Wednesday 28th January 2026.

Speed and Volume of traffic survey.

SLC have just provided the foollowing details.

Friday 16th January 2026.

Dear Mr Knock,

Thank you for your enquiries dated 20 November and 7 December 2025 in relation to the setting of speed limits on Covington Road.  As we have received several recent pieces of correspondence in relation to this subject, to ensure that your points are considered and accurate information provided to the community, we have collated and responded below to the main points that have been made.

The council understands that the speed of vehicles can be an emotive issue which in this case has sparked local concern and debate partly because the perception of appropriate speed can differ between users such as drivers, cyclists and pedestrians as well as residents of an area.  Local authorities have powers to restrict vehicles speeds through legislation and advise / guidance on the setting of these is provided at a national level by Transport Scotland and the Department of Transport.  This ensures that there is a consistent approach to the setting of limits throughout the country.

The consideration of any change to speed limits has many relevant factors and these look at the characteristic of the road, such as its alignment, level and type of frontage activity and accident record. In many cases, local speed limits, such as those being requested, are normally unnecessary where the character of the road, in practice, limits the speed of most vehicles to an appropriate level appropriate to the conditions.   

Practice applied to the setting of all speed limits has a number of considerations as outlined above.  Part of this relates to length of limit and the guidance states that the minimum length for a speed limit is at least 600 metres to avoid too many changes in speed limits along a route, and also to aid compliance. However, this could be lowered to 400 metres when the level of development density over this shorter length exceeds the 20 or more houses criterion.

Due to the number of properties and the length of road they occupy, this section of Covington Road does not meet the criteria for village status as defined by guidance. It is noted that the length of road that the residential properties occupy on Covington Road is only 200 metres. As this is the maximum length that the current and future housing would extend to, this is significantly less than the absolute minimum of 400m.

For your information, there is no scope within the above guidance to introduce a reduced speed limit over such a short distance. It is important that the council apply this guidance to enable us to provide a consistent approach in setting speed limits. This provides familiarity to road users and encourages compliance with the speed limit.

One of the important factors when setting a speed limit is how the road looks to drivers.  Any features which provide drivers with a perception of increased risk is likely to result in a reduction in their speed.  As such the geometry including width, sightlines, bends and its environment such as rural, residential, frontage etc influence driver’s choice of speed.  Guidance also suggests that it is not appropriate to establish a speed limit, however desirable from an environmental or safety point of view, if it is not going to have a significant effect on actual vehicle speeds.   

We have undertaken an assessment of accident records maintained by Police Scotland for this section of Covington Road. This has revealed that there have been 0 reported injury accidents within the most recent five year period up to the end of November 2025. 

I can further advise that the Council now has access to a monitoring system that has access to speed data.  Analysis of the statistics for Covington Road for the period between June and November 2025 has been undertaken at three locations shown in the image below. You will note from the data, also shown below, that the speeds within Covington are below 30mph with the average and median speeds below 23mph. Given the discussion above, it is clear that the characteristics of the road at this point are resulting in slow speeds.  In addition, the approach speeds to Covington are at an expected level for this standard or road with its rural characteristics.  We have liaised with Police Scotland in relation to these and they agree that speeds of this level are not of a level that merit their intervention.   

Finally, an enquiry was received that made reference to the legislation itself (Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984) with respect to speed limits.  Within the legislation, a road would be subject to a 30mph speed limit if it meets the status of being a restricted road by virtue of it being a C Road classification or an unclassified road and if there is a system of street lighting no longer than 185 metres.

I can advise that the local roads authority during the 1980’s considered the Act as well as speed limit guidance and promoted a restricted roads transitional order for Covington Road and numerous other parts of the rural road network with similar characteristics.  As a consequence, the national speed limit was applied to Covington Road and as described above remains the most appropriate.  Please note that the guidance and criteria for the setting of speed limits applied today is very similar to that applied at that time.     

I trust the above information provides a full response to the matters being raised by the community in relation to the speed limit on Covington Road.  Given the national guidance and its application, I can confirm that the current speed limit is appropriate.  The evidence presented above in relation to the speed at which drivers are choosing to navigate this section of the network clearly demonstrates this. 

Notwithstanding this, please be advised that the Council will continue to monitor this section of the network and should the situation change consideration could be given to responding should the evidence change. 

Yours sincerely  

Sent on behalf of Jonathan Plant, Traffic and Transportation Team Leader

Johanne Raeside

Engineering Officer - Traffic and Transportation

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices

Floor 7

Almada Street
Hamilton

Friday 16th January 2026.

The Community Council receive regular communications reagarding a range of issues.

It would be helpful, if you are able, to report issues directly using the online systems. 

Then if they dont appear to be receiving the required attention let the Community Council know (Having any reference number is really helpful).

Report a damaged bus stop: https://www.spt.co.uk/.../stations-stops-and-shelters/

Report fly tipping: https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/.../344/fly-tipping

Report litter issues: https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/xfp/form/563

Report roads faults: https://southlanarkshire.highway-iams.uk/live/PBLC/PIP/?cg=Roads 

13th January 2026.

Your Community Council have this morning written to Mairi McAllan MSP regarding the lack of a thirty miles per hour speed limit through Newtown-of-Covington...

Good Morning Ross,

Referring to our earlier emails regarding the lack of a thirty miles an hour speed limit through Newtown-of-Covington we have received the following email from a resident this morning.

" 08:14 (1 hour ago)

Morning folks

Bad news I'm afraid, I got to the bottom of why the Council ignore our argument that the village should be a restricted road because of the street lamps...

I did a Freedom of Information request and it transpires that in 1985 Strathclyde regional Council added this section of road to a scheduled list which basically means that they acknowledge the street lamps make it a 30mph under the Regulations however they have chosen to de restrict it and make it a national speed limit, it specifically covers Newton of Covington from Mark's gable wall northwards for 159m or so, theres also a section in Petinain the same.

Funny how they wouldn't just state this, I suspect because it means we're wasting our time arguing over something they know there covered with instead of exploring other arguments.  Legally they'll be covered by an order made some 45 years ago...

Anyway the street lamp argument is a dead end I suspect but the fight continues..."

Throughout the last eighteen years members of our community have been requesting for a thirty miles per hour speed limit to be provided through Newtown-of-Covington. - Each time a different reason why it could not be provided has been provided, including the settlement does not have twenty dwellings, the length of the restriction is too short, the street lamps are the wrong distance apart, insufficient Road Traffic Incidents and the like. Each of these reasons now appears to have been wasting the time of the concerned residents, members of both Pettinain and Q&T Community Councils, who are volunteers, the ward councillors (including Ian McAllan) who give up their time to represent us, your office and more alarmingly paid officers who one would presume have been following advice from above. 

The failure by the SLC roads team to provide the accurate information and instead providing information, which at best, has been misleading is deeply concerning, so, can Mairi please press for changes to the order referred to in the email from Alistair which will enable a thirty miles an hour speed limit provided and reduce the risk of further van versus building collisions? The changed situations in respect of the speed vehicles are now able to travel, the volume of traffic increases (in the evenings the Milk Hut on Covington Road is a popular destination for those choosing to drive at crazy speeds), the road topography/layout and the time since the order was made should all be considerations which can be used to justify a change to that order.

Barry Knock,

Chairman,

Quothquan and Thankerton Community Council.

49b Mill Road,

Thankerton,

ML12 6NY

Wednesday 7th January 2026.

Recent road traffic incident at Newtown-of-Covington.

Those living in Newtown-of-Covington will recall the most receny incident where a van colided with a dwelling house, and that your Community Council wrote to the Scottish Government Transport Minister, the Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Our MSP, South Lanarkshire Council, and ward councillors to request that the national guidance which SLC had previously indicated was preventing the provision of such a limit.

We have today (07/01/2026) recieved the following reply from Hannah Green at the Scottish Governments Transport Scotland office.

The next Community Council meeting will be at 19.00 on THURSDAY 29th JANUARY 2026 at Thankerton Bowling Club. Everybody is welcome to join us when we revisit this issue.

TRANSPORT SCOTLAND TS : ROADS DELIVERY & OPERATIONS 

Barry Knock 

qandtcc@gmail.com 

Our Reference: 202500497138 7 January 2026 

Dear Barry Knock, 

Thank you for your email of 7 December 2025 regarding road safety concerns through the village Newtown-of-Covington, South Lanarkshire. 

I am sorry to hear of the incident you have highlighted in your email and I am relieved that nobody was injured. 

Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 (“the framework”) sets out a vision for Scotland to have the best road safety performance in the world by 2030 and an ambitious long term goal where no one is seriously injured or killed on our roads by 2050. 

Through the delivery of the framework, the Scottish Government is committed to reducing risk across Scotland’s road network. Vehicle speed plays a critical role in both the frequency and severity of road collisions. The Scottish Government is investing a record £48 million in road safety in 2025/26 – the highest annual commitment to date. 

As you are aware, the road passing through Covington is a local road and falls under the responsibility of South Lanarkshire Council. 

The Scottish Government has published guidance to support road authorities in the setting of local speed limits and this can be viewed via the following link: Setting Local Speed Limits: Guidance for Local Authorities: ETLLD Circular 1/2006 

This guidance is intended to ensure speed limits are applied consistently, are easily understood by drivers and appropriate for the specific road environment and usage. However, local authorities retain the discretion to set speed limit on roads which they manage, even if these differ from the parameters set out in national guidance.

Local authorities also have a statutory duty to promote road safety and take steps to reduce and prevent collisions. It is therefore for South Lanarkshire Council to assess the situation locally and determine any measures, including changes to speed limits, that they consider appropriate to safeguard road users and residents.

I note you have contacted South Lanarkshire Council regarding this issue and, if you believe that your local authority has been negligent in handling its duties, you can make a complaint through the council’s complaint procedure via the following link: Comments, compliments and complaints procedure - South Lanarkshire Council

I hope you find this information helpful. 

Yours sincerely 

Hannah Green 

Tuesday 23rd December 2025.

Following a recent private event at the village hall a suggestion was made to the Community Council that South Lanarkshire Council could provide white lines on the road to indicate to those from outwith Thankerton that there were driveways which were in use.

That idea was sent to South Lanarkshire Council who have responded with the following email.

"Dear Mr Knock,

Thank you for your enquiry of 7th December 2025 regarding your parking issues adjacent to Thankerton Village Hall. We would respond as follows.

The parking which takes place on these streets is unfortunately a common issue across a number of roads in South Lanarkshire, particularly where there is a community facility such as a village hall within an already populated area. The parking needs of residents and visitors can often result in a high demand for both short-term and long-term parking within the area.

With regards to your request or Access Protection Markings (APMs) in front of driveways adjacent to Thankerton Village Hall, the Council would consider the introduction of a white advisory road marking known to highlight the presence of driveways. Please be advised that there is a fee of £391.74 for the provision (or renewal) of this road marking, which is payable by the resident(s) requesting the marking.

Should you or the residents in question wish to proceed with the installation of a driveway protection marking, then please e-mail the Council’s Roads and Transportation Service on roadsandtransportation@southlanarkshire.gov.uk or telephone the Council’s Customer Service Centre on 0303 123 1015.

However, in the first instance, the Community Council could consider engaging with the operators of the Village Hall to raise this concern and to request that users be reminded of the importance of responsible and considerate parking.

Notwithstanding the above, should concerns relating to inappropriate parking in this area continue, then you may wish to contact Police Scotland, who have the necessary powers to deal with dangerous or obstructive parking, irrespective of the presence of parking restrictions and inappropriate driving practices. Police Scotland can be contacted by telephoning their 101 helpline number for non-emergency enquiries.

Alternatively, should you wish to report your concerns to the police in writing, you can do this online by using the web link.

We trust the above will be of information and assistance.

Yours sincerely

Sent on behalf of Jonathan Plant, Traffic and Transportation Team Leader

Ryan Clydesdale

Engineering Officer – Traffic and Transportation

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices

Floor 7

Almada Street

Hamilton

ML3 0AA"

For the New Years Eve Ceilidh event, (see separate pinned post from Angus Milner-Brown), parking provision has been arranged with the Bowling Club for attendees.

Should residents living in Station Road wish to spend £391.74 to obtain a white line accross their driveway can we request that you ask the Council directly on the email address contained within their answer?

Monday 22nd December 2025.

Speed and volume of traffic.

Following a rise in reported incidents the Community Council pressed South Lanarkshire Council for action. They eventually provided a speed and volume of traffic survey.

There initial responce was place on this site, and on Facebook. That raised a number of questions which the Community Council passed on.

We have today recieved the following reply.

"Dear Mr Knock,

Thank you for your reply of 27 November 2025 regarding the speed and traffic volume survey results we recently undertook in Thankerton and the surrounding area. We would respond as follows.

I can advise that Covington Road was not included in the surveys as the locations were selected based on previous enquiries received from Quothquan and Thankerton Community Council concerning the number of vehicles using these locations as a through route travelling between the M74 Abington Interchange and the A70 at Carnwath. Covington Road did not form part of this route.

In relation to the ongoing requests for a 30mph speed limit please note that a separate response will be made in respect of this early in the new year.  

With regards to the speed survey results for Sherifflats Road being affected by turning traffic I would offer the following.  The location of speed measuring apparats was located at a point where it was likely that vehicle speeds would be at their highest.  Other locations were considered however, these were deemed not appropriate as these would not provide data considered to be representative.  Whilst I acknowledge that turning traffic could affect through traffic speeds, I do not consider that there would be statistically significant affects to the overall results of the survey given the low numbers of turning vehicles and any following vehicle‘s speed being affected would also be low. I am satisfied that the given the duration of the survey adequate data has been collected and the speeds presented to you previously are appropriate.   

In relation to the highest and lowest recorded speeds, I can advise in a northbound direction, the highest speed recorded was 44.7mph on 6 September 2025 at 0100 hours and the lowest speed recorded was 22.8mph on 11 September 2025 at 0200 hours.  In a southbound direction, the highest speed recorded was 39.5mph on 15 September 2025 at 0300 hours and the lowest speed recorded was 22.6mph on 11 September 2025 at 0200 hours.

Based on the Council’s experience of reviewing speed data, I can advise that the speeds measures on this part of the network are representative and what the engineering team would expect to see for such a location. In short, it is not uncommon for a spread of lower to higher speeds being measured as there is at other similar locations.  However, please note that the results indicate that it is unlikely to merit further actions by either the Council or Police Scotland.   

In relation to drivers utilising various rural roads as a through route travelling between the M74 Abington Interchange and the A70 at Carnwath, please be advised that it is recognised that there are roads within many older settlements such as Thankerton whose geometry was designed at a time when there was not a need to consider the volume and size of vehicles that are present today.  As previously advised, the Council provides directional signage to encourage the use of the A73, A70, A721, A72 and vice versa as a through route for all traffic. However, notwithstanding this, we will investigate this matter further and liaise with the relevant Sat Nav companies with regards to updating their software to reflect this.

We trust the above will be of information and assistance.

Yours sincerely

Sent on behalf of Stuart Laird, Engineering Manager

Johanne Raeside

Engineering Officer - Traffic and Transportation

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices

Floor 7

Almada Street
Hamilton"

Monday 22nd December 2025

The Trustees of the Thancard Trust wish everyone in our community a Merry and Joyful Christmas.

A few small announcements for you before heading off to your Christmas celebrations.

HOGMANAY. TIG is holding a New Year’s Eve Ceilidh at Thankerton Village Hall. This is now Sold Out. We hope the band and dancers have a fabulous night. 8pm - 00:15pm.

PARKING: The Bowling Club has kindly allowed visitors to the hall for Hogmanay access to their car park. Would all drivers please use this on the night. The trustees would ask revellers to be respectful of other residents and PLEASE keep the noise down as you exit the hall.

QUARRY FUND

The trustees are delighted to announce that the trust has been awarded £10,000 from the SLC run ‘Quarry Fund’. This money is to cover some of the running costs of the hall during our legal negotiations for its agreed purchase. We are currently awaiting the councils legal team to provide the missives to allow sale completion. The trustees have agreed to purchase the hall and fundraising continues to cover the agreed purchase cost.

COMMUNITY WELLBEING & MENTAL HEALTH FUND

The trustees have applied for funding from this community fund. We hope to hear early in the New Year if we have been successful. This money is to allow us to run a number of regular events at the hall. This includes fun and interesting courses and activities. We hope to open the hall for Coffee mornings, and other social opportunities… Quiz Nights, Bingo etc… We are not quite sure yet what we can offer till the funding is confirmed. The plan is to help improve a sense of community, to reduce social isolation and indeed to make the hall a more regularly used and vibrant place.

HALL UPGRADE PLANS

We are currently waiting for the detailed and costed plans from our architect (Wham Architecture). These are due any day and we will reveal his ideas as soon as we can in the New Year for general discussion. This will include environmental and structural improvements to the hall, also sound proofing, new windows and I suspect a better entrance and kitchen.

PLAY PARK

The trustees have recently been in discussions with the council regarding the improvements to the play park. While we are no longer taking on the park itself, the council have agreed to collaborate with both ourselves, the CC and TIG, as well as the community itself. We now expect planning to begin in 2026. As the trustees are buying part of the park area to allow us to seek planning for a new road entrance, we think it essential that our hall and new road access work effectively with any future play park upgrades. This of course will include discussions on damp areas, and improved drainage and safety.

As ever do contact the trustees at: thancard@mailbolt.com if you want further information. New members and potential trustees are always welcome.

Merry Christmas.

www.thancardtrust.com

Friday 5th December 2025

Emergency house.

Following the recent Community Community  Council meeting the clarification sought regarding an earlier email exchange, the minutes of the meeting were sent to the Head of Housing at South Lanarkshire Council who responded.

Mr Barry Knock

gandtcc@gmail.com

Date: 05 December 2025

Dear Mr Knock

I refer to your follow up email of 1 December 2025.

Thank you for your note following the Quothquan & Thankerton Community Council meeting on 26

November. I fully appreciate how important the safety and wellbeing of children and families are to

your community, and I recognise the concerns raised about maintaining confidence locally.

To address these, we will review the suitability of the Thankerton property and its location and

consider any alternatives, including a possible change of use, if this would better balance

community safety with our legal responsibilities. However, I must be clear that, for now, the

property will remain part of our temporary accommodation portfolio and will be closely monitored. It

is currently occupied, and I can assure the community that there are no risks identified in relation to

the current resident.

Demand on our housing and homelessness services is significant, and at present we are not in a

position to remove this property from temporary use.

I hope this continues to provide reassurance that the allocation process remains robust and

appropriately considers both the needs of homeless individuals and community safety.

In the meantime, if you require any further support or assistance you can contact Louise Wardrop,

Team Leader on 0303 123 1012 or louise.wardrop@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

I hope this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

Sharon Egan

Head of Housing Services

Wednesday 26th November 2025

Email detailing results of the traffic speed and volume survey

Dear Mr Knock,

Following previous enquiries, I can advise that speed and volume surveys were undertaken by a traffic data consultant at various locations between the A73 near Thankerton and the A721 near Carnwath from 6 September 2025 over a minimum of 7 days. This period has allowed sufficient data to be compiled and assessed.   

Vehicular Speed Surveys

For your information, please see below approximate location plan of where the speed survey equipment was positioned and note that these locations were selected in order to reflect on your previous correspondence from earlier this year.

The average mean speeds are as follows:

• Sherifflats Road - average mean speed: 27.7mph northbound and 29.7mph southbound

• Boat Road near to Boat Bridge - average mean speed 32.1mph northbound and 27.1mph southbound

• Shieldhill Road - average mean speed: 31mph northbound and 32.4mph southbound

• Libberton Muir Road near to Libberton Primary School - average mean speed: 37mph northbound and 36.7mph southbound

• B7016 Biggar Road, Carnwath - average mean speed: 50.2mph northbound and 51.8mph southbound

We have shared these results with Police Scotland who have advised that the local community police in Lanark and the Roads Policing unit have been asked to undertake enforcement action around the area of Libberton Primary School, duties permitting.

Based on the above information, we are satisfied that the other locations do not merit further enforcement action at this time.

Through Traffic Surveys

In addition, we arranged for cordons to be set up as detailed below to monitor travel patterns between the A73 near Thankerton and A721 near Carnwath:

 The vehicle numbers passing through Cordons 1 and 4 are as follows:

• The number of vehicles passing through Cordon 4 that also went through Cordon 1 Monday to Friday during the AM peak (0800-0900) equated to 1 vehicle approximately every 1 minute 40 seconds and during the PM peak (1600-1700) equated to 1 vehicle approximately every 1 minute 30 seconds.

• The number of vehicles passing through Cordon 1 that also went through Cordon 4 Monday to Friday during the AM peak (0800-0900) equated to 1 vehicle approximately every 4 minutes and during the PM peak (1600-1700) equated to 1 vehicle approximately every 2 minute 20 seconds.

From the survey data, although through traffic has been identified, I can advise that the overall volumes of traffic are not at a scale where interventions to restrict traffic are considered necessary.  

As previously advised, large volumes of traffic and traffic travelling long distances should be using higher classes of road; smaller amounts of traffic travelling at lower speeds over shorter distances should be using lower classes of road. In particular, whilst it is noted that there may be HGV usage on these roads, the formal signed route for all vehicular traffic is via the A73, A70, A721, A72 and vice versa.

Survey data from other sources on the classified road network such as the A73 near Thankerton, shows that volumes of traffic using this strategic route is significantly greater that of the road network through Thankerton, Quothquan towards Libberton. Twelve hour volumes (between 7am and 7pm) on the A73 close to Thankerton are typically 2700 vehicles of which 20% are HGVs. By comparison, the more local network has approximately 1500 vehicles during the same period where only 2% of these are HGVs. Given this, I do not consider that these statistics merit further action at this time. 

We trust the above explains the Council’s position in relation to this matter.

Yours sincerely

Sent on behalf of Stuart Laird, Engineering Manager

Johanne Raeside

Engineering Officer - Traffic and Transportation

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices

Floor 7

Almada Street
Hamilton

ML3 0AA

3rd December 2025

A number of residents have expressed concerns about the amount of information being shared with the community, so the Community Council have written to SLC Roads asking questions on behalf of residents including

"Can we ask for a breakdown of the range of speeds, showing the volume of vehicles in all these areas? The median value would be more valuable than the averageas this is very close to the 30 mph limit"

"1,500 vehicles is not an emergency significant number travelling through a residential street in a 12 hour window over 7 days"

"Why Covington Road with its perceived speeding issues was omitted from the survey".

And asked our ward councillors if they are able to obtain the fastest and slowest speeds recorded for each of the locations and the median value for Sherifflatts Road? There are suspicions being expressed by residents that placing the equipment very close to the entrance to Sherifflatts Farm may have seriously affected the figures generated given that traffic entering and leaving the farm does so at very low speeds. 

It was also noted that the equipment at Boat Bridge was reported to be damaged and is unlikely to have recorded data for the whole period of the survey. 

Monday 10th November 2025;

After further reports of anti-social behavours and an increasing number of vehicles staying overnight at Tinto Car Park the Community Council passed on residents veiws to South Lanarkshire Council.

They responded...

Newbigging, Grant                                                                  Mon 10 Nov, 16:09 

to David, Susan, Stephen, me

Dear Mr Knock,

Thank you for your email regarding the matters raised and we appreciate the sensitivities in the area and the concerns expressed.

As you will be aware the car park provides safe parking for access to some of Lanarkshire’s beautiful countryside, supporting both local enjoyment and tourism which benefits the wider community.

The Council does not advertise the car park as suitable for overnight parking, as no welfare facilities exist. This is consistent with many other rural car parks in the area and across the country.

If antisocial behaviour or disruption is being caused by any activity within the car park, we would advise that such matters are reported via our website. It is helpful if incidents are reported as close to the time of occurrence as possible.

Neighbourhood issues - South Lanarkshire Council

As you are aware, my officers have previously responded to you on several occasions regarding these matters and we continue to keep the area under close inspection.

To date, no evidence has been found of human waste issues or overnight parking/camping during our routine or ad hoc inspections.

We will continue to monitor the area and will consider the installation of advisory “No Overnight Parking” signs during Spring 2026, should further evidence supported claims of overnight parking be received. In addition, our gritter drivers will be asked to look out for any issues during less sociable hours.

