Kirkcowan – What's Going On?

CAP – 2020 Main Survey – Comments

  • The survey asks for a ‘required’ answer as to why you would not live in the village in 10 years’ time, despite answering the previous question that I would want to be living in the village in ten years’ time?
  • I would only be in support of development of the village hall, if it was a renovation, and not a rebuild, which in my opinion isn’t necessary. Upgrading of the existing building is valuable, and would benefit the users, but an entirely new building isn’t necessary.
  • Equally, a cafe or recycle shop would also be beneficial but it is important that proceeds raised go back into the community, and individuals do not personally profit from this.
  • Any works to be done, should be offered to tradesmen/companies within the Kirkcowan area, so that the community is benefiting and enhancing the local economy.
  • The proposed play park would be great if it replicates the models used at New Luce and Barrhill, whereby people travel to use it.
  • As for the winter full payment, I support this, except not when it is dictated how it is spent. Not all residents use electric for fuel, e.g. we use coal and wood, therefore putting this allowance towards my electric bill isn’t helpful. New Luce residents are not told how their allowance has to be spent, therefore we should be the same.
  • The Post Office should not be used as a central point of contact, as not all residents use the shop, and therefore should not need to go into it, to see information about events in the village. The school has a notice boards, but it is mostly often empty.
  • A local attraction named after a prostitute!!! Please call wood Crosherie Plantation – it’s proper name.
  • In my view, the Windfarm money has so far only divided the community. Hopefully the results of this survey will help to improve the community spirit once again.
  • If we are having a MUGA we would prefer if it was located next to the school, ideally it should be a double size one such as the one at Port William and if there is sufficient interest, the project should include a small building next to it, to be used as a Youth Club and store for sports and maintenance equipment for the MUGA as at Port William. Open areas could be created within the Jenna Morrow Wood with scope to create a small pond and wetland area. Play facilities within the Dickie Wood perhaps including a timber constructed adventure playground incorporating existing trees.
  • If people don’t want the MUGA in front of the church, could it not be put in the middle of the park, leaving enough room for the school sports to be above at the top end of the park.
  • To have it anywhere out of site (sic) is just asking for problems . A tarmac track for prams and kids cycling would be a good idea going round the inside edge of the park surround. The village needs a good hall that is energy efficient to run. Anybody with any experience of renovation will tell you it never goes straight. There will always be major problems with renovation. Building new can have less problems, also has anyone checked on the VAT situation. Renovations are not exempt from 20% VAT but new build is. That would need to be checked with the VAT customs and excise dept. By the way what is option 1, the survey will not let you submit without clicking on option 1. Also when you put down that you intend to stay in the village the survey will not let you submit until you have clicked a reason for NOT staying.
  • Houses in the village to be painted etc.
  • Projects need to start now or this will be another year gone and nothing done
  • Whatever is decided some recognised group must take responsibility for it. Some things suggested I am strongly against e.g. hedgehog hotel, although a excellent idea in a public area the inquisitive will always want to look inside, which is not a good idea. Although bird boxes, bug hotels & bat boxes fall into some category are either not as accessible or not as liable to interfere with ‘inmates’
  • Buying the Jenna Morrow Woods is a waste of money and the money spent on other projects in the village. Stop using the post office to deliver this survey and other letters from you and hand deliver them instead to make sure every household get everything you send out.
  • I’d like to see the inclusion of a spell checker on online surveys
  • KCDT needs to be hold meetings in public
  • Good Questionnaire
  • Enjoy living in the village but feel that the village has been turned sour by the prospect of money but hopeful everyone can get together and spend money on something that can be a benefit to everyone
  • No lay-by at bowling green, not needed
  • Footpath not lay by
  • No lay-by
  • Re a café, I understand it has been done before but given social isolation is high especially in rural areas a daily coffee/tea morning, possibly with soup/cake for villagers to get together in the village hall run by volunteers. I am sure the hall could be used more fully from early morning to evening, depending on how many rooms for all sectors of our community. Public Transport is not bad but a community bus service to Wigtown 3 times a week would open the village and save changing at Newton Stewart. How about an annual fete incorporating a dog show, plants and things, fun to educate children and a best garden. What about Kirkcowan Community having a group that looks at environment/climate change holding events/talks at school how we need different energy and how to save items going to landfill and have a small area near school so children can grow food and learn each plan benefit.
