Monday, 24 September 2007
News Letter
from Lionthorn Residents Association
Introducing your Committee
We thought it would be good to introduce the members of the committee.
There should be someone living near you who can be approached with issues regarding the estate and Greenbelt.
Chairperson Alison McNeill 22 Achray Drive
Vice-chair Elaine Whitmarsh 38 Venacher Road
Secretary Lynn Miller 23 Achray Drive
Others Emma Hodgson 5 Ancaster Place
Eimear Stassin 27 Achray Drive
Derek Hampson 3 Strathyre Place
Dougie Bendall 58 Achray Drive
Claire Little 17 Venacher Road
If you have anything you want to discuss or any issues you would like to raise, either speak to one of your committee members
Or e-mail us on lionthorn@hotmail.co.uk
Please check for updates on our blog at: lionthorn.blogspot.com
Greenbelt Update
We have held numerous meetings with Greenbelt and have walked round the estate with the contractor, who is now working their way through an initial 43-point list of tasks. Greenbelt have committed to sending out some communication soon with regards to the current issues over the charging. The committee have worked with Greenbelt to get all Scotia residents a refund on the fees for the 2007 annual management charge, we are still working on the Persimmon & Bett agreements and will keep you updated. If you have any requests or feedback for Greenbelt please put these through the Residents Association.
Council Update
After a discussion with Mr Allan Finlayson of Falkirk Council some of the initial queries have been answered for us –
- Who is responsible for what common ground? Greenbelt will be responsible for all common landscaped areas on the development.
- Adoption of roads by the council for gritting purposes etc. – The programme for this is not until Autumn 2008, the council did offer to carry out road gritting, but this would be at a charge.
- Would the route of the school bus be changed to include the bus stops on the link road – This would be addressed at the same time as the adoption of the roads.
- What was happening around the pond areas with regards to paths, access points, fencing, Life saving equipment etc. – The work is to be carried out according to the original plans with any issues being taken up with the developers or Greenbelt.
- Planning Gain Monies and what is happening with the funds and would there be public consultation – Counsellor John Patrick is currently working on this area.
Other Information
Our initial Residents Association which included the only the Persimmon and Scotia housed have joined with the existing Residents Association from the Bett houses, we see this as the best way forward for all parties concerned and hope to continue to work well together going forward.
We also approached the Barratt and Bryant estate (Glengarry etc.) about joining up with us, but for the time being they have opted to remain separate, but have agreed to work in partnership with us on several issues – Greenbelt, Local Council etc. where there is a benefit to do so.
If anyone has any ideas about any social events that they would put forward then please speak to a committee member about it and we can look at getting something organised in the near future.
Monday, 13 August 2007
Greenbelt Group Action
Please do not support such campaigns.
Friday, 10 August 2007
Greenbelt Group Action website
http://www.greenbelt-action.btik.com/
So we are not alone! Apparently they have over 130 complaints from developments countrywide..
Monday, 6 August 2007
Bin Day Caution
Thursday, 2 August 2007
Notes from Meeting 30th July 2007
It was decided that a newsletter should be produced for the residents to give them information about the residents association, to keep them up to date with what we have been doing and to find out what kind of social event they would like us to organise.
Alison will put the letter together
Elaine will compile contact details of R.A. members
Lynn will summerise the meeting with A. Middleton (Greenbelt)
Eimear will put together ideas for social events.
All inputs will be with Alison for the end of the week
Reporting back
Derek - Had managed to obtain a copy of plans from Scotia.
Has requested plans from Persimmons but has not received them.
Contacted the council and they say;
The verges are the responsibly of the developer
That the council offered to grit the roads last winter at the cost of the developer but they were not willing to pay. That 2008 is when the council plans to adopt the roads. 2008 is also when school buses should start to run.
Greenbelt are responsible for the ponds and any fencing or rescue aids.
Derek has agreed to take further with the council the gritting issue for next winter and the Health and safety issues around the pound.
Dougie - had contacted Scotia but had received no response.
However the issue of Scotia residents payment of initial fee has been answered by Alex Middleton. (although it has still to be confirmed in writing)
Emma - Has made several attempts to get the information required from Persimmon, but has yet to be successful. She will keep trying.
Constitution
We have still to draw up a constitution, it was agreed that Jackie would do so.
Neighbourhood watch
Dougie will help us with a contact to set up a Neighbourhood watch.
Walk around with Greenbelt
Will try to arrange this for the 9th August.
Woodland Plans
It would be useful to have a look at proposed plans for the nearby woodlands. Eimear and Derek will speak to their contacts to see if we could do so.
The remaining questionnaires will be collected on Friday.
Next meeting Monday 27th August @ 22 Achray Drive
Notes from meeting with Alex Middleton (Greenbelt MD)
Mr Middleton confirmed that Greenbelt is contracted to take title of all green areas from Persimmons and will carry out maintenance on the land.
