Minutes of meeting of 14th June 2011 in Council Chambers
Jan Wilson (JW) (Chair), Margaret Ingle (MI) (Vice chair), Emily Armatage (EA) (Treasurer), Fiona-Frances Adam, (FFA) Martin Lugton, (ML) Pat Lemmon, (PL) (Correspondence Secretary), Graeme MacGregor, (GMcG) Dave Brunton, (DBn) Robert Moran (Rab), Tom Kirkpatrick (TK), John Hamilton (JH), Alan Dunton (AD)
3.1 Traffic survey
4. Minutes of 10th May
Approval of the minutes was proposed by Dave and seconded by Martin
5. Matters Arising
5.1 Item 5.7 Handbook: John H said neither he nor his neighbours have received a handbook. Jan said that she had a box left over and would put some in the doocot and the library (could the paper put a notice in paper to inform the public that they can pick up a copy from these places should they wish). So far there has been a suggestion that we stop producing the handbook but no decision was formally made. It was therefore agreed at this meeting that we discontinue the production of the handbook. Pat suggested that a lot of information could be made available on the CC website. Jan also said she would continue to produce the directory which could be made available in places such as the Day Centre and the Library for those not on the internet. The details in the directory still need to be checked and Pat said she would help Jan do the letters necessary.
5.2 Item 6.1 Bus routes: Emily said that there are no buses after 6.30pm through Athelstaneford. Margaret had brought up this subject last month and Tom reiterated that the bus companies are running a business and they have to look at which services are profitable for them.
5.3 Item 6.4 High St drains: Jan said that they had had problems with drains at the bottom of her lane and Dynarod had been called to investigate. Scottish water had also left leaflets about what could/could not be put down the drains – would be good for all to have a copy of this. Pat said they are still awaiting investigation for the problems at the back of the High St behind the shops.
5.4 Item 12.3 Roots & Shoots: Emily said that 2 of the trees planted recently look like they are dying off. It was thought that they just need to be watered. Write to ELC to ask them to maintain?
5.5 Item 13 Festival: Jan thanked all who took part in the parade – for all the work gone into dressing the kids up etc. Emily also wanted to thank Brian for all the publicity and for producing all the results etc and all the shopkeepers who took part in the kids’ competition. Jan also thanked the caretakers for all their work and help.
5.6 Item 14.1 Christmas lights: Jan and Pat recently had a meeting with Paul Zochowski and Mike Omand who were very helpful. The proposal for having the poles erected will be put to Planning – not sure if they will remain a permanent feature or will have to be removed and put into storage for the rest of the year. The council are planning to put up the same lamp standards in Lodge St – Mike Omand was helpful in offering to source and order what is required through the council, therefore saving some money.
The lights for the trees are ordered. A number of fund-raising events have been organised: Pat undertaking a half marathon on 13th Aug (Pat said that a lot of businesses have given her their support), a Race Night will also be held on 2nd July at the Bowling Club (Dave B organised). A number of local businesses have shown an interest in a Community Calendar.
5.7 Item 14.2 Goat cleaning: Pat said that this was brought up at a recent HTAG meeting and was bounced right back to the Community Council. The ownership/responsibility is still up for debate although it is a historical monument in the middle of the High Street – it would require specialist treatment – Pat suggested a Conservation Grant?/Historic Scotland? Tom will investigate. Action TT
6. Councillors Corner
6.1 Riverside Drive bridge: Dave B said that there is a board missing across the wooden bridge and also a broken light. Graeme pointed out that all street lights have a unique number – if this is quoted when the defect is reported the problem can be rectified a lot easier.
6.2 Whittinghame Drive – new pavilion: Margaret said that during the recent very wet spell the area around the pavilion was very flooded.
6.3 Speed bumps, Lynlea Ave: Margaret said that the bumps have been seen to but they have not been done properly. Tom T will investigate. Action TT
6.4 Neilson Park pavilion: Pat had put forward a suggestion at the last meeting regarding the use of the pavilion – Tom has spoken with Sheena about it but not taken it any further and it was suggested Pat put something in writing. Action PL
6.5 Hadd Infants/cars: Pat said that there was a near-miss outside the infants’ school recently. A petition is being raised against cars being able to drive down to the school.
6.6 Athelstaneford: Emily said that the long-standing problem with the broken drain has been fixed but not the park bench, nor the hole where the piece of climbing equipment was removed. Action TT
6.7 Hope Park Cres: Tom T reported that the pothole here has been fixed, along with the drains.
6.8 Corn Exchange: drain outside needs some attention Action TT
6.9 Hardgate: Tom T said that a line has been raised for the work needed here.
6.10 Speed bumps – Lydgate, Queens Ave, St Martins: traffic calming has been completed here but there is a question as to their worth in these areas.
6.11 John Muir House: Tom T has spoken to the security guards and they are aware of the problem re foxes and rats in the vicinity. It was suggested Lynn bring up at the next CAPP meeting. Action LB
7. Police Questions
7.1 Spot-checks on cars: John H asked if the police carry out insurance checks on modified cars. Lynn wasn’t sure but will mention it to Traffic division. If the car is not properly covered by their insurance due to some undisclosed modification, the car can be impounded immediately. Action LB
7.2 Nuisance loud music: Pat reported that a blue Renault drives around the town, usually around 4pm on a regular basis with music blaring. Lynn said that they need one eye witness willing to give a statement before they can pursue this. She confirmed that the witness details are not disclosed. Lynn will investigate.
