Royal Burgh of Haddington and District Community Council

Minutes of meeting of 8th September 2009 in Council Chambers

 

1.  Sederunt

Jan Wilson (Chair), Bob Oliver (Vice Chair), Emily Armatage (Treasurer), Kathryn McDowall, Margaret Ingle,

Graeme MacGregor, Carol McKay, Fiona-Frances Adam, John  Hamilton, Martin Lugton

 

In attendance

Cllr Ludovic Broun-Lindsay, PC Lynn Keating, Anna Faulkner (minutes/correspondence secretary), Cllr Tom Trotter joined the meeting later

 

2. Apologies:  Suzette MacGregor

 

Jan welcomed our new member Martin Lugton to the meeting.  We also have another new member, Bobbie McLaughlin, who was not in attendance at this meeting.

 

3. Major Items for AOCB- None

 

4. Retail Strategy – Andrew Robinson/Brian Young, HADAS and Ian Gibson/John Main, HBA

4.1 Andrew outlined to the meeting the statement which they have prepared re the proposals for the out of town development on the west of the town (Gateside).  In summary the three main points of their statement are:

 

  1. Concern at the loss of footfall and parking in the town centre
  2. With the economic downturn and the considerable delay in the plans for development of housing at Letham, they feel there is no need for a major out-of-town development which would impact adversely on an already struggling town centre
  3. As an alternative HADAS would support a walk-in food store on the west side of town

 

4.2  Ian Gibson spoke on behalf of HBA, who whilst supporting HADAS, made their main point of ‘where is Haddington going to be in the next 10/15 years?’  He pointed out areas such as the infrastructure of the town, employment, buildings in dis-repair – would any of these things be addressed if an out-of-town development were to go ahead.   Basically the current independent traders would not be able to survive were this to go ahead.

4.3 Bob said that he would personally like to see Haddington with another petrol station – he feels that the current  situation at the Jet garage is an accident waiting to happen due to congestion and sheer number of vehicles.

4.4 Jan made the point that without the town centre we have nothing.  There would be nothing to encourage tourism – a vibrant and thriving town centre is what we need to encourage people to visit the town.

4.5 As no press were present at the meeting HADAS and HBA representatives will give take their statements to the Courier and the EL News.  The CC will issue a press release.  Jan thanked both parties for coming to the meeting. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                Action JW

5. Minutes of Tuesday 9th June

Approval of the minutes was proposed by Kathryn and seconded by Bob

 

6. Matters Arising

6.1 Item 5.6 Hadd Garden Trust:  Emily said she’s paid for the herbs but not received the money back from LPriorities.  Jan said to email Lilian and ask for this.                                                                                                                        Action EA

6.2 Item 6.2 Dropped kerbs: Bob said that this has still not been sorted (Hardgate) but presumes that the contractor has been paid.  Ludovic will look into.                                                                                                                                        Action LB-L

6.3 Item 6.3 O/S matters list: Bob said he started doing this but it turned out to be a nightmare so gave up!

6.4 Item 6.4 Pathway at Butts:  Lynn said she has spoken with the dog warden and along with them the police are continuing their foot-patrols in the area.  Carol said she knew who the culprit was and would give details to Lynn.    

6.5 Item 6.5 Bermaline area:  it was pointed out that the recent very high water has washed away all the debris in question. 

Re flooding:  A point of interest:  Lynn said that the flood gate was not raised at the top of the sluice at West Mills.  Surely this should have been done, as it was after-all installed for the purpose of releasing the pressure on the river flow.  

6.6 Item 6.6 Westfield:  the bridge has not been repaired as yet.  It was suggested (tongue in cheek) that they may not need to do it as it may have been washed away in the flood!                                                                                   Action LB-L

6.7 Item 6.7 Disabled parking in High St: Lyn said she did contact the warden in question re over-zealous ticketing.  His direct supervisors are aware of this and he has been given some advice.

6.8 Item 6.10 Athelstaneford: Emily has had problems finding out about the seat that was removed and not replaced by the council.  She eventually found out it had been destroyed and that the council will not replace it, although they have kept the plaque.  Jan told Emily to put in a request that the CC consider paying for a replacement from the Local Priorities budget.                                                                                                                                                                                     Action EA   

6.9 Item 12.1 Pathways leaflet:  Jan contacted Nick Morgan who stated he has had problems with the designer of the leaflet not getting back to him.  Jan will keep on about this.                                                                                       Action JW

 

7. Councillors Corner

7.1 Lynn Lea Avenue:  Margaret said that one of the residents who has a disabled parking space sometimes cannot get out due to people parking behind the bus stop.  Lynn said that they regularly have complaints about parking in this area and they are aware of the situation.

7.2 Ross’s Close:  Carol said that residents are still having problems with people urinating down the close.  Lynn said that they are aware of the problems here and in other closes off the High Street.  A number of people have been caught and issued with fixed penalty notices for various offences.

7.3 Newton Port:  Emily said there is an overhanging bush on the left which obscures the view up the road.  Not sure who responsible – possibly Tesco as the bush is on their land.  Ludovic will raise with Highways Dept.                            Action LB-L

7.4 Athelstaneford – bus shelter/lights:   Emily asked if there was any information regarding the shelter they have requested.  Tom said he will chase with Colin Baird.  Emily will chase and will also contact Alan Forsyth re the lights for the village hall.                                                                                                                                                                          Action TT/EA

7.5 St Ann’s Place: Jan thanked ELC for re-surfacing the pavement between St Ann’s Place and the Day Centre.  She did point out though that there is still a dip in the pavement at the entrance to the pend (first reported in 2007) which creates a large puddle when it rains.     In winter months this could freeze up causing problems for elderly people using this pavement.                                                                                                                                                                                            Action LB-L

7.6 Posters:  Fiona asked if the old and out-of-date posters could be removed from the lamp-posts and trees around the town.  It was thought that those putting up the posters should be responsible for their removal.

 

8.  Police Questions  

8.1 Lynn reported that there have been problems with graffiti in the town, particularly around Templedean and the town centre.  Five people have been charged to date.  Two youths have also been reported to the Juvenile Officer re the offences at St Martin’s Kirk.

8.2 Foot patrols:  Lynn said that they are continuing with the high visibility patrols, particularly during Saturday/Sunday evenings with particular emphasis on the closes around the High Street (Cross Lane, Ross’s Close).  She said a number of fixed penalty notices had been served over the past few weekends for contravention of the alcohol by-laws, urinating in public places etc.  She said that now that the Pheasant has closed down they will be monitoring the situation as they will all have to go somewhere – the Mercat is a possibility and this may prove a Health & Safety Issue due to the sheer volume of people.

8.3 Hospital Road accident:  Lynn has emailed traffic division for information on this incident.

8.4 Traprain Terr: they are keeping an eye on this area (problems with the phone box being used for certain activities).

8.5 Schools:  more footpatrols around the schools and the issuing of tickets seems to be making a difference.

8.6 Noise problems:  Jan asked about the rules regarding noise from pubs.  She passed the Gardner’s the other afternoon and the noise coming from inside was incredible.  Lynn said that they have had complaints from residents nearby and that Health & Safety officers do monitor the situation as the levels of noise do have to remain within a certain level.

 

Lynn passed on her apologies for the next meeting – she will be getting married that day.  Jan wished her all the best.

 

9. Correspondence

Received:

9.1 Various ELC meeting notices and minutes

9.2 Association of EL Community Councils: General meeting to be held on Wed 14th Oct, 7.30pm in Town House, Hadd.  9.3 Agenda topics to include ‘The role of tenants and residents goups and their relationship with community councils’ and the issue of the upgrade proposals at Cockenzie Power Station and pipeline from Athelstaneford

9.4 Letter from Iain Gray, MSP, saying he would be happy to attend one of our meetings to meet the councillors and answer any questions.  It was suggested we invite him to our November meeting.  You are to write – I will look out the addresses and let you know.

9.5 Letter from David Berry, Council Leader, re Scottish Power proposals for Cockenzie Power Station. Write to him to say we have not been consulted on this as far as we are aware and to also ask for feedback on the meeting re Athelstaneford.                                                                                                                                                                           Action AF

9.6 Draft Customer Contact Strategy – Public Consultation Document: responses due by 14th Sept

9.7 Notice of RAGES AGM

9.8 Letter from Lilian Pryde re ELC’s Local Priorities scheme

9.9 Notice re meeting at Maitlandfield 28/9 7-8pm: National Conversation comes to E Lothian.  Emily and Graeme will attend on behalf of the CC

9.10 Letter from John Swinney thanking the CC for all the invaluable work we undertake for the local community.

9.11 Email from Frances White re the Procurator Fiscals Office, asking why it was situated in the centre of the town – thought this was inappropriate.  The design of the windows was bad, paint is peeling off the walls and there are scruffy notices in the window.  Tom will address.                                                                                                                 Action TT

10. Planning Applications

10.1 Bob had already emailed out the weekly lists.  Nothing of note to discuss

 

11. Treasurer’s Report

11.1

 

HADDINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL A/C as at 8th September 2009

 

Last month’s Balance                        £2,529.27                             

Income                                                                                  Expenditure

Interest May                                         £0.22                      Jan’s phone exp May                         £28.00

June                                                        £.022                      Jan’s phone exp June                         £28.00

July                                                         £0.20                      Anna secretary’s fee                           £50.00

Aug                                                         £0.18                      Emily’s phone exp                              £28.00

                                                                                                                                               

                               

Total                                                      £2,530.09                                                                             £134.00                                                                                                                                                                                

New balance £2,530.09 - £134.00 =                                £2,396.09

 

HADDINGTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL FESTIVAL A/C as at 8th   September 2009

Last months’ balance                         £19,212.52

 

Cheques not presented       £17.50

                                                £10.00

                                                £9.00

                                                £4.00

                                Total      £40.50

 

Income                                                                                                  Expenditure

Interest June                                         £1.80                                      Tax June                                                               £0.36     

July                                                         £1.67                                      July                                                                         £0.33

Aug                                                         £1.52                                      Aug                                                                         £0.30     

Income from Local Priorities                                                            Wine for pot luck supper                                    £17.50

For Homecoming Event w/e             £374.56                                 Folk Group                                                            £4.00

Donation from Gladys Bailie            £100.00                                

Cheque from Yester Church                                                            

                                £100.00                                                                

Fest programme late payment                                                                                                                                                                                          £25.60                   £125.60

                                                                                                               

                                                                £19,817.67                                                                                                           £22.49

                                                                                                               

New balance £19,817.67 - £22.49                                  = £19,795.18

 

2 cheques still not cashed

Haddington Remembered Group     £9.00

RAGES                                                  £10.00

 

12. Local Priorities

12.1 Jan said that every year ELC give us a sum of money to spend on local projects.  This recently has been in the region of £13,000.  There is still the Capital Development Fund of approx £100,000 which we can tap into up to the value of £10,000 for specific projects.  If we don’t use it then we can suggest other local groups (last year the West Church applied and were given £10,000 towards the restoration of the hall).

12.2 Athelstaneford:  Jan suggested we use some of our Local Priorities money to replace the seat outside the hall.  She will get costings for this. It was agreed that we pay for this.                                                                                           Action EA

12.3 Christmas Lights:  Jan explained about the need to replace the junction boxes.  This will need to be done next year.  Jan is having meetings with ELC and Blachere and will come back with costings for this.                                          Action JW

12.4 Haddington Garden Trust:  they require help funding a shredder which would cost in the region of £3/400.  It was agreed that £400 be set aside for this.

12.5 Hardgate/Riverside:  Graeme pointed out that there are a number of fence panels which were put up as a temporary measure but which are still there now.  Could we think about having something nicer and more permanent built.  Also why was the path on the other side closed.  Jan suggested any more ideas be brought to the next meeting.

12.6 Riverside Bridge restoration:  the painting work is on hold as structural problems were discovered.

 

 

 

 

13.  Tourism

13.1 Doocot:  Jan said that this season will end on 19th September.  Since opening in April the centre has seen over 1,000 visitors.  Jan said that the rota system was great and had made Jan’s job a lot easier.  She especially thanked Carol and Kathryn who helped out a lot.

 

14. Christmas Lights – already covered

 

15.  Festival minutes

15.1 Approval of the minutes was proposed by Margaret and seconded by Fiona.

15.2 Matters arising:

CC Member: It was noted that Callum has only attended one meeting since joining the CC and has not sent in any apologies.  It was suggested we write to him to ask if his shift work has made it difficult to attend and to ask if he still wants to be involved in the CC.                                                                                                                                      Action AF

 

16. Craft Fair – 12 September

16.1 Jan needs help for setting up on the Friday and on the Saturday.  Carol, Emily, Kathryn, Margaret, Bob and John are all available to help at some point. Jan said that she would be leaving at 2.00 pm to go on holiday.

 

17. AOCB - none

 

18. Date of next Meeting:  Tuesday 13th October 2009 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm.

 

19.  Date of next Festival Meeting: Tuesday 22nd September 2009 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm

 

16. Outstanding Matters Arising from previous minutes       

 

2006

14/03    

Athelstaneford (Lighting outside hall): a wall light has been installed but this is not what the CC had asked for; Emily to email Tom about this                                                                                                    Action EA

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

                Athelstaneford – hall light

                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.