  • Taxi card system like New Luce have. Regarding the wood, provision should be made for ongoing up keep. Nothing should be done for the benefit of individuals.
  • MUGA in the park would be great for young and older people alike
  • Re café in the village hall – surely this is for the hall committee to decide. There needs to be communication regarding the SEPARATE organisations i.e. The Trust, The Hall Committee and the Community Council as people seem to think they are one entity.
  • Develop old football pitch into community run campsite, water + electricity already there. Rebuild pavilion as a toilet/shower block, provide a job for locals. Stop grazing sheep on it. It would bring tourists to the local area.
  • I’m disabled and not in good health. More benches in the village would be a great place for people like myself to meet up and chat. Also more for older children as there is not much here for them. Getting them involved in projects would be good. I love crafts so some classes on that would be good. Afternoon teas would be a nice idea for people to meet up.
  • My sister is waiting to move to the village, more suitable housing for the elderly and disabled would be welcome.
  • Could the old railway line be made accessible for walkers, cyclists & horses? We don’t feel the park is the right place for the MUGA, it would be an eyesore whichever way you approach the village. Also most of the residents in Church Street, top of Main street, Hamilton Crescent & Newton Stewart road are of the older generation and wouldn’t want the noise of bouncing balls or bright lights shining into their homes. As far as we are aware other villages who have MUGA’s aren’t situation in such a prominent residential part of the town or village.
  • Waste of money buying the Jenna Morrow wood.
  • How long before full results of the survey will be published? It would be good to see results put out to each house. I might be old fashioned but I was disappointed that the label on the envelope and survey seemed to be just slapped on both were lopsided with the envelope label at a rather odd angle, gave the impression of not caring!! or that it was a chore to be endured.
  • I am very pleased that KCDT are forming an Action to direct funds to projects. The development officer has done a good job speaking with community members and collating the various suggestions put to her and should be congratulated. I feel that KCDT should seek not seek to become “owners” of projects but should seek partners or groups to take responsibility for running and upkeep and that to avoid being inundated with mere “wish lists” that a short justificationary notice should be required to be submitted with each idea to the Development Officer showing what/where/why/estimated cost/estimated running or upkeep costs/perceived benefits to the community. This should result in more realistic ideas being put forward, rather than mere “I’d like’s”.
  • Continue footpath at Beechgrove corner. Nothing wrong with village signs as they are!
  • Don’t need new village signs. Don’t need notice board. Poster are in shop, village hall and Camy McGregor’s window on Main Street.
  • Up to housing associations to build affordable homes. Don’t waste money on village signs when there’s nothing wrong with the ones we have!
  • Don’t waste money on Beechgrove corner – cars parking there slow the traffic down take them away and you’ll get speeds increased round that corner.
  • In the section regarding the park there is a section of plants/trees etc We currently have planters that is funded to pay someone to plant them & we need to remember that trees/plants grow and if not kept under control soon become to large and can look unsightly who would maintain and look after such plantings as the planters can look rather unloved
  • Strongly disagree with muga being built in park in front of church don’t mind anywhere else or at complete opposite end of park.
  • Not against the Muga in general, however, strongly against it being located in the park.
  • Why purchase the Jenna Morrow! It’s a public right of way. Money spent purchasing the wood would be better used in the village.
  • Given the acknowledged Climate Change emergency and wildlife decline, I think it is vital that ALL projects take into account environmental impact, embodied energy and resource use. In all cases using local, low-impact, recycled, plastic-free materials where possible. I would hate to see hardcore paths or other intrusive materials in natural woodland. Also definitely not a MUGA in the park – up beside the school would be fine. The park needs to become an attractive and natural outdoor space, coherently designed for people of all ages and abilities, and to encourage wildlife.
  • A feasibility study into a cycle/walking path between the village and Newton Stewart would in my opinion be very beneficial to the health, wellbeing and sustainability of the village.