Please note that any advisory signs are not legally enforceable. Other measures, such as height restriction barriers, would not be appropriate given that the car park is a key access point for emergency/ mountain rescue services.

In relation to your concerns about inappropriate use of the car park for alleged illicit activities, I note that you have already reported such matters to Police Scotland. We would advise that you continue to do so via the non-emergency 101 telephone number.

I trust that the above will be of assistance.

Regards

Grant

Grant Newbigging BSc (Hons) IEng MICE

Roads Area Manager Clydesdale and Hamilton

Roads,Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Clydesdale Area Office

South Vennel

Lanark

Tuesday 4th November 2025

Following the events on Wednesday 29th October 2025 which occurred in Mill Road, Thankerton, your Community Council contacted South Lanarkshire Council raising the concerns passed to us about safety of children living and playing within Thankerton.

The Community Council have recieved the following reply:

Housing and Technical Resources

Executive Director Stephen Gibson

Housing Services

Floor 10, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA

Tel: 01698-454645 E-mail: stratsupadm@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

Mr Barry Knock gandtcc@gmail.com

Our ref: 24673

Your ref:

E-mail: StratSupAdm@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

Date: 4 November 2025

Dear Mr Knock

Thank you for your email of 31 October 2025 and for sharing your concerns regarding the recent

events in Mill Road, Thankerton.

Firstly, I want to acknowledge the distress and upset caused to residents, particularly children, by

the actions of the group outside the emergency accommodation on Mill Road. The safety and

wellbeing of our communities is of utmost importance, and I understand how unsettling such

incidents can be.

Regarding the allocation of emergency accommodation, the council follows protocols and risk

assessments in line with national guidance. We work closely with partner agencies, including

Police Scotland and Social Work, to ensure that placements are made with consideration for both

the individual’s needs and the safety of the wider community. Decisions about accommodation are

not taken lightly, and safeguarding measures are always a priority. The property at Mill Road forms

part of South Lanarkshire Council’s temporary accommodation portfolio, which is used to meet our

statutory duties under homelessness legislation.

I appreciate your concerns about Police response times in rural areas. We regularly liaise with

Police Scotland to review and improve joint working arrangements, and your feedback will be

shared with them for further consideration.

I appreciate that this will have impacted the local community, and caused great concern, therefore I

wanted to assure you that the local team will be sensitively allocating this temporary furnished flat

moving forward, and will only be used for homeless applicants without any restrictions and can

advise that Pamela Newey, the local Area Housing Manager will oversee this to ensure that the

concerns of the local community are taken into account.

In the meantime, if you require any further support or assistance you can contact Louise Wardrop,

Team Leader on 0303 123 1012 or louise.wardrop@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

I hope this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

Tuesday 28th October 2025.

The speed and volume of traffic passing through Quothquan and Thankerton has been raised by many residents. Your Community Council emailed the Chief Constable of Police Scotland suggesting that more attention should be given to roads policing in rural areas.

We have recieved the following reply.

CC Office PSoS                                                                            

OFFICIAL

Our ref 544.25;

Good morning,

I acknowledge receipt of your correspondence at the office of Chief Constable Jo Farrell.  In order to effectively address your correspondence, I have forwarded your email to The Local Police Commander at The Roads Policing department, who has delegated authority and responsibility for the subject of your correspondence, for their assessment and any required action.   

I trust this will be of assistance. 

Kind Regards,

Scott

Friday 10th October 2025

Offical Notice of Polling Places review.

South Lanarkshire Council – Interim Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places

Jardine, Laura                                                                                      Fri 10 Oct, 12:54

Good afternoon

I am writing to make you aware of the above.  As you may be aware, in 2024, we conducted a statutory review of our Polling Districts and Polling Places (“Polling Scheme”). Whilst not required by legislation, it is generally good practice to undertake periodic interim reviews of the Polling Scheme and in light of the Scottish Parliamentary Elections in 2026, we have decided to undertake a review. The purpose of this is to ensure reasonable facilities for voting and the accessibility of polling places to all electors, including those with a disability, so far as is reasonable and practicable.

An important part of the review is to gather views from local people and organisations on the current Polling Scheme in the South Lanarkshire Council area.  In particular, we will be seeking feedback from those with an expertise in respect of accessibility challenges that people with different forms of disability might experience.

Accordingly, you are invited to make representations on this review.  I should advise, of course, that it is normal practice to informally review the suitability of Polling Districts and Polling Places after each electoral event or at any time when these are brought to the Council’s attention.

I have invited feedback from the following stakeholders within the South Lanarkshire Council area:

• Electors in the South Lanarkshire area

• All elected representatives including MPs and MSPs as well as South Lanarkshire Councillors

• Political parties who fielded candidates at the July 2024 UK Parliamentary General Election

• Groups representing those with disabilities

• Police Scotland

• Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

• Returning Officer in a constituency which is wholly or partly in another local authority area

• Private premises and community managed facilities used as Polling Places in the UK Parliamentary General Election in July 2024

• Community Councils in South Lanarkshire

• Electoral Registration Officer

• South Lanarkshire Community Councils

• Electoral Registration Officer

If you consider a change should be made to the current arrangements, you are invited to suggest alternative Polling Districts and/or Polling Places and encouraged to give a reason for the alternative proposal so that it may be given appropriate consideration.

The following documents are available for your consideration on the Council’s website Consultation for interim review - South Lanarkshire Council or you can arrange to inspect these documents in person by arranging an appointment on weekdays at the Election Office, South Lanarkshire Council, Election Office, 21 Beckford Street, Hamilton ML3 0BT between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm:

• Consultation Document which provides detailed information relating to the review

• List of current Polling Districts and Polling Places

• Maps containing each of the Polling Districts in South Lanarkshire

• Link to find my polling place which allows you to identify particular Polling Districts and Polling Places

• Online survey to provide feedback

Representations can be made as follows:

• by email to elections@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

• by telephone to 01698 454872

• by post to Election Office, South Lanarkshire Council, Election Office, 21 Beckford Street, Hamilton ML3 0BT 

• by completion of the online consultation form at the following link - https://online1.snapsurveys.com/u0otv7

You are invited to comment on the proposals and the Returning Officer’s representations, which will be published by the end of November 2025.  If you have comments on the draft proposals, these must be received not later than Friday 31 October 2025.

It is intended that the outcome of the review will be reported to Full Council on 10 December 2025 for its consideration.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.

Yours sincerely

Paul Manning

Chief Executive

Laura Jardine

Elections Officer

Administration and Legal Services

Finance and Corporate Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Almada Street

Hamilton

ML3 0AA

Friday 10 th October 2025

Review of Polling Places.

Your Community Council have recieved the following information from the Head of Administration and Legal Services. Should the SLC councillors agree to the review it looks like that Thankerton will continue to have its polling place.

Barry

I hope you are keeping well. So you know, we have today commenced an interim review of the polling scheme, in advance of next May’s Scottish Parliament elections,. As discussed, we have included Thankerton Hall as a polling place.

Regards

Iain

Iain Strachan

Head of Administration and Legal Services

Finance & Corporate Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Almada Street

Hamilton

ML3 0AA

Wednesday 8th October 2025

Village Hall latest.

The trustees of the Thancard Trust SCIO are delighted to announce that our application for a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of Thankerton Village Hall has been approved by South Lanarkshire Council today.

The CAT was discussed in the Housing and Technical Resources Committee this morning. It was quickly agreed and passed with general approval.

Of notable importance is that the council have agreed to an 80% discount of the recent hall valuation. This means we need to raise £9000 to complete our purchase of the hall. The trustees originally offered £1 for the hall. The trustees are continuing to negotiate final details and it will be several months before we take legal ownership. We will be seeking the outstanding funds from the Scottish Land Fund (Stage II) shortly. This is financed by the National Lottery.

The Trustees want to thank the Community, Biggar Scouts and South Lanarkshire Council for putting their trust in us. We hope you will continue to support Thancard Trust as we transform the hall into a more accessible and pleasant hall for all of us to use and enjoy.

Friday 29th August 2025.

A number of residents have been raising the issue of the much promised speed and traffic volume survey to be undertaken by South Lanarkshire Council.

We have received the following reply.

Raeside, Johanne                                              27 Aug 2025, 10:54 (2 days ago)

Dear Mr Knock,

Thank you for your reply of 14 August 2025 the speed and volume surveys we have committed to undertake.

I can advise that the tender process for these works has now closed and submissions are being reviewed with a view to a contract will be awarded shortly.  Whilst we do not provide specific dates for when these types of surveys will be undertaken to ensure that data is representative, please be advised that we anticipate that they will be undertaken in the coming weeks and thereafter once the data has been reviewed we will respond.  

In relation to Councillor Barker's suggestion that the Community Council should buy their own speed detection equipment for use on the A73 and rural roads, please be advised that this will be discussed directly with Councillor Barker as well as the other local members in the first instance.  The outcome of these discussions will also form part of the response outlined above. 

I am keen to review and then consider the information collated as this will allow an informed position to be taken on the speed and volume matters currently being raised.  

We trust the above will be of information and assistance. 

Your sincerely

Sent on behalf of Stuart Laird, Engineering Manager

Johanne Raeside

Engineering Officer - Traffic and Transportation

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices

Friday 8th August 2025.

Damged Cova Bridge to be repaired.

Your Community Council have recieved the following email from South Lanarkshire Council outling that repair work to the wee bridge which was damaged in an RTC will take place as follows,

"Further to my email dated 4 August 2025 regarding the proposed accident repair works to Covington Mill Bridge, Thankerton, I am now able to advise that the contract has been awarded to Covanburn Contracts Ltd.

Works are scheduled to commence on site from Monday 11 August 2025, and are expected to continue for a programmed duration of 10 working days, subject to unforeseen circumstances. During this period, temporary traffic lights will be in operation.

I trust the above will be of information and assistance.

Regards

David Raeside B.Eng (Hons) C.Eng MICE

Team Leader - Structures

Roads,Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council"

Wednesday 6th August 2025.

Residents will remember back in about 2022 the Community Council were asked about getting Millands Road footways repaired/resurfaced and were advised that the work would be scheduled for the following financial year.

The Community Council were reminded about the indication that those works should have been undertaken by now and contacted South Lanarkshire Council to establish when we are likely to see any repairs/resurfacing.

The council reply is attached...

"Thank you for your enquiry regarding the condition of the footways on Millands Road.

As you may be aware, road maintenance across the Clydesdale Area is prioritised based on a range of competing needs. Due to the high volume of qualifying roads and ongoing budget constraints, all schemes for the current financial year (2025/26) have already been allocated. Unfortunately, the footways on Millands Road did not meet the criteria for resurfacing, as other locations required more immediate attention.

We acknowledge that the current condition of the footways is less than ideal. However, resurfacing capacity has been significantly reduced in recent years due to static maintenance budgets, financial pressures, and rising construction costs.

We hope that the recent repairs will help sustain the condition of the footways until funding becomes available for more comprehensive improvements. In the meantime, any safety defects identified during routine inspections or reported by the public will be addressed as necessary.

We appreciate your understanding and regret that resurfacing cannot be scheduled during this financial year

Regards

David Kelbie

Engineering Officer

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources".

Thursday 24th July 2025.

YOUR community Council have this morning recieved the following email. If you have any comments please raise them directly.

Public event - Independent review of boundaries approval process

Inbox

Jardine, Laura

09:21 (16 minutes ago)

to Laura

Good morning

We have been asked to share the below with you and would encourage you to take the time to respond, if possible, as the Scottish Government are keen for good and extensive public engagement.

Thank you in advance for sharing your views.

You may be aware that earlier this year Scottish Ministers appointed the former Chief Executive and Returning Officer for Edinburgh City Council, Andrew Kerr OBE, to undertake an independent review of the process for determining electoral boundaries in Scotland. By way of brief background to the review, the Scottish Government recently indicated that it favours a move to a form of ‘automaticity’ for future electoral boundary changes – that is, a system where the recommendations of the body that reviews electoral boundaries take effect automatically, without needing approval from the legislature. Forms of automaticity now apply to changes to electoral boundaries in the UK Parliament and the Senedd Cymru, as well as in other legislatures internationally.

Such a move would represent a significant change in electoral rules and Ministers therefore decided to appoint Mr Kerr to undertake an independent review on the issues and produce a report and recommendations for the Scottish Parliament to consider. The review is considering the process for implementing changes to electoral boundaries, in particular options for a form of automaticity, and the processes which underpin boundary reviews, such as engagement and consultation with the public and elected representatives, and the supporting structures and resources.

Public consultation and online Q&A event with Andrew Kerr – Tuesday 22 July at 6pm

There is public consultation on these issues at the following link, where you can read more about the review and submit a response to help inform its work: Process for determining electoral boundaries in Scotland - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space. The Chair, Andrew Kerr, is very keen to hear the perspectives on these issues from as broad a range of people as possible, so we would certainly encourage you to contribute your views. The consultation is open until 7 August. 

In addition, Andrew is holding an online public event on Tuesday 22 July at 6pm at which he will do a short presentation on the review and then open up to a Q&A session with attendees. Again, we would be very pleased to hear from you via that forum and I would encourage you to read more about the event and register to attend at the following link: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

I hope the attached links are of interest and that you can contribute your views and perspectives on these important electoral matters.  

Angus Reid

Senior Policy Officer & Deputy Bill Team Leader, Elections Team

The Scottish Government

St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG

Angus.Reid@gov.scot

Kind regards,

Laura Jardine

Elections Officer

Administration and Legal Services

Finance and Corporate Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Almada Street

Hamilton

ML3 0AA

Tuesday 22nd July 2025:

The Trustees of the Thancard Trust wish to update you on the progress of our application for the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of the village hall and play park.

VILLAGE HALL:

South Lanarkshire Council have asked us to REVISE our CAT application. We have agreed to pursue transfer of the village hall, its car park and a strip of land to allow us to seek planning for a new road entrance.

The council in principle have indicated their support for this acquisition. We await the full council committee decision on 8th October. The date has been put back by South Lanarkshire Council. They claim this is to allow time to value the property. While we are dismayed at this delay, we are forced to accept the situation if our CAT is to succeed.

The trustees have asked three specialist companies to tender for planning the necessary environmental, structural and access improvements to the hall. We have chosen ‘Wham Architecture’ to both complete the initial feasibility, architectural plans and to project manage upgrades. This will we hope include a new safe entrance hall, better sound and heat insulation, improved kitchens and bathrooms, storage solutions and other facilities potentially needed by both the Biggar Scout Association and our Community.

Any detailed plans will be revealed to the community for comment in due course. We will do our best to make initial improvements to the hall for community use immediately, while the full CAT is completed. The Bigger Scout leaders are currently planning a repaint of some areas and we have already arranged repairs to the Ladies toilets in the short term.

The hall is available NOW for booking at:

https://www.onlinescoutmanager.co.uk/v/Thankerton-hall...

We are currently awaiting decision of the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) (A National Lottery funded government run organization) to cover the architects’ costs. (Up to £15,000 initially). SLF will also hopefully cover the cost of buying the hall from the council at Stage Two. The council are currently arranging a commercial valuation of the hall as part of our negotiations.

PLAY PARK:

The reason this CAT has taken so long to progress locally is the Councils held belief that they are the safest custodians of the play park. They are concerned that any group, however well-meaning might be tempted to re-develop the land for another use. They have also suggested that it would be potentially very hard for the trustees to comply with necessary safety regulations, care and maintenance of a play park. While we disagree with the councils’ position and already had the necessary insurances, safety and maintenance planned, we have decided that in the interest of providing a great new community hall and home for the scouts it was better to adjust our CAT to something the council could agree with.

The council amenity department have unfortunately advised us that the CAT application also effectively stopped their agreed redesign of the play park (Due to start in 2024 and delayed by a maternity leave). We are currently seeking this to be revived at the earliest possible date. While we are extremely disappointed at this position, which was outside our control, they have indicated that we will be allowed to make some early improvements ourselves. The head of the council's amenity department says we should be able to make some new environmental plantings and one of our trustees is currently negotiating what may be possible. I hope some new seating can also be included.

Ultimately the trustees also have to consider best value for our community. The Scottish Government has for some months suggested new funds are available for councils to improve play areas. We will be pushing for SLC to access and make of use of this to our communities benefit. Let me be very clear, the trustees have not given up on the play park, we will continue to work with the council to help provide a better modern solution. We will continue to demand the best for you. We hope you will continue to support us and to keep the pressure on our council to make them act.

The trustees are sorry for this long and sometimes frustrating process.

We will continue to keep you updated and do of course contact us anytime directly at   thancard@mailbolt.com

Friday 11th July 2025.

There were many recent comments about the speed and volume of traffic using the Sherifflatts Road, Boat Bridge, Shieldhill Road, Libberton Muir Road axis and the Community Council contacted South Lanarkshire Council.

Mr. Stuart Laird has responded ...

"Dear Mr Knock,

Volume and speed that traffic passes through Thankerton

Thank you for your enquiries of 4 and 7 July 2025 regarding the volume and speed that traffic passes through Thankerton and other issues in the vicinity. We would respond as follows.

As previously advised, we intend to undertake speed and volume surveys at various locations between Thankerton and Carnwath to determine the extents of any speeding issues and to monitor usage.

I can advise that as it is the school summer holiday period, we plan to undertake these surveys in August once the schools return to show a true reflection of traffic patterns and also to incorporate the survey location on Libberton Muir Road near to Libberton Primary School. The surveys will be conducted on our behalf by an appointed traffic data consultant. Please note that the Facebook comment in relation to surveys already being undertaken is inaccurate.

As previously advised, once the surveys have been completed and the data has been reviewed, we will write to you further. We will also share the results of the surveys with Police Scotland if speeding is evident.

With regards to your request to alter the Sat Nav route to remove the large lorries and other traffic from this route, it is recognised that there are roads within many older settlements such as Thankerton whose geometry was designed at a time when there was not a need to consider large vehicles, such as HGVs and the volume of vehicles, that are present today. The Council provides directional signage to encourage the use of the A73, A73 and A721 as a through route for all traffic. However, drivers are entitled to use any roads classed as public roads under the terms of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, in line with the Highway Code, unless otherwise prohibited by weight, height or width restrictions.

In relation to the speed limit on Covington Road and the installation of a fixed speed camera at Fallburns Cross, please refer to previous correspondence sent to you relating to these matters andnote the Council’s position has not changed. The Facebook comments in relation to Covington in your email is inaccurate and I would refer to our previous response on this matter where national guidance was explained in detail.

Regretfully, it is not always possible to attend evening meetings. This is due to various factors, which include the volume of meeting invites that we receive. As such we are unable to attend your meeting on Wednesday 30 July 2025. Notwithstanding, we have previously committed to the actions outlined above and therefore request that no further correspondence on the same issues is sent. This will allow officers to efficiently respond to other enquiries. Note that on completion of the review, a response will be made.

We trust the above explains the Council’s position in relation to this matter.

Yours sincerely

Stuart Laird.

Engineering Manager.

Friday 27th June 2025.

BROADBAND UPDATE.

The following email has been received this morning from Joanne at Openreach 

to me

Hi Barry,

We now have a confirmed date of 04/08 for the final dig work to be completed. Once the dig work is done, our engineering team will visit site to complete the remaining fibre build.

Kind regards,

Monday 23rd June 2025.

LOCAL ACTION FUND.

South Lanarkshire Councils executive committee is to consider spend proposals from the Local Action Fund at a meeting on Wednesday 25th June 2025.

Each of the council wards is allocated £50,000 and some awards from the fund include "the provision of accessible play equipment in Westwood Play Park (£20,000)" and "additional funding towards the Play Park Investment Programme (£42,000)".

Our Ward, Clydesdale East does not figure in the proposals within the document. Given that there are schemes throughout the Ward 3 area which could benefit from this funding stream Councillor Barker was asked about the awards for Ward 3 and replied

"Barker, Ralph Councillor

Sun 22 Jun, 19:51

to me

Barry

The Local Action Fund requires a measure of agreement between the ward councillors and I imagine approval by council administrative staff. To date there has been minimal progress on agreement between the ward councillors although that does not mean there has been disagreement.

I am afraid £50k will not go very far in Clydesdale East and is not specifically aimed at community councils. Until progress is made it would be incorrect for me to give any indication of potential recipients or projects.

Kind Regards

Councillor Ralph Barker

Ward 3 Clydesdale East"

Friday 20th June 2025

Road Closures:

South Lanarkshire Council have changed their on line system, and have not been providing information by email, so it becomes increasingly difficult to provide a list of road closures for this group.

Chekansky, Laura                                                                                                       Fri 20 Jun, 15:42 

to me

Good afternoon,

There have been a lack of road closures recently simply due to a quiet period in the area (dare I speak too soon!). There is an upcoming closure of A73 which I have checked and it appears that this has been sent to a distribution list which doesn’t include all of our contacts. We apologies for any inconvenience and please see the closure attached.

I must also make you aware that I no longer have responsibility over the East Area so please direct enquiries to the Roads and Transportation email.

I hope this is helpful.

Regards,

Laura Chekansky

Graduate Apprentice – Clydesdale Area Office

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services

Friday 20th June 2025

BROADBAND UPDATE;

The following email has been recieved from Joanne at Openreach.

(it seems like the delay is caused by SLCs Roads department requiring traffic management for the section of Mill Road affected by the ducting issue!)

"Hi Barry,

Hope this email finds you well.

The civils team have confirmed the council would like a request for traffic management to be submitted for completing the last section of work.

We’ll be given a date for the traffic management which I’ll confirm with you as soon as it’s confirmed and fully granted by the council.

Kind regards, "

Friday 20 June 2025

BROADBAND UPDATE;

The following email has been recieved from Joanne at Openreach.

(it seems like the delay is caused by SLCs Roads department requiring traffic management for the section of Mill Road affected by the ducting issue!)

Friday 20 June 2025;

Following yesterdays incident on the Covington Road your Community Council contacted the organisers and have this morning recieved the following reply.

(Can anybody living along the Covington Road advise whether any notification of this event was posted other than at the Milk Hut please?)

"Dear Mr Knock,

Your email below has been passed to me for reply.  I am the UK Route Liaison for the Tartan Classic Rally.

Thank you for your concern for our competitors.  I am pleased to advise that there do not appear to be any serious injuries, though two of our competitors were taken to hospital for assessment.

I am sorry that your residents' experience has been different but I can assure you and them that safety of our competitors and other road users is always a primary concern. Our rally is not a speed event and there is nothing in our time schedule which requires competitors to exceed 30mph at any point.  Of course they may do so when speed limits permit, and when they consider that road conditions allow, just like any road user.

I was not there at the time of the accident so I cannot comment on the circumstances but the police are aware of it and will conduct whatever investigation they consider appropriate.

I can however comment on the complaint that there was no notification of the event.  I personally delivered event notification letters - see copy attached - to all residents on the route in your area, including leaving a notice at the Milk Hut. That was on the morning of Friday 30 May.

I have not yet had the exact location of the accident confirmed but I understand that it may not have been on our precise route, both competitors having failed to follow the correct route.  That may be the reason if any residents in the immediate location were not aware of the event.

I expect that I will receive more details over the coming days.  Please do get in touch with me if you would like any more information and I will help if I can.

Meantime I can assure you that we do always consider the interests of local residents and other road users when we are planning a route for an event.  It is not in our interests to do otherwise.

Best regards,

Graham Watson

UK Route Liaison

Tartan Classic Rally 2025"

Tuesday 10th June 2025

There has been a lot of discussion regarding South Lanarkshire Councils announcement about the Clydesdale Way proposals.

To get the facts you Community Council requested the up to date information. South Lanarkshire Council said

"Hi Barry

There are no final routes yet, the Levelling up funding has just been finalised, and consultants have been appointed to undertake a review of routes, develop designs, prepare cost estimates and engage with landowners over the coming months. We will also be engaging further with local groups and community councils etc - I aim to have a Local Access Forum meeting soon where hopefully I can update more.

As you can imagine there has to be lots of work with landowner permissions before any final route could be finalised.

When this initial stage of work is concluded we will be in a position to confirm details of the paths and routes which will be included as part of the Levelling Up Fund investment.

