Royal Burgh of Haddington and District Community Council

Minutes of meeting of 12^th January 2010 in Council Chambers

1. Sederunt

Bob Oliver (Vice Chair), Emily Armatage (Treasurer), John Golightly, Margaret Ingle, Fiona-Frances Adam, Graeme MacGregor

In attendance

Cllr Tom Trotter, Cllr Sheena Richardson, Anna Faulkner (minutes/correspondence secretary), Bryan Copland, EL Courier, PC Lynn Black, Inspector Ian Mackay

2. Apologies: Jan Wilson, Suzette MacGregor, Cllr Ludovic Broun-Lindsay, John Hamilton, Martin Lugton, Kathryn McDowall

3. Major Items for AOCB - None

4. Welcome to members of Dalkeith Community Council – Neil Hynd, Isobel Mulligan, Rae Beatson and Robert Hogg.

5. Minutes of 8^th December

Approval of the minutes was proposed by Margaret and seconded by John G

6. Matters Arising

6.1 Item 6.3 Street lighting: Bob brought up again the problem with the lighting in parts of the town (Beechwood Rd, Hopetoun Drive etc) – many places have had no streetlights for a number of weeks. Sheena spoke with the relevant department today and they have been on to Scottish Power continually. They said the fuses were replaced but the lighting blew again within an hour of this repair. They now maintain the problem lies with the cables. Sheena has been assured it is being dealt with.

6.2 Item 5.4 Paving stones , Herdmanflatt: still not been repaired

6.3 Item 5.7 Oak tree roundabout: pothole has got even bigger

6.4 Item 6.4 Newton Port: bushes still not cut back

6.5 Item 9.4 proposed traffic calming: Bob not sure if he has replied re this – will check and do so if not. Action RO

6.6 Item 12.1 Christmas lights: Bob said that it may not be possible for the lights to go ahead next year. This is a subject that needs much more discussion – take to future meetings

6.7 O/S matters: the list was thought to be too extensive to go over at this meeting. Bob suggested we all take some time to go over the list and prioritise and also see what has and has not been done and bring back to a future meeting.

7. Councillors Corner

7.1 Gritting: Bob asked the councillors what the councils’ priorities were during the recent severe cold weather with regards gritting of roads and pavements. Sheena said that access for emergency vehicles etc was of main concern. Bob pointed out that the ambulance depot was not touched and the people there had to dig themselves out. The main bone of contention was that the council car park was very rapidly cleared and gritted whilst some areas of the town were not treated at all. Sheena agreed that the council couldn’t cover everything and that we all need to help each other out – some of the shopkeepers cleared their own frontages etc. Bob also asked if the council were selling salt to Keyline – Sheena not sure about this – they may have been giving back supplies borrowed from them?

7.2 Potholes: it was also said that once the snow has cleared we would be seeing a lot more damage to the roads. Tom reminded everyone that they could phone these sorts of problems direct to the number given at a previous meeting.

8. Police Questions

8.1 Abandoned cars: over the recent period of snow there were a lot of cars parked in inappropriate places - Bob sited Haldane Avenue – where, because of the snow at the side, cars were parking almost outside the cycle lane. He wondered if the police could perhaps give some guidance to drivers when we have bad weather ie what to do, how to adapt their driving in bad weather. The police do run a winter campaign each year to help with this. Lynn said that they did have a number of complaints about the parking etc but given the sheer volume of problems, had to prioritise what they dealt with.

8.2 Whittingham Drive, speeding: the speed indicator is still not up and running but Lynn is aware of the problem as it has been brought up by the Tenants Association. She said that spot checks are carried out and a number of fines have been issued.

8.3 Meadowpark: Lynn said that a meeting has been held between themselves, the Infant School Head Teacher and ELC representatives to discuss issues around cars parking around the school and along Meadowpark. It was agreed to do a letter drop to parents to highlight concerns and to appeal to drivers to use their cars sensibly.

8.4 Warning letters: John H had asked what procedures were as regards warning letters to youths. Lynn has checked and she said that the usual position is that they are given two warning letters then the youth justice team get involved – whereby a home visit would be organised.

