Royal Burgh of Haddington and District Community Council

Minutes of meeting of 14th September 2010 in Council Chambers

 

1.  Sederunt

Jan Wilson (Chair), Margaret Ingle (Vice Chair), Emily Armatage (Treasurer), Fiona-Frances Adam, Bobby McLaughlin, John Hamilton  

 

In attendance

Cllr Ludovic Broun-Lindsay, Cllr Tom Trotter, (Cllr Sheena Richardson arr near the end of the meeting),

David Motherwell, Robert Flood, Megan McCafferty, Brian Copland EL Courier, PC Lynn Black, Anna Faulkner (minutes/correspondence secretary)

 

Honorary Membership - David Motherwell:  David was a member of the CC between 1996 and a couple of years ago.  During his time with the CC he was a great help and support and has continued to be so since retiring from the CC.  Therefore, in recognition of his work he was presented by with a Quaich, a Certificate of Recognition to the Community of Haddington  and made an Honorary Member of Haddington Community Council.

 

2. Apologies:   Alan Dunton, Martin Lugton, David Barrett, Graeme MacGregor

 

3. Major Items for AOCB

3.1 Remembrance Sunday

 

4.  Minutes of 8th June

4.1 It was noted that Fiona had given her apologies for the meeting in June

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

 

5. Matters Arising

5.1 Item 5.2 Community Involvement Fund: Emily did get the money for the gardens at the Railway (recorded in Festival Mins).  She is presently liaising with Andrew Hogarth and Roots & Shoots.

5.2 Item 6.1 Edward Court: Margaret said that some of the bushes have now been cut back.  Apparently ELC are responsible for some of them.   

5.3 Item 8.4 Know Academy (KA) 6th year involvement:  Roddy has now left school and their 6th year representative is to be Megan McCafferty, who was introduced to the meeting.  At this point Jan thanked KA for the prize giving evening her and Emily attended towards the end of term.

5.4 Item 9.4 Newton Port:  Lynn said that the matter of speeding in Newton Port was brought up at the last CAPP meeting.  An appeal will go out to motorists (via the paper) to cut their speed and to give consideration to residents and pedestrians in the area.

5.5 Item 9.5 Saltire Event: Jan wrote a letter of support for this event and reported that they have received approx £25,000.  It is being held on the same day as the Fun-day therefore the torch light procession timings will have to be changed.  Jan and Emily are having a meeting with Susan and Jackie – Lynn asked Jan to give her the details and she will attend also.                                                                                                                                                                     Action JW  

5.6 Victoria Park development:  Jan, Margaret and David Barrett had a meeting with ELC re the proposed 20 houses for this area and suggested a speed restriction be considered.

5.7 Item 15.1 Handbook:  Emily said she hadn’t organised the book token for Bob Mitchell – will do so.  It was hoped that the Scouts will once again help with the distribution of the book.  It was agreed to give them £300 for their work.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Action EA

6. Councillors Corner

6.1 Junction at Bay Horse/one-way system: Fiona said that the signage could be improved at this junction.  It has also been suggested that the one-way system should run the other way.  Tommy said that the system appears to work and there are a vast number of people who would like it to remain in place.

6.2 Nungate Bridge:  Margaret said that the bridge requires some attention – it really needs to be re-surfaced as full of potholes.  The lights have also once again been targeted by vandals.                                                                           Action LB-L 

6.3 River Tyne:  the state of the river is again in question – Tommy reiterated that it was not the responsibility of the council and that there are all sorts of H&S issues around this.

6.4 Town Centre:  Fiona said that a number of properties are currently boarded up (George Hotel, Pheasant) making the town centre look really run down. 

6.5 Athelstaneford churchyard:  the trees here need some attention.  John H said he would chase Mike Foy re this.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Action JH

7. Police questions

7.1 CAPP meeting:  Lynn said that there are 4 new community boards around the town which list areas of action.  Currently they are:

i) East Fortune Hospital Site:  in a bad state of repair and being used by groups of youths.  Trying to get it out in the press that this area should not be entered.  Building control are looking into erecting more secure gates but it is an on-going problem.

ii) Dobsons Walk area:  problems with youths congregating at the weekends.  An area behind Tyne Park House is being used as a meeting place where behaviour is upsetting the local residents.  Lynn and the Comm Wardens/ASBO officers are due to have a meeting for an update on the situation.

iii) Haddington Infants:  parking/traffic problems.  The ongoing problems are still present, with a recent incident between a new pupil and a vehicle serving to high-light that the area still has problems.  High Visibility patrols are carried out during drop-off and pick-up times and the police, the council and the school are putting out a letter to all parents to encourage and educate re the use of vehicles around the schools.  John asked about putting in more parking restrictions.  Lynn said that it is a problem seen by all the schools in East Lothian and where the schools are in residential areas it is very difficult to restrict the parking.

7.2 Town Centre:  Lynn reported that they are continuing to target the town centre on Fri/Sat evenings particularly between 11-2am around the licensed premises.  A few fixed penalty tickets have been issued for offences such as urinating/drinking in public places.  The Comm Wardens are also out targeting areas at the weekend.

7.3 Litter outside KA:  Jan said that this was talked about at the CAPP meeting.  It had been suggested that the CC pay for (from LP money) some more bins for the back of the school.  Jan asked if an announcement could be made at assembly appealing to the kids to use the litter bins.                                                                                                                 Action RF

 

8. Knox Academy News

8.1 New 6th year representative:  Robert introduced Megan McCafferty to the CC.  She said that they now have a new School Council and have already held a team building day helping with gardening in the community. 

8.2 Handbook:  Robert has written an article for the Handbook re the link between KA and the community.

8.3 6th year involvement/community service: 6th years currently have to do some community service and they are looking into how they can take this out into the wider community.  Jan suggested the Tourist Office/Info Centre – they are always looking for volunteers and wondered if the pupils could be involved in some way.   Emily also suggested the hanging baskets – help could be needed to plant and maintain them.  Biology department:  perhaps they would like to be involved in the hanging baskets.  Robert will have a word with them and report back.                                  Action RF

8.4 Festival 2011:  Robert said that they are still keen to get a float organised for the festival – still looking into the feasibility of this.                                                                                                                                                                  Action RF

8.5 Noticeboard:  have met a bit of a dead-end with this.  The farmers market was suggested, Emily will email Pauline Jaffray’s (East Lothian Life) details to Robert.                                                                                                        Action EA

8.6 Christmas boxes:  the school are still involved with this.

8.7 Christmas concert:  to be held on the 21st December.  Members of the community will be invited to attend the afternoon performance.

 

9. Correspondence

Received:

9.1 Various ELC meeting notices and minutes

9.2 Isa Jackson:  Emily made Jan aware that Isa Jackson had died recently.  Jan asked that we send a card to the family – they were always a great support to the CC.  Emily will arrange.                                                                 Action EA

9.3 RAGES AGM:  meeting to be held in West Barns on 22nd September.

9.4 Scottish Water:  public meeting to be held on 22nd September at Maitlandfield 5.30-7.30pm.

9.5 ELC meeting re Insurance:  meeting to be held 29th September 2.15pm.  Emily will attend.

9.6 Paul McLennan, Council Leader:  email confirming his attendance at our October meeting

9.7 ELC, Statement of Licensing Policy:  response requested by 1st October

9.8 Council Elections:  Email from Lilian Pryde, Community Council Liaison Officer with ELC, stating that the CC election date may have to be moved and asked cc’s for their views as to a suitable date.

10. Town Centre Strategy

10.1 Notice for the planned meeting was far too short therefore the meeting has been postponed until later.  David Barrett has in the meantime written a report on the Strategy document for consideration at the meeting.

 

11. Planning Applications (John will send summaries via email)

11.1 Wind Turbine proposals (Morham):  planning permission was granted for a single device which measures the suitability of the site for a wind farm.  If conditions are satisfactory, planning permission would be sought.  Locals are opposed to the idea; HADAS and other organisations are also involved in lobbying the council on this.

Athelstaneford: a proposals has been put forward for a wind turbine at West Fortune, with 2 possible sites mooted.  A public meeting is being held on 21st September in the village hall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12. Treasurers Report

 

The Royal Burgh of Haddington & District Community Council Accounts on Tuesday 14th Sept 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance on 8th June

 

£667.42

 

 

 

 

 

Income

 

 

 

 

Expenditure

 

 

Interest

 

 

 

 

Jan Monthly Phone Exp

£28.00

June

 

 

£0.12

 

Emily Monthly Phone Exp

£28.00

July

 

 

£0.14

 

Anna Secretaries Fees

 

£50.00

ELC Grant

 

£1,071.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

£1,738.68

 

 

 

Total

£106.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Balance £1,738.68 - £106.00 =

 

 

£1,632.68

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Royal Burgh of Haddington & District Community Council Festival Accounts 14th Sept 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end July

 

£22,045.61

 

 

 

 

 

Income

 

 

 

 

Expenditure

 

 

Interest

 

 

£1.73

 

Tax

July

 

£0.34

Late Programme Sales

£140.00

 

11375

 

 

£134.80

Late Festival Donation

£50.00

 

11356

£32.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11366

£10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11370

£14.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

£56.00

 

 

 

 

Total

£22,237.34

 

 

 

Total

£135.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nrw Balance £22,237.34 - £135.14 =

 

 

£22,102.20

 

 

 

13.  Festival minutes and update

Approval of the minutes was proposed by Fiona and seconded by John

13.1 Matters arising:

13.2 Hanging baskets: most of the retailers maintained the baskets (watering them etc), although a couple had to be removed as they had dried up.  Emily had a meeting with Linda Mitchell, John Franchini, and Porteous Gordon of Haddington Gardening Club reviewing how the hanging baskets worked out this year and to look at the way forward in the future. Apparently there was some contention as to those traders who got baskets and those who didn’t.  

13.3 Jerico Cafe:  Letter from Dr xxxxxxxx (Anna do you not have a letter from them as correspondence secretary – if not just put Rosina Sanson) thanking CC for their donation of £500 to help with the running cost of the Jerico Cafι for young teenagers.

 

14. Local Priorities

14.1 The sum uncommitted currently stands at approx £12,900 (we may also have an extra £800)

14.2 Christmas Lights:  Although we may not be able to put up all the lights, Jan thought that we should still be able to decorate the trees.  This to be discussed at meeting on 22nd September.

14.3 Athelstaneford:  Emily asked that the CC help with the restoration of the Saltire Information Plaque in the churchyard (has been vandalised).  It was agreed to give them £500 towards this (prop by Margaret and seconded by Fiona). 

 

15. Tourism

15.1 The doocot closes on 22nd September.  With the John Gray Centre due to open next year it is hoped that we will move into these premises also.  Jan said a huge thanks to Emily for all her hard work and organisation of the volunteers.  A  lunch is being held on Monday 27th September.  It was suggested as a thank-you, that the CC subsidise the cost of the meal.  Fiona proposed that the CC pay half the bill, this was seconded by John.

 

16 Art Exhibition

16.1 Help is needed to set up on 4th and 5th October.  Emily, Margaret, Davie, Hannah, and possibly Alan Dunton can all help.

 

17. AOCB

17.1 Remembrance Sunday: Rehearsal will be on 13th November at 3pm (St Mary’s).  Emily will organise the wreaths.

 

18. Date of next Meeting:  Tuesday 12th October 2010 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm.

 

19.  Date of next Festival Meeting: Tuesday 28th September 2010 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm

 

20.  Outstanding Matters Arising from previous minutes      

 

2008

12/02    

                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

                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

                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

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

                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

14/09     Nungate Bridge – state of disrepair