Action LB
7.3 Traffic lights, Ideal garage junction: Dave B reported the problem of cars jumping the lights at the junction. Lynn said she has watched the junction and thinks that the sequence of the lights is off. She will check with transportation. Action LB
7.4 Feedback from Lynn: Lynn reported on a couple of LBP operations planned for the summer –
Operation Euro: EL is a very popular destination for tourists therefore, in conjunction with local Rangers, Comm Wardens etc they are going to be carrying out high visibility patrols in beach car parks, Hopetoun Monument car par, Gifford, Traprain Law, Golf Clubs etc.
Operation Erase (6/6 – 31/7): this to help reduce the incidence of violent crime, alcohol fuelled violence, anti-social behaviour, drink driving etc. Yet again, officers will be out on high visibility patrols. A number of posters will be put up around the area.
7.5 Haddington Festival: Lynn said on the whole the festival week went well without major incidents. There was a slight problem during the raft race evening but the youths were known to the police and dealt with.
7.6 CAPP meeting: the next meeting is on Monday at 6.30pm.
7.7 Speed checks: speed checks were carried out today in Gifford Rd and Whittinghame Drive – no offences were recorded.
7.8 Knife Crime: Graeme asked how Haddington fared with regards this. Lynn said that this was not a huge problem in the town but they are able to carry out searches (with intelligence).
8. Community Warden News – none present
9. Knox Academy News
9.1 Community Survey: Robert F said that a community survey is currently being carried out – asking the community what their perspective is on KA. They have carried this out on the street and also on the KA website.
9.2 Tots & Teens: a new initiative is being launched from Sept 2011. This will cater for 15 children on Mon, Tues, Wed between 9.30-11.25. It will be a crèche facility within the school and will be run by some of the pupils. This is to encourage parents to be more involved with the school and will offer them the chance to join some of the classes while their children are being looked after. John H asked if they could expand into hairdressing classes etc. Robert F said that they do not have the facilities for this at the school.
9.3 Development Plan: Areas covered include: S6 Service to the community and monthly assembly’s (hoping to invite esteemed members of the community to attend)
9.4 Festival float: KA managed to participate, even without a float. Emily suggested Robert get in touch with Andrew Guy for a lorry for next year.
9.5 KA Website: hoping to set up a Community page on the website.
9.6 Work placements: Pat asked if these had to take place in November as this was not a good time of year for businesses in the run-up to Christmas. She suggested a bit earlier (October) would be better. Robert F not sure if this is possible but will enquire. Action RF
10. Correspondence
Received:
10.1 Various ELC meeting notices and minutes
10.2 Holder Planning – Letham Mains, proposal of application notice. Jan said she had a call from Rod Howett who used to live in Haddington, offering for Cala to come to the next meeting (28th June).
10.3 ELC, Helena Reid (Family Support worker): letter asking the CC to help towards a residential trip planned for July. It was agreed to give them £50. Action EA
10.4 Customer Care Charter: asking for comments by 4th July
10.5 Scottish Festivals booklet: this gives details of all the festival and events during the year and Jan wondered why the Hadd festival wasn’t in it. Jan has sent them an email.
10.6 Letter from Clair Rudyj (Hadd Rainbows leader) with suggestions for a festival committee to gauge public opinion – maybe there is not enough variety in what is on offer at present. We would welcome her input and therefore it was suggested we write to invite her to the next Festival meeting. Action PL
10.7 Local Transport Strategy: looking for views on this.
10.8 Scottish Flag Trust: Emily said that there is a section in the leaflet thanking the CC for our donation of £500 towards the restoration of the memorial at Athelstaneford.
10.9 East Lothian: an official guide. This includes a map of East Lothian which fails to show Athelstaneford. Emily upset by this and has called ELC to complain.
11. Planning Applications (John will send summaries via email)
11.1 Various domestic applications
11.2 Nursery, Meadowpark: a complaint has been received about the noise. Nursery is requesting an extension and sound-deadening fencing.
12. Treasurers Report
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12.1 Thank-you: Jan thanked Emily for all her hard work. She also thanked all those who helped at the Festival Office and also Bett Morrison (Jan thinks we made around £1760 for leukemia research)
13. Heggie/Wright report
13.1 HTCVC and HTAG committees are dealing with this. Pat and Jan will attend the meetings and will report back at the CC Festival meetings.
14. Festival Minutes and update
Approval of the minutes was proposed by Dave B and seconded by Rab
14.1 BMX group report: Jan said that she wasn’t sure about raising the money without a site formally identified as yet. Social Enterprising are planning to attend a meeting on the 20th and they too will say that a site needs to be identified. The CC will support and give financial help if and when a site has been found. The area below the site of the new 3G pitches at Whittinghame Drive was one suggestion. It was suggested we write to ELC to ask if this area would be considered. Action PL
15. AOCB
15.1 Traffic Survey: carry-over to the festival meeting
Date of next Meeting: Tuesday 13th September 2011 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm.
Date of next Festival