Hope this helps

Kerry

Kerry Thomson

Access Development Officer

Countryside and Greenspace Service Facilities,

Grounds and Waste Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

18 Forrest Street

BLANTYRE

G72 0DT

Tuesday 10th June 2025.

CHANGES TO THE 91/191 BUS SERVICE TIMETABLES.

Your Community Council were approached by a number of bus users regarding the forthcoming changes to the 91/191 due to take affect in Mid-July.

The Community Council contacted SPT, our ward councillors and our MSP passing on the concerns raised with us.

We have this morning (10/06/25) received the following email from SPT.

"We refer to your recent enquiry.

The replacement contract under which Service 191 is delivered forms part of the SPT renewal programme for contracts due to expire in July 2025.

Before tendering, SPT reviews services to ensure they are reliable and sustainable, with support focused where there is demonstrable demand. There is no statutory requirement to consult on changes to our subsidised provision, however, for context SPT operate over 200 supported local bus services across 12 unitary authorities, averaging 109,000 passengers per week. To consult on all changes would be very challenging in terms of time and resource and decisions are therefore based on evident passenger usage. Consideration is given to rural areas in this regard, where it is recognised that demand is generally much lower. However, given the budget challenge faced, it is unfortunately simply not possible to retain all service journeys, particularly those with very low usage.

Below is a summary of the journeys that were not specified for the renewal contract for Service 191:

Monday - Friday, 0610 ex Lanark, average 1 passenger per journey

Monday - Friday, 2125 ex Lanark, average 3 passengers per journey

Monday - Friday, 2225 ex Lanark, average 2 passengers per journey

Monday - Friday, 2155 ex Biggar, average 2 passengers per journey

Monday - Friday, 2255 ex Biggar, average 2 passengers per journey

Saturday – 0710 ex Lanark, average 3 passengers per journey

Saturday – 0740 ex Biggar, average 3 passengers per journey

Saturday – 2225 ex Lanark, average 3 passengers per journey

Saturday – 2255 ex Biggar, average 3 passengers per journey

Sunday - 0915 ex Lanark, average 1 passenger per journey

Sunday - 1516 ex Lanark, average 2 passengers per journey

Sunday - 1546 ex Biggar, average 2 passengers per journey

Although these very low-use journeys have been removed, we would also highlight that the award of the revised contract has resulted in a 12% increase in cost. Stuarts Coaches however will operate the 0610 ex Lanark Monday-Friday on a commercial basis as a service 91, without any subsidy from SPT. This had been a decision exclusively made by the bus operator.

In the current deregulated bus market, the provision of bus services to any location and via any route is essentially driven by the commercial dynamic. The role of SPT is to provide socially necessary bus service links where no alternative transport exists, and we welcome the introduction of new commercial bus links in any area. However, it remains the case the decision to do so is solely the preserve of a bus operator.

In terms of the contract for Service 30/31, this will be reviewed by the team later this year in preparation for the tender renewal exercise scheduled for 2026. 

I can be contacted directly at the number below should you wish to further discuss any of the issues raised. I work weekdays general office hours.

Regards

Michael Watson

Network Analysis & Design Team Leader, Area 2"

Friday 6th June 2025.

Your Community Council were asked why coaches have to use Station Road when convaying passengers to events at Tinto Hill.

South Lanarkshire Council have advised..

"Thank you for your enquiry dated 27 May 2025 in connection with event transport at Tinto Hill.

I can advise that access to the car is not appropriate for large vehicles such as event buses given its single track width from the A73. This together with the difficulties in turning a bus in the car park area as well as a buses weight having a detrimental effect on the car park surface make it an impractical solution.

Any bus parking can be suitably accommodated on Station Road within the lining already marked and this together with appropriate event marshalling should be adequate. If you have concerns in relation to bus parking you should take this up with event organisers directly and pass over the bus companies details.

I trust this will be of assistance.

Yours sincerely

Stuart Laird

Engineering Manager - Transportation Engineering

Roads,Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices Floor 7

Almada Street

Hamilton

ML3 0AA"

Thursday 29th May 2025

Draft Minutes of the Quothquan and Thankerton Community Council meeting held at 1900 on Wednesday 28th May at Quothquan Village Hall.

Present: Barry Knock (Chair) Kate Deacon (Secretary) Charlie Todd (Treasurer) Angus Milner-Brown (depute Chair), Laura Knock.

MOPs 2

Apologies: Barbara Duffer, Emma Smith, and Ian McAllan (Councillor)

The chair welcomed everybody to the meeting.

It was proposed by Angus Milner-Brown and Seconded by Charlie Todd that the minutes of the previous meeting be approved.

Matters arising.

a) Dangerous trees on both Perryflatts Road and Shieldhill Road were reported again.

b) Defects on recently resurfaced road at the Triangle were repaired.

c) Road surface conditions/flooding on Shieldhill road was again reported with no improvement noted to date, although the roads team have indicated that it has been added to this years list of works. A member of the public raised the issue of the continual water flow crossing Shieldhill Road between Huntfield House and Baitlaw Livery. Despite weeks of no rain water continues to flow across the road surface, which is now hiding a pothole. Is the Gully under the road blocked?

d) 28 April finally saw the removal of the abandoned Caravan (late November 24), which had been set alight on the 7th February 2025.

Reports:

Police Scotland.

Police update – 26/03/25 – 27/05/2025

24 Incidents recorded for Quothquan & Thankerton during this period – for comparison purposes during the same period Biggar had 71 incidents, Lanark 420 and Carluke 488.

Of the 24 incidents, 0 crimes were recorded.

From my analysis of incidents there is nothing to indicate any specific trends that should cause concern to the local community.

As always, non-urgent matters should be reported via 101 or online reporting tool, urgent matters via 999.

PC Ross Allan Q646

Chairman.

a) Speed/Volume of traffic.

Further complaints about both the volume and speed of traffic on the route via Sherifflatts Road-Liberton Muir Road have been received and passed onto Police Scotland, who have visited Sherifflatts road and stopped a number of drivers. SLC have indicated that they will provide a speed/volume survey at a number of places on the route and will come back to us after that has been completed.

An incident of apparent racing involving high powered sports cars was related to the meeting.

b) Bus service reduction to service 191

Biggest number of comments include the loss of the 07.17 Lanark to Biggar on weekdays, that the first bus from Biggar on a Saturday will be the 08.45, and why didn’t SPT consult with bus users.

There was a large discussion mainly about the effects of the cuts to the morning 191 services and the effects of those working in Biggar.

Councillor Allision said that the decisions had been taken by SPT under delegated powers and that he was not aware of any consultation with SLC or the users.

c)Missed bin collections.

There was much anger over the number of missed bin collections that are happening. Eg The bins missed on the 2nd May still on the street awaiting collection on the 6th May. The SLC missed bin form not working and when residents rang up they were getting cut off. The Red bin Collection for Friday 16th May was uplifted on Monday 19th. Black bins in part of Mill Place and Perryflatts road were also reported as uncollected for a number of days.

Councillor Barker reported that the red bin collection is stretched, and that residents should use the systems in place to report all missed bins.

Councillor Allision reported that he believed that the uptake of the £45 charge was exceptionally low.

d) Events at Tinto Hill

More than one event has been taking place at the same time at Tinto Hill. This has placed pressure on the car park and reports of vehicles parked on the double yellow lines on Lochlyoch Road, and at the Fallbarns Cross junction obscuring visibility for traffic trying to join the A73 have been received.

The recent schools fortnight produced some issues, mainly regarding coach parking on the A73 and Station Road.

Secretary

In accordance with the standard procedures all incoming mail was dealt with.

Planning applications.

Planning application P/25/0447 for a remodelled floor layout affecting a listed building had been advertised locally and no comments had been received.

Concern was expressed about the works being undertaken in a field alongside the Cormiston Road. The area being worked on was large, about 20 acres and the burn had been “filled in”. There was no sign on line of any planning permission being granted.

Wind Farm updates;

Clyde Windfarm: There was no report as Emma had tendered her apologies.

Clyde Extention: Angus Milner-Brown provided a report that the extension fund had reviewed sixteen applications since our last meeting.

Social Media and website.

Our Facebook group was receiving a large number of posts for advertising businesses outwith the area and others for local businesses were being automatically declined.

Finance report.

Unspent balances at 28th May 2025

Admin grant                                      £145.86 (Still awaiting the annual top up)

SLC Microgrant                         £10,000.00

SSE Microgrant                                £950.00

SLC Covid Grant                             £900.00 (For re-opening of Village Hall)

Accumulated bank interest               £185.48

Total                                               £12.181.34

Microgrant Applications;

It was moved by Charlie Todd and Seconded by Angus Milner-brown that the following Microgrants should be approved.

MG02 Biggar Mens Shed

MG05 Tinto football Club

MG06 Thankerton Bowling Club

MG07 Covington and Thankerton Senior Citizens

MG08 TIG

MG09 Thankerton planters

MG10 Tinto Parishes Everyoung Group

MG12 Trustees of Quothquan Hall

MG      Biggar High School awards

MG      Michael Shannon

All approved.

AOB.

Given the perception of speeding within residential areas Councillor Ralph Barker suggested the Community Council invest in a handheld speed gun. This suggestion was unanimously rejected.

A member of the public reported that trees were overhanging Shieldhill Road east of the entrance to Shieldhill castle and required attention as two vehicles were unable to pass, and with the road is well used by horse riders attention to this issue was required.

A member of the public raised the issue of the inability to contact SLC officers by telephone, as after being transferred they were regularly cut off before contact could be established.

Closing the meeting.

In Closing the meeting, at 20.40, the Chairman advised the Date and venue of next meeting, which would be 31st July 2025. At 7pm. At Quothquan Hall.

Monday 19th May 2025

Speed and Volume of traffic 

The Community Council received representations regarding the speed and volume of traffic passing through Thankerton and passing Libberton Primary School. The information was passed to South Lanarkshire Council who have responded as follows...

"Thank you for your enquiries of 18 April and 1 May 2025 regarding the speed and volume of vehicles through Thankerton. We would respond as follows.

I can advise that the majority of the roads within Thankerton are unclassified roads. The section of Boat Road that incorporates Boat Bridge is the C24 from Thankerton to the A702 near Coulter. As previously advised, this road continues to serve a primarily local function and does not meet the criteria for reclassification as an A or B road.

Notwithstanding the above, following your enquiries, it is our intention to arrange for speed and volume surveys to be undertaken at the following locations to determine the extents of any speeding issues on this section of road and to monitor its usage:

Sherifflats Road

Boat Road near to Boat Bridge

Shieldhill Road

Libberton Muir Road near to Libberton Primary School

B7016 Biggar Road, Carnwath

We will write to you further once the surveys have been completed and the results are available. We anticipate that we will be in a position to do this by Summer 2025. Please be advised that we will also share the results of the surveys with Police Scotland if speeding is evident.

In the interim ,should concerns relating to inappropriate parking in this area continue, then you may wish to contact Police Scotland, who have the necessary powers to deal with dangerous or obstructive parking, irrespective of the presence of parking restrictions. Police Scotland can be contacted by telephoning their 101 helpline number for non-emergency enquiries.

Alternatively, should you wish to report your concerns to the police in writing then you can do this online by using the web link provided below.

[https://www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/contact/](https://www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/contact/)

In relation to the road defects referred to on the approach to the Boat Road/Cormiston Junction from Shieldhill Road, I can advise that this location is being considered for inclusion in this year’s patching works, however this is subject to change depending on available budgets and other priorities at that time.

We trust the above will be of information and assistance.

Yours sincerely

Sent on behalf of Jonathan Plant, Traffic and Transportation Team Leader

Johanne Raeside

Engineering Officer - Traffic and Transportation

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Monday 19th May 2025;

Bin Collection issues.

Councillor Ian McAllan has kindly shared the following:-

"Good Morning Councillor McAllan,

The food and garden vehicle that runs out of Sandy Road depot in Carluke has been behind for several days collections. On Friday they finished Biggar (Thurday's work). The line manager for the area advised me that staff were staying on Friday to catch Symington, Thankerton and surrounding areas. They completed Symington and surrounding area's by 6pm on Friday evening and have went straight to Thankerton this morning to complete last weeks work. We have a plan in place due to recent disruptions to bin collections in the rural area, particulary Fridays Thankerton & Quothquan work. This plan covers domestic, blue and grey bins - unfortunately we only have one food and garden vehicle though so guaranteeing collection on the due date when behind is difficult for the burgundy food & garden bins.

 I've just had a look at the tracker data this morning and can confirm the vehicle who left at 7am to collect F&G bins in Thankerton has now completed the area.

Kind regards,

Colin Manson

Waste Officer

South Lanarkshire Council" 

Thank you for your enquiry of 3 May 2025 regarding parking issues on Sherifflats Road, Thankerton. We would respond as follows.

Your request for parking restrictions on Sherifflats Road is noted. By way of background, the introduction of parking restrictions is subject to a statutory process requiring the promotion of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). Under this process, which usually takes between six to nine months, the Council is obliged by law to consult with various organisations, advertise the proposals to the general public and consider any objections raised. Following the public consultation stage, the Council is obliged to consider any objections received, which can result in delays to or even abandonment of the TRO process.

The process is resource-intensive and is generally used to manage parking demand over wider areas such as town centres where a significant conflict exists between short-term parking, long-term parking and through traffic. It is usually not appropriate, enforceable or practical to promote a TRO to restrict parking at isolated locations in residential areas where traffic volumes and speeds are low.

Taking the above into consideration, it is not our intention to promote a TRO to restrict parking on Sherifflats Road at this time.

With regards the newly constructed property on Sherifflats Road, I can advise we will liaise with our Planning colleagues to ensure that the driveway is formed in a way that satisfies the condition within the planning approval.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, should concerns relating to inappropriate parking in this area continue, then you may wish to contact Police Scotland, who have the necessary powers to deal with dangerous or obstructive parking, irrespective of the presence of parking restrictions. Police Scotland can be contacted by telephoning their 101 helpline number for non-emergency enquiries.

Alternatively, should you wish to report your concerns to the police in writing then you can do this online by using the web link provided below.

https://www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/contact/

We trust the above explains the Councils position at this time.

Yours sincerely

Sent on behalf of Stuart Laird, Engineering Manager

Johanne Raeside

Engineering Officer - Traffic and Transportation

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Tuesday 13th May 2025.

Response from SLC about the bin collection issues.

"There has been recent disruption to collections in the Clydesdale area since early April. This is largely due to current staffing levels among other operational issues. 

As you may be aware, the area around Thankerton, and other rural areas in Clydesdale is serviced by two separate vehicles, one large RCV and one smaller RCV. Since the beginning of April the smaller RCV has not been deployed due to staffing levels and the larger vehicle has been attempting to collect as many wheeled bins as possible from the smaller route which has been impacting on the area's serviced near the end of each shift. This has resulted in staff going out on overtime shifts either at night or the weekends to collect the missed bins. This is the reason for the Saturday collection.

I have had a meeting with the line manager for the Clydesdale Area and members of senior management to discuss solutions to the current situation. We have decided to keep the smaller RCV on the road going forward and redistribute some of our less rural work to another depot for the time being in order to reduce the likelihood of any disruption to the rural areas. 

I have also asked the line manager for Clydesdale to provide me with updates on a Friday if for any reason there is likely to be a delay in the collection of bins in the Quothquan and Thankerton area. I will then advise you via this email address if there will be and delays in order for you to share the information with the residents of Quothquan and Thankerton.  

Kind Regards,

Colin Manson

Waste Services Officer

South Lanarkshire Council"

Tuesday 6th May 2025

Reply from SLC regarding the road surface flooding occuring on Shiieldhill Road.

"Good afternoon,

Thank you for your enquiry of 3 April 2025 and we apologise for the delay in our response.

Please be advised that as well as clearing the kerb line offlets, the manhole and culvert which crosses the road in the vicinity of the flooding was jetted and cleaned in mid April.

We have taken some time to monitor the situation, and it appears that the location has remained dry for now so we are hopeful that the work carried out was effective. We will continue to inspect the area and where additional work can be considered.

I hope the above is of assistance".

Sunday 4th May 2025.

The following reply has been recieved from Councillor Ralph Barker about the proposals to cut some services from the 191 timetable.

"Barker, Ralph Councillor                                                                          16:14 (51 minutes ago)

Dear Barry, Janet and Judith

This is a forwarded message and I do hope you do not mind my addressing this to you all together and Janet for SUFOB as e-mail addresses did not come up automatically.

Judith, thank you for copying me in to your e-mail to SPT.

Ward councillors are unhappy that information was leaked elsewhere but not to ward councillors. We know that cutting away at the edges of the bus service just weakens the overall service and conflicts with policies for inclusion, environment and public transport in general. However, balanced budgets have to be set.

I, and the other ward councillors, continue to make a strong case for retaining our services and a lot of effort is required to get even minimal results.

I would mention to Judith that buses waiting extra minutes for trains contravenes regulations by The Scottish Traffic Commissioner (TC) and can, and sometimes does, result in penalties for the bus operator. The TC had declined to answer questions about this some time ago, She later resigned, and we are waiting for a new TC.

To my experience bus usage on these routes has reduced in very recent times after a long period of slow growth.

What should be taken into account is that SPT expended considerable funds and effort to save the Biggar to Edinburgh service after other councils, including the administrating council, decided to abandon the route as uneconomic. This has clearly affected the finances of SPT and I have concerns about what will happen at the next renewal.

Regards

Councillor Ralph Barker

Ward 3 Clydesdale East"

Thursday 1st May 2025

The Community Council have written to both South Lanarkshire Council and Police Scotland following concerns raised by residents about the speed and volume of traffic using Sherifflatts Road, and Station Road near the entrance/exit to the playpark.

We wrote:-

"Dear Johanne,

Thank you for your explanation regarding road classifications.

You will note that this email has been copied to our SLC Ward Councillors in order that they be kept in the loop with this changing situation.

Concerns continue to be directed towards the Community Council regarding both the volume and speed of traffic using Sherifflatts Road, Boat Road, Boat Bridge, Shieldhill Road, Libberton Muir Road as a SatNav followed route for traffic travelling between the M74 Abington Interchange and the A70 at Carnwath. It should be noted that part of the route is also used by HGVs greater than 14 feet in height because of the low rail over road bridge at Symington.

The latest email we have received is reproduced below for your information:- (with the email address redacted)

"Hello,

My partner and I have recently moved here and were surprised by both the volume and speed of traffic along Sherifflats Road. Hardly anyone sticks to the 30mph limit and the volume of traffic seems inappropriate for such a minor road. 

I would be keen to attend the Community Council and have this raised as a matter needing some attention.

Please advise if I am able to come to the next meeting and where and when this will be held.

Many thanks and best wishes",

It is suggested by another correspondent that in excess of 100 vehicle movements were counted during an hour of a recent morning rush hour. Many of these vehicles appear to be following their SatNavs and travelling at much higher speed than the limit set for both Sherifflatts Road and Boat Road. The speed of traffic passing through the 20 mph when lights flash limit at Libberton Primary School has also been brought to our attention. You will note that we have already contacted Police Scotland about those suggested speeding issues. 

You may be aware of previous correspondence regarding the number of Road Traffic incidents at Boat Bridge, and we can now advise that we are now getting reports of incidents at the road over rail bridge on Boat Road. These are in the main brought about by those without the local knowledge of the topography and shape of the roads through our area, and have seen two HGVs trying to pass at the railway bridge and at other unsuitable locations which result in the road becoming blocked for short periods of times whilst the vehicles involved work out how to pass each other. The Sherifflatts Road situation is further complicated by vehicles near the bend opposite Sherifflatts Farm parking part on the footway and part on the road which is reducing the available width of the road. 

The deterioration in the road surface also appears to be quickening resulting in more frequent visits from your pot hole filling teams, with more and larger areas of infill tarmac being provided. The approach to the Boat Road/Cormiston Junction from Shieldhill road is reported to be in a particularly poor condition. Presumably the increase in traffic and the increased speed that the road surface deteriorates may be connected? 

Is the route described above an unclassified road, or a Classified un-numbered road?

• Classified unnumbered – smaller roads intended to connect together unclassified roads with A and B roads, and often linking a housing estate or a village to the rest of the network. Similar to ‘minor roads’ on an Ordnance Survey map and sometimes known unofficially as C roads.

• Unclassified – local roads intended for local traffic. The vast majority (60%) of roads in the UK fall within this category.

Given the obvious rise in non-local traffic using the route described, would it be possible to deploy one of your traffic measuring devices to establish just how much traffic is now using the route? Doing this would provide information which would determine whether a road reclassification may be required.

Would you also please confirm if any reply that you send can be shared with our community?

With Kind regards,"

IF any member of our Community Council area has any suggestions as to how this issue can be resolved please get in touch with us, or attend the next Community Council meeting which is due to be held on Wednesday 28th May 2025, starting at 7pm at QUOTHQUAN village hall.

Saturday 26 April 2025;

Almost 40 members of Thankerton Ceilidh Dance group celebrated 10 years of dancing on Friday 25th April 2025 at Thankerton Village Hall. Pat and Charlie, who started the group off, cut the cake to mark the occasion.

A great night of dancing was had by all who attended. Thanks to Charlie Todd and Jude for the music.

The group now meet on Tuesday evenings at 7pm in Symington Village Hall and new members are always welcome.

Thankerton Hall Is now being run by the Thancard Trust.

To make an enquiry or a  booking please email thankerton_hall@mailbolt.com or telephone 07818 051037

Thursday 27th March 2025

DRAFT minutes of meeting of Quothquan and Thankerton Community Council, Held at 1900 on Wednesday 26th March 2025 at the Bowling Club, Thankerton

1. Sederunt (present)

Barry Knock (Chairman), Charlie Todd (Treasurer), Emma Smith, Laura Knock, Angus Milner-Brown

Councillors Ian McAllan, Ralph Barker.

Members of the public: Names redacted 

2. Apologies received from

Kate Deacon, Alex Allison and PC Denice Reynolds.

3. Barry welcomed everybody to the meeting

4. Minutes of previous meeting

It was proposed by Angus Milner-Brown and seconded by Charlie Todd that they be accepted as a true record.

5. Matters arising.

Millands Road parking: Since the last meeting when members of the public raised the issue with ward councillors SLC parking officers visited a number of locations placing warning notices upon vehicles. This was believed to be the start of a twelve-month soft approach, however on Monday 17th March 2025 South Lanarkshire Council announced that fines would be introduced immediately.

Housing services contacted the Community Council to advise that spaces for three pitches to enable residents to provide self-built garages were available and in addition residents of social housing could apply to the council for permission to provide driveways.

Like the Community Council, Cllr Ralph Barker believed that there would be a twelve-month soft approach to parking issues and was surprised when the announcement to impose fines was made. Things had moved very, very quickly.

Cllr Ian McAllan indicated that there had been a small increase in South Lanarkshire Council staffing, and that the council had indicated that NO additional parking would be provided.

A member of the public reported that houses could not be provided with driveways due to conditions within the property deeds imposed by the Carmichael Estate in 1950 when the land was to be used for housing. The member of the public asked if the grassed area running along the north side of the first part of Millands Road could be used for parking. The member of the public had applied for a Garage only to be offered one outwith Thankerton. The vacant pitches for Garages were not on the council’s website. They felt that the council had created problems where none existed before.

Councillor McAllan indicated that he would follow up these issues.

6a Police Report.

During the period 25/02-25/03 there had been 15 calls to Police Scotland.

None of these calls or offences recorded relate to anything that presents a direct risk to the wider public.

Seven Crimes had been recorded; Two dishonesty (thefts, shoplifting etc); 1 Anti-social (Section 38, public nuisance, neighbour complaints etc); one crime against society (breach of bail, Breach of ASBO, Drugs etc); one damage and amp, Reckless behaviour (vandalism, wilful fire raising) and two road traffic.

6b Chairmans report:

Following the previous meeting, the Chairman and Secretary together with Cllr Ralph Barker joined an on-line Clydesdale Locality Engagement event for LDP3. LDP3 is an important issue as it sets planning (where can be developed etc) for the next ten year period. Since that meeting the Chairman had emailed the recently issued flood risk mapping and requested that under LDP3 that development should not be permitted where flooding occurs or is likely to occur.