He clarified that Greenbelt do not just deal with a residents association, he thinks that they are a good organisation to have, but Greenbelt will deal with any resident who has a concern. He also said that Greenbelt will be involved with public meetings.
Mr Middleton stated that improvements have been put in place in the customer service side of Greenbelt. That Greenbelt uses a contractor to carry out work (on our development the contractor used are owned by Greenbelt).
Mr Middleton was asked if a detailed breakdown of works could be provided and he agreed that it could.
He was asked who took charge of grass pavements and proposed that the council would take charge of these areas and Greenbelt could up cuttings as required. He will speak to roads dept.
The health and safety issue of fencing around pound: he said he will speak to Persimmons and it will be looked into further at the walk around.
He commented that although Greenbelt had the power to up fees after 5 years, that this would only be done with consultation of the residents.
How was the annual billing figure decided
It was decided with the developer and Greenbelt will go back and look at pricing to see if residents are entitled to a reduction.
Initial payment fee
The purpose of this fee is to pay for legal costs and to put together a plan of the areas.
For Scotia home owners the first annual bill to Greenbelt will be zeroed as they have paid. They do not have to pay an initial fee as Scotia and Greenbelt have legal paperwork already in place.
He said that the initial fee should be the same for all properties and will go back to find out what that should be.
Can we appoint a factor
We can change contractor.
Inspections of Play areas pounds and drains
Greenbelt can demonstrate in future that inspections have been carried out and can send details of the inspection to the residents association
Maintenance of Play parks will automatically be carried out if it is a health and safety risk, if there is no risk then residents will be consulted before work is carried out.
A walk around our site will be arranged within the next month, Persimmons, Scotia and residents association members are being asked to attend.
Sunday, 15 July 2007
Update
The next committee meeting is Monday 30th July 2007.
Sunday, 1 July 2007
Residents Meeting - Minutes
PERSIMMON/SCOTIA RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION MEETING
JUNE 25TH 2007
HALLGLEN PRIMARY SCHOOL
Councillor John Patrick opened the meeting and stated that as a condition of residents deeds with regards to Greenbelt a R.A. must be formed. His understanding was that the developer had sold all green space to Greenbelt. He has experience of other areas having the same problems with Greenbelt and they have managed to negotiate through a Residents Association a scope of works from Greenbelt and a reduction in their bills
Alison McNeill introduced herself and stated the purpose of the meeting was to form a Residents Association and discuss Greenbelt.
A representative from the Bett Residents Association (Robert) stated that in their experience, Greenbelt would not be involved in any public meetings. They would not speak to more than two people at any time and any meeting had to be structured.
Setting up Residents AssociationRobert from Bett Residents Association: Bett R.A. should join with the residents here. Will discuss this with my R.A. members.
The under noted volunteered to form the committee:
Alison McNeill
Lynn Miller
Emma Hodgson
Elaine Whitmarsh
Jackie King
Claire Little
Derek Hampson
Dougie Bendall
Eimear Stassin
There were no objections to above volunteersCommittee FormedIssues with Greenbelt
John Leach 48 Achray Drive: When he bought his home he paid £150 to Scotia for Greenbelt fees, he then received a bill from Greenbelt for the same period that he had already paid for. When questioned Greenbelt claimed they had not received any money from Scotia.General discussion took place about varying initial fees to Greenbelt.
Greenbelt have been ask for a list of works but no one has received one.
Councillor Patrick stated that it was important to have a list of works from Greenbelt. He stated that in his experience with a bit of effort Greenbelt could be tied down to a list of works. He stated that Persimmons were responsible for all green lands and have sold these on to Greenbelt. He said the only alternative to Greenbelt is in theory that the council take over, but was unsure if that would be possible, that a bond may be required. He offered to make contact with Greenbelt on our behalf.
Gordon Hendry read out correspondence he had with council in May on the green lands issue. There was mention of the £300k available and residents could be entitled to a reduction in costs
Councillor Patrick said that it is up to the Residents Association to let council know what they want the plan and gain money to be used for. The money should not be used for any work that Greenbelt, Persimmons or the council are responsible for. A kick pitch area was mentioned as a possibility for use of the money.
A resident mentioned that he has seen detailed drawings from Persimmons, which give details of exactly what Greenbelt should be doing.He also voiced concerns that the pond near him was already starting to become overgrown due to lack of maintenance.
Elaine Whitmarsh voiced her concerns over lack of fencing and no life saving aids around the large pond, felt it is a danger to children.Resident: stated that he saw children swimming and wading in the pond he contacted Persimmons to ask if the area could be fenced off and has received no response.
General discussions about areas where plants have been planted poorly round the ponds and in other parts of the estate that Greenbelt claim no responsibility for.
