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X10 Public Transport Update

| 9th June 2025

Thanks to Val Brand for this report

X10 Update from recent PTUG meeting on 20th May 25.

Breakdowns

An increase in unreliability has been the no1 issue reported by passengers since the start of this year with a huge increase in breakdowns  leaving X10 passengers stranded or unable to make appointments or get to work. This particularly affects residents travelling to and from Stirling although Balfron- Glasgow has also reported a rise in breakdowns.

Vehicle Quality

Quality of many vehicles currently running is appalling. When queried, Graeme Leslie, operational manager blamed engineering as the latest reason for this. The current Head of Engineering has left the business and a new Engineering Manager has been appointed. His expertise is in Volvos and he will attend our next meeting. They cite difficulties recruiting engineering staff as well as issues obtaining parts for vehicles. He insisted they are spending a fortune on maintenance. They have brought down some Explore Dundee vehicles to temporarily fill the gaps. Having been on one, it’s not the comfiest bus to travel on as it clatters along the road!

Other representatives reported the same issues on services across Stirling especially on Callander and Hillfoots buses. However, the impact is less as they have more frequency than the X10.

Communication

Still poor delays and cancellations are not being posted on app or it is the wrong information.

No-one at bus station stances to tell if buses are cancelled.

Staff at ticket office don’t know.

We have asked if staff at ticket office in bus station can be updated if there are delays.

App

Passengers report no improvement at all often with wrong or conflicting information.

Similar reply as last meeting the  App is provided by a third party who they are in discussions with. Faulty ticket machines which are apparently end of life and will be updated ( again same as last meeting in January) Gps another reason given as to why app doesn’t work.

Driver Complaints

Pleased to report there’s been a big drop in driver complaints since introduction of designated drivers. Still a few issues with a couple of drivers e,g.  poor concentration, fast driving with harsh braking between Killearn and Milngavie to make up time is an issue and down Kippen Brae …although much improved this side.

Other driver issues still being reported;

Not looking or speaking to passengers and not wearing name badges provided.

Smoking at Bus Station- No improvement.

Learner drivers – not paying attention.

Fares: drivers overcharging – blamed this on the faulty ticket machines not updating.

Behaviour

Ongoing issue on buses and at bus station.

I met separately with Mark Ruskell MSP and Claire Baker MSP. The Scottish Government are looking at legislation to remove U22 passes for the most serious cases of bad behaviour. Education is also being looked at for future S1 pupils to impress upon them this pass is a privilege and they must abide by the rules of carriage including showing respect to elders and those with disabilities onboard. Parents also need to encourage their children to behave courteously on public transport.

Capacity on X10 Balfron-Stirling 15.35 School Bus.

Graeme cited his reply to the cCCs involved.

We dispute the figures McGills gave in their reply and will continue to monitor this when the new term starts.

Trossachs Explorer

This service will run again this year but with a new operator. Midland Bluebird failed to win the contract for this service. National Park will make an announcement as to when the service starts normally in July.

Other news:

In light of the unreliability issues on X10/X10A which McGills continually blame on roadworks Glasgow side they are considering a further tweak to the timetable possibly in October.

It was raised that previous changes made no difference to the reliability of this service. We also impressed upon Graeme that passengers heading east must be able to go straight through at Balfron and not be left there waiting for connections. They have been asked to consult with PTUG in August re any changes prior to implementing them.

A new shunter has been employed at Balfron which we hope will see an improvement in the cleanliness of vehicles.

Thanks, Val!

Police Report for events in April 2025

| 9th June 2025

Police Scotland provides a monthly report covering incidents and advice for the SW Stirling rural area.

The full report is here Police report CC_Apr_2025

For the Strathblane area, the report for April says:

Assault

A suspect remains outstanding after they assaulted their partner, then take and driveaway the victims motor vehicle in a careless manner. Efforts are ongoing to trace the suspect. Three staff members were arrested from a campsite following a physical altercation. Two of the people were charged with assault and theft and held in Police custody. They were then released from Court with bail conditions not to return to the campsite.
They thereafter returned to the campsite and were arrested again for breaching their bail conditions.

Vandalism

A vandalism has been recorded after a padlock was cut from a gate of Auchineden estate.

Theft / Fraud

Enquiries are ongoing after numerous unauthorised cash withdrawals have been made from various ATMs from the bank account of an elderly member of the community. The victims debit card has now
been cancelled and efforts are being made to trace those responsible.

Incidents of note

There were no incidents of note.

Community Engagement and Reassurance

It is important to you to have community officers who you know, who are accessible and who address local problems. PC Matt McCammon PC Laura Newlands are the Ward Officers for the Forth and Endrick area. They are based at Balfron Police Office and can be contacted at the office, on 101, or at
ForthEndrickCPT@scotland.police.uk. It is recommended that this email address is used by the local community for email contact however this should not be used to report crimes.

