by Communications TEAM | Dec 6, 2023 | announcement, News, Planning
In November 2023, a plot of open space on Sunnylaw Road (between Mine and Mid Woods) was advertised for sale at auction. The area, which comprises roughly 2.4 hectares, is shown on the image above. This green space is currently open public space, and while privately owned it has been maintained by Stirling Council on behalf of the community. However, this maintenance is due to end this year as the council looks to make savings.
Many community members were concerned about the sale and the potential for the land to be sold for development. The community council shared this concern and first discussed the issue at our November meeting, with many local residents in attendance. We agreed at that meeting to set up a separate open discussion on the sale of the land at Sunnylaw, with all interested groups agreeing to come along. The purpose of the group is to explore options for keeping the land in community use and ownership for years to come.
At the first meeting of the Sunnylaw Land Group we heard ideas and suggestions from local groups and residents about how the community could purchase the land. We agreed at that meeting to contact the sellers and their agents to ask that the land was removed from the auction and consideration was given to gifting /transferring the land to the community. We have now heard back from the sellers to confirm they are happy to postpone auction of the land to allow a discussion with the community about options for purchasing the land.
Share your views
We have met twice since that first meeting to discuss our options and agree a way forward – with a first step being to undertake a community survey to understand the views of as many Bridge of Allan residents as possible. The survey will be launching soon and we hope you take a few minutes to give us your views. The survey will seek views about current and possible future use of the land, and options for funding a purchase. Some community groups have expressed an interest in using some of the land – we need to understand how residents feel about this.
A community purchase of the land ensures that it can remain as a public open space, which is in line with the current planning framework for the area through the Local Development Plan. We are also starting work on the development of a Local Place Plan for the area, which will give the Council a clear direction from the Bridge of Allan community on our priorities for our local community.
Do you have the skills to help?
A small group of interested residents, with support from a group of Community Councillors, have continued to meet and explore options for the purchase with a view to sourcing funding and offering on the land. While we have enthusiasm and commitment in the group, we don’t have all the professional knowledge, skills and experience that will be needed. Input from wider residents and those with that expertise is welcome as this process develops.
by Communications TEAM | Nov 27, 2023 | announcement, News
Please join your community in the Provost’s Park on Saturday December 2nd from 3pm.
3pm – Festive Music
3.30pm- 4pm – School Choirs – Fairview and Bridge of Allan Primary P5
4pm- Greetings from MSP Alexander Stewart
4.05pm Christmas Tree Lights Switch On
The Henderson Street Christmas lights will come on at dusk when the street lights come on (so cloud dependent!).
Thanks to our Christmas Lights team, arranging the lights logistics, a wide range of fundraising activities and pulling together the event.
Thanks to
Friends of Bridge of Allan for all their help and making Provost’s park such a lovely festive space to celebrate in and enjoy all December.
We couldn’t do it without all your help, so if you enjoy the lights please consider supporting the Friends and donating to our
Crowdfunder before the campaign closes on the
7th of December.
by Communications TEAM | Nov 12, 2023 | announcement, News
Give your views on whether you agree with proposed budget cuts and how you might be affected through a survey, hosted on the Council’s Engage Stirling platform,
Stirling Council has launched an online survey for residents to have their say on proposals to bridge an estimated £13 million budget gap in the next financial year.
The Council must make up this shortfall to balance the budget despite making significant savings of around £6 million in the current financial year.
The majority of Scottish councils’ funding comes from the Scottish Government. In Stirling Council nearly 79% of the budget comes from a Scottish Government grant and our share of the Government’s non-domestic rates or business rates, with the rest raised from council tax to support the budget.
A new round of drop-in events are currently taking place across the Stirling area following community engagement sessions that took place in August and September.
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Chris Kane said: “These are all proposals and no decisions have been taken yet.
“To help us make these difficult decisions when we set the Council’s budget, we need to know how these potential savings or increase in charges would impact you.