  • Sheltered housing, is not mentioned – it would be nice to keep the elderly in the village. I have seen too many people be ripped away from their lifelong homes. Community transport also not mentioned – very useful in other villages e.g. New Galloway, Dalry etc no transport to Wigtown for example. Definitely support the village hall refurb. – very important for community spirit.
  • Disappointed the winter fuel allowance was approved. Felt like this was conceived and pushed through by a group of people without fair consultation and facts. Would rather the funds were spent on community projects that will have long lasting benefits rather than short term financial gain to individuals – for example: the has the has the potential to become a hub for the community, providing social, learning and health benefits for all ages. Same would apply to Jenna Morrow woodland.
  • I lived in a place where they had the adult gym as part of a walk families did regular with children, it was lovely to see children and adults competing together. As an adult with a young child and being self conscious I really do not think I would use the gym if it was on full view in the park. But I can certainly see me walking the dog + child on tow and completing with another on a walk. I though you could have a couple going up behind the church. If Andrew didn’t mind creating fenced spaces on path walking up to Dickie woods and in Dickie woods. I can see certainly a couple of open voids where equipment would not be swamped by trees and again out the other side making gaps in the path for more. I think this would attract people here. It would encourage people to walk their dogs. It needs signs up saying pick up your dog mess.
  • Community spirit appears to be low since windfarm money
  • How about offering a taxi card to households without their own transport
  • I have heard on bush telegraph that MUGA area in village pipeline. This hard surface play area should be a serious consideration if there is manpower to manage same unfortunately I am definitely past it.
  • Some money should be put aside as an emergency fund for people in need of it. Should we consider any further work to the graveyard above that done by the council?
  • It would be good to have a community shop – not necessarily have a second hand food shop but for perhaps more specialised items e.g. lovely breads and cakes (like Earths’ crust in Castle Douglas.) home grown vegetables etc something that could bring people into Kirkcowan to visit. A good café/bistro serving different options (vegan/vegetarian) that are available elsewhere. And within the place to the lovely walks from Kirkcowan and cycle rides. If Kirkcowan offer something different people will come. Maybe a trail or two incorporating gardens, artists walks etc
  • As a resident that lives 7 miles from the village, I find it unfair that assistance is focused on the village, which has had minimal negative impact from windfarm construction and operation, whilst those who have had to live with the down side get totally ignored. Quite frankly, most of the (very noble) plans that are detailed herein, just serve to rub salt into the wounds and create a divide between those who live in the village and stand to gain from something that they are not even entitled to and those who actually have to live with the windfarms and their consequences (visual impact, noise, construction traffic etc)
  • The village hall as well as the park are the hub of the community to bring people/children of all ages together. I would strongly support the development of both as where would we hold community events, school productions, parties or school sports events or just for children and adults to come together in the park. The Autumn Club has had a lot of Trust money spent on it but there is probably still room for improvement too to keep this building as a cosy meeting place for the elderly.
  • Each committee will have to work together to make these ideas and plans come to fruition. If monies are not used and taken wisely the community will lose it.
  • As a resident in church street I am strongly against a MUGA in the park. They are ugly to look at every entrance to the village would see it. It will be noisy and a trap for litter. A dreadful eyesore for everyone entering the village and all residents at Newton Stewart Road and Church Street and Hamilton Crescent. It would be better sited as Balgreen or behind the school where I understand Craiglaw estate owns and Andrew Gladstone would give the field to the village. This would be mostly out of sight and only heard by a few residents. It would also be ideal for the school.
  • Have not filled in section reg woodland as I feel the purchase of the Jenna Morrow Wood is a waste of the village money.
  • It is easy to forget those in the outlying area are also part of the community and these action plans should also take these people into consideration especially as a number are elderly and isolated.
  • Hall is really important, it must be upgraded.
  • I love this community and wish to see it flourish but I worry that the ideas of a few who are not willing to adapt or listen to/consider other ideas for the village. This will mean that the village will collapse instead. There is no need for a MUGA in this village as few will use it anyway and many are either too young to use it or will (not) be around for many years as they move onto the next stage in life. Change must be for the good of ALL.