8.5 General news re crime in the town: Lynn said that there wasn’t really a lot to report. The Christmas period had been quite quiet. The Gardners Pub has a new landlord, who is aware of the situation regarding the noise and has taken steps to try to address this. High visibility patrols are out and about, particularly on Fri/Sat evenings. A number of fixed penalty notices have been issued for urinating in public. The retail initiative has shown that there isn’t too much of a problem with shop lifting – Lynn said that the CCTV seems to help with this.

9. Knox Academy news and views

9.1 Although no-one was present from the school Bob wanted to bring to the attention of the meeting the recent announcement re the disbandment of the local cadet force. He thought that this is almost tantamount to preventing education – being part of the cadet force gives pupils a taste of job opportunities for example. He was not sure if the gun issue was the real reason for this – no guns are actually stored at the school. Sheena agreed with Bob and asked for help with an appeal against the disbandment. She said there had been no consultation with either the parents or ELC – she wants to have a meeting with Janice Craig (Head of Knox) and in the meantime she is waiting for a call from the Brigadier. She asked that in the event that she doesn’t manage to have a meeting with Janice, would the CC try to have a meeting and involve all the relevant parties.

Bob said that the youngsters are running their own campaign against the closure – they have already led a petition on Facebook and are trying to publicise this as much as possible and rally support. Bob asked whether ELC Education department have been involved. Sheena said that the only contact made with them has shown that the head teacher has the right to refuse to have guns on school premises – basically, head teachers have control over what activities take place within the school.

After much discussion it was agreed we support Sheena in fighting the closure. It was thought we should arrange a public meeting – 1^st Feb was suggested. Sheena will get back to us on this. Action SR

10. Correspondence

Received:

10.1 Various ELC meeting notices and minutes

10.2 Happy Sustainable Scotland – survey

10.3 Community Safety Funding opportunity: suggestions were invited for a project which would make the community safer. Graeme thought that it would be a good idea to do something to combat hate crime – perhaps survey the ethnic minority groups for their feedback: Graeme will look into this. Ideas in by 26^th Feb Action GMacG

10.4 Cockenzie Power Station: letter from Ian Glen, Policy & Projects Manager ELC with the current proposals and request for representations to the Scottish Government by 12^th February.

10.5 Community Environmental Fund: Letter and application form from Maree Johnston. Suggestions requested for projects. Bob suggested that if we raised the money for materials then perhaps those doing Community Service could do the work. Closing date is 29^th January

Roundabouts: nothing has come back from Stuart Pryde about the previously discussed work to be done to tidy up the roundabouts at the town entrances.

Pathways: it was suggested we look into doing-up the pathway between the west mills and the curling pond. Emily will contact Owen McAlpine. Action EA

10.6 Meeting notice from Lilian Pryde – Wed 20^th Jan 7-8.30pm re Association of Comm Councils

10.7 Meeting notice: Paul Miller of Sainsburys and Donald Anderson would like to have a meeting with the CC – 19^th Jan 7pm at the Maitlandfield. Emily will let them know (Bob, John, Emily, Graeme and Margaret will meet beforehand between 6.30-7pm)

10.8 Keep Scotland Tidy: recruitment drive for litter picks etc. There is a website to log onto and Bob wondered about a press release – it was thought that there would be one for this. Bob thought it a good idea to back this campaign as there are lots of areas of the town in need of a tidy up.

10.9 Letter of resignation from Carol McKay. Due to medical and physical problems she feels she cannot commit to the CC anymore although she is happy to still volunteer for the Doocot once it reopens. Anna will write a letter of thanks.

Action AF

10.10 Copy of letter from Peter Collins to Chairman of RAGES re Haddington rail branch line

10.11 Letter from County Commissionaire, Girl Guiding, asking for a donation to their centenary celebrations. It was agreed to give them £300. Emily will write to them and send them a cheque. She will also point them in the direction of Leaderplus as a possible means of funding. Action EA

10.12 Leaflets re ground coverings etc

Sent out:

10.13 Letters of thanks to Effie, Janet, Ruth, Betty re Christmas fun day and letter to Callum on his resignation

11. Planning Applications

11.1 Bob had already emailed out the weekly lists, with nothing of great interest to discuss

12. Treasurer’s Report

12.1

Haddington & District Community Council Accounts on Tuesday 12th January 2010
Last Months Balance		£1,917.50
Income			Expenditure
Interest		£0.17	Jan's Monthly Phone Exp			£28.00
			Emily's Monthly Phone Exp			£28.00
			Anna Secretaries Fees			£50.00
		£1,917.67				£106.00
New Balance £1,917.67 - £106.00 =				£1,811.67
Haddington & District Community Council Festival Accounts on Tuesday 12th January 2010
Last Months Balance		£18,568.63
Income			Expenditure
Interest		£1.60	Tax			£0.32
Christmas Fun Day		£844.00	Donation Mrs Sproul			£400.00
Float Returned		£150.00	Advert For Christmas Fun Day			£84.46
Donation From Lockhart Family			Float For Christmas Fun Day			£150.00
Christmas Lights		£20.00	Sweets For Hospital Also Items
Information Centre			For The Christmas FunDay			£59.78
Float Returned	£50.00		Book Token For Bobbi McByrnie			£10.00
	£56.00	£106.00	Fabric For Elf Suit Fabrication			£17.85
			Tesco Items For Funday			£59.36
			Book TokensChristmas FunDay			£30.00
			PJ Design Books For Info Centre			£20.00
			Malt Kiln Items for Info Centre			£60.00
			Donation To Crossreach			£1,500.00
			Effie Malt Kiln Voucher			£10.00
			Tesco Wine for Helpers			£24.65
			Advert For Santa Run		£42.23
		£19,690.23				£2,426.42
New Balance £19,690.23 - £2,426.42 =				£17,263.81

12.2 Doocot: the doocot is due to re-open at the end of March. Jan has sent Emily some information and asked if we can have a meeting in February with the volunteers (perhaps at the Festival meeting)

13. Christmas Lights

13.1 This to be discussed at future meeting

14. AOCB

14.1 Santa run – John said this was a great success

14.2 Craft Fair, Feb 27^th: help will be needed for this

14.3 Dalkeith Comm Councillors: Bob thanked them for coming to the meeting and asked if they had any comments or questions. They thanked the CC for inviting them to our meeting and said they have all the same problems as Haddington although they feel their town centre is really bad now and hope Sainsburys will soon be coming to the centre of Dalkeith (the old bus depot). Instead they have lots of fast food outlets and charity shops. They also suggested that we could be directing projects requesting funding/donations to Leaderplus.

15. Date of next Meeting: Tuesday 9^th February 2010 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm.

16. Date of next Festival Meeting: Tuesday 26^th January 2010 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm

17. Outstanding Matters Arising from previous minutes

2006

14/03

Burley’s Wa’s – 12/06 it was reported that the insurance company has insisted that the area around the George Hotel be boarded up in light of a recent incident relating to a fire extinguisher being let off

09/06 Town House Clock tower lighting – 11/03/08 Jan said that Alan Forsyth has confirmed that some of the wires have been pecked by the pigeons. Some sort of covering needs to be sourced to prevent this continuing

12/09 Broken kerb at Co-op

10/10 Uneven slabs at Graeme McGraths – now hole in the ground (9/6/09)

14/11 Mill Wynd/Millfield - fencing

Mill Wynd/West Mills – pathway

Dunbar Road – pavement a mess

2007

09/01 Long Stay parking-disabled parking bays

13/02 Footbridge at Riverside Drive – work to start soon

St Ann’s Place – large puddle

Herdmanflat – broken slabs/tree roots

13/03 Abbey Bridge – broken mirror

Ball Alley – lights

10/04 Estate Agents signs

Abbotsview/Riverside Drive – wall/broken slabs

Newton Port/Market St junction – broken sign in pavement

Guttering – High Street

Courier Office – exposed pipe in pavement

Peter Potters – broken drain

12/06 Public toilets-one-way mirror – 11/12 Tom Trotter has spoken to Tom Shearer about this: let him know if this hasn’t been done