The issue of water flowing across Shieldhill Road had been raised with the roads department who responded by email. “Please be advised that Shieldhill Road/Cormiston Road junction has been inspected, and water was lying on the road surface at the time of the visit. There are two existing outlets through the kerbs on the West side of the carriageway which allow water to run naturally off of the road that don’t appear to be functioning as intended due to the blockage of the exits. We will therefore instruct to have the outlets cleared of any muck/debris to allow the water to drain” – (Had the Community Councils comments about the development of an agricultural building been considered this issue would not have arisen).

The recently resurfaced East to South leg of the triangle was reported to have a pothole in it. This had been reported to the Councils roads team in the usual way.

The first report of human waste left roadside had been received. The information was passed to South Lanarkshire Council.

The caravan abandoned in the layby on the A73 in November had been set afire and the remnants were still in place. Additional items such as fridges and seats had been dumped on the remains.

Councillor Ian McAllan indicated that he would follow this up.

6c Secretary

Not being able to attend there was no report.

6d. Planning applications.

None received since the last meeting.

6e Windfarm updates.

Clyde Windfarm: Emma Smith reported that a number of new applications had been received, and that the AGM would be held on the 8th April 2025.

Clyde Extension Fund: Angus Milner-Brown

6f. Treasurer’s report:

Balances as of today were:

Admin Grant:                        £244.71

SSE Micro-grant fund       £950.00

SLC Covid fund                   £900.00

Cumulative Bank Interest  £176.17

Bank Balance                    £2270.94

There had been no microgrant applications received.

7. Any other business:

Charlie Todd proposed that the costs incurred by the Chairman (£65)  reported to have occurred during his duties as Admin of the Q&T Facebook page (the voice of the CC) while you were vetting a potential posting, that a virus from its attachment infected your personal computer and you were unable to resolve that without professional help.

Barry Knock and Laura Knock took no part in the discussion which was approved unanimously.

Concern was expressed about trees overhanging the carriageway on the Droosie and on Perryflatts Road. These would be reported again

Angus Milner-Brown reported that the Thancard Trust SCIO had responded to the latest request for information in respect of the full Community Asset Transfer for the Hall and Playpark from South Lanarkshire Council.

A member of the public suggested that when the redesign of the playpark takes place that NO bark should be used, as wee ones can pick it up and put the bark into their mouths.

8. Date and Venue of next meeting:

Wednesday 28th May 2025, 19.00 at Quothquan Village Hall.

9. There being no other business the Chairman thanked everybody for coming and for their input and closed the meeting at 20.05

Saturday 22nd March 2025.

Your Community Council have been asked to share the following information supplied by South Lanarkshire Council.

"Housing Services manage a garage site on Millands Road which has 7 pitches available for rent, currently 4 of these pitches are occupied and we are receiving rent for them. According to our records we have 3 available sites for rent which tenants and residents can apply to the council to erect their own garage.

In addition, tenants can apply to install a driveway at their tenancy, this would be done at their own expense and would require the council’s permission before progressing any work.

Information on how to apply is available on the council’s website, or by contacting the local Housing Officer, Lynne Murdoch on 0303 123 1012 or at housing.lanark@southlanarkshire.gov.uk".

Tuesday 18th March 2025

South Lanarkshire Council is to begin enforcing fines to motorists who park on pavements, at drop kerbs or who double park.

A soft approach has been adopted since the start of the year, with warning notices given to vehicles parked in contravention of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.

This will now be upgraded to Penalty Charge Notices from today. The £100 fine is reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days of it being issued.

More details in the View: https://www.southlanarkshireview.scot/news/article/2509/Pavement_parking_enforcement_to_begin

Thursday 13th March 2025.

The Thancard Trust and Community Council would like to ask users of the playpark not to put anything in the SLLC bins at the back of the Community Hall. These bins are not being emptied, and placing of items in these bins is likely to draw rodents into the playpark.

Monday 17th February 2025.

The most recent closure of Boat Bridge saw many comments and suggestions reaching the Community Council. These were all forwarded to the SLC Roads Team, who have now responded with the following email.

"As previously advised, the provision of traffic signals would only be appropriate in locations where traffic delays are experienced as a result of congestion, if they provided a road safety benefit, or, in this location, if the provision of signals prevented regular damage being made to the bridge.

For your information, we have undertaken an assessment of accident records maintained by Police Scotland for Boat Road.  This has revealed that there have been 0 reported injury accidents within the most recent three-year period up to the end of November 2024.  Consequently, Boat Road does not currently feature on this year’s priority list of sites for intervention and cannot be considered for road safety improvements at this time.

With regards to the recent accident referred to in your enquiry, I can advise that we will review data relating to this incident once it is provided to us by Police Scotland on conclusion of their investigations and details are available. This data is expected to be released to us sometime during February / March 2025.

Please be aware that Police Scotland do not provide any information relating to non-injury accidents.

In relation to your request for a vehicle activated sign at Boat Bridge, I can advise that it would not be our intention to install a sign of this nature due to cost implications and that there are adequate measures already installed on Boat Road that are designed to encourage drivers to approach the bridge with caution and to adjust their speed. These measures include road narrows and hump bridge ahead warning signs, oncoming vehicles in middle of road supplementary plates and SLOW carriageway markings.

With regards to the fence referred to in your enquiry, I can advise that a site visit was conducted in May 2023 to assess the visibility splay for vehicles crossing the bridge as a result of the recently erected fence.

Sent on behalf of Jonathan Plant, Traffic and Transportation Team Leader

Johanne Raeside

Engineering Officer - Traffic and Transportation

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices

Floor 7

Almada Street
Hamilton

ML3 0AA"

Saturday 15th February 2025

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED.

Please complete this important short survey. The Thancard Trust has now officially applied to take over both Thankerton village hall and play park permanently.

We have submitted a full Community Asset Transfer (CAT), with the significant help and collaboration with Biggar Scout group. South Lanarkshire Council have legally accepted our application and now have up to 6 months to make a decision. The Thancard Trust is already running the hall (not the park) under ‘CAT Light’ arrangements, but this runs out in about 12 months time and was only a short term fix.

The Council have asked us to supply them with evidence that the community support our group looking after the hall and park in the long term. We cannot seek funding to make long term changes to the children’s play park till it is in our control. The council has clearly stated its intention to close the hall permanently so we are the best opportunity for you to retain a community hall. We have detailed plans to improve the hall and park and have recently asked several specialist architects to quote to re-design elements for modern use.

Link here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RRYS6YX

PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO OTHER RESIDENTS WHO MAY NOT BE ON THE INTERNET.

Friday 14th February 2025

Forthcoming Road Closures within Thankerton.

Latest email from SLC Roads.

We are still awaiting news about Schools Transport and Bin Collections.

"Good afternoon,

Thank you for your enquiry of 14 February 2025.

We have been told that the Community Council will receive the updated passenger notices from SPT soon. In addition, please see the map attached showing a visual of the temporary bus stops and bus routes. Sherifflatts Road will not be served due to there being no appropriate turning location.

School transport are aware of the closures and suggested temporary bus stops. We are awaiting confirmation on which they prefer to use and have advised that they should update all students/bus users on these changes.

I have also made contact with Margaret who is aware of the arrangements and will be assisted thought the site by our workforce if required. It may be helpful if the Community Council could circulate the attached plan for public information.

If you have any questions regarding the above, please let me know.

Regards,

Laura Chekansky

Graduate Apprentice – Clydesdale Area Office

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services.

Tuesday 11th February 2025

Polling Station update.

Your Community Council have this morning received the following email.

Strachan, Iain

Barry

I hope you are well. I am contacting you in respect of the above, and your emails of 17 and 20 December 2024. As you know, we have since met and discussed this matter, when myself and colleagues visited Thankerton.

I wanted to advise that, having visited them last month, the Polling Places that the Council has received complaints/representations about could still be used and would meet the Council’s requirements. As such, and given the concerns which have been expressed, together with the fact a shorter than normal consultation was carried out, the Council would propose that it still uses the venues in question as Polling Places.

This means that Pettinain Hall, Carmichael Hall, Thankerton Hall, Quothquan Hall and Coulter Hall would still be used as Polling Places, for so long as they remain available and suitable.           

Given its procedural rules, the Council cannot reconsider a formal change to the revised Polling Scheme until later in 2025. However, and given that the Council always conducts interim reviews of its Scheme in advance of planned electoral events no formal change to the Scheme would be made at this stage, but we would plan to incorporate these revisions, and formalise that as part of the next interim review. This would, however, be subject to the use of these additional Polling Places still being appropriate at that time. From discussions with yourself, on behalf of Quothquan and Thankerton Community Council, and Thankard Trust it is understood this approach would be acceptable as regards Thanketon Hall.

I wanted to make you aware. If you have any questions/queries, please let me know.

In the meantime, thank you for raising these concerns with us, and I apologise for any upset the proposals may have caused.

If you are able to provide me with contact details for the Thankard Trust that would be helpful.

Regards

Iain

Iain Strachan

Head of Administration and Legal Services

Finance & Corporate Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Almada Street

Hamilton

ML3 0AA"

Monday 10th February 2025.

Road Closure notices.

Sunday 2nd February 2025

Minutes of the meeting of Quothquan and Thankerton Community

Council held at1900 in Thankerton Bowling Club on Wednesday 29th January 2025.

1 Present

Barry Knock (Chairman), Charlie Todd (Treasurer) Angus Milner-Brown (Depute Chairman) Emma Smith, Laura Knock.

Ward Councillors: Alex Allision, Ian McAllan, Ralph Barker.

Members of the public: 4 present.

2. Apologies

Kate Deacon (Secretary)

3. The Chairman welcomed everybody to the meeting

4. Approval of minutes of the previous meeting.

It was proposed by Emma Smith and Seconded by Charlie Todd that they be accepted as a true record.

5. Matters arising.

In referring to the last meeting the Chairman offered his apology for the possible overzealous questions to Ralph Barker from the Chair at the last meeting.

The Chair then asked whether Cllr Barker could confirm that a council officer met privately with the Labour Group to outline where the Community Gain Money arising from application P/19/0405 will be used and was it this meeting which led to Cllr Barker indicating that a report would be published.

Cllr Barker then proceeded to provide a break down of where the Community Gain money would be heading. £76k for affordable housing programs, £44k to address the impact of the development within the Education service and used at St Marys Primary School in Lanark, and £20k on improving the right of way between Covington and Mill Road.

There was then a general discussion where comments about children from Thankerton usually attend either Tinto Primary or Libberton Primary Schools, That the £20k set aside for a virtually unused path could be better utilised on the wish list of the community.

The Chairman asked the ward councillors to consider making changes to council policy, which would require the officers making the decisions to consult with the local community involved to establish their wish list for investment.

6. Reports

Police.

During the period under review 94 Calls had been made to Police Scotland. None of the calls or the offences recorded related to anything that presents a direct risk to the wider public.

16 Crimes were recorded in the Community Council area, they were 9 Dishonesty (thefts, shopping); 2 Anti-social offences (section 38, public nuisance, neighbour complaints); 3 Road Traffic, and 1 rural miscellaneous.

Councillors.

Alex reported that the consultations for the budget for the next year were underway and that the ward councillors were working together for the needs of their constituents.

Chairman

The Chairman reported that it had again been a busy period between meetings

Polling Place: 

5 days before Christmas the Community Council received an email that the Polling Station at Thankerton Community Hall would be closed, and that those that wished to vote in person would have to travel to Quothquan Village Hall. The Community Council had exchanges of emails with SLC, Ward Councillors, MSP, MP and the Electoral Commission.

Angus, as Chairman of the Thancard Trust, and Barry as chair of the Community Council attended a meeting, held at the Community Hall, with officers from the council where a case for the retention of the Polling Place was made.

Playpark/Village Hall

The Community Council were made aware that SLC had introduced a fence between the existing fence and the village hall. This effectively blocked off the dry access route to the playpark, which was subject to continual flooding. There were concerns that the provision of the fence could impact on evacuations from the Community Hall should that ever be necessary. There were numerous comments suggesting that a gate should be provided.

Angus, as chair of the Thancard Trust then provided a brief update regarding the playpark redevelopment which had been due to commence in “late 2024” and the options now being considered by the trust.

Broadband.

Openreach had announced that 149 properties within Thankerton were to be supplied with FTTP.

The initial surveys had been completed as had some cable running. This week we were due to see the start of “civils” which because of Storm Eowyn had been delayed.

Buses.

The Community Council received another request for a bus shelter, which was passed forward to SLC who said No. Enquiries where then made about the rules which would need to be followed should we wish to provide one locally. SLC replied “Your request to gain permission to install a bus shelter on Sherifflatts Road is noted. We would advise, however, that any such measures on Public Adopted roads need to be provided on an equitable basis, and simply not simply where communities, organisations or individuals are able to raise or source funding”.

A73

Unfortunately, the number of road traffic incidents continues to be high with the weekending 11th January 2025 seeing five in seven days being drawn to the Community Councils attention, including one with dash cam footage. The number of incidents drawn to our attention and those drawn to the attention of Police Scotland shew a great numerical difference. Cllr McAllan stated that ALL accidents involving injury or damage to property MUST be reported to Police Scotland.

Boat Bridge.

The RTC of Sunday 12th January was discussed. It was noted that there was now a changed situation in that a resident had constructed a fence which removed line of sight views of traffic approaching the bridge from the East. The Community Council remain opposed to the suggestions for the installation of traffic signals. Other suggestions put forward to increase road safety were Sensor Operated sign saying, “vehicle on bridge” and installation of mirrors.

Sherifflatts Road development

Issues with drainage from the first completed dwelling had been raised. When water runs across the footpath and freezes it becomes an unseen extra hazard for those with sight issues. SLC had acted when both footpaths were closed at the same time.

Secretary.

With Kate being unable to attend there was no report.

7. Finance

Charlie provided a report.

8. Microgrant applications

Friends of Biggar Museum  Applied for £150. Proposed Emma Smith Seconded Laura Knock

1st Tinto/Biggar Scouts    Applied for £500. Proposed Charlie Todd Seconded Laura Knock

2025 Tinto Villages Day  Applied for £500. Proposed Angus Milner-Brown Seconded Emma Smith.

All agreed unanimously.

9. Planning Applications.

P/24/1461 Tinto Hill Tea Rooms required to obtain a certificate of lawfulness.

Communication received regarding a scoping plan for removal of timer from the Howgate Complex. Only comments were that lorries should not operate during the school’s fortnight.

10. Windfarm updates:

Emma provided a report regarding recent applications submitted to the Clyde Windfarm panel, and Angus did likewise for the Clyde Extension Windfarm panel

11. Social media and website

The Facebook group has seen a reduction in members (like many others) the total now standing at 2,909, which is about 18% down on this time last year. The website has seen an increase in visitors. Do we now need to consider alternative ways of reaching out to our communities? It was suggested that formal noticeboards would be required.

12. Any Other Business.

Members of the public raised issues.

The state of Shieldhill Road between the Huntfield Road end and Baitlaw which had a pothole in the centre of the road hidden by standing water. Concern was also expressed about water flowing across Shieldhill Road near its junction with Boat Road and the effects that it was having on the road surface.

Parking on Millands Road.

It was reported that parking on each side of the road on Millands Road was causing issues for our residents with sight loss. Indeed it was suggested that when contacting SLC by telephone about not being able to walk on the pavement with a guide dog that one person was told to walk down the middle of the road.

There then followed a general discussion during which a suggestion was made which may overcome the issues. Councillor McAllan indicated that he would take that forward with SLC officers.

The promised in 2020 resurfacing of Millands Road footways had been continually deferred and Cllr McAllan said he would discuss with SLC Officers

13. Date and Venue of next meeting

Wednesday 26th March 2025, 1900 (7pm) at Thankerton Bowling Club

14. There being no other business the Chairman thanked everybody for attending, their input and closed the meeting at 20.54

Friday 31st January 2025

  Thancard Trust SCIO

                 ANNOUNCEMENT

We are writing to advise you all that the Thancard Trust has sent in its application for a full Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of the Hall and Park.

You may know that we took over the lease from South Lanarkshire Council in November last year under 'CAT Light'. We always planned a permanent CAT.

The Trust is your local SCIO, a charity, however we work in collaboration with Biggar Scouts who want Thankerton to be their permanent home. The hall and park will be an opportunity for everyone.

I must add that we have long promised a redesign of the children’s park. This was due to start in December 2024 with the assistance of South Lanarkshire Council’s amenity department…sadly following a meeting with the council last year they reduced their offer of assistance to re-design a much smaller element of the park. The council have serious financial constraints to consider and we think sadly many other Halls will be threatened with closure in the future.

A reduced redesign was frankly going to be counterproductive in the long term, so the trustees have decided to apply to run both the hall and park on a permanent basis. To be honest we as a charity and supported by the Biggar Scouts can access funding far more effectively and easily than our council and we also believe there are commercial advantages not being tied to SLC approved suppliers etc.

There will be disappointment at the delay in the park redesign, but that was taken out of our hands. We are also deeply aware of some of the short-term issues that have arisen since CAT light began. We hope improved parking and access will all form part of our plans. One of our trustees is currently negotiating with suitable architects and planners to assist us. I would ask if any comments be directed to us at: thancard@mailbolt.com. We will post any information as appropriate.

Friday 31st January 2025.

Some weeks ago South Lanarkshire Council installed a new fence running from the west end of the Community Hall to the fence running alongside Station Road.

The Community Council received a large number of comments from users of the playpark, and contacted South Lanarkshire Council with those concerns, that communication was repeated days ago.

We have today (31/01/2025) received the following reply.

"Morning Barry

We had received an email recently that our Head of Service was dealing with, we still don’t know who removed the mature hedge at the front and our small fence that was erected was done so to prevent children from running onto the road. However, we will be looking to erect a further fence along the front of the hall where the hedge was removed to ensure that if needed when the emergency exit has to be used people can either head toward the car park or the grassed area.

Regards

Colin W Ried"

Should have have any comments, so that they can be collated, could you email them to qandtcc@gmail.com.

Thank You.

Friday 24th January 2025.

YOUR Community Council have recieved the following email. 

"South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture are exploring options to ensure a sustainable future for their halls and community centres, including a review of their pricing structure.  To continue to sustain services for 2025/26, they are seeking your views on potential price increases that would/may see some user groups pay an increased price in future years.  These levels of charging that they ask you to consider reflect a detailed set of costings designed to ensure equitable charges and their aspiration to retain maximum access to their halls and community centres. 

Please complete the online consultation to help inform decisions on future halls and community centres provision in South Lanarkshire. The consultation will only take a couple of minutes of your time and will be anonymous.  The closing date is 10 February 2025.  

Thank you in advance for your feedback.

Regards.

Eleanor Paterson

Community Planning Officer

Communications and Strategy Service,

Chief Executive’s Office
Floor 1, South Lanarkshire Council Headquarters, Beckford Street, Hamilton ML3 0AA"

Thursday 23 January 2025. 13.30

Storm Eowyn has been upgraded to a RED WEATHER WARNING.

The following applies: 

A Do NOT travel warning is in force.

Damn Delicious will be CLOSED.

Houstons 101/102 bus service between Dumfries and Edinburgh will be CANCELLED.

Stuarts of Carluke 30/31/91/191 services will be CANCELLED. (Stuarts will review the situation at 1800)

Biggar Medical Centre will have Closed Doors. (Doctor will be available by calling the practice and where possible remote consultation will be carried out)

Two Rivers Vets will have a Vet on site. (visits to emergencies will be subject to weather conditions) 

Trains. Scotrail have cancelled ALL services. There are no AVANTI West Coast trains running North of Preston. No East Coast services running North of Newcastle and No TPE services within Scotland.

14.45 

South Lanarkshire Council announced that ALL bin collections and bulk uplifts will be cancelled and ALL SCHOOLS will be CLOSED

SLLC have closed all Halls that they operate.

Friday 17th January 2025.

Closure of the Polling Station at Thankerton.

This is to confirm that the Chairman of the Thancard Trust, Angus Milner-Brown (the Trust operate the Community Hall) and the Chairman of the Community Council, Barry Knock attended a meeting with Officers from South Lanarkshire Council at the Community Hall on the morning of Wednesday 15th January 2025.

As we are awaiting a further discussion with South Lanarkshire Council it is not possible to provide any further comments at this time.

This matter is likely to be discussed at the next Community Council meeting taking place at 7pm on Wednesday 29th January at the Bowling Club. Why not join us and have your say as Councillor Ralph Barker has indicated that he will be attending and can hear your views first hand.

Friday 17th January 2025

A number of people raised issues regarding the building of the four dwellings on Sherifflatts Road, which were drawn to the attention of South Lanarkshire Council.

They replied

"Good morning,

Thank you for your recent enquires dated 11 January 2025 in relation to several matters concerning Sherifflats Road, Thankerton.

I can advise you that we have investigated the concerns raised and can provide the following update.

We have contacted the contractor working at Sherifflats Road to remind them of their obligations and responsibilities to keep the site safe and to advise that non-compliant traffic/pedestrian management will lead to suspension of their permissions.  We are satisfied that action has been taken to address any current concerns.

Regarding your report of water reaching the footway from the dwellings, we are still in the process of investigating and monitoring the location. As you will be aware, the weather has been relatively dry this week so we aim to schedule a further visit after some rainfall.

The Council’s Road Development Management team have notified the developer of complaints received regarding water running onto the footway. The conditions necessary for planning consent confirm the developers' obligation to implement drainage solutions that do not impact the public road. The developer must address any issues identified at this location concerning the dwellings on Sherifflats Road, therefore it is unlikely that the introduction of salt bin will be required once all conditions have been met.

In the meantime, regular inspections of the location will continue to monitor possible hazards and improve the safety of those using the footway on Sherifflats Road.

In response to the potholes reported in your enquiry and through the PEM system, the road defects were noted during a recent safety inspection and work has been instructed to have the repairs carried out.

I hope the above is of assistance at this time.

Regards,

Laura Chekansky

Graduate Apprentice – Clydesdale Area Office

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council"

Wednesday 8th Janaury 2025.

Reply recieved from South Lanarkshire Council regarding the defective vehicle activated signs on the A73.

"Dear Mr Knock, 

Thank you for your enquiry of 14 November 2024 in which you requested a timescale for attendance at the Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) on the A73 and reported a misaligned VAS on the A73 north-west of Fallburn Crossroads.  Please accept our apologies for not responding before now. 

Due to the complexity of these signs’ operation and the traffic management required to safely maintain them, we have arranged for the signs’ manufacturer to attend and investigate.  It is currently anticipated that this will take place in February 2025, depending upon delivery of appropriate parts.  However, a full repair within this timescale cannot be guaranteed if further faults are found. 

Once the faults have been diagnosed, we will write to you further detailing our proposed course of action.

Notwithstanding the above, we can advise that the misaligned VAS has now been realigned.

We trust the above will be of information and assistance.

Yours sincerely,

Gregor Smith MSc (Eng)

Engineering Officer - Traffic & Transportation

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices

Floor 7

Almada Street

Hamilton

Tuesday 7th January 2025.

Broadband. More news.

Your Community Council have today received the following email.

" Hi Barry,

Hope you had a lovely time over the festive period & wishing you a very happy new year.

Our engineers will be starting the FTTP build next week now that all the paperwork is now in place.

I’ll most likely pop out at some point to see how the engineers are, but will keep you updated on the progress and once the work is well underway, I’ll be in a position to provide timescales.

Kind regards,

Joanne McKenna

Technical Escalations Manager, High Level Complaints and Escalations

Service Delivery

Openreach"

23rd December 2024

REGARDING THE CLOSURE OF THE THANKERTON POLLING STATION.

A number of residents have contacted the Community Council regarding the decision reached by South Lanarkshire Council to close the Polling Station at Thankerton Hall. These concerns include the effect on people without transport, those with disabilities for who travelling is challenging, and the effects on road traffic in the Quothquan Hall area, to the new polling place at Quothquan Hall, and what happens if South Lanarkshire Council close the flood gates on an election day.

