Benarty Community Council June 2021 Cllr L Erskine
It is good to see the Community Council Group operational again. Much has happened in the last 16 months and although there has been less activity in some community councils work has continued to fill our Councillor inboxes.
Recently.
As you will be aware there was a huge backlog of housing repairs which is slowly being reduced. Issues in the Benarty area have included a flooded kitchen and leaking pipes. Antisocial behaviour and, by far the largest issue, constituents who have been waiting on house moves and although some have been rehoused locally and further afield there are still some dissatisfied with the length of time it is taking. That said there are a few new build projects which will be complete in the next few months which will make a difference to the number of moves which will be able to be accommodated.
Supporting constituents with housing adaptations, and also those who are having benefits issues.
Bells project, I was delighted that my fellow councillors unanimously supported my suggestion for the funding to conclude this project. This will be undertaken in conjunction with construction work scheduled for later this year to keep costs down. I have kept in touch with Mary Nardone as Tricia Galfisky is work with the environment group to conclude the work on the project.
I have supported and continue to work with the Benarty Food Angels to ensure that they can deliver their much appreciated food initiative, which delivers approx 120 meals and food bags per week.
All councillors have been working hard together to ensure that we raise our concerns and seek resolutions to local issues with the area manager, police, CLD and other agencies.
As you are aware there was a complaint submitted to the Standards Commission last year. The hearing was held on the 24th August. I sent the full outcome was issued to Community Council the Secretaries for information. Happy to provide a copy to anyone who wishes a copy.
The proposal to rewild parts of Lochgelly Benarty and Cardenden were rejected by residents of the area. This was confirmed at the March Area committee. This will be revisited again across Fife however there was a very small proportion of the citizens of Fife took part in the consultation. My view remains that this was very poorly handled and not thought out properly. A councillor suggested renaming the project in future, however a name change would not negate the fact that the consultation was done the wrong way around and the end product, in Lochgelly, Benarty and Cardenden, was unacceptable.
Removal of Creche and Out of School Clubs. This was considered at the last full council meeting. Following discussion with colleagues we believe that we should retain the Creche facility and the out of school clubs, I will be working with Cllrs Law and Walker on the retention of both of these services for our children. I also believe that we, the council need to provide universal breakfast provision at school. Cllr Walker will be meeting with Cllr Law and I to resolve the removal of the Creche and Out of School club issue. Fife Council voted to retain the status quo awaiting the outcome of the talks and a report back to Committee. Status Quo should mean that all Creche and out of school clubs should function till the issue is resolved.
Since the Community Council last met we have set the Council budget, both revenue and capital. More funding in budget for Park’s streets and open spaces, Road repairs, flooding issues. Continued support for food insecurity. Recruitment is taking place for seasonal workers.
Issues Vandalism –Launcherhead Park and the Public Park, also FabTec, The Meedies. I have had feedback from Police with their undertaking that there will be an increase in the patrols and police on the beat. We also raised our concerns about this subject at the last area committee.
Concern about the impact of re-opening of gym at the park. Contacted residents and committee members.
Dumping of waste. Westfield site. Again raised at the Area meeting with police last week
Pot holes and road conditions continue to be issues across the ward. Gully cleaning is taking place across Fife and an audit of all gullies and their condition is taking place
Meetings with Fife Sports and Leisure trust. Who are restructuring with some loss of posts.
Meetings regarding 3rd Sector Commissioning group. Voluntary sector funding.