Please remember that we regularly publish useful information and updates on social media, including appeals for information, updates about road closures and crime prevention advice. Our Facebook and Twitter pages can be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/PoliceScotlandForthValley
https://www.facebook.com/PoliceScotland 
X – @PSOSForthValley
X – @PoliceScotland

Forth & Endrick Police Report – Feb 2025

| 7th April 2025

The local Police are providing monthly reports for all the community council areas in the Forth & Endrick area.

THe report for the month of February is here. 20250315 Police Report CC_Feb_2025

Stirling draft Climate Adaptation Strategy for comment

| 27th March 2025

Deadline for comments is 8 April 2025

Stirling Council says:

Temperature change in Scotland since 1884.

“As part of our Climate and Nature Emergency Plan, we set an action to create a Climate Adaptation Str

ategy.  We’d now like to hear what the people of Stirling think about our draft strategy.

Our climate is changing and we all need to understand, and be prepared for, the impacts.  Taking adaptation measures now, including at a local level, will make us better prepared for future events.

For more info – and to tell us what you think – visit our consultation

 platform: Folder: Climate and Nature Emergency | Stirling Council

The platform has the option for you to respond to a quick poll or directly annotate the documents themselves with your comments.  Should you wish to respond in more detail, you could email us directly at sustainability@stirling.gov.uk.”

Drop-ins and more drop-ins – Local Place Plan

| 2nd March 2025

Thanks to everyone who came along to the drop-in sessions on Saturdays 22nd February and 1st March. We collected a lot of answers to our questions, but also a lot of excellent suggestions and experiences to take into account.

The boards will be on display at the community council meeting on 3 March 2025 (Village Club from about 7pm). Another drop-in session is planned for Thursday evening, 20th March, 6.30-8.30pm at the Thomas Graham Community Library.  Come and join us for coffee, biscuits and a chat.

** If you can’t join us at those times but would still like to contribute, please get in touch **

The display boards now be viewed online – check out our dedicated web page  here.

Local Place Plan – important drop-in sessions 22 Feb and 1 March 2025

| 18th February 2025

After digesting the survey results, the LPP working group prepared a special edition of the Blane Valley Bulletin to summarise our preliminary conclusions, and to invite residents to review the results in more detail at Drop-in sessions.

Thumbnails of display posters

Remember – Your voice needs to be heard – so come along and have your say at drop-in sessions on Saturdays 22nd February and 1st March from 10am-1pm at the Thomas Graham Community Library.  Come and join us for coffee, biscuits and a chat.

We will be displaying our findings at these sessions, and inviting your comments on topics including:

  • Community assets and amenities
  • Transport and Traffic
  • Village environment & Paths
  • Sustainability & climate change
  • Housing need vs Green belt
    • including a list of potential housing sites

For more information see our dedicated LPP web page.

Local Place Plan – Get involved in 2024-25 to shape our community for the future

Big Conversation 25-26

Reply by 17 Nov to Stirling’s ‘Big Conversation’ on budget

| 4th November 2024

Stirling Council’s ‘Big Conversation’ on budget – survey runs to 17 November

Residents have another fortnight to share their views as Stirling Council continues its Big Conversation on how to tackle another significant budget shortfall next year (2025-26).

More than 600 local people have so far participated in the Big Conversation on the Engage Stirling website. Feedback can also be provide via the paper copies available in libraries.

Residents will be able to share their views on the budget in two surveys, the first of which launched on 21 October and runs until 17 November.

The second survey will be published in early 2025 following the Scottish Government announcement of the annual local government finance settlement in December. It will run for around a month will include detailed savings proposals to address the estimated shortfall which residents will be able to feedback on.

The questions in the first survey are based on the feedback we received in last year’s Big Conversation, which saw more than 3,400 people participate in an online survey, and almost 700 people attend 24 events across the council area.

You told us you wanted more opportunities to tell us about the services you valued, what you liked and disliked about service delivery, and how we could do better and be more efficient. You also told us your views on raising council tax to raise income and help bridge the budget gap.

Stirling Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey, said:

“We’d like to thank all residents who have so far participated in our first survey – and encourage as many local people as possible to take part.

“The voices of our residents are vital in helping shape our decision making process. It’s local people who live in our communities and use our services.

“The financial environment for local government remains hugely challenging and councils across Scotland will be facing similar budgetary pressures over the coming months.

“Despite making over £45m of year-on-year savings since 2014-15, we will need to make more difficult decisions this year and continuing this big conversation with residents will be a crucial part of this process.

“The first survey is based on the feedback we received from residents last year. It will be your opportunity to tell us about the services that are important to you, the areas where you think there should be greater focus and your ideas to generate income or transform the ways we work.

“You will also be able to give your views on things like changes to council tax levels and see what this would mean for you and making up the budget shortfall.

“Your feedback will help inform the decisions made on next year’s budget and how we deliver services in your community. Please continue this big conversation with us so we can negotiate this unprecedented challenge together.”

The council must plug its budget gap in 2025-26 despite making up a shortfall that eventually amounted to more than £18 million in the current financial year. These were delivered by savings across council services, the use of one-off reserves and increases to fees and charges.

Just over 71% of overall funding to support Stirling Council’s 2024-25 budget comes from Scottish Government grant and business rates, with the other 29% from council tax, housing rents and council reserves.

To take part in the online survey, visit: https://engage.stirling.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/the-big-conversation-2025-26

Paper copies of the survey are also available at Stirling Council libraries. Please ask library staff for more details.

The council will also be engaging regularly with its staff, local partners, groups of service users and other key stakeholders throughout the budget-setting process.

For more information, including on a breakdown of how the council is funded and how it spends its money, please visit www.stirling.gov.uk/bigconversation

 

Advice Services - Pension Credit

Advice Services can help claim Pension Credit or offer advice about money, debt and benefits

| 4th November 2024

Stirling Council Advice Services can help you
claim Pension Credit or offer advice
about money, debt and benefits

Download Pension Credit Leaflet

Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.

Stirling Council provides free, confidential, and impartial money debt and benefit advice to anyone living in the Stirling Council area.

Advantages of claiming Pension Credit:

• Pension Credit is often known as the ‘gateway benefit’, if you are eligible, even for £1 you could get access to a free TV Licence, help with glasses, travel to NHS appointments and assistance with dental treatment.
• Qualifying for £1 of Pension Credit can mean that you may be eligible for full Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.
• You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.
• You can get help with funeral costs if you are responsible for the funeral.
• You will be eligible for Winter Fuel Payment.
• You are eligible to apply for the Support for Mortgage interest loan.

Stirling Council Advice Services can help you to check if you are entitled to Pension Credit, and to make a claim.
If you would like to find out more about your entitlement to benefits, please call on 01786 233528 or email at moneyadvice@stirling.gov.uk.

Your Libraries, Your Say Survey

The future of our local Libraries – Stirling Council Consultation

| 12th October 2024

Your Libraries, Your Say consultation closes 1 Nov 2024

Stirling Council  are keen to hear from anyone who lives, works or studies in the Stirling Council area, whether they are already library members or not.

Shape the future of your libraries service in our quick survey

Visit: engage.stirling.gov.uk or scan the QR code.

Paper copies are also available in libraries.

 

Libraries QR Code

libraries future survey poster-1

Booklet launched to help older people in Stirling access advice and services

| 12th October 2024

Booklet launched to help older people in Stirling access advice and services

Stirling Council press release – Tuesday 1 October 2024

A new booklet has been produced to signpost older people to support services across the Stirling area.

The 12 page brochure, designed by Stirling Council’s Community Development team, is a self-help guide for older people to maintain their independence, choice and control of their lives.

It has been launched on Tuesday, 1 October 2024) to mark the International Day of Older People.

The booklet has been compiled in partnership with the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health & Social Care Partnership, NHS Forth Valley, local charities and voluntary groups and features everything from advice on benefits maximisation, legal matters, health, volunteering, social connections and help and safety at home.

It is available as a download and printed copies can also be obtained from community centres, Stirling Citizens Advice Bureau, libraries, health centres and community hospitals, as well as housing association partners and the MECS social care team.

Copies will also be distributed at a series of roadshows being undertaken in the coming months by the Community Development Team and its partners, who will visit older people’s groups, activity hubs and lunch clubs.

Cllr Elaine Watterson, Stirling Council’s Older People’s Champion, visited the Balfron Lunch Club to promote the booklet, with members of the Community Development Team also on hand to offer advice and support.

Cllr Watterson said: “I welcome the new booklet of key contacts as it is vitally important the needs, concerns and challenges of older people are considered in the design and delivery of our services.

“The fact that many of us are living longer is something to celebrate, but it may mean we need a small amount of support to make the most of later life.

“The booklet signposts older people in our communities to support services and organisations that they can access directly, helping them to live independent, healthy and fulfilling lives.

“It also acknowledges the wonderful organisations providing support in our communities, often managed and run by volunteers. Their passion and enthusiasm for helping others amazes and inspires me.”

There are an estimated 25,000 people in the Stirling Council area aged over 60 – approximately 27 per cent of the local population – and feedback on their needs and concerns will also be taken at the roadshows to inform future, updated versions of the booklet and inform how other services develop.

The Community Development Team are particularly keen to gather data on issues such as isolation and loneliness, housing adaptations, care needs and financial concerns.

Any group or organisation for older people that wishes to host a roadshow can contact the Community Development Team by emailing communitydevelopment@stirling.gov.uk.

Stirling’s Council Advice Services team are also keen to offer advice to older people on their entitlement to benefits – and they can even carry out a full assessment to check eligibility.

Qualifying for even £1 of Pension Credit can open up doors to further benefits, including the Winter Fuel Payment. Email moneyadvice@stirling.gov.uk  or call 01786-233528 for more details.

 

 

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