The latest reply from the Council

"Dear Mr Knock

Thank you for your email of 17 December 2024. I am sorry to hear about your concerns over the outcome of the recent review of the Council’s Polling Scheme.

If you wished to challenge the outcome of that review, then you would need to follow the relevant statutory procedure. More information on this is available on the website of the Electoral Commission. Alternatively, you may wish to seek additional information from them.

 About us | Electoral Commission

However, I have asked my officers to look into this and the points raised, and I will arrange for a more substantive response in January.

Yours sincerely

Paul Manning

Chief Executive

Monday 16th December 2024

The Community Council have this afternoon recieved an email which indicates that Carmichael, Coulter, Pettinain, Tarbrax and Thankerton have been identified to lose their polling stations.

IF we have read this correctly the polling place then will be Quothquan Hall.

Emails have been sent to SLC and our ward councillors seeking exactly what this announcement means for residents who previously used Thankerton Hall as a polling place.

Ward 3 - Clydesdale East – Changes Proposed

The following Polling Districts and Polling Places in Ward 3 meet the stated criteria and

therefore no change is proposed:-

Polling District Reference: SL019 Polling Place: Biggar Municipal Hall

Polling District Reference: SL021 Polling Place: Crawford Hall

Polling District Reference: SL022 Polling Place: Leadhills Hall

Polling District Reference: SL023 Polling Place: Abington Primary School

Polling District Reference: SL034 Polling Place: Carstairs Community Centre

The following change are, however, proposed:-

• Polling Districts SL020 and SL026 to merge as all now within the same constituency

for UK Westminster, Scottish Parliament and South Lanarkshire Council elections.

Polling place to remain Carnwath Primary School. SL020 to remain with SL026 being

removed.

• Polling Districts SL024, SL025 and SL029 to merge as all now within the same

constituency for UK Westminster, Scottish Parliament and South Lanarkshire

Council elections. Polling place remaining as Symington Hall for electors who were

previously in SL029. SL024 to remain with SL025 and SL029 being removed.

Coulter Hall would no longer be used.

• Polling Districts SL027 and SL028 to merge as all now within the same constituency

for UK Westminster, Scottish Parliament and South Lanarkshire Council elections.

SL027 to remain with SL028 being removed. Blackmount Primary School to remain

as the Polling Place.

• Polling Districts SL030, SL032 and SL033 to merge as all now within the same

constituency for UK Westminster, Scottish Parliament and South Lanarkshire

Council elections. Polling place remaining as Quothquan Hall for electors who were

previously in SL033. SL030 to remain with SL032 and SL033 being removed.

Thankerton Hall and Carmichael Hall would no longer be used.

• Polling Districts SL031 and SL035 to merge as all now within the same constituency

for UK Westminster, Scottish Parliament and South Lanarkshire Council elections.

SL031 to remain with SL035 being removed. Carstairs Junction Hall to remain as the

Polling Place, with Pettinain Hall no longer being used.

BROADBAND

The Community Council have continued to ask questions when the main part of Thankerton will see any improvements to the Broadband Service.

The following reply from Openreach, together with the recent survey works holds out more hope.

joanne.2.mckenna                           11 Dec 2024, 08:29 

Hi Barry,

Hope you’ve had a fab week so far.

I have some absolutely brilliant news for you and the wider community. Our MD approved an FTTP build for your area last night where we’ll providing FTTP to 149 homes.

Before we can start building the new network, I have to sort some regulatory paperwork which I’ll make a start on today, and it will be around 1-2 weeks before this is in place.

Once the paperwork is in place, this will take us up to the festive period over Christmas and New Year meaning the team will make a start on the build work from January.

I’m really excited we can help your community have access to better broadband and hopefully this will alleviate a lot of the connection problems people are facing.

Kind regards,

Monday 11th November 2024

Play surveys launched for Local Development Plan

The next opportunity for residents of South Lanarkshire to help shape the future of their area is underway.

A survey has been launched about how children like to play, where they go and what they would like to see changed in the play spaces and open spaces they use.

The surveys are aimed at both children and young people as well as their parents and guardians and will inform the next Local Development Plan for South Lanarkshire.

There are three separate surveys – one for parents and guardians to complete for their children aged from birth to 11, one for ages 12-18 and one for young people aged 12-18 to complete on their own.

All three surveys will remain open until Tuesday, December 24.

Tony Finn - Planning and Building Standards Manager

Planning and Regulatory Services, Community and Enterprise Resources, South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices, Floor 6, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA

Saturday 2nd November 2024.

Angus Milner-Brown, the Chairman of the Thancard Trust SCIO has today issued the following statement.

Play Park Update

I promised an update on the Thankerton Community Park plans. To simplify things a little I have listed below the current state of play:

1. The trustees of the Thancard Trust, TIG and the Community Council have for a long time hoped to improve the play park site beside the village hall. This time last year we got written assurance from the ‘Amenity Services’ at South Lanarkshire Council that re-design of the Play Park could begin before the end of 2024 Calendar Year. That date expires rather shortly!

2. We have been in long discussions with a number of different departments at the council over the past two weeks. This was in part to push for progress on the above agreement. We met (via teams) the Amenity team on Tuesday 29th October. I can report that they have allocated a member of staff to carry out the re-design, however while they expected this to start before the year end it has been delayed by a few weeks. This is outside their control as the member of staff is currently on maternity leave. She has completed a number of similar projects very successfully, and will I am sure be a useful contact to work with, however legally the council are not allowed to ask someone on maternity leave when they will return. I am led to understand this is likely to be at the end of January 2025. I ask for your patience in this matter.

3. The meeting also came up with a number of problems for the trustees. As I am sure you know we recently took over the village hall at short notice, with the enormous assistance of the Scouts. The Thancard Trust now has seven trustees, including myself. Three Scout leaders have joined our number and are keen to ensure the hall is a success for the scouts and the community. It is vital we keep the good will of local people to support the hall. We know there are currently significant increases in traffic on station road during Scout opening hours. I have approached the Council roads department, however their current response is effectively that it’s safe enough and they won’t agree to any changes. The trustees have not given up that battle yet!

4. Taking on the hall has meant a number of new challenges we did not expect. This includes a need to improve IN/OUT access to the hall (and park) and hopefully provide 25 or so parking spaces.

5. The Amenity Department have told us they will re-design a play park for children on roughly its existing site and will include designs for an improved MUGA. Please remember that while they are designing this…WE have to find the funds to build it. Currently we have £50,000 agreed with one funder but the play park is likely to cost £120-150,000. The main Clyde Wind Farm fund is the probable other funder here.

6. HOWEVER…and this is the nub of the problem. I and other trustees met at Hamilton with senior department heads in June this year. We were led to believe that the council would re-design the entire Park space and back in June we had even mooted flattening the hall as part of the scheme. Only on Tuesday did we find out that the council will ONLY re-design the play park elements for us…WE have to arrange detailed plans for the parking, In/Out access and other elements we might want within the park space.

7. We currently have asset transfer (CAT Lite) in place for two years for the hall. It is expected by the council and trustees that we will progress to a full and permanent CAT of the hall. However this means our bid has to be scored by several departments and agreed at the council. We can’t really progress the full CAT application till we know if the PLANNING DEPARTMENT and ROADS DEPARTMENTS will allow us to add a second exit onto station road and larger parking areas. I am interested to hear from architects and engineers that might be able to help us with this. (Perhaps BHC have a recommendation?)

8. We think it is far better to approach our funders with a cohesive and detailed plan for both the play park elements and the hall access. Funders don’t like repeated requests for cash.

9. We have passed to the Amenity team the useful suggestions for park designs. When they start, further direct consultation with the public and schools locally will take place.

10. Details on opening of the Village Hall will be posted in the next 10 days. Insurance for events and activities is now in place. The kitchen roof has had some repairs and we are checking to see if it still leaks before proceeding to cover up the mess.

11. As ever, do write to the trustees at Thancard@mailbolt.com to comment or join our membership list.

12. Please remember WE are all unpaid volunteers and things don’t always go to plan, but the Thancard Trust is YOUR community development trust and official charity. We will listen to your views. You can also come to any Community Council meeting to raise any issues. The next meeting is on Tuesday 5th November at 7pm. The CC and Trust work together for the benefit of all of us. We are open to discussion on this forum, via email, at public CC meetings and at public trust meetings when called.

13. I also want everyone to understand it is vital we keep the council on our side. They have significant financial constraints and are currently trying to resolve at least another 30 similar asset transfers in the county. We may not always agree with decisions made, but it is vital we keep an open, frank and honest conversation going with their various officers.

14. Thank you for your continued support.

October Thankerton Improvement Group/Community Council newsletter.

Monday 21st October 2024.

the number of road traffic incidents on the A73 was raised with South Lanarkshire council.

There response to the now 10 incidents in 35 is reproduced below.

Laird, Stuart

to Colin, me

Dear Mr Knock,

Thank you for your enquiries of 11, 15 September and 4 October 2024 in relation to road safety concerns on the A73 near Thankerton.

As we have received several recent pieces of correspondence in relation to this subject, to ensure that your points are considered and accurate information provided to the community, we have collated and responded below to the main points that have been made since 11 September 2024.

Recent Incidents at A73 Crossroads Junction with Station Road and Lochlyoch Road

In relation to recent accidents at this location, I can advise that we will review data relating to incidents once it is provided to us by Police Scotland on conclusion of their investigations and details are available. This data is expected to be released to us during November 2024.

To establish the priority locations for engineering measures, the Council annually identifies locations where a statistically significant number of injury accidents has occurred for inclusion in our priority list. These comprise single sites or areas where three or more accidents have occurred in the past three years, or sections of rural classified road where the accident rate has exceeded the annual average for that type of road in the past three years.

Please note that last year’s annual accident assessment shows that for the three years up to the end of September 2023 there were zero injury accidents occurring at the junction.  Following receipt of the most recent enquiries a review to the end of July 2024 has been undertaken and again this showed that there have been zero injury accidents at the junction. 

For your information, funding for road safety projects has been awarded for this financial year and projects are currently prioritised following our most recent annual assessment process. The initial list of sites identified for possible engineering measures in the 2024-25 financial year, as agreed by the Council’s Road Safety Forum, is available here and we are currently progressing with the following schemes: - 

• A70 between Hyndford Bridge and Ravenstruther

• A726 between East Kilbride and Strathaven

• A706 between Forth and the Council Boundary

• Hillhouse Road / Technology Avenue, Hamilton

• A71 Ayr Road / Burnhead Road, Shawsburn

• B743 between Strathaven and the Council Boundary - provisional scheme for phased implementation

Our next annual review is scheduled to commence and the factors of any recent accidents at this junction will be fully considered for priority when compared to other locations. This analysis will include all recorded injury accidents that occurred on the Council’s road network over the three year period to the end of September 2024. The results of this exercise will determine those sites or routes for further investigation in the 2025-26 financial year. 

All non-urban sections of classified road network, including the section of A73 from A70 Hyndford Bridge to A72 Symington junction, are automatically included within this annual assessment. The most recent exercise established a downward trend in casualties along this route and an accident rate below the national average, with no collisions at the crossroads junction.

50mph speed limit on A73 near Thankerton

For your information, there is national guidance issued to Local Authorities that is used to set speed limits.  This ensures that authorities set appropriate speed limits on a consistent basis across the network.  A key principle of the guidance is that a speed limit should not be set below the measured mean speed of traffic. The guidance is drawn from knowledge that a posted speed limit will not in itself change driver behaviour.  The characteristics of the section of road influences driver behaviour for example.  

I can advise that over the last few years, the speed limit at this location has been reviewed and discussed with Police Scotland.  Traffic speed surveys were conducted on this section of road in April 2021 when a temporary 50mph speed limit was in operation and again in January 2022 when a temporary 40mph speed limit was in operation.  Both of these surveys returned an average speed of approximately 47mph therefore, in accordance with national guidance the speed limit of 50mph is appropriate.  

As you will be aware the speed limit has decreased from the pre-covid period national speed limit (60mph for cars) to 50mph through the promotion of a permanent speed limit order. 

You will also recall that through the pandemic, the Tinto Hill visitor numbers rose significantly and in response to this, precautionary measures such as waiting restrictions, reduced speed limits of 30mph, 40mph and 50mph were applied.  As the visitor numbers have since reduced, the need for these measures has also reduced.   

Please note that as part of a phased approach of implementing measures, regulatory 50mph speed limit signs with associated road markings have been put in place to advise road users of the change of speed limit.

Following discussions with Police Scotland, I remain satisfied that 50mph is the most appropriate speed limit for this section of road given its characteristics and results of surveys that have measured speeds.

As you may be aware, there have been several articles in the Lanark Gazette over recent weeks.  Unfortunately, there was an inaccuracy in the initial response as we made reference to speed limit countdown markers and associated gateway type road markings which are not all currently in place. 

In relation to the signing, a phased approach has been taken forward where regulatory speed limit signing and an additional 50mph speed limit road markings have been provided.  This permanent signing replaced the temporary signing that had previously been in place.  Please note that it is our intention to provide the additional gateway signing and markings before the end of the financial year. 

Speed limit enforcement on the A73

Safety cameras are managed and operated in Scotland by the Scottish Safety Camera Programme, a shared responsibility between the Scottish Government and Police Scotland.  The daily operation is controlled through Safety Camera Area Managers who are employed by the Police.

Police Scotland Safety Cameras has specified the minimum criteria for consideration of a safety camera, including the percentage of traffic exceeding the posted speed limit and the number of recent injury accidents where speed in excess of the limit has been a contributory factor.  Experience has shown that the most likely locations for an accident to occur are those in which a number of accidents with similar contributory factors have occurred in the recent past.

For your information, the safety camera site selection process, including the minimum site selection criteria, are detailed in the Scottish Safety Camera Programme Handbook, available here.

The road network and existing camera sites are reviewed on an annual basis by Safety Camera Area Managers with joint investigation and liaison then taking place with South Lanarkshire Council regarding the outcome.  It should be noted that locations are determined suitable where the introduction of a fixed, mobile or average safety camera is anticipated to have the greatest impact on casualty reduction.

It should be noted that site selection by the Camera Unit includes various factors and criteria including the number, severity and frequency of speed related accidents as well as the characteristics of the area including pedestrian and cycle users.  As such, the most efficient method of undertaking enforcement, whilst being compared to other priorities and locations, was to have the A73 enforced using mobile cameras.    

Since the engineering improvements came into effect, Roads officers have been liaising with the Safety Camera Unit which undertakes speed enforcement at the site on a regular basis and feedback to date notes a reduction in both accidents and casualties at this location.

An additional layby area was constructed to allow speed limit enforcement to be undertaken closer to the crossroads junction of Station Road, A73 and Lochlyoch Road as well as other sections of the road following the establishment of this corridor for mobile enforcement.  

Whilst we await the conclusion of this year’s safety camera annual review, the data included in the 2023 process has been reviewed following the receipt of the latest correspondence.  The section of road considered by the mobile cameras extend beyond the crossroads and included both approaches.

Speed assessments were undertaken during August 2023 when the permanent 50mph speed limit was in place.  This data shows that measured mean speeds throughout any given day were 49.5mph. This also broadly aligns with previous surveys undertaken and confirms the posted speed limit is appropriate. 

Following receipt of recent enquiries, the Council has liaised with the Safety Camera Unit who have advised that they have visited the A73 on 35 occasions over the last year.  These visits are randomly selected to ensure drivers are unable to determine when visits are likely to be.

Over the section of road there are four locations where enforcement vehicles can be positioned and it is our understanding that all four have been used throughout recent months.  It is likely the decision to use specific locations is driven by providing a presence to ensure there is speed limit compliance over a wider area.  From the data submitted, the offence rate is relatively low when compared to other areas within South Lanarkshire.  On the A73 there have been 0.3 offences per enforcement hour recorded during the 2023 review.   

In summary, the 2023 annual review of the A73 concluded that the section of road remains an active mobile safety camera site and enforcement will continue.  Once this year’s annual review is concluded, please be assured that we will liaise further with the Safety Camera team.    

Road markings at A73 crossroads junction with Station Road and Lochlyoch Road

The double line system indicated by solid white lines which indicate to drivers where it is unsafe to overtake was extended considerably a number of years ago as part of a previous package of works aimed at reducing casualties at this location.  These markings as well as other signing works undertaken in 2018/19 have contributed to casualty rates reducing as outlined above. 

A recent inspection identified that a short section of the markings in close proximity to the junction could benefit from being refurbished and these works have taken place.

I remain satisfied that the markings in place are appropriate with no need to alter their extents and also their condition on the approaches and through the junction is satisfactory along with the recent refurbishment works.

The condition of road markings on the A73 will continue to be monitored and action taken to refresh markings when considered necessary.

Junction Visibility at A73 crossroads junction with Station Road and Lochlyoch Road

It has been suggested that visibility is obscured by street furniture. This has been considered for traffic exiting from both sides of the crossroads from a waiting position and forward sightlines for traffic on the A73.

The post mounted direction signs are located in a position where they do not restrict a drivers view looking left from Station Road whilst waiting to enter the A73. Visibility from Lochlyoch Road is also not restricted to the right for drivers exiting the side road.

It is acknowledged that the topography in the opposite direction towards Lanark is less than that for traffic coming from the Symington direction.  This has previously been measured to be approximately 110m.  The very presence of the double line system alerts approaching drivers to restricted forward sightlines. Notwithstanding this, drivers approaching the junction on the A73 at or below the speed limit can safely slow down and stop should they need to do so before reaching the junction.          

I understand from some correspondence that has been received that there are concerns regarding the length of grass in the verges.  I can advise that verges are generally cut twice a year on a rolling programme between the Spring and Autumn.  The verges were routinely cut in late September which coincidentally followed one of the incidents that has been referred to in correspondence.

Since receipt of correspondence the vegetation at both junctions exiting Thankerton onto the A73 has been inspected.  This concluded that the sightlines were not obscured however, this will continue to be monitored.

Tinto crossroads junction – roundabout/ traffic signals

The provision of a roundabout in place of the existing crossroads configuration would be a major infrastructure project and require substantial justification for investment . 

The size of roundabout required on this A-class road would need the purchase of a large area of privately owned land as the position of the properties on the south side of the road would require the roundabout to be positioned to the north of the existing road layout.  The A73 approaches would also need to be realigned and widened because of this. 

The construction costs associated with the introduction of a roundabout in this location could be between £1m and £1.5m and this together with land purchase and utility diversion works would likely result in a project cost of in excess of £2m.

Similarly, traffic signals are not being considered for this junction. This would require significant investment, and the location does not experience high traffic volumes on the side roads of this crossroads junction or long delays when joining the A73 to enable this type of infrastructure to be justifiable. 

For these reasons and given the current accident record we do not have any plans to change the existing layout to a roundabout or traffic signals.

Speed limit reduction on A73 at Eagles Gate and Pettinain junction

With regards to the introduction of a 50mph speed limit on the section of the A73 at Eagles Gate and Pettinain I would advise that this is covered by the information provided above regarding the appropriate setting of speed limits.

I can additionally advise that under the speed limit review guidance, it was indicated that the national speed limit is appropriate for higher quality rural roads with few junctions or accesses. This review therefore concluded that the speed limit on the A73 between Hyndford Bridge and the junction with the A702 should remain at the national speed limit with the exception of the extent of the road through Roberton where the speed limit was reduced to 50mph.

We are therefore satisfied that the existing national speed limit remains appropriate, and we have no proposals to reduce the speed limit as requested at this location.

Additionally, an assessment of accident records maintained by Police Scotland for these junctions has revealed that there have been no reported injury accidents within the most recent three year period up to the end of July 2024. Consequently, these locations do not currently feature on this year’s priority list of sites for intervention and cannot be considered for road safety improvements at this time.

I can advise that this section of road has warning signs, SLOW road markings and bollards that highlight the presence of the junctions in place. We are satisfied that these measures are sufficient in highlighting the presence of the junctions to approaching drivers. The warning signs and SLOW markings are of an appropriate size and location that they are easily visible to drivers and give ample time for drivers to adjust their driving accordingly.

The addition of a double solid white line at the Eagles Gate junction to replace the existing centre line as suggested would not add any road safety benefits as the current road marking prevents motorists from overtaking on both approaches to the bend adjacent to this junction.

Conclusion

The A73 has been subject to annual reviews as part of the Council’s casualty reduction assessment process.  The route between Hyndford Bridge and the A702 has benefited from route treatment over a number of years and measures such as road markings, warning signs, verge marker posts, anti-skid surfacing and vehicle activated signs have been introduced.

The crossroads at Tinto has also benefited from various measures.  The double white line sections were extended, additional slow markings, signage, vehicle activated signs, anti-skid surfacing as well as speed limit alterations and safety camera enforcement at and on the approaches to the junction. 

The casualty rates at the junction have been low recently when compared to the mid-2010’s and this can be attributed to much of the engineering and enforcement works undertaken as outlined in this response.    

Please find below a summary of the Council’s current position: -

• The current speed limits meet national guidance and are appropriate.

• The annual assessment process has demonstrated that there has not been a high frequency of accidents resulting in injury on the A73 over recent years.

• The recent incidents referred to will be investigated as part of our annual review once data is available in November 2024.

• Speed limit countdown signage and associated gateway road markings will be provided before the end of March 2025.

• Speed enforcement activities by the Safety Camera Unit will continue across all four enforcement locations.

• The extent of the existing double white line sections are appropriate.

• The condition of road markings will be monitored, and appropriate action taken if necessary.  

• Junction visibility is suitable and will continue to be monitored.

• There is no justification to alter the current priority junction arrangements on the A73.

I trust the above provides adequate information in relation to the matters detailed above and provides clarification relating to road safety investigations and actions undertaken on the A73.

Finally, in relation to the Village Hall, as the asset transfer is complete, any alterations to be made to the hall and the land contained within the lease agreement is the responsibility of the Thancard Trust.  I note there have been suggestions to create a set down / pick up point and to remove the hedge on Station Road fronting the hall.  These matters should initially be discussed directly between the community and the Trust directly noting that such alterations would require the Council’s consent as landlord.

I trust this information will be of assistance.

Yours sincerely

Stuart Laird

Engineering Manager - Transportation Engineering

Roads,Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices

Floor 7

Almada Street

Hamilton

ML3 0AA

Friday 4th October 2024.

The Office of Mairi McAllan MSP have contacted the Community Council with the following email.

As there are a number of community groups in our area, and some may have not recieved a similar email, it is reproduced below.

" Community Wealth Building - Clydesdale Survey

I am emailing from the office of Máiri McAllan MSP for Clydesdale. You may already have heard the positive news that the Scottish Government has announced it is bringing forward a Community Wealth Building Bill over this coming parliamentary session.

The Bill will seek to address economic and wealth inequality by supporting the retention of more wealth in local and regional economies. It will seek to ensure consistent implementation of the Community Wealth Building model of economic development across Scotland.

Community Wealth Building is best achieved through partnership between the public sector and community and private sectors, as key stakeholders in our localities.

Clydesdale’s businesses and community organisations are the lifeblood of our local economy – and are at the heart of what Community Wealth Building seeks to retain.

With the Bill now approaching, Ms McAllan’s office is now seeking to build on this work by engaging with Clydesdale’s community groups on your priorities for the CWB legislation.

To that end, we invite you to take part in our Clydesdale Community Wealth Building survey here:- Clydesdale Community Wealth Building - Survey (google.com)

Responses to this survey will be provided by my office to the Scottish Government to help inform the introduction of the Bill. The responses will also help to advise Ms McAllan and our Clydesdale office of the local aspirations for CWB.

Thank you for taking the time to read this email. We would be delighted if you could take the time to submit your responses to the survey as soon as possible to allow us to progress this forward, and we look forward to receiving your thoughts.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out.

Kind regards,

Euan Purchase

Senior Caseworker

Máiri McAllan MSP | Clydesdale"

Friday 4th October 2024.

Notice of road closure.

Updated 4th October 2024.

You may recall that the Community Council yesterday wrote to Colin Park the head of roads with an invitation to attend our next Community Council meeting on Tuesday 5th November 2024 at 19.00hours in Thankerton Bowling Club. (see below)

We have had a reply saying that Colin is unable to join us because he is on booked annual leave.

We normally get ward councillors present so if you would like them to hear your concerns please do come along.

Wednesday 2nd October 2024.

Thankerton Hall is now officially under the control of The Thancard Trust and the 1st Tinto/ Biggar Scouts. We took over the lease and keys at 11am today. 

Thank you to all that helped us to bring this new venture for our Community about.

The Thancard Trust are currently arranging for the kitchen roof leak to be repaired and once the Scout's have had a chance plan out a few things we will be in touch to open the hall for bookings...Birthday Parties, Fitness events, etc all welcome to get in touch. You can contact us for now at thancard@mailbolt.com

Monday 1st October 2024

The Community Council have recieved this communication about the proposed Renewable Energy Park application in the Abington area.

Saturday 28th September 2024.

The following pictures are from the Lanark Gazette dated 25th September 2024.

Please click on the picture to see the full text.

Monday 16th September 2024.

The Community Council have recieved the following email.

South Lanarkshire Council – Statutory Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places

Good Afternoon

I am writing to make you aware of the above. As you may be aware, there is a statutory duty on all local authorities to review their Polling Districts and Polling Places every fifth year, with the next review having to be completed by 31 January 2025. The purpose of the review is to ensure reasonable facilities for voting and the accessibility of polling places to all electors, including those with a disability, so far as is reasonable and practicable.

At its meeting on 11 September 2024, South Lanarkshire Council approved the commencement of this review, a link to that report being included here.

An important part of the review is to gather views from local people and organisations on the current Polling Districts and Polling Places in the South Lanarkshire Council area. In particular, we are seeking feedback from those with an expertise in respect of accessibility challenges that people with different forms of disability might experience.

Accordingly, you are invited to make representations on this review. I should advise, of course, that it is normal practice to informally review the suitability of Polling Districts and Polling Places after each electoral event or at any time when these are brought to the Council’s attention.

I have invited feedback from the following stakeholders within the South Lanarkshire Council area:-

Electors in the South Lanarkshire area

All elected representatives including South Lanarkshire Council Elected Members, MPs and MSPs

Political parties who fielded candidates at the July 2024 UK Parliamentary General Election

Groups representing those with disabilities

Police Scotland

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Returning Officer in a constituency which is wholly or partly in another local authority area

Private premises and community managed facilities used as Polling Places in the UK Parliamentary General Election in July 2024

Community Councils in South Lanarkshire

Electoral Registration Officer

If you consider a change should be made to the current arrangements, you are invited to suggest alternative Polling Districts and/or Polling Places and encouraged to give a reason for the alternative proposal so that it may be given appropriate consideration.

The following documents are available for your consideration on the Council’s website at Statutory review of polling districts and polling places 2024 - South Lanarkshire Council or you can arrange to inspect these documents in person on weekdays at the Election Office, South Lanarkshire Council, Election Office, 21 Beckford Street, Hamilton ML3 0BT between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm:-

Consultation Document which provides detailed information relating to the review

List of current Polling Districts and Polling Places

Maps containing each of the Polling Districts in South Lanarkshire

Link to find my polling place which allows you to identify particular Polling Districts and Polling Places

Online survey to provide feedback

Representations can be made as follows:-

by email to elections@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

by telephone to 01698 455745

by post to Election Office, South Lanarkshire Council, Election Office, 21 Beckford Street, Hamilton ML3 0BT

by completion of the online consultation form at the following link https://online1.snapsurveys.com/va8fno

You are invited to comment on the proposals and the Returning Officer’s representations, which will be published on. If you have comments on the draft proposals or the Returning Officer’s representations these must be received not later than Friday 1st November 2024.

The outcome of the review will be reported to the Council’s Executive Committee on 11 December 2024 for its consideration.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.

Yours sincerely

Iain Strachan

Head of Administration and Legal Services

South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices, Almada Street

HAMILTON ML3 0AA 

DRAFT Minute of meeting of Quothquan and Thankerton Community Council held at Quothquan Village Hall on Tuesday 10th September 2024

Present: Barry Knock (Chair), Laura Knock (Secretary Pro-temp), Angus Milner-Brown (Depute Chair), Kate Deacon, Barbara Duffner, Emma Smith.

Councillors: Alex Allison, Ian McAllan and Ralph Barker.

Members of the Public: 6

Apology. Charlie Todd

Opening the meeting.

The Chairman welcomed everybody to the meeting and invited those that were able to be upstanding for a few moments silence to remember our former Community Council member and Secretary Margaret McLeod Macdonald (Meg) who passed at about 2200 on Wednesday 31st July 2024.

It was proposed that the minutes of the meeting held on the 14th May 2024 and the note of the inquorate meeting of the 9th July, together with the actions taken be approved by Emma Smith and Seconded by Angus Milner-Brown. AGREED

The Chair then indicated that an additional item of business would be taken in view of the rapidly changing situation in respect of Thankerton Village Hall, and invited Angus Milner-Brown, as Chairman of the Thancard Trust, to provide an update.

Angus Milner-Brown advised the meeting that the Thancard Trust together with the Scouting Association had signed a Community Asset Transfer (light) application for the Village Hall including the current gravel car parking area, and that this had been forwarded to South Lanarkshire Council.

The Thancard Trust would be the guardian of the village hall as either a leaseholder or owner and would then sub-lease the hall to the Scouting Association, who would use the hall every Monday to Thursday night during term time between the hours of 1800 and 2200. The Scouting Association had offered to cover the costs of the daily running of the hall.

The Thancard Trust will look at the suggestions from South Lanarkshire Council for the provision of a full Community Asset Transfer which would include the play ground, but may exclude the area where the wee ones play equipment is situated. The situation was not being helped by the plans for a revamp of the Community Park area and the Thancard Trust were waiting for the South Lanarkshire Council design team to start work on upgrade proposals. This work had been promised by SLC to start before the end of the 2024 calendar year.

Kate Deacon pointed out that the Thankerton Improvement Group had recently held a consultation event at Thankerton Bowling Club with over one hundred residents attending, many of whom left their suggestions of how the area could be improved.

Angus Milner-Brown continued advising that there would be approximately 170 Children involved with the Scouting Associations use of the Thankerton Village Hall, although not all at once! - It was expected that attendances would be in the region of 30 children at a time.

Angus Milner-Brown stated that the Thancard Trust were at the start of a long road, and that some concerns, such as possible parking issues on Station Road were already under consideration and working with the Scouting Association these could be resolved.

Members of the public asked.. How will other groups wishing to use the Village Hall be accommodated, whether it would be possible to provide separate in and out driveways and stated that the football goal, which should have a new net, and the MUGA should be retained.

Angus Milner-Brown stated that everybody should join the Thancard Trust as members, and as the scheme progresses that it would be possible to keep all members updated.

Members of the public stated that they were really happy with the Community Asset Transfer scheme and that it needs to be done.

Angus Milner-Brown explained that the Thancard Trust had commissioned a comprehensive building survey of the Village Hall, and that apart from the urgency to stop the water ingress through the kitchen roof, all other improvements could be of a planned nature.

Members of the public raised their concerns about the possibility of increased road traffic accidents at both entrances to Thankerton from the A73 given the potential increased traffic resulting from the Scout Associations activities. There was also debate over the hedge running in front of the village hall which makes it almost impossible to sight traffic on Station Road heading towards Sherifflatts Road when leaving the Village Hall Car Park. A member of the public suggested that the hedge should be removed and replaced with a set down/pick up point with a new hedge being planted elsewhere on the playpark site.

Angus Milner-Brown completed his update by indicating that the Thancard Trust were going to help our neighbours at Pettinain with a Community Asset Transfer in respect of their hall, but the matter had become extremely complex so Pettinain were now looking to set up their own SCIO.

Matters Arising:

Meg passed at the end of July 2024. Charlie, Laura and Barry attended her funeral, as did several villagers, members of CAMpRA and Councillor Ralph Barker.

Until somebody isn’t there anymore it is difficult to say how much work they do. It is surprising just how much Meg quietly did for the Community Council, Thankerton improvement Group, CAMpRA, U3A and Biggar Corn Exchange.

At the time of the inquorate July meeting given that Meg had just become ill again, it was suggested that Laura should be a temporary secretary until Meg was able to return or the AGM. That decision taken at the inquorate meetings needs to be ratified by the CC.

Proposed by Angus Milner-Brown and Seconded by Emma Smith AGREED

As we know events have overtaken us. I would suggest that the AGM on 5th November 2024 should be used to formalise any new officer arrangements and I now call for nominations.

It was unanimously agreed that the Community Councillor vacancy should be advertised and if necessary, a by-election held.

Meg was a signatory on the Community Council bank account. The rules state that community councils must have 3 authorised signatories on the bank account with any two from three signing cheques. The authorised signatories may not share the same address of be closely related. That means if Laura is the Secretary she cant not be a signatory. It was agreed that Emma Smith should become the third signatory if agreeable with South Lanarkshire Council.

The Clyde Wind Fam Committee is an important part of local lives and a new nominee was sought to replace Meg. It was proposed by Emma Smith and seconded by Barbara Duffner that Kate Deacon should be a rep on the Clyde Windfarm Panel. All Agreed.

Meg was the lead figure in a number of projects including the Clydesdale Way and campaigning for the provision of Aires, most recently suggesting an Aires should feature in the plans for a revamped Caravan Park at Biggar or in the Upper Car Park scheme at Lanark Loch. It was agreed that Margaret Seeds should become an associate member and to represent the community council at any future meetings involving the Clydesdale Way project.

The Microgrant bill for electric bus at Covington Open gardens was £78.00.

Given that this years microgrant funding had not yet been received the Treasurer and Chairman agreed to pay this immediately using the residual Covid grant money in the account. The £5,000 microgrant funding eventually hit the bank account on the 22nd July 2024.

REPORTS

POLICE:

Update 10/07 to 10/09/24

8 Incidents in our area, compared to 60 in Biggar, 460 in Lanark and 500 in Carluke.

No Crimes were recorded.

Non-urgent matters should be reported via 101 with urgent matters via 999.

PC Ross Allan Q646.

Councillors

Alex Allison reported the issue of placement of warning signs for horses on Shieldhill Road had been raised with the Roads Team who had undertaken to move them to a more suitable location.

Ralph Barker reported that there was nothing to prevent any responsible organisation from providing a toilet at Tinto Hill Car Park.

Chairman.

Terms of Reference for the Clydesdale Community Partnership have been issued.

There have been numerous comments about Thankerton Playpark and the continual flooding issues. It is not in the Community Councils place to react to any future plans for the site as the Thancard Trust are driving that forward, however, the comments received were passed forward to the SLC grounds team. It does seem that in wetter climate and that the drainage from Station Road is into the playpark is a significant factor in these repeated flooding incidents. It has been suggested that the weedkilling by the SLC roads team along the low verge has removed vegetation and increased the water flow.

A number of RTCs have been reported in Quothquan with the suggestion that the absence of white lines and a give way signs are a contributory factor. This issue is also present in a number of other locations within the Community Council area.

With the increase in the speed limit on the A73 from 40 to 50 there has been a return of Road Traffic Incidents. Since the May meeting five have been reported, the most recent being 5th September 2024 involving three vehicles. It was asked that when our councillors look at the budgets for next year can they ensure that money is set aside for the cutting of sightlines at road junctions? The tall grass blocking sightlines has seen a number of incidents occurring throughout our area.

The organisers of Tinto Hill race have advised this year’s races will be 12 noon on Saturday 2nd November 2024.

Secretary:

In accordance with standard practice incoming mail was forwarded to members of the Community Council as necessary.

Treasurer:

The treasurer had submitted a written statement;

Unspent balances as a t 27/08/2024

Description Balance

Admin Grant 436.50

SLC Microgrant 5,000.00

SSE Microgrant 2,775.00

SSE Covid 19 23.86

SLC Covid 19 900.00

Cum Bank Int 133.56

Total 9,268.92

Microgrants: Were awarded to

Biggar & District Men’s shed, Moffat Mountain rescue team, Symington Tinto Football Club, Thankerton Bowling Club, Thankerton & Covington Senior Citizens Group, T I G, Thankerton and Covington Planters, Tinto Parishes Everyoung Group, Tinto Village Day Committee and Trustees of Quothquan Hall.

All were Moved by Emma Smith and Seconded by Laura Knock

Planning Matters;

P/24/0745 and P/24/0580 Roadhead, Quothquan.

P/24/0681/83/84/85 Cloburn Quarry

P/24/1091 Woodside Cottage, Libberton Muir Road, Quothquan.

Responses in respect of items A and B were collated from comments received and forwarded to South Lanarkshire Councils Planning team under a neutral heading.

Delegates Reports

Clyde Extension; Angus Milner-Brown reported that an application for Quothquan Village Hall, and for a walking route between Symington and Biggar had been approved.

Clyde Windfarm: Emma Smith reported that three applications including the provision of defibrillators in Abington had been approved.

Any other business

None

Date and venue of next meeting:

5th November 2024 for the AGM and regular meeting to follow at Thankerton Bowling Club (TBC) The meeting closed at 20.38hours

Thursday 5th September 2024

The Community Council passed on a residents comments about the flooding/standing water which regularly occurs at the playpark to South Lanarkshire Council. - Their reply is shewn below.  

With the Thancard Trust driving forward with plans for the Village Hall-Playpark site can We suggest that those of you with an interest in the Village Hall or Playpark join the Thancard Trust as members. (Membership is free)

The email address to find out more or to join is thancard@mailbolt.com.

qandtcc@gmail.com

Our ref:

A5420719

Your ref:

If calling ask for:

Kevin Carr

Phone:

01698 454708

Date:

05/09/2024

Dear Mr Knock

Flooding at Thankerton Play park

Thank you for your enquiry of 26 August 2024 in relation to the above matter.

I would confirm that the play area at Thankerton is not the only play area located on grass or indeed grass area/sports pitches within SLC that has an issue with ponding/standing water at the present time.

This is a result of the extremely wet weather we have experienced in recent months and in particular recent weeks.

It is therefore unlikely that any interventions would mitigate what we are seeing on the ground with water table levels almost certainly at their highest levels. Therefore, even after some dry weather it wouldn’t take a great deal of rainfall to result in further ponding/standing water.

As you are aware, the Grounds Service installed additional field drainage within the park but this won’t mage with the exceptionally wet weather we have experienced. It is hoped that we have a drier Autumn that will help to dry out the ground out for the forthcoming winter weather.

Yours sincerely

Kevin Carr

Head of Facilities, Waste and Grounds Services

  Wednesday 4th September 2024.

    VILLAGE HALL UPDATE

The trustees of the Thancard Trust are delighted to announce that have made an agreement with 1st Tinto/ Biggar Scouts to proceed jointly with a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of Thankerton Village Hall.

This provides us all with an enormous opportunity. The hall which was to be permanently closed by South Lanarkshire Council will now remain open and become a community owned asset. - It will remain our Village Hall.

The Scouts will take over the day-to-day management of the hall, including hall bookings, general maintenance and running costs.

The Thancard Trust will be the leaseholder or owner (subject to agreement with the council) of the hall, keeping it a Thankerton community asset. We will work with the Scouts on a longer-term plan to re-furbish and modernise the building.

The Scouts will have first right of access four evenings a week. This is likely to be Monday to Thursday 6pm - 10pm. However, they have agreed the hall can remain available for use by the community 7 days a week outside those regular Scout requirements. They also will agree to occasional bookings by prior arrangement during their usual hours.

Current users such as Thankerton Dance Group will be able to continue, following negotiations over a suitable time slot.

COMMUNITY PARK: This does not change our plans for the community park and renewed play park. The Scouts are keen to help with re-development of the park, so it can be used for many outdoor activities. We are waiting for the Council to begin the re-design as promised by the end of 2024.

The Scouts will bring with them energy and renewed focus on our community. It gives Thankerton and the wider area greater opportunities for funding, as it becomes much simpler to justify improvements with such a large, trusted community organisation involved.

PARKING: As part of the revised park, we will recommend including an improved parking area and safer IN/OUT access. This needs input from the council to ensure it complies with planning and highways regulation.

PRICING: The Trustees and Scouts will discuss usage charges at a future date, but we hope to ensure fair and reasonably priced access for all potential users.

We have already contacted the council to confirm our intention. The Scouts are keen to have access to the hall at the earliest opportunity, however we now must negotiate the asset transfer (CAT) with the council. The trustees had already begun this process previously and we hope to adjust our bid to save time and get the ball rolling more quickly.

We would love to hear from you, so please do email me your opinions, suggestions and if possible letters of support to: thancard@mailbolt.com

The Thancard Trust also needs new members. There is no charge for membership, but it does mean we will consult with you directly and you can provide us with your support in the future in many ways. Do email us to say if you would like to join. There is no obligation, but it gives us more influence with funders should we have a substantial membership. The Thancard Trust is a SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation).

We are supported by Quothquan and Thankerton Community Council and the Thankerton Improvement Group (T.I.G).

Thursday 8th August 2024

Meg Macdonalds Funeral.

We have been advised that the funeral for the late Meg Macdonald will be at

12.30 on Wednesday 14th August 2024.

At

Holytown Crematorium,

Memorial Way

Holytown

Lanarkshire

ML1 5RU

Thursday 1st August 2024.

It is with deep regret that we have to report the passing of Meg Macdonald on Wednesday 31st July at 10pm in Wishaw General Hospital.

Meg was such a great asset to our community, being Secretary of the Community Council and the former Chair of The Thankerton Improvement Group (T.I.G.).

She will be greatly missed by members of those organisations, by her many friends and by those at the many local events she helped to organise over so many years.

Our thoughts are with Megs Friends and Family at this difficult time.

Funeral arrangement to follow, once known.

Thursday 18th July 2024

Police Scotland Lanarkshire

Cannabis plants with an estimated street value of up to £373,000 have been discovered following a search in Thankerton.

Officers executed a search warrant at premises in Sherifflats Road around 10.30am on Tuesday, 16 July, 2024 and a large-scale cannabis cultivation was discovered within the building and officers are appealing for information.

Detective Inspector Scott Robertson, Lanarkshire Proactive Crime Team said: “This operation underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

”However, we are appealing for information as to the circumstances of this cultivation.

“This is a significant cannabis cultivation within a busy area of Thankerton and I’m appealing to the public for information. Do you live or work in the area and have seen activity at the premises? Do you have CCTV or dashcam footage of the area which may be of significance?

“I’d ask anyone with information to please report it to us via 101 quoting reference 1066 of 16 July. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Thursday 18th July 2024

Clyde Wind Farm Scholarship Fund Open

The Clyde Wind Farm Scholarship Fund is once again open for applications to support young people into university. The scholarship programme helps local students with their expenses while creating a pool of well-trained and experienced professionals, transforming career prospects in the Clyde area and positively impacting future generations.

Six scholarships of £5,000 each will be awarded to different students who are studying one or a combination of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees in the coming academic year. The funds are paid towards the scholar’s student loan, reducing the amount to repay after graduation. The application deadline is Friday 13th September 2024.

To be eligible applicants need to live in South Lanarkshire, Scottish Borders, or Dumfries & Galloway, be taking a STEM course at a UK college or university in 2024/25 academic year and will be taking receipt of a loan from the Student Loans Company in the coming year of study.

In addition to the local scholarships, Clyde Wind Farm is also investing directly into education within renewables. Two scholarships of £10,000 each, along with operational industry expertise from the wind farm, will be made every year for three years to post-graduates studying for an MSc in courses relating to renewables at the University of Strathclyde. Clyde Wind Farm is one of Europe’s biggest operational wind farms. With 206 turbines it generates enough renewable energy to power over 290,000 homes. It is a joint venture partnership between SSE Renewables, Greencoat UK Wind Plc and GLIL Corporate Holdings Ltd.

The wind farm has contributed over £220m of social and economic benefit to both the Clyde area as well as across Scotland since construction started in 2009, including job creation and skills training. Community benefit is central to Clyde Wind Farm’s plans, and they are expanding on the current £58m lifetime community fund value already committed through these local scholarships.

More details on criteria and the application process are available on the SSE Renewables website, www.sserenewables.com/communities/scholarship-funds.

Thursday 11th July 2024.

SPT Rural Transport Appraisal and Action Plan - Stakeholder Engagement.

Quothquan and Thankerton Community Council have recieved the following...

"Stantec UK Ltd has been appointed by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to undertake a transport appraisal for rural, remote and island areas in the SPT region and develop an action plan.  The study seeks to examine the transport needs of the SPT region’s rural, remote and island communities, appraise a range of options to improve transport in these areas and develop an action plan to take forward recommended options.

To assist the study, we have developed a range of surveys for key stakeholders including Local Authorities, Community Councils and Community Transport providers. By completing this survey, you will improve our understanding of the transport access needs of your community, any problems with the transport services provided in your community, and any opportunities for new or improved transport services in your community. 

Your input will help us develop the Case for Change and the Rural Transport Action Plan for rural, remote and island communities.

The survey for community councils can be accessed here. The communities included within the scope of the project, that we believe you may represent include:

1. Quothquan

2. Thankerton

Please feel free to provide an overarching response representing both communities, or, if you would prefer, please provide an individual response for each community to represent any specific issues. The survey will be open until Friday 2nd August 2024.

If you are aware of any community transport initiatives within your communities, then please feel free to provide them with my email address, or alternatively please pass on the link to the community transport survey found here.

Thank you for your time.

Steve"

The questions are:- (If you can provide any information on any or all every little will help create the up to date picture) please email qandtcc@gmail.com with any comments.

3. What are the key social, economic and/or environmental challenges faced by your Community?

4. Could you identify the essential locations and services which individuals in your community frequently commute for their professional or employment needs?

5. Where are the primary locations and services that individuals in your community frequently visit for education or training purposes?

6. Where are the main locations and services that individuals in your community frequently visit for their shopping needs?

7. Where are the essential locations and services that individuals in your community frequently access for their health care needs?

8. Where are the essential locations and services that individuals in your Community frequently access for their socialising needs?

9. Where are other key locations and services that people in your community need of want to travel regularly for other purposes

10. Does your community have a bus service?

11 What are the primary transport problems faced by individuals in your community  who wish to travel to the locations mentioned in the previous section using local bus services?

13. Does you community have a community transport service?

14. provide the name and address of this service?

15. What are the primary transport problems faced by individuals in your community who wish to travel to locations mentioned in the previous section using Community Transport?

17. Is your community served by an SPT Mybus or Mybus rural service?

18. What are the primary transport problems faced by individuals in your community who wish to travel to the locations mentioned in the previous section using the Mybus service?

20. Do members of your community often share car journeys in an informal way?

21. What are the primary transport problems faced by individuals in your community who wish to travel to the locations mentioned in the previous section using informal car sharing?

23. Does you Community have a formal journey sharing scheme?

25. What are the primary transport problems faced by individuals in your community who wish to travel to the locations mentioned in the previous section using formal car sharing?

27. Does your community have a car club/car share scheme?

29. What are the primary transport problems faced by individuals in your community who wish to travel to the locations mentioned in the previous section using car club/share scheme?

31. Does your community have a taxi service?

33. What are the primary transport problems faced by individuals in your community who wish to travel to the locations mentioned in the previous section using a taxi service?

35. Does your community have a railway station?

36. What are the primary transport problems faced by individuals in your community who wish to travel to the locations mentioned in the previous section using rail?

38. Is your community served by another transport option not covered above?

42. What is working well in your community in terms of transport services/provision?

43. What ideas do you have that would help members of your community is accessing key destinations and services?

44. Do you have any other comments you would like to add?

Wednesday 10th July 2024.

NOTE of Quothquan and Thankerton Community Council meeting held on Tuesday 9th July 2024;

Present:  Barry Knock (Chairman), Emma Smith, Laura Knock.

SLC Councillors Ralph Barker and Alex Allison.

7 Members of the Public: Russell Glashan, Scott Wright, John Wilkinson, Ann Holmes, John Lyon, Jane Frame and Rab Frame.

Apologies: Barbara Duffner, Meg Macdonald, Angus Milner-Brown, Charlie Todd, Councillor Ian McAllan, and David Mundell M.P.