“These proposals have been developed by every Council service and cover the likes of schools, nurseries, roads, waste, housing, transport, libraries, community centres and parks and greenspaces. They will impact everyone who lives, works and studies in Stirling. So it’s really important that you take part in this survey and tell us your views.”
Residents can learn more about the proposals and the Council’s challenging financial situation at the latest Big Conversation drop-in events, with staff from various services in attendance at each one.
Cllr Kane added: “The proposed savings make for stark reading and underline the incredibly tough decisions we will have to make to set a balanced budget.
A selection of the proposed savings or increases in charges are listed below:
- Close or reduce council-managed community centres.
- Stop the annual mowing of rural road verges, reduce grass cutting or increase space for pollinator spaces.
- Closure of some libraries.
- Reduction in budget for events and festivals.
- Removal of the ‘road-end’ waste collection policy.
- Stop the greenspace ranger service.
- Reduce spending on maintenance at buildings and facilities.
- Removal of the community grant scheme.
- Reduce free, confidential and impartial accredited money, debt and benefit advice to residents.
- Change the operating models (opening times and capacity) at some nurseries.
- Increase non statutory childcare fees.
- Reduce or stop the play, creche, play and out of school care service.
- Reduce teachers in the additional support needs outreach team.
- Removal of the P5 swimming programme.
- Reduce the primary school week for pupils.
- Close some or all public toilets.
More details and the full list of proposals can be found in the online survey on the Engage Stirling platform.
See below for dates and times of the remaining round of Big Conversation drop-in events:
- Stirling High School – Monday 13 November, 6pm to 7.30pm
- Balfron High School – Wednesday 15 November, 6pm to 7.30pm
- Wallace High School – Monday 20 November, 6pm to 7.30pm
- Bannockburn High School – Wednesday 22 November, 6pm to 7.30pm
- Dunblane High School – Monday 27 November, 6pm to 7.30pm
For more information, please visit stirling.gov.uk/bigconversation
Remember to use the hashtag #BigConversation2425 to provide feedback and ideas on our social media channels.
by Communications TEAM | Nov 12, 2023 | announcement, News
You might have taken part in Flood Protection Scheme engagement activities back in March 2022.
T️he process is now continuing with some in person and online engagement session.
Residents are invited to meet with Stirling Council’s flooding team and consultant engineers at Bridge of Allan Library to share their views and ask questions. Monday 13 November: 10am – 3pm Tuesday 14 November: 2pm – 7pm
Online sessions are also taking place via MS Teams for those who can’t make it along in person. Tuesday 20 November: 7pm – 8.30pm Thursday 22 November: 7pm – 8.30pm. The shortlist of options will be published and community feedback will be taken into consideration when progression is made towards a preferred option. To sign up or for more information, email flooding@stirling.gov.uk
by Communications TEAM | Oct 30, 2023 | announcement, News
We need your help to make Bridge of Allan shine this Christmas!
We love the vibrancy of the village over Christmas, the decorated shop fronts, nights out, carol singing, Christmas trees and the cheer. A big part of this is the Christmas lights. Each year we aim to raise at least £5500 to ensure the ligths can go on, and that we are prepared for repairs and eventual replacement.
Many of our wonderful light’s sponsors have been with us for over the years, local businesses giving back to the community of families remembering their loved ones.
This year we are asking anyone and everyone if they can pitch in no matter how big or small. You can donate online to the Crowdfinder by following
this link. Download and display a copy of
our poster. Or you can find collection tins in the Hardware Store, Allanwater Cafe and Leanne Kerr Hairdressing.
We have set a switch on date of Saturday 2nd December for an event in the Provost’s Park, more details to come soon.
So come be part of it, donate what you can.
Together we can brighten Henderson Street this Christmas.
by Communications TEAM | Oct 14, 2023 | announcement, News
Our next Community Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 17th October in the Allan Centre GP room.
The meeting starts at 7.30pm and any member of the public is welcome to attend. We will be joined by people and organisations that work together for the people of Bridge of Allan, the community policing team, Friends of Bridge of Allan and elected representatives when their calender permits.
This month we will be talking about:
