Royal Burgh of Haddington and District Community Council

Minutes of meeting of 9^th March 2010 in Council Chambers

1. Sederunt

Jan Wilson (Chair), Bob Oliver (Vice Chair), Emily Armatage (Treasurer), John Golightly, Margaret Ingle, Fiona-Frances Adam, Graeme MacGregor, Martin Lugton, John Hamilton, Kathryn McDowall,

In attendance

Cllr Ludovic Broun-Lindsay, Cllr Sheena Richardson (arr 8.45pm), Robert Flood, Roddy Coull, Anna Faulkner (minutes/correspondence secretary), Callum Colquhoun, Bryan Copland, EL Courier

2. Apologies: Suzette MacGregor, Bobby Mclaughlin

3. Major Items for AOCB

3.1 Succession – Bob leaving after May this year

4. Minutes of 9^th February

4.1 It was pointed out that Robert Flood and Roddy Coull were omitted from the minutes when they were actually in attendance.

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

5. Matters Arising

5.1 Update on position re CCF: Jan asked if there was any news. Ludovic said that a meeting had been held between himself, Sheena and the head teacher of Loretto school. The head teacher expressed an interest in helping out with this problem – details have to be worked out but at present the situation looks more hopeful. Jan said that she was very disappointed that the Knox head teacher had not attended last months’ meeting to discuss the CCF and that it was disgraceful that the CCF is facing disbandment, after more than 100 years in the school. Ludovic reiterated that things were moving along and would report back with any further news. Robert Flood read out a statement on behalf of the Deputy Head and Principle Teachers with regard to CCF.

5.2 Item 5.4 Riverside Bridge: Emily pointed out that the last sentence relating to this in last months’ minutes was not accurate. We have not been able to hold onto the money – this has been returned.

5.3 Item 5.6 Pathway, West Mills to curling pond: Emily had applied for £3000 for the pathways between the weir and the curling pond – this has been received.

5.4 Item 12 Craft Fair: it was reported that the day was not very well attended (weather may have had a bearing on this) but that the music was good

5.5 Item 14.1 Doocot: the doocot will be opening for the summer season on 7^th April.

6. Councillors Corner

6.1 Lights on Nungate Bridge: Margaret said that only one of the lights is working. Action LB-L

6.2 Lammermuir Crescent: Margaret asked if the low wall by the play-park could be removed – it keeps getting damaged and replaced but is not actually needed Action LB-L

6.3 Grit/salt on pavements: Bob hoped that the remnants of grit etc will be removed from the pavements.

6.4 Cranston Family: John H put forward the idea of planting some trees and perhaps a plaque in memory of the Cranston family. Jan said that the CC had to be careful about setting a precedent in supporting this. She will send out the original information regarding this matter to John H. John H will look further into this and bring back to the meeting.

Action JH/JW

6.5 Athelstaneford Village Hall: Emily said that the committee want to look into anti-vandal paint on the flat roof of the hall and asked who she should contact regarding this. Lynn said in the first instance she should contact the Community Safety Department at Dalkeith. It was also suggested Emily contact Tom Neill at ELC. Action EA

7. Police Questions

7.1 Jet Garage: Bob said that this was an accident spot and access should only be allowed coming from the Dunbar direction to help alleviate congestion. Action PC LB

7.2 Hospital Road, parking: Bob said that someone had been hit recently coming out between parked cars. He asked if the double yellow lines put in place by the hospital board are enforceable. This was not clarified.

7.3 Incident at Tesco cash dispenser: Emily said that this had been brought up at the recent CAPP meeting – Lynn said that no incident had been reported re a possible mugging at the cash dispenser at Tesco.

7.4 Dog fouling: this had also been brought up at the CAPP meeting. Lynn said that they are doing joint patrols with the police and the dog wardens. Whittinghame Drive (football pitches) in particular is prone to this problem.

7.5 Festival parade: Lynn said that she has organised the closure of the road between Sidegate and Millwynd to allow the lorries to off-load safely. John H mentioned that the Motor Bike Club could be interested in joining the parade this year – what was the situation regarding the legality of off-road bikes running on the road. It was thought this to be discretionary.

7.6 FunDay: Lynn said that there would also be high visibility patrols present during and at the end of this day.

7.7 Community Warden: the community wardens were deemed to be a great help to the police and a most welcome addition to the town.

8. Knox Academy news and views

8.1 Spring concert: Robert said he would reserve tickets for the spring concert on 31^st March, 7pm. Emily, Kathryn and Margaret will attend.

8.2 Display screen: Robert has spoken with James Love at the Aubigny Sports Centre, who in principle has no problem with this suggestion. Robert is meeting with him to discuss possible locations for the screen within the centre. Robert said he had been in touch with Liz McLean re the possibility of the screen being in the Town House – she referred him back to the councillors. As they have no objection to this it was thought he go ahead and look into the feasibility of this.

8.3 Website: it had been suggested there be a link between the school website and the CC website. CC contact details would be Jan’s email address.

8.4 Festival: Robert said that they were still keen to have a float during the festival and has emailed members of staff at the school, with a number coming back interested.

8.5 Emily asked Robert and Roddy if they felt it was of benefit to attend our meetings. They both thought that it was.

Jan thanked them for coming and they left the meeting.

9. Correspondence

Received:

9.1 Various ELC meeting notices and minutes

9.2 Letter from ELC re Gala and Event promotion 2010. We would be asked to pay 25% of the cost. Therefore do we ask those involved to pay towards this or do we just pay. It was agreed that this may deter some from being involved in the Festival and that we do not have an option but to pay the costs.

9.3 Hadd Business Association (Tesco proposals): letter from Frances Wright who stated that they plan to submit their reply re the Tesco/Gateside proposals. In summary she states that their opinion is that Haddington can have either an out-of-town development or a vibrant town centre, but not both. Jan said that whilst the CC can sympathise with the Business Assoc we also have to take into account the views of the local community, which is that they are keen to have Sainsbury’s come to the town – would boost employment and be competition for Tesco. Bob said that at the recent HADAS meeting they appeared to sit on the fence regarding these proposals but said that we don’t need another supermarket in the town. Jan sited the proposed development of 750 houses at Letham (which is currently on hold) which would divide the town and create the need for a new school, GP’s etc. It was agreed that our comments would stand, that we agree that Sainsburys’s should come to Gateside West and that Tesco stay within the town centre. Bob will copy Iain Gray in on his email to ELC. Action RO

9.4 Caged Bird Society: Emily has received a request from them for help in putting on their Open Show. It was agreed that as we had given them money last year that we would not do so again this year. Emily will write. Action EA

9.5 Civic Pride Fund: the application for this has to be in by 31^st March. Some suggestions included hanging baskets/pots for the Corn Exchange; the park at the Railway junction (chase Stuart Pryde re this); could this be used to fund something in commemoration of the Cranston family?

9.6 Letter from Felicity Haire, Fundraising convenor St Marys Church: an event is being staged on Palm Sunday (28^th March) to raise funds for ME research and they are asking for a donation towards this. It was thought we have to be careful not to be seen to be supporting specific medical research so it was suggested we donate a sum towards the cost of the organist or the hire of the church. It was agreed we donate the sum of £200. Action EA

9.7 Scottish Health Council: Annual Report 08/09

Sent out:

9.8 Letter to Gavin McManus re skatepark.

10. Planning Applications

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

11. Treasurers Report

The Royal Burgh of Haddington & District Community Council Accounts on 9th March 2010
Last Months Balance	£1,705.83
Income		Expenditure
interest (Jan)	£0.14	Jan's Monthly Phon Exp			£28.00
Interest (Feb)	£0.13	Emily's Monthly Phone Exp			£28.00
		Anna Secretaries Fee			£50.00
	£1,706.10				£106.00
New Balance £1,706.10 - £106.00 =			£1,600.10
The Royal Burgh of Haddington & District community Council Festival Account on 9^th March 2010
Last Months Balance	£19,622.82
Income		Expenditure
Interest (Jan)	£1.43	Tax (Jan)			£0.28
Interest (Feb)	£1.51	Tax (Feb)			£0.30
Handbook Advert Payments	£540.00	Girl Guiding Donation			£300.00
		Hadddington Scout Group
		Handbook Delivery		£300.00
		Santa Run Sweets			£152.10
		Advert for Craft Fair			£44.18
		Float for the Craft Fair			£100.00
	£20,165.76				£596.86
New Balance £20,165.76 - £596.86 =			£19,568.90

11.2 Athelstaneford benches: Emily said that she has been in touch with Andrew Hogarth who has found 2 benches for the village – these to replace the ones taken away. They are not new, but restored therefore only cost £100 instead of the original sum of £500. This to come from Local Priorities budget.

11.2 Handbell ringers: Emily suggested we give a donation of £75. This was agreed. Action EA

12. Festival minutes

12.1 Matters arising:

Margaret has asked Johnny Sands re the bikes for the parade.

Jan has had a meeting with John H re the Festival Programme.

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

13. John Lockhart Trophy

13.1 Emily will deal with this

14. Tourism

14.1 The season starts on 7^th April. Jan has done most of the rota but there are still some gaps. Emily will help Jan with this. Jan also said that help is needed to set up the doocot – it was suggested Sat 27^th – Kathryn said she would help and John H if he is available. Jan has been in touch with VisitScotland for new leaflets.

15. AOCB

15.1 Succession: As stated before Bob is planning to step down as Vice Chair and Planning Officer after May and a replacement will be needed. Jan is also not sure what she in planning to do, given her difficult family circumstances at present. Jan asked that the Courier mention that the CC still have some vacancies.

15.2 CCF meeting last month: Sheena thanked the CC for holding this meeting and giving their support.

16. Date of next Meeting: Tuesday 13^th April 2010 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm.

17. Date of next Festival Meeting: Tuesday 23^rd March 2010 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm

18. 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