Stated in Deeds that Greenbelt are legally responsibly for green areas and can not increase the prices higher than inflation for 0-5 year after this however are free to raise prices. It could be the case that if 100% of residents agree we could appoint our own factor. In the interim it was suggested that we push for a reduction in current fees.
General discussion that residents could make a big saving if they took over maintenance of grounds themselves.
MSP Margaret Mitchell offered to write to scotia/persimmons and greenbelt to find out exactly where the areas of responsibility lie and the exact policy for maintenance of grounds.
Jamie Wilson asked if tender could be invited by residents for maintenance of grounds.It was discussed that our ability to use someone other than greenbelt to maintain the land would depend on whither Greenbelt has paid for the land or not. If Greenbelt has paid for land it will be very difficult to replace them.
Councillor Patrick: Stated his understanding was that the land had been sold to Greenbelt and that there was no legal opportunity to put our own factor in place.It was asked if proposed kick pitch area is level with roadCouncillor Patrick: responded by saying no as A. they did not want play to go onto the road and B. They did not want light causing a nuisance.
Pamela McCormick raised a concern that as there had been a recent fire in one of the portaloos loos currently at the kick pitch site. It was felt that a low-lying area might attract vandals and the safety of children using the area, as it is not over looked.
Councillor Patrick: Final consultation is not yet in place.
Gordon Hendry stated that he had stayed in the area and had previous dealings with Greenbelt. That if you move home Greenbelt will expect you to pay a full year of maintenance no matter when you move.
Concern was raised about drainage at the back of the Scotia homes next to the woods. It was felt that the builders were dragging their heels, as sufficient drainage was still not in place.
Councillor Patrick said he would find out more information about this.
Colin Gallie stated that a copy of the drawings for all drains was available to view at council offices and they also hold copies of all plans for the area.
Alison McNeill asked if everybody had been charged the same amount per annum by Greenbelt.
£176 seemed to be the value most people had been charged others were unsure.
There was discussion on varying amounts initially paid towards Greenbelt when residents bought their homes. (£375-£75)
A suggestion was made of reducing the bills to £50 per annum.
Alison McNeill asked if there were any objections to the committee meeting with Greenbelt to negotiate a reduction in charges and a detailed scope of work.
No objections were made but a request that the scope of work should detail the cost of each job and that the quality of work should be agreed.
It was agreed that residents will check their initial fee to Greenbelt and the annual fee and would email the information to the Residents AssociationIt was asked what the legal position would be if residents don’t pay Greenbelt bills.
General discussion took place during which Margaret Mitchell MSP stated that she would investigate into how binding the contract is. She warned residents to take caution in not paying bills, that the sheriff officers could become involved. If you have already paid, as is the case for some Scotia residents and have been charged again then you have a good reason not to pay.
A point was raised that Mary, part of the legal team for Scotia, was aware that there is a problem with double billing and has told these residents not to pay Greenbelt.
Alison McNeill requested that this information be obtained in writing from Scotia.
Alan Rodger suggested that the residents agree a fee to pay Greenbelt.
Discussion we have no proof of what work has or has not been carried out so far.
General discussion took place of residents concerns regarding Greenbelt.
During which it was mention that the Scottish Executive web site includes debates re. Greenbelt high charging and lack of work. It was also mentioned that Greenbelt did not actually carry work out themselves but subcontracted it, leading to a variation in standard of work throughout the country.
Councillor Patrick will speak to planning department for clarification.It should be noted that plans for all properties and the estate are held at the local council planning office. These are available to photocopy.Margaret Mitchell MSP reiterated that she will check how residents are legally tied to Greenbelt and will write to all parties (Greenbelt, Persimmons, Scotia)
Alison McNeill closed the meeting by thanking Councillor Patrick and Margaret Mitchell MSP for taking the time to attend this meeting and also thanked all residents who attended.
Friday, 22 June 2007
Residents Support
THANK YOU
Issues raised from Questionnaires received back
Please find below some of the issues raised from Questionnaires received that we have received back. If we manage to set up a Residents Association we may need some clarification on some of the issues raised.
Greenbelt costs
Greenbelt lack of work
Need a new factor for the landscaping
Maintenance and layout of pond
Tidying up surrounding areas and roadsides
Get Greenbelt of our site
Bin collections
Lack of road signs
Council tax bandings
Council tax – covering communal areas & refuse
Lionthorn Road
Future development plans
Walks
Local woodland plans
Litter
Road safety
Speed bumps in the estate
Roads not completed
Traffic calming in Achray Drive not sufficient
When are the play areas going to be completed
Drainage at rear of houses
Snagging issues
Playparks
Police patrols
Neighbourhood watch
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
Questionnaires
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
Initial Questionnaire
Friday, 8 June 2007
Residents Meeting
Welcome
We will aim to keep you up-to-date with informtaion via this blog. If you wish to make any comments then please feel free to do so or e-mail us at: lionthorn2@gmail.com.