Rugby Club-upgrading & fencing off pitch

Nungate Bridge-needing overhaul

11/09 General disrepair of the pavements in town

Gifford Road – speed bumps

09/10 Signposts in Newton Port facing the wrong way

Langriggs (gates to vennels)

Gateside commerce park – lowered pavement

Alderston Muir – naming of : 11/12 Jan suggested Bob email Sheena direct regarding this

Church Street –Parking overlapping pavement

The Sands-Vehicles parking on corner of Church Street and The Sands

Local Plan Inquiry –request for a copy of report.

13/11 Highways: invite Brian Cooper and/or Peter Forsyth to some of our meetings

Play area (Longcram/Acreadales): 11/12 reported

Missing drain cover outside Sue Ryder shop: 11/12 reported

11/12 Court Street – paving stones - reported

Herdmanflat – paving stones - reported

2008

12/02 Monkmains – bollards: 11/03 in hand

Public toilets – condensation: 11/03 under investigation

Neighbourhood Watch Posters: 11/03 ELC can provide

Fly tipping problem – Alderston: 11/03 reported

Riverside Drive Bridge – anti-slip coating

Hopetoun Drive – speeding

11/03 Old A1: bench

Alderston Gardens: signage/trees

Street lighting: Gifford Gate, Lady Kitty’s, bollards

08/04 Riverside Drive – messy pavements

Dobsons Well – signage

Cross Lane – missing drain cover

Carlyle Cafe – uneven paving slabs

13/05 Recycle bins –sports centre

Disabled parking bays

The Sands – parking

Chip shop close – name?

10/05 Alleyway off High Street – being used as public convenience

Athelstaneford – bus shelters

Clearing of river Tyne

Traffic calming – Queens Avenue

09/09 Station Rd Park – reinstate flower beds

Beechwood Rd – widen pathway

Brewery Park – disrepair of roadway

Bowling Green plaque/doocot – vandalism

Overhanging branches –various locations

Grass cuttings – not being cleared up

Abbots View – broken slabs

14/10 Somnerfield – broken paving slabs/hole in ground

Amisfield Cottages – Slow Down sign

Newton Port – hole in ground at Market St end

Butts Sheltered Housing – mess in grounds

Corn Exchange – upgrade; toilets and gas heating

11/11 Bus shelters: Abbotsview, Dunbar Road, High Street

09/12 Princess Mary Road –parking on grass

Court Street – hole in pavement

Pot holes – Seggarsdean, Abbotsview

Brewery Park – disrepair of pavements

Disabled parking bays – sign erected

2009

13/01 Church Street/Langriggs/Nungate Bridge – lighting

Potholes – Oak Tree roundabout, Seggarsdean, Athelstaneford

Salt bins – provision around the town

10/02 Beechwood Road – potholes

Athelstaneford – new bin required

Pigeon droppings

Roodlands – new hospital – major delay

10/03 Scaffolding at Town House

Tyne under Victoria Bridge

Oak Tree Cafe – bulbs

Hospital Road – lights out

Peachdales – muddy corner

Town Centre – one-way system

14/04 Potholes, Roodlands Ct, Oak Tree Cafe roundabout

Church Street – drain cover missing

Fortune Ave – signage

12/05 Skate ramp request

09/06 Bermaline – state of river below and at weir

Westfield – disrepair of bridge

Disabled parking – High St

Cobblers Shoe Shop premises – disrepair of walls

Athelstaneford – missing bench from village hall

08/09 Ross’s Close – anti social behaviour – still awaiting new gates for all the closes leading from High Street

Newton Port – over-hanging bush

Athelstaneford – bus shelter

- hall lights – this should be fixed within this financial year with Local Priorities money.

St Ann’s Place –dip in pavement causing large puddle when it rains.