Royal Burgh of Haddington and District Community Council

Minutes of meeting of 13^th April 2010 in Council Chambers

1. Sederunt

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

Bobby McLaughlin, John Hamilton, Kathryn McDowall,

In attendance

Cllr Ludovic Broun-Lindsay, Cllr Sheena Richardson, Robert Flood, Roddy Coull, Anna Faulkner (minutes/correspondence secretary)

2. Apologies: Jan Wilson, PC Lynn Black, Martin Lugton

3. Major Items for AOCB

3.1 Honorariums

3.2 John Lockhart Trophy

4. Minutes of 9^th March

4.1 Item 11.2 Athelstaneford benches: Emily pointed out that they only have one bench, not two as reported in the minutes.

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

5. Matters Arising

5.1 Item 5.1 CCF update: Ludovic said that matters are moving on and a couple of members of school staff have indicated they would be interested in helping out. Loretto CCF said they would be willing to take Knox CCF under their wing and Sheena has said that she would stand in as Commanding Officer. Sheena has written to the MOD with this information and is awaiting a reply. Will report back when she hears the outcome. Action SR

5.2 Item 6.2 Lammermuir Crescent: Margaret said that the kids are still knocking the wall down.

5.3 Item 6.4 Cranston family: Emily said that we can apply through the Civic Pride Fund should we go ahead with this but we need to have all the details in place before September, which is when we can next apply. John H said that we need to clarify exactly what happened to the family – he has checked on the plaque which is in the Infant School but it is a Roll of Honour and not just a dedication to this particular family. John H will keep digging for more information on this.

Action JH

5.4 Newton Port – overhanging branches: Ludovic said this is being dealt with under a road safety issue.

5.5 One-way system: Bob asked if there was any feedback on this. Tom has spoken to Lynn and apart from some early problems it seems to have settled down.

6. Councillors Corner

6.1 John Muir House: Fiona mentioned that there were window cleaners outside with their engine running at 6.15am: should this be happening at this time? It was said that the traditional curfew times are between 10pm and 7am.

6.2 Scaffolding on Town Hall: John G asked if this was to be a permanent feature. Ludovic thought that there were ongoing stonework repairs but would ask about it – thinks it is probably cheaper to leave there than to take up and down

6.3 Water on pavement (West Church): water has been pouring down the pavement between the West Church and Hilton Lodge.

6.4 Potholes: John G also said that now is the time when the potholes should be being dealt with. Tom pointed out that they should be reported in the first instance via the special dedicated number.

6.5 Temp bus-stop, Market Street: Margaret asked if a shelter could be provided.

6.6 Playing fields/Lady Kitty’s: Margaret said that there is a lot of mess in certain areas of the town where the youths congregate and party (esp over the weekends). Debris, broken glass etc is everywhere. Tom said that this is an item which should be brought up at the CAPP meeting.

6.7 Historic Society: John G said that due to the amount of graffiti, debris and dog fouling etc they may have to consider taking the old Nunnery off their list of historic walks. It was wondered if Historic Scotland were responsible for looking after this?

6.8 Bus shelter, Athelstaneford: Emily thanked the councillors for the new shelter in the village.

7. Retail Review

7.1 Emily had attended the recent meeting, the outcome of which was that the Environment Department recommended that Harperdean be the approved site. There was much surprise at this decision given the strong representation from the CC, HADAS and Hadd Business Association. The CC have always backed the Sainsbury’s proposals, with HADAS initially saying we did not need another retailer in the town but are now leaning in favour of the Sainsbury proposal. Emily pointed out again that of all the suggested sites, Harperdean was the one no-one wanted. Bob suggested that the possible reason this site was chosen was because it was the biggest and therefore more businesses could be brought in. Sheens said this item has been referred for discussion and will probably be brought to a full council meeting in June. Bob asked that we be kept informed of any planned meeting to discuss this. Action SR

8. Police Questions – none present at the meeting

9. Knox Academy News

9.1 Display Screen: Robert said that they are not really much further forward with this as yet other than to be thinking about sourcing the computers. The Aubigny Centre said they have no problem, in principle, to having a screen in place there – their only stipulation was that they did not want anything commercial to be displayed. It was suggested Robert try Alan Cruickshank at ELC with regards computers/screens. Action RF

