Bridge of Allan Community Council returned to work last week and it was right down to business.

We were joined by Paul McNamara from Stirling Council who gave us more information on the proposed changes to the Ward boundaries for Bridge of Allan, Dunblane and Cornton. Based on new methodology, Stirling Council is now entitled to another councillor therefore boundaries have to be redrawn to accommodate. This happens every 8-12 years.

Stirling Council elected members could not agree on a preferred option and have instead deferred to the Local Government Boundaries Commission (LGBC) and their suggestion is to split Bridge of Allan in two along Henderson Street. There are three possible alternatives which keeps Bridge of Allan intact but it is now down to local residents to voice their opinion and urge the LGBC to heed to obvious community boundaries and not split the village. All the information is available at www.lgbc-scotland.gov.uk. Email address is lgbcs@scottishboundaries.gov.uk or phone 0131 5387510.

The Community Council will be lodging a strong objections to this, we urge you to do the same. Consultation is only open until 22 October.

We also heard updates from our project leaders. Vicky McDowell is busy organising a public meeting with the view to forming a Bridge of Allan Flood Group. Any resident of BofA who is concerned about flooding and wants to know more about how to protect their own property should attend. Paul Hendry of the Scottish Flood Forum has helped over 60 other Scottish communities form their own Flood Groups and will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice to help us establish our own group. The meeting will take place in the Allan Centre on 8 September at 7.30pm. Refreshments will be available and we hope to see as many residents as possible. Posters will be popping up around the village soon so keep your eyes peeled.

I am also now involved in a new project in the village. We have been contacted by a group of local mums, child minders and representatives from local toddler groups to ask whether we can help source some new equipment for the play parks in Bridge of Allan. It is felt that now the small facility at Avenue Park is unfortunately closed we should do everything we can to ensure the remaining parks are as fun as they can be for our younger residents. We will be working with Stirling Council to look at various options and hope to be able to reveal some new items next year.

Mike Watson gave us a much anticipated update on the various development proposals affecting our village at the moment. Airthrey Kerse and Park of Keir are still at the forefront however we learned of a new proposal to replace the Allan Lodge respite facility with 17 new homes. Development, whether large or small, is always an emotive issue in Bridge of Allan and all residents are encouraged to make their opinions heard. The Main Issues Report for the Stirling Local Development Plan is now available and a consultation event is planned for 5 September at Wallace High School, 10am to 3pm.

And finally, Christmas! It is getting closer and the excitement around the village is building. With Visit Bridge of Allan Association, we have launched a competition at each of our local primary schools and, although they are only just back in the classroom, the children are busy designing their own Christmas lights which will take pride of place on the lamp posts around Provost Park. The winners will have the honour of switching on their lights at an event in the village on 21 November. There is also the opportunity for locals to sponsor a light and be part of this magical event. Any contributions, large or small, can be handed into Strathallan Pharmacy, &Collective Gallery and Country Pursuits or online at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/light-up-bridge-of-allan.

Do you have an idea or an issue you would like the Community Council to hear? Tell us how you want to get involved in the community and how we can help? You can email us at contact@ccbridgeofallan.org.uk, visit our facebook page facebook.com/ccbridgeofallan or tweet us at @ccbridgeofallan. Alternatively, our next meeting is Tuesday 15 September, 7.30pm in the Allan Centre, we would love for you to join us. Elections for new Community Councillors are taking place in January 2016 and we have room for a few new members. If you would like to find out more about please get in touch, it would be great to hear from you.

Ailsa McLeod, secretary