There being insufficient Community Councillors present to form a quorum the Chair declared that the meeting was inquorate with all non-time critical business to be carried forward to the next quorate meeting.

The Chair reported that the health of Meg Macdonald had deteriorated since the last meeting and that she had requested for a replacement on the Clyde Wind Farm committee be appointed. Emma Smith suggested that the chair liaise with other officers with a view to reaching agreement for Laura Knock to become temporary/acting Secretary until Megs health improved or the AGM in November whichever was earlier.

Given the public interest in two planning applications P/24/0580 and P/24/0745 (Roadhead Farm) and P/24/0681, P/24/0683, P/24/0684 and P/24/0685 (Cloburn Quarry), they were subject of discussion between the members of the public and Community Councillors. Cllr Allison indicated that he could take no part in the discussion. Ann Holmes gave a brief report on the Criangryffe Hill Action Group formation and invited interested parties to a meeting at Pettinain Village Hall on Thursday 11th July 2024 commencing at 17.45 hours.

The chair reminded members of the public that comments could be made on both applications by using SLCs on-line forms. Anybody without access to the internet could make their comments known to the Community Council who would tabulate them and forward them to the planning officer.

Members of the public raised the general condition of the road surface and flooding at various points on Shieldhill Road. (Near junction with Boat Road, and between Quothquan village and the B7016 junction). Councillor Allison indicated that he would raise the issues with the roads team.

A member of the public raised the issue of the speed of traffic travelling to and from the Milk Hut and suggested that since the new bridge between Carstairs and Pettinain had been opened that these events were happening far more often.

The Chair thanked everybody for attending and apologised for the unusual format of the meeting which had been brought about by illness, and urged everybody to be aware that COVID was again ripe in the area and if they had long standing health issues to consider taking extra precautions.

The date of the next Community Council meeting is Tuesday 10th September 2024 commencing at 7pm at Quothquan Village Hall.

Monday 1st July 2024.

Regarding the issue of cars passing to close and to fast passing horses and the warning signage recently provided by the council.

CAN WE REMIND DRIVERS TO SLOW DOWN (THE HIGHWAY CODE SAYS 10MPH) AND GIVE HORSES A GOOD SPACE 9THE HIGHWAY CODE SAYS 2 METRES) WHEN PASSING THEM. THANK YOU.

The latest reply from them is 

"Dear Mr Knock,   

Thank you for your reply of 25 June 2024 regarding horse warning signage on Shieldhill Road, Quothquan. We would respond as follows.   As previously advised, the horse warning signage has been situated on Shieldhill Road in the vicinity of Baitlaw Horse Livery as this is the location where the likelihood of encountering accompanied horses is highest.   Taking the length of Shieldhill Road into consideration, it would not be possible to erect warning signage at all points where there may be the possibility of encountering accompanied horses.   As previously advised, Police Scotland has the power to deal with careless and inconsiderate driving or even dangerous driving. If concerns regarding inconsiderate or dangerous driving practices continue in this area, I would advise that contacting Police Scotland is the appropriate course of action.   We trust the above clarifies the Council’s position at this time.   

Yours sincerely    

Sent on behalf of Stuart Laird, Engineering Manager – Transportation Engineering   

Johanne Raeside Engineering Officer - Traffic and Transportation Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council 

Council Offices 

Floor 7 

Almada Street 

Hamilton  

ML3 0AA" 

Friday 28th June 2024

Your Community Council normally take a neutral stance regarding planning applications, preferring to collate all the comments passed to us and forwarding to South Lanarkshire Councils planning officer.

We know that there are views on either side of the debate and that an application covering 42 years is a long time, so have posted the full communication just recieved from the planning officer.

Should you have have any comments please make them via the South Lanarkshire Website or by joining us at our next Community Council meeting due to be held on Tuesday 9th July commencing at 7pm, in the village hall QUOTHQUAN. 

Thursday 27th June 2024

The Community Council have been asked to share this information. (Please don't shoot the messenger!) 

Charges for garden waste (red bins) to be introduced.

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/view/news/article/2244/Permits_needed_for_burgundy_bins_from_next_year?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3DY8l6YA1NZCbASq99t5yWBa3EmM2hdJz4SWXzuccdEF-7CpHRudcHd7k_aem_u8bZd3-frt6QfFBiNUftrg

Tuesday 25th June 2024

Some days ago the Community Council were contacted by riders concerned about the positioning of the requested warning signs for riders on horse back on the Shieldhill Road. It was felt that being either side of the Livery Yard left large sections of the road without a warning. This issue was raised with the council who have today responded

"Dear Mr Knock,

Thank you for your enquiry of 11 June 2024 regarding horse warning signage on Shieldhill Road, Quothquan. We would respond as follows.

I can advise that the horse warning signage that has recently been erected on Shieldhill Road has been situated to alert drivers to the likelihood of accompanied horses entering and exiting Baitlaw Horse Livery.

In single lane rural roads, such as Shieldhill Road, drivers should be aware of the potential presence of accompanied horses by the very nature of the road and the Highway Code clearly puts the onus on drivers to drive to the conditions presented by such a road. In addition, Shieldhill Road has adequate forward visibility to allow drivers to observe any accompanied horses in the road ahead.

It is acknowledged, however, that there will always be some drivers who continue to drive at a speed or in a manner inappropriate to road geometry, prevailing conditions and, sometimes, the signed speed limit.  Such behaviour may be considered careless and inconsiderate driving or even dangerous driving, and Police Scotland has the power to deal with these offences.  Should inappropriate driving practices continue at this location, then you may wish to contact Police Scotland by telephoning their 101 helpline number for non-emergency enquiries.

Alternatively, should you wish to report your concerns to the police in writing, you can do this online by using the web link provided below.

https://www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/contact/

We trust the above will be of information and assistance.

Yours sincerely

Sent on behalf of Sandy Carle, Traffic and Transportation Team Leader

Johanne Raeside

Engineering Officer - Traffic and Transportation

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices

Floor 7

Almada Street

Hamilton

ML3 0AA"

CAN WE REMIND ALL DRIVERS USING SHIELDHILL ROAD BETWEEN THE HOTEL AND THE B7016 JUNCTION TO BE AWARE THAT HORSES MAY BE IN THE ROAD and to slow down to 10mph and pass with a wide berth when passing these animals.

Following the reply from South Lanarkshire Council the Community Council contacted the Police Scotland Community Officers who have responded 

"OFFICIAL

Barry,

Thanks for the update. I will certainly include that area in the locations for doing speed monitoring etc when I am next doing so and will look for any such issues and will deal with any offences which I come across accordingly.

If there are any incidents which it is felt would amount to a criminal offence such as dangerous or careless driving, then those involved can report this through the normal channels to Police Scotland.

Also, it may be an idea for the horse riders to look into the GoPro style cameras they can wear on their helmets when out and about riding on the roads. This would help both provide evidence of criminality, cars passing closely at speed etc, and could also act to influence driver behaviour- due to drivers being aware they will be caught committing any offences.

Unfortunately, I don’t believe I would have any further sway with the council over this matter with regards to getting them to make any changes to the road, not without having any statistics to back up the need for this, such as reports of collisions or other of incidents on that road which would merit the need for further measures by them.

Thanks,

PC Ross Allan

Q0646

Clydesdale Community Policing Team

Lanark Police Office"                                                                                                 

Perhaps the use of something similar to the GoPro Cameras suggested within this reply is worthy of consideration by horse riders. Reporting of incidents to Police Scotland would also generate the necessary statistical information and enable this issue to be raised at the joint Police/Council road safety forum. 

Friday 21st June 2024.

PLANNING APPLICATION.

The Community Council have been advised that the operators of Cloburn Quarry have submitted a planning application to South Lanarkshire Council.

The details are shewn below.

Should after reading the application you wish to make any comments, that can be done by visiting the South Lanarkshire Council website at

https://publicaccess.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=SECPNCOPI7B00&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1vy58dVqvBFPRZmRk6qNBQZJxsO5QMO2lhggiSyYy5YHJjhtOgjl4h_Wc_aem_VuibFGXGAcvclMFABG02IA

Friday 14th June 2024

Community Park News.

At the Thankerton Improvement Group (TIG) meeting held on Thursday 13th June 2024 they were joined by Trustees from the Thancard Trust to review progress regarding the Village Hall/Playpark site.

Whilst discussions between South Lanarkshire Council and the Thancard Trust regarding any possible Community Asset Transfer are on-going, there is a clear need to consult with the community to tabulate ideas regarding what the resident’s future wishes for the use of the site are.

It is likely that community groups will be called to supply their input before the end of this year, so please let T.I.G. want to know what you want. - What would your wee ones like in an improved playpark area? - Are there other uses that the remaining open space could be used for?

It is time to start thinking about this now, as at the next T.I.G. event it is hoped to provide a consultation hub where all residents can record their wishes/aspirations/comments.  (Further details will be provided within the next issue of the joint newsletter which is due to be circulated in late July).

The T.I.G. email address can also be used to submit any ideas that you, or your young ones have.  (It would really be helpful to include pictures of any equipment that you are suggesting should be provided)

The T.I.G. email address is tig1499@outlook.com

Saturday 8th June 2024.

To report a pothole or other fault affecting the road netowrk please use the South Lanarkshire Website at https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200232/roads_lighting_and_pavements/337/road_and_lighting_faults?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR02HwhOXwFuAdq45iQQKcm8U5dtjEdVvBmouY8TymJGBXDywc9It76ROWg_aem_AdvjkXIgq0frj6br639laMtavBD5M7lzUNcRMZRux6_hc1mnDltroh40VZkqHh1GYLEMOQAu6qZ83gmtV_tIjpKu

Thursday 6th June 2024

Thankerton Improvement Groups next meeting is due to be held on Thursday 13th June 2024 commencing at 7pm at the Village Inn, Mill Road, Thankerton.

In addition to the normal business it is envisaged that a meeting with the trustees of the Thancard Trust will take place to consider the latest response from the Council in respect of the Village Hall and Playpark.

*Do get involved and come along if you can*.

The agenda is:-

TIG Meeting

Thursday 13th June 2024

Village Inn, Thankerton

7pm

Agenda

1. Welcome

2. Apologies

3. Chairs welcome

4. Minutes May 24

5. Financial Report & Update

6. Events 

7. Newsletter 

8. Meeting with the Thancard Trust 

9. Date of next meeting – Thursday 11th July 2024

10. AOCB

Thursday 6th June 2024

With the proposed closure of Thankerton Village Hall looming the Community Council were contacted with a view to establish what arrangements for this years General Election have been made by South Lanarkshire Council.

They have responded.

"I have been passed your email regarding the polling place to be used for the Thankerton area. 

For the UK Parliament General election, I have been able to secure the use of Thankerton Hall as the polling station at which voters within the Polling District SL030 may vote. The Constituency within which Thankerton falls is Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale and therefore it will be the Returning Officer for Dumfries and Galloway who will be administering the poll on this occasion.

In the event that the polling place requires to be relocated for future events, our review of Polling Districts and Places will consider all feedback regarding proposed alternatives and accessibility of the venues will be one of the key considerations which will be taken into account. I will ensure that your comments within this email are considered as part of that exercise and there will be a public consultation exercise in connection with the polling district and places review to be carried out before the end of this year.

I hope this email will allay your concerns regarding the venue used for the forthcoming UK Parliament election and I thank you for raising this with me.

Kind regards,

Gordon Stewart

Elections Adviser/ Depute Returning Officer"

Tuesday 4th June 2024.

The next Local development plan is under construction. South Lanarkshire Councils planning team are keen to hear your views.

The survey can be found at https://online1.snapsurveys.com/interview/a6c03ee4-99b8-4b11-ba29-a81a824e627f

Wednesday 29th May 2024.

BROADBAND ISSUES.

The Community Council has long been pressing for improvements in Broadband services for those bypassed by the introduction of the Scottish Governments roll out of the R100 scheme.

The latest answer from Openreach CEOs team is reproduced below, (and it gives an indication that the Tinto Exchange is due to be upgraded by 2026).

"Hello Barry,

I’ve had a look into your premises on our records and systems and I can see that we don’t have any upcoming full fibre rollout plans for your premises.

When I’ve had a look into the Tinto in general, I can see that there are no upcoming commercial fibre rollout plans for this area. To be clear, a commercial fibre rollout is a rollout entirely funded by Openreach. However, I do understand that the exchange is due to be upgraded as part of Reach26. Reach26 is our business incentive to provide up to 25 million premises by the end of December 2026.

I do appreciate the community is looking for specific dates, however, we cannot provide any dates at this minute in time. I would suggest the residents stay close to our where and when map every 3-6 months as this is where we’ll update our plans for the area. Residents of the community can also register for interest, if their premises is brought into a fibre rollout plan, they will receive an email notification.

In terms of the Scottish Government’s plans for the area, this isn’t something Openreach can comment on as we’re simply the delivery partner of the R100 scheme. The Scottish Government has pledged to cover 100% of premises across Scotland with superfast broadband as part of its R100 programme.

Work continues at pace in a number of areas across Scotland. More than 100,000 premises are set to be provided with full fibre gigabit capable broadband connections across the programme. We recommend you visit www.scotlandsuperfast.com where you can find latest details for individual addresses - the online checker is updated regularly and will also outline who may also be able to get improved services already.

I just wish to apologise again Barry that you’ve had to escalate this matter to us in the first instance. Please do feel to contact me directly on my details below.

Best regards

Mark Lamb

IS executive complaints and escalations team"

Wednesday 29th May 2024.

Come across this on the South Lanarkshire Council website.

This may be of interest to those who have children at secondary schools. As this is a screenshot in order to read the reports please click on the link, and then click on the appropriate report. 

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200140/education_and_learning/2196/secondary_school_transport_-_consultation?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0Um8o2Np2gPF0A1qA10kToQU6tNIqpdWGHXuYqawHoRi_VIvK-ShaGArM_aem_AVgbKMpWT6e9yLfN6V7E0CzmMvB2ghAlQ5i0A7REvXofXPoQ2pdtSKDXntD1i_1DR-939uYW6v8MHZd3ZVas2Fz0

Friday 24th May 2024.

The Thancard Trust made enquiries and obtained quotes for the provision of a Portaloo at Tinto Hill Car Park which met with a negative response from South Lanarkshire Council.

The issue was raised at the last Community Council meeting and the Community Council contacted the Community and Enterprise Resources team at SLC. Surprisingly the response (reproduced below) was sent by the roads team!

"Subject: RE: Human Waste / Tinto Car park

Dear Mr Knock,

Thank you for your email enquiry of 15 May 2024 in relation to the subject matter.

As you will be aware at the height of the Covid pandemic, when many indoor activities were restricted, the Thankerton community experienced an unprecedented influx of visitors wishing to climb Tinto hill. This resulted in additional pressures for local services and impacts on the local road network.

As a result, the service proactively responded to introduce some extensive mitigation including provision of additional parking and the introduction of temporary parking / speed limits to name but a few. The service also introduced temporary Portaloo toilet facilities at Tinto Hill to address several matters associated with the increase in visitors.

Visitor numbers have fallen significantly following the lifting of Covid restrictions, and whilst there are busy periods at weekends and during school holidays, these are now no more than pre covid levels.

As you will be aware prior to the onset of winter the service took the decision to have the Portaloo removed. We are aware of the local concerns surrounding toilet facilities at this location, but this arrangement was unbudgeted and due to continuing funding pressures, we had to consider the viability of continuing with this temporary arrangement.

Again, I would note that there are now additional toilet facilities being provided by local businesses within the area which were not available when the temporary toilets were introduced, again due to Covid restrictions at that time.

Given the portable toilet was introduced as a temporary measure to deal with a specific Covid related situation that has now ended the Council has returned to normal service. I would note again that the situation at Tinto is not unlike many other rural walking areas throughout the Country.

The Councils Economic Development Team will once again engage with the local Community Council to determine if they wish to take on a community managed arrangement for a toilet at this site, utilising funding set aside for community managed activities of this nature, and provided they feel that continued provision still offers community benefit.

In relation to overnight stays, we previously committed to monitoring the location and we will continue to remain vigilant. Our environmental health team is aware of this matter including that of the reports of human waste. Again, this will be monitored to establish if it is becoming a long-term issue or remains an isolated incident. Should you wish to report further concerns in relation to this matter please do so via the following web link.

Fly-tipping - South Lanarkshire Council

In addition, should you consider that activity within the car park is an anti-social nature then please report this via the following web link.

Who to contact for help - South Lanarkshire Council

I trust that the above information will be of assistance.

Regards

Grant

Grant Newbigging BSc (Hons) IEng MICE

Roads Area Manager Clydesdale and Hamilton

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Clydesdale Area Office

South Vennel

Sunday 12th May 2024.

A message from Angus Milner-Brown...

A date for your diaries next month. Three Gardens in Covington are opening for charity. It will be an opportunity to see all the hard work restoring the Mill and gardens at Covington Mill Farmhouse...well worth a visit...with cream tea and a plant sale. Sharon Pearson has created a wonderful series of both modern and traditional water gardens around the Mill wheel pit and lade.

Sunday 16th June... 1pm to 5pm. Tickets at the gate to Covington Mill Farmhouse for all three gardens. All proceeds to various charities

Also a lovely cottage garden in Newton of Covington. Sharon Paton has created a joyful place to relax at Weavers Cottage, one of the rare thatched cottages in the row.

And...Our garden at Hawk House, which is next to Covington Mill, but is an opportunity to see a new garden, designed to be both environmentally conscious, relaxing and with dramatic views over Thankerton & Tinto. My wife has been very busy creating new herbaceous borders so we hope there will be a burst of colour to see in June. We will also have Joe Davis a local moth expert giving a demonstration of Moth trapping and an opportunity to see some of the species living in our gardens here.

A note for the farming community...if at all possible please try and avoid Covington Road that afternoon with heavy tractors...there may be several hundred people on the road if the sun is shining! I know haylage may need cutting, but if those 4 hours could be avoided it would be appreciated. We will have marshalls out to keep traffic moving safely. A mini bus is being arranged to allow people to be easily transferred from parking areas to the garden gates.

Children must be accompanied in the gardens at all times, due to the many deep water features in the gardens. Thanks.

https://scotlandsgardens.org/covington-gardens/...

Sunday 28th April 2024.

Concerns have been raised about the speed of traffic at a number of places, but mainly where children gather, eg boarding/alighting the school transport service (buses and large taxis etc) and when passing the entrance to the playpark.

Could we ask drivers to consider the additional hazards which may be created by children making unexpected movements and to reduce your speed as necessary. Taking a few extra seconds may prevent injury or worse from occurring.

Thank You.

Friday 19th April 2024.

A number of residents in the outlying areas of the Community Council area had reported that different type of material were being collected by the same refuse lorry.

The Community Council raised this with South Lanarkshire Council who have responded.

"Subject: Refuse Collection/Thankerton

Dear Mr Knock

Thank you for your correspondence in connection with the subject above.   

I can confirm that we were made aware on the day that a very small number of burgundy bins from a single location were collected along with waste from black bins.  Following an investigation into the matter, it was due to temporary capacity issues within the Service, however, the issue has now been addressed.

I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere apologies to anyone effected and would reassure the public that we collect more than 240,000 bins every week and incidents such as these are isolated.  Robust arrangements are in place to ensure that material presented for recycling or composting by householders is separately collected, transported and processed to extract maximum value from the waste.  In 2023 alone, more than 18,000 tonnes of food and garden waste was collected and sent for composting.

I trust this helps answer your questions, however, if you wish to discuss the matter in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact me direct.

Regards

FWGS on behalf of Michael Maher

Waste Services Adviser

Facilities, Waste and Grounds Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

18 Forrest Street

Blantyre

G72 0JP

Tel: 0303 123 1020"

Wednesday 3rd April 2024

DO YOU USE BUSES?

SPT is pleased to inform you that the consultation on our recommended options to deliver the future bus network is now open. 

SPT is recommending that we take forward two principal bus reform options as basis for the Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy, specifically local services franchising and Bus Service Improvement Partnerships (BSIP) as set out the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.  A further recommendation is consideration of small-scale municipal bus company(ies) aimed at providing socially necessary services in parts of the region where private operators are currently very limited.

SPT is seeking to understand the extent that stakeholders agree or disagree with our recommended options and the reasons for these positions.  This consultation feedback will help inform the framework within which we develop the detailed bus strategy over the next year.

Please go to https://www.spt.co.uk/about-us/what-we-are-doing/regional-transport-strategy/bus-strategy/ for more information on the consultation and how to respond via our online questionnaire. 

Please contact rts@spt.co.uk if you experience any problems with accessing or using the consultation materials or questionnaire. 

The deadline for responding is midnight Monday 13 May 2024.

Best regards

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT)

131 St Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5JF

www.spt.co.uk

Friday 29th  March 2024.

A Statement from Angus Milner-Brown, the Chairman of the Thancard Trust.

Since our Public Meeting on 6th March the situation at the village hall has changed and the trustees want to give you an update.

Information from South Lanarkshire Council, subsequent to the announced closure of many facilities in Clydesdale including Thankerton, Carmichael and Pettinain Village Halls, has proven to be contradictory and somewhat unclear.

The Council have it seems changed what might be possible with our hall. Previously we were told a full Community Asset Transfer would be needed. However it seems we man now be able to LEASE the hall for a short time at least.

'EXPRESSION OF INTEREST' FOR THE HALL HAS BEEN MADE

I won't bore you with the details, but the Thancard Trust has made an official 'Expression of Interest' application for Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of the hall. We are seeking to lease it for 12 months only initially.

Unlike nearly every other hall, Thankerton is not able to access REF (Renewable Funding) to cover this cost. Other communities are getting 3 years of funding...but Carmichael and Thankerton seem to be excluded. We do get 'Community Fightback Fund" access, but that will only cover us for 1 year... This seems very unfair, but that is apparently all we can have. We are seeking 12 months CAT (Lite) for the hall. This means the council will continue to manage it, while the trustees have more time to resolve the long term plan for the hall.

The council has yet to assess our bid and while they have a duty to do so, it is not at all clear how they will proceed. We understand the hall should now be automatically be retained till end of May while they decide things. Technically the council have to hand it over to us 'Wind and Weathertight', but the don't want to spend any money to fix the leaking kitchen roof...The council definition of weathertight might prove a little flexible!

PLAYPARK

Our priority remains the Playpark, which is still due for a re-design to be planned with council assistance later in 2024. We think it important the hall remains open while this re-design is carried out.

As we have stated several times before the trustees cannot run the hall for you long term. If a group of people want to come forward to help us with the hall we are listening. Do send us a message anytime on this forum or email : thancard@mailbolt.com

PETTINAIN

The Thancard Trust has agreed to widen its geographical area to include Pettinain Village. This was following discussions with their community council and the group trying to save the hall there. The advantage is that we are already a legal Charity and Development Trust so agreeing to take over their hall will be much quicker. This will only go ahead if South Lanarkshire Council accept their own 'espression of interest' for Pettinain Hall which was submitted yesterday. Pettinain will find someone to join our board of trustees. Luckily Pettinain should have access to REF funding of up to £20,000 which will make there lease rather easier for three years.

I will keep you posted when I have a response from the council. Happy Easter all

CLOSURE OF VILLAGE HALL

South Lanarkshire Leisure have announced the closure of Thankerton Village Hall with effect from 1st May 2024.

The following from Mr Angus Milner-Brown the Chairman of the Thancard Trust.

Situation Update: Village Hall & Play Park

Following a public meeting on 6th March, the trustees wrote to South Lanarkshire Council requesting a face to face meeting to discuss the future of our village hall.

The Council have been in touch today and invited our trustees to a 'webinar' next week to discuss Community Asset Transfer (CAT) for all the community halls being closed. I had prepared a note for the TIG newsletter, but by the time it's published the situation may have changed again!

Personally I am still pushing for a face to face meeting with the council. All communities are unique and a webinar is frankly not going to resolve this properly.

As many of you will know the hall is set to be closed permanently by 1st May. The council has for a long time been asking for local groups to take over the running and financing of community halls. This can work, but relies on a strong, long term group of local people to volunteer. Sadly the public meeting was poorly attended and Thankerton has so far not produced the volunteers needed. It is not too late if people want to come forward and talk to us. We wish Carmichael and Pettinain success with their own hall plans.

The trust is exploring accessing a council funding allocation that would pay for the halls costs for up to three years. The trustees are not in a position to ‘run’ the hall alone, but we are looking for your ideas. It may be possible to keep it running in the short term with a lease agreement or CAT but will require a hall manager. We could perhaps work in co-operation with other CC areas, should they wish it too.

We will later in the year be approaching the village to help with the re-design of the play park. We want to keep the hall as part of that re-generation, but perhaps over time, as a community, we can adjust how we make use of the space. Certainly there is a need for good local toilet facilities and this could help visitors to Tinto Hill. The trust might recommend re-modelling the hall, reducing its size to a more manageable affordable building. Events are moving fast and we will do our best to keep you up to date.

We will be meeting the council soon, so please contact either TIG or the trustees of Thancard Trust. You can email thancard@mailbolt.com or call me on 07831 645527.

Thanks

MULTI-AGENCY RESCUE FOR INJURED WALKER ON TINTO HILL

Sat, 9th Mar 2024

At 11:39 on Saturday 9th March 2024 Police Scotland asked Moffat Mountain Rescue Team to assist in the rescue of a walker who had slipped near the summit of Tinto hill in Lanarkshire.

Luckily many of the team were already gathered at Moffat Town Hall for the return of our Coffee Morning therefore we were able to mount a quick response.

11 members of Moffat MRT responded to the Callout and given the location of the casualty and potential need in previous callouts to carry the casualty from the hill, Tweed Valley MRT were also asked to assist responding with 7 team members. All attended the RV point alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service Special Operations Response Team (SORT) with Strathclyde Police MRT also en route.

It was quickly decided by the control team that a helicopter was an appropriate resource in this situation therefore HM Coastguard Rescue 199 was ask to respond.

While two members of Moffat MRT approached the casualty’s location, the SORT team deployed their Wolverine vehicle with a Moffat MRT member on board. Moffat MRT arrived at the scene closely followed by R199, with the Wolverine vehicle arriving quickly with a local farmer guiding their route.

The casualty was assessed and pain relief administered before being packaged into a stretcher. Due to strong winds R199 were unable to safely winch the casualty therefore the decision was made to transport the casualty via the Wolverine to R199 which landed on the summit.

As the hasty party neared the casualty with plans to utilise the Wolverine and helicopter resources, other Moffat and Tweed MRT members prepared equipment in case the helicopter was unable to transport the casualty or if it was redeployed. Additionally, MRT members identified and cleared a landing site for the helicopter to safely land near to the Tinto Car Park.

The casualty was then flown down to the landing site where they were transferred to a Scottish Ambulance Service crew and MRT Medics for further management of their injured ankle and transfer to hospital.

We wish them all the best in their recovery.

Thursday 7th March 2024

A Statement from Angus Milner-Brown, the Chairman of the Thancard Trust.

The Trustees of the Thancard Trust, Committee of TIG (Thankerton Improvement Group), Community Councillors, Two County Councillors and members of the public attended our public meeting last night 6th March 2024. (in the Bowling Club)

There was unanimous agreement that the village hall and playpark is an important local asset. Wide discussions on how the hall in particular could be managed in future took place.

The trustees, with the help of our two councillors are seeking a sit down meeting with South Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Leisure (who run the hall) to discuss an equitable solution. We particularly want to ensure the play park is unaffected and will allow us to continue with its re-development.

I will post more information when I have something useful.

I would like to thank the Thankerton Bowling Club for allowing us to meet in their club room.

For the record:

Recent press in the Lanark Gazette suggested that the council claims they did not receive a request for us to use the village hall for this public meeting. That was not correct. Not only did we request the booking, we received an emailed response from the council confirming receipt of our request.

IF you are able to assist in driving this project forward please contact thancard@mailbolt.com or any member of the Trust, T.I.G or the Community Council.

Wednesday 28th February 2024.

VILLAGE HALLS TO BE CLOSED.

SLLC Budget and Services Statement

Wednesday 28 February 2024

At its meeting today, the Board of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) considered proposals placed before it which would see SLLC withdraw its services from a number of facilities, with the venues being handed back to South Lanarkshire Council (SLC), on whose behalf SLLC operates the venues.

SLC, together with councils across Scotland, continues to face unprecedented budgetary pressures, with it having an expected budget gap over the next two years of some £42 million. As SLLC’s largest funder, this has had a knock-on impact on the services SLLC can itself deliver.

Chair of the Board of SLLC, Dr Avril Osborne, commented:

“Decisions were required to be taken in light of existing financial pressures placed on SLLC as well as SLC’s decision at its own Budget setting meeting last week to reduce the management fee it provides to SLLC to run its services.

“A comprehensive consultation process with residents and other stakeholders took place between November last year and this month which saw around 14,500 responses received across the three stages of the resident consultation.

“Work has been ongoing throughout to examine how we best mitigate matters, including through efficiencies, rationalisation and increased income generation.  However, with a regulatory duty to ensure we return a balanced budget, the Board has, with regret, agreed to withdraw from the following facilities:

Crawford Village Hall
Coulter Village Hall
Carmichael Village Hall
Crossford Village Hall
Braehead Village Hall
Tom Craig Hall
Carstairs Junction Hall
Thankerton Village Hall
Douglas St. Brides Hall
Carstairs Village Hall
Pettinain Village Hall
Forth Library

Friday 2nd February 2024

Council budget cuts:

Another on line survey which it would be useful to complete.

Whether your are against, for or have no opinion on the closures of all (except Symington) Village Halls PLEASE make you views known.

https://online1.snapsurveys.com/interview/2cfb2095-2a8d-483b-9497-8b14edac71d4

Sunday 28th January 2024.

Saturday 20th January 2024.

PROPOSED NEW ENERGY PARK.

The Community Council have recieved the following email.

"Dear Barry,

I hope this email finds you well.

Following my last email, I am writing on behalf of M74 West Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Renewco Power Ltd, to invite you to our upcoming consultation event regarding the proposed M74 West Renewable Energy Park.

Our first public consultation event will be held on Thursday 8th February between 3pm and 7pm at The Old School House, 70 Carlisle Road, Abington, ML12 6SD. The event will provide an opportunity for members of the public to view initial project materials and, importantly, provide feedback on the proposals. Please note, all feedback is due by 7th March 2024. A second consultation will be held later in the year to provide an update on the development.

The proposed site for the M74 West development sits 3km northwest of Abington. The Renewable Energy Park would consist of up to 24 wind turbines, solar PV panels and a battery storage facility. The development would make a significant contribution towards Scotland’s climate targets, as well as representing a significant investment in South Lanarkshire both through the supply chain and a generous community benefit fund which reflects Scottish Government best practice guidance. Renewco will be seeking feedback from the community on funding priorities, the administration of the fund, and ideas on specific projects and initiatives to ensure the community benefit fund meets the needs and requirements of the local community.  

Should you have any questions about the project please do not hesitate to get in touch on 0141 264 2831 or via email at daisy.geissler@cavendishconsulting.com. We would be delighted to arrange a meeting ahead of the public exhibition should this be of interest.

Kind regards,

Daisy Geissler"

Thursday 18th January 2024.

The Community Council continue to press for a better broadband service for those homes not included within the R100 roll out which by-passed Mill Road, Millands Road, Mill Place in Thankerton.

The latest reply from Openreach is

"Hello Barry,

Thanks for your recent enquiry via the Openreach website about getting faster broadband.  

We don't have any plans to upgrade your area right now, but we can keep you up to date when things change. To receive any future updates please go to our fibre checker, input your postcode, chose your address from the drop down, then scroll past the availability information and complete the Gigabit Fibre form and we’ll update you once plans change. www.openreach.com/fibre-broadband.

If you want to bring fibre to your property sooner is an option you could look into.

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) on Demand, FTTP on demand is a product which a few select service providers offer, which will give you a full-fibre FTTP broadband, as a bespoke installation direct to your premises. It is available across the UK – even in areas that cannot reliably get FTTC.

Fibre on Demand differs from standard FTTP in a number of important ways. As the fibre is delivered to your premises as a custom build, a substantial installation. If you would like to look into this option you’ll need to contact a service provider to place an order.

If you need to contact us further please use the following link, as the email account I’m writing to you from doesn’t accept replies https://www.openreach.com/forms/fibre-broadband-availability---customer-form.

We do encourage you to explore fibre on demand solutions to bring faster speeds to your community.

Kind regards,

David Gaskill
Fibre enquiries

Infrastructure solutions customer service
Openreach"

Tuesday 16th January 2024.

LAST CHANCE to comment on the buget cut proposals.

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/budget-consultation?fbclid=IwAR3SW3_ccZ7edu807_msD53reURMnhMZhv-_PnUjTD_GRrEcjpTyLNvRI2A

Bus service changes.

Tuesday 16th January 2024.

Dear Mr Knock,

Thank you for your reply of 21 December 2023 regarding the last departure of Service 191 from Lanark Bus Station. We would respond as follows.

I can advise that we have liaised with SPT regarding the issue you have highlighted. SPT have confirmed that an instruction was sent to Stuarts Coaches on 15 December 2023 requesting that the driver allows time for passengers to get to the 2117 bus if the train arrival from Glasgow scheduled at platform 2 at 2110 is arriving late. As the Service 191 cannot wait indefinitely, approximately 5-6 minutes has been considered a suitable wait time.

Stuarts Coaches have confirmed this note has been added to the driver running board for Service 191.

We trust the above will be of information and assistance.

Yours sincerely

Sent on behalf of Sandy Carle, Traffic and Transportation Team Leader

Johanne Raeside

Engineering Officer - Traffic and Transportation

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices

Floor 7

Almada Street

Hamilton

ML3 0AA

Mobile: 07795 455568

Friday 5th January 2024.

The Community Council have recieved a number of comments regarding the state of the playpark and the continual flooding issues. We have this afternoon (5th January 2024) recieved the following email:-

Good afternoon Mr Knock,

Flooding at Play Area, Thankerton

Thank you for your emails of 02 and 04 January 2024 in relation to the above matter.

I know you will be aware that we did install some additional surface drainage into the grass area within the play area which is functioning well, unfortunately when we do get periods of heavy rainfall then there will be surface ponding which will eventually drain.

We will be looking to undertake further action this year to minimise the flow of water from the road onto the play area on the adjacent grass verge, this may take the form of some surface changes, wildflower/pollinator planting and a reduction in grass cutting, we anticipate these works starting early spring.

I trust this is acceptable.

Sent on behalf of Colin Reid, Grounds Services Manager

Kind regards,

Rachel

Rachel Cowan

Secretary

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices

Floor 6

Almada Street

Hamilton

ML3 0AA

Thursday 14th December 2023.

FURTHER BUS SERVICE CHANGES; 

Removal of last 191 services on a Sunday.

Good Morning Mr Knock

For yourself and the CC’s information there will be a slight change to the timetable of subsidised service 191 in the New Year.

Effective 14 January 2024 the last journey in each direction on Sunday will be withdrawn, ie 2217 hours departing Lanark and 2247 hours departing Biggar.

A recent analysis exercise of patronage indicated these two journeys were very lowly used and showed on average of less than 1.5 passengers per trip which is significantly below a sustainable level of demand warranting bus provision, even with due consideration to rural provision.

A copy of the attached notice has been sent to Stuarts with a clear instruction to be displayed on vehicles operating the route.

We have sent the request to our Comms teams for the website to be updated to show the new timetable. This should be available online in the coming week or so.

Bus Systems will make arrangements for the roadside timetable info to be updated as soon as possible. It may be the case this will be after 14 January, however I have been advised bus stop timetables for the commercial service 91 changes in October have now been updated.

My colleague Jordanne will contact you directly with details for service 191 in relation to the overnight closure next month.

Regards

Mihcael

Michael Watson

Network Analysis & Design Planner

You will recall that on the 24th November that the Community Council shared news that the footways in Millands Road would be resurfaced... email reproduced below...

Sent: 24 November 2023 12:36

To: Quothquan and Thankerton Community Council

Cc: Lawson, Robert

Subject: RE: State of footways in Millands Road.

Good afternoon Mr Knock,

Thank you for your email enquiry of 24 November 23 in relation to the above matter.

I can advise you that we plan to carryout footway resurfacing on Milland’s Road, Thankerton this financial year.

At this time, we expect works to commence during December 23 subject to favourable weather conditions.

We hope that this investment in excess of £20k will help to improve the condition of the footways within this area.

I trust that this answers your enquiry.

Regards

Grant

Grant Newbigging BSc (Hons) IEng MICE

Roads Area Manager Clydesdale and Hamilton

Roads,Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Clydesdale Area Office

South Vennel

Lanark

ML11 3JT .

Following concerns about the scale and scope of the work raised by a resident the Community Council this morning sought clarification of what works were now being undertaken.

The reply from the Council was...

Thank you for your email enquiry of 12 December 23 in relation to the above subject matter.

I can advise you that our capital footway programme was fully committed for financial year 2023/24 but we were able to identify some funding that would allow us to target the worst areas to help significantly improve the condition of the footways on Milland’s Road.

I can advise you that we are resurfacing 3 significant sections of the footways on Milland’s road, most notably the section between 32 to 36 and 31 to 33.

Whilst I appreciate, we will not be resurfacing all of the footways we hope that this investment will significantly improve the footway condition at this location and will be welcomed by the community.

Regards

Grant

Grant Newbigging BSc (Hons) IEng MICE

Roads Area Manager Clydesdale and Hamilton

Roads,Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Clydesdale Area Office

South Vennel

Lanark

5th December 2023.

The recent cold spell saw the Community Council approached to see if we could arrange for the gritting lorry to run down Tams Brae on one trip along Boat Road.

We asked the question of South Lanarkshire Council who responded...

"The Council is keen to encourage a community spirit and over 3,100 grit bins have been positioned at appropriate locations throughout South Lanarkshire to provide the opportunity for residents and businesses to help themselves and clear their own footways.  We would also encourage residents to assist elderly and less able neighbours.

Locations for the Council’s grit bins can be found on our website together with practical advice on clearing ice and snow.

Turning to your specific concerns, I can advise you that Milland’s Road, Thankerton does not form part of our precautionary footway routes and as a result is not routinely treated.

In relation to Tams Brae, Thankerton I can advise you that this forms part of our extreme carriageway routes which are treated during extended periods of severe weather subject to the availability of resources. Activation of these gritting routes are in the most exceptional circumstances.

I can advise you that at this time we will not be considering the addition of Milland’s Road, Thankerton, or Tams Brae, Thankerton to our precautionary gritting routes.

We are sorry that the service we provide may not meet your expectations but hope this adequately explains the Council’s winter maintenance priorities which are in place to provide the best possible service with the resources available.

Regards

Grant

Grant Newbigging BSc (Hons) IEng MICE

Roads Area Manager Clydesdale and Hamilton

Roads,Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Clydesdale Area Office

South Vennel

Lanark

ML11 3JT"

Anybody wishing to take this matter further would be advised to contact our ward councillors, Alex Allison, Councillor Ian McAllan , and Ralph Barker or come along to our next Community Council meeting and let your views be clearly known to whichever of the ward councillors is able to join us.

4th December 2023. Flooding and Floodgates.

At a recent Community Council meeting the unnecessary closure of the floodgates and a request for flood depth markers for Covington Road were discussed and minuted. These minutes were passed forward to South Lanarkshire Council.

The following reply has been received today (04/12/2023)

"Thank you for your email dated 17 November 2023 regarding the flooding issues impacting Covington Road, Thankerton.

Thank you for passing on these comments from your recent community council meeting.

In regards to the closure of the floodgates, further to my email issued on 5 October 2023, I can advise that we have undertaken a review of the river telemetry equipment that is in place at Boat Bridge, and have carried out some repairs to damage that had been sustained to the equipment. At this time we are in the process of calibrating this equipment to ensure it will be providing accurate real-time water levels going forward. I can also advise that the squads deployed to this location going forward are undertaking a visual inspection of the River Clyde, the information from which will be considered in our approach to determining the need for a closure of the flood gates.

On your second point, I acknowledge the points expressed in support of flood depth markers, and can advise that during a recent review undertaken by our Flood Risk Management team of those roads known to be impacted by floodwater, that the provision of flood gates and flood depth markers at vulnerable locations was considered.

I can advise that our review came to the conclusion that flood depth markers would not be suitable at this location. The provision of these markers may lead to drivers trying to negotiate driving through floodwater, whereas it would be our advice that drivers should not drive through floodwater at any time. The floodwater can mask potentially dangerous road conditions or submerged hazards or missing manhole covers etc, therefore it is our procedure to erect temporary Road Closed signs on roads impacted by flooding until the conditions are deemed satisfactory.

I trust this is satisfactory.

Regards,

David

David Molloy

Team Leader - Flood Risk Management

Roads, Transportation & Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices - Floor 7

Almada Street,

Hamilton, ML3 0AA"

26th November 2023.

We have been asked to share the following:-

It is widely recognised that South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture contributes positively to a range of national and local priorities, and programmes, projects and initiatives which aim to address inequalities and at the same time provide opportunities to improve the health, wellbeing and the learning environment for all our residents and communities in South Lanarkshire.

At present, South Lanarkshire Council is in the process of setting its budget for 2024/25 and in line with local authorities across Scotland, is facing unparalleled financial challenges, with a £42 million budget gap in the next two years.

This stark fact has an impact on us at South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture and, as well as our existing financial pressures, the Council is considering an option to potentially reduce our management fee by £1.5 million for the 2024/25 financial year.

Therefore, with some difficult decisions lying ahead, we are carrying out a review of leisure and culture provision across South Lanarkshire and seek feedback from residents on your view of the services we provide to ensure that these services are sustainable and deliverable within available finances. This will inform decisions aimed at ensuring the right mix of services exist within each area in order to meet the future needs of our residents, including continuing to make a positive impact on community health and wellbeing.

Unfortunately, this means that services will have to be prioritised, which may mean withdrawing from certain locations or reducing the level of service in some areas.

Please complete this survey to help inform decisions on future leisure and cultural provision in South Lanarkshire.

https://online1.snapsurveys.com/interview/bf755901-19e8-4b55-aa96-0e63657394b5

Thursday 19th October 2023.

You may have heard acting upon the leatest directions from N.I.C.E. that the Scottish Government has reformed the provision of NHS dentistry.

This new system will commence on November 1st 2023.

This information is to simply outline what the changes mean for you and your family.

1. Six monthly check-ups are no longer available on the NHS

The standard recall interval for children and adults for a free NHS check-up will be 12 months

2. Can I still see a dentist every six months like before?

Yes. Should you wish to continue with six monthly check-ups, these are available at a cost.

​Any treatment; such as a scale and polish can be completed at this appointment on the NHS and is in addition to the check-up fee. 

Everyone will still be entitled to their free NHS check-up annually. 

Friday 13 October 2023.

The Community Council have again raised with NHS Lanarkshire the continued closure of the Minor Injuries Unit at Biggar and have received the following reply

"Professor Soumen Sengupta

Director, Health and Social Care.

f calling ask for: Lesley Thomson Phone: 01698 453944

Date: 12 October 2023

Dear Mr Knock,

Many thanks for your recent enquiry relating to Kello hospital.

I have carefully noted all the points and concerns outlined. Firstly, I want to provide an overall and absolute assurance that our primary focus remains on patient safety across Lanarkshire through what continues to be a period of exceptional challenges.

At the onset of Covid-19 pandemic, NHS Lanarkshire made the difficult decision to suspend the minor injury service at Kello Hospital. The continued pause of the minor injuries service is primarily and unfortunately related to broader staffing pressures across the NHS in Lanarkshire and Scotland and our obligations to ensure safe staffing arrangements across our services.

It is important to recognise that nursing in a minor injuries context requires further qualifications and an enhanced skill set in addition to providing care in the main unit of the community hospital (or any given hospital environment). Recruiting staff with the minor injuries skillset to the community hospitals is exceptionally difficult at this time. Similar challenges also apply to the logistics of training existing ward staff in a way that does not disrupt the delivery and prioritisation of care for existing inpatients or those in the community. We also remain especially vigilant regarding Covid-19 as we enter the winter months, aiming to protect both our workforce and our particularly frail patients.

Given the challenges in recruiting the workforce required for the safe delivery of the service it is regrettably not possible at this time to specify when the minor injuries service at Kello Hospital can resume. We appreciate that this is frustrating. We are committed to ensuring appropriate care is available to the communities of Clydesdale, for example with the recent extension of our Hospital at Home service into the locality.

In terms of available support, I would also highlight the following:

From Monday to Friday, appointments are available at local treatment rooms across Clydesdale for many aspects of care, including minor burns, cuts, and wounds. Appointments can be scheduled by calling Lanark treatment room at 01555 667150. Choose an item. Phone: 0303 123 1008 Email: @southlanarkshire.gov.uk

There is a specific wound clinic in Biggar (located within the out-building at Kello Hospital) that was established when the minor injuries service was suspended. It is well-utilised, and the hours are being extended due to demand. The clinic is scheduled on Tuesdays and Fridays (13:30-16:00), and starting from November 7th, the Tuesday clinic will be operational from 09:00 to 16:00. Appointments can be booked via the Lanark treatment room number mentioned above.

I would also like to remind you that we actively encourage anyone requiring minor injuries services to initially contact 111, where they can receive remote assessment and advice on the most appropriate treatment option, including attending a dedicated minor injuries unit at one of the local hospitals if necessary.

I do understand that this response may not provide the answer you were hoping for regarding the minor injuries service. However, I hope the information about available alternatives is helpful. I also want to emphasise that senior management, clinical leaders and staff are diligently directing and prioritising available resources and expertise to where it's needed most, including in our rural areas, during this time of unprecedented challenge.

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely

Lesley Thomson

Nurse Director"  

Friday 13 October 2023.

The following has been received from South Lanarkshire Council.

"Dear Mr Knock,

Thank you for your enquiry of 2 October 2023 regarding the waiting restrictions on A73 at Fallbarns Cross in the vicinity of Tinto Hill. We would respond as follows.

As you will recall,  the waiting restrictions were introduced at time during the Covid-19 pandemic when, due to travel restrictions, visitor numbers to the area exceeded the available parking facilities.  The restrictions were implemented by the promotion of a temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO).

In addition to the above, as you are aware, the car park associated with Tinto Hill was also extended to ease the reliance upon the public road network for parking. 

Since restrictions associated with the pandemic were relaxed, travel patterns have reduced and visitor number to Tinto Hill are now at a level where the waiting restrictions are no longer required.  As such, the TTRO for the waiting restrictions was not made permanent and the road markings remain as advisory only.

I trust the above information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely,

Sandy Carle

Traffic & Transportation Team Leader

Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices

Floor 7

Almada Street

Hamilton

ML3 0AA"

​ 

Thursday 5th October 2023.

Closure of Boat Road Floodgates.

Many will be aware that the Community Council raised the issue of the unnecessary closure of the floodgates in August.

We have today (5th October 2023) received the following response from South Lanarkshire Council!!!

​

"Hi Barry,

Thank you for your email below, dated 25 September 2023, in regard to the closing of the flood gates on Boat Road, Thankerton. We have received several enquiries regarding this issue.

I can advise that the council uses a system of watercourse telemetry sensors which constantly measures water levels in the River Clyde. The system has predetermined alarm levels which are set to provide advance warning of rising water levels and gives us sufficient notice to mobilise resources before the floodwater inundates the carriageway of Boat Road.

Over the weekend to which you refer these sensors indicated rising water levels which resulted in the need to close Boat Road. I acknowledge that on this occasion, thankfully the river levels did not rise sufficiently for floodwater to impact upon the road. The road has since reopened and please accept my apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Please note that in response to this situation having occurred, I can advise that we are currently concluding a review of the closure procedure for this location to ensure that the protocols we have in place provide the most appropriate measures to ensure the safety of those using the road network and any closure of the flood gates only occurs when absolutely necessary.

I trust this information will be of assistance.

Regards,

David Molloy

Team Leader - Flood Risk Management

Roads, Transportation & Fleet Services

Community and Enterprise Resources

South Lanarkshire Council

Council Offices - Floor 7