9.2 Festival Float: have struggled to get a lorry but have had one offer from Hogg Haulage for a 45’ trailer.

9.3 Website: now have a link from the KA to CC website (but not vice versa as far as we are aware).

9.4 School spring concert: now being held on Tuesday 20^th April at 7pm.

9.5 Hadd Garden Trust: Roddy said that they would probably be going back to the garden at some point this year. Emily said that they are looking for help on their Open Day (5^th June) to put out leaflets, posters etc. She will email Roger Kirby’s email address to Roddy/Knox. Action EA

10. Correspondence

Received:

10.1 Various ELC meeting notices and minutes

10.2 Community Environmental Fund: application form to be in by 28^th May. Emily has just applied for funding for the walkway between West Mills and curling pond. She said that if anyone comes up with ideas then we need to have detailed costings to go along with the application. John G mentioned the small park at the Railway (was brought up some time ago but nothing came of it). He also suggested hanging baskets for the town – Emily will ask Maree Johnston about this. Action EA

10.3 Letter from Exec Dir of Education/Children’s services: Community Based Management of Schools in EL – conference to be held on 22 April at QM University.

11. Planning Applications (weekly lists previously emailed out by Bob)

11.1 Victoria Road proposal: Bob said that if anyone wanted to complain or make comment on this they should get in touch with the CC and we would look into it.

11.2 West Mills development: after some discussion around this and whether the original wall there is to be preserved it was agreed Bob write. Action RO

12. Treasurers Report

The Royal Burgh of Haddington & District Community Council Accounts on 13th April 2010
Last Months Balance	£1,600.10
Income		Expenditure
		Jan's Phone Monthly Exp		£28.00
		Emily's Phone Monthly Exp		£28.00
		Anna Secretaries Fee		£50.00
	£1,600.10			£106.00
New Balance £1,600.00 - £106.00 =			£1,494.10
The Royal Burgh of Haddington & District Community Council Festival Account on 13th April 2010
Last months Balance	£19,568.90
Income		Expenditure
Handbook Adverts	£100.00	Scouts Donation		£300.00
Float Returned Craft Fair	£100.00	Tesco food for Craft Fair &
Craft Fair Income	£233.50	Information Centre Volunteers		£79.60
Handbook Adverts	£200.00	Tesco food for Craft Fair		£23.00
Community Invironmental Fund	£3,000.00	Craft Creations (Jan)		£229.00
Haddington Churches Together		Garleton Graphics (Handbook)		£1,493.21
Refund	£661.00	Trinity Handbells Donation		£75.00
		St Mary's Church Donation		£200.00
	£23,863.40			£2,399.81
New Balance £23.863.40 - £2,399.81=			£21,463.59

12.2 End of year accounts: Emily said that the books are ready for the accountant.

13. Honorariums

13.1 The honorariums were agreed as per last year:

Community Council A/C:

Jan Wilson (Chair) £100

Emily Armatage (Treasurer) £200

Festival A/C

Jan Wilson (Chair) £200

Emily Armatage (Festival mins sec) £100

14. Festival minutes

14.1 Matters arising:

John H said he needed to contact Jean Squires re a Sustaining Haddington item in the brochure. Anna will get her no and give to John. Action AF

Opening Speaker for the Festival: suggestions? Iain Gray and Fish were two suggestions. Emily will ask Iain Gray.

Action EA

East Coast FM: John has tried on numerous occasions to contact them with no response at all. If he cannot contact them soon they will have to be removed from the programme. Emily said that Rev Cammie Mackenzie (West Church) was involved with the radio station – she will email him. Action EA

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

15. Haddington Garden Trust

15.1 Emily attended a meeting whereby they presented their plans to upgrade their facilities and asked for our support. After some discussion of their plans it was agreed Bob write to them giving our support for their venture. Action RO

16. Tourism

16.1 The doocot is now open. Still having some problems with the doors and shutters and some leaflet still to be delivered.

17. AOCB

17.1 John Lockhart Trophy: Emily has sent out all the information and needs applications/nominations in by 16^th May.

18. Date of next Meeting: Tuesday 11^th May 2010 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm.

19. Date of next Festival Meeting: Tuesday 27^th April 2010 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm

20. 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.

2010

09/03 Lights out on Nungate Bridge

Lammermuir Crescent – small wall

Grit/salt removal