on top of the cutting etc. there should be no problem from a safety point of view in keeping trimmed the flat part which runs parallel to the path. In fact there is about five or six metres which is quite flat along the whole area.
We are aware that our Community Council has contacted you concerning this whole area. Have you responded to their enquiry?

Note that our communications are on behalf of Pelstream Enterprise Group (PEG) which was formed last year by residents from Pelstream Avenue.
We have a platform weblog on http://pelstream.wordpress.com/
Our complaint concerning the above has been commented on which you might find useful.
Yours in anticipation

Contamination of Pelstream Burn (Cont.) Part 2

Below is letter from SEPA. This was written in April following SEPA’s visit to examine the contamination of the Pelstream Burn.

Dear Sir  

 As I explained to you when we met previously, the sewerage network has overflow points.  These are required for two reasons:

 During rainfall events combined sewers (i.e. sewers that take both sewage and surface water run-off), can only hold so much water and the excess is discharged to a watercourse.  The thinking behind this is that the surface water run-off and increased levels of water in the receiving watercourse gives adequate dilution, minimising the impact of the discharge – the discharge will also cease after rain has stopped and levels in network have dropped.

 Sewer pipes also choke, for a variety of reasons, resulting in sewage backing up and discharging to watercourse via overflows.

 Without these overflows sewage would backup in the network, eventually into peoples homes.

 Discharges to the water environment are authorised / regulated by SEPA, including discharges from sewer overflows.  The overflow believed to be the cause is located at Barnsdale Road , Stirling .  This overflow was issued a consent by the Forth River Purification Board in 1968 (ref: 550), which was subsequently reviewed by SEPA in 2001 and replaced by consent number WPC/E/2037.  This consent was issued under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 (As Amended), this legislation was replaced in 2006 by the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) ( Scotland ) Regulations 2005 – known as CAR.  The consent issued under CoPA is deemed authorised under CAR.

 Maintenance of the sewerage network and overflows is undertaken by Scottish Water (SW).  SEPA cannot make comment on the maintenance regime SW have put in place, however, should a SW asset cause pollution of a watercourse, SEPA may take enforcement action.  If an overflow is found to be frequently causing pollution, SEPA can take steps to have it brought up to standard.  Unfortunately, this can take some time and SEPA need to gather evidence that overflow is operating unsatisfactorily.

 The results of the samples taken indicated elevated levels of Biological Oxygen Demand and Ammonical Nitrogen, but not to the levels expected of sewage currently being discharged.  This was to be expected, given SW had cleared problem prior to samples being taken.  A letter was sent to SW on 17^th February, and as yet no reply has been received.

 The River Basin Management Plans have two main aims – prevent deterioration of the water bodies and improve them to good ecological status.  The plans are developed along Baseline Water Bodies (catchment >10km²), the Stirling area being included within the Forth .  The Town Burn is not looked at specifically within the plan because the catchment is too small, however, any issues with watercourses of this nature are dealt with at a local level i.e. by the local SEPA EPI team.  Anyone can make comment on the RBMPs, and they would be welcomed.   

 My colleague, Elaine Hamilton has produced the Forth Area Management Plan (part of the overall RBMP).  If you have any questions regarding the RBMP in general, you can contact Elaine at our Edinburgh office on 0131 449 7296.  Please note that Elaine will not be able to make comment on the Town Burn itself.  In addition, Elaine is in the process of organizing a RBMP Forum meeting and if you are interested in attending, details can be forwarded to you once it has been finalised.  

 I am unable to make any comment on the possible health effects.  However, I would suggest that you speak to Stirling Council’s Environmental Health department if you have concerns over possible effects to the public.

 Regards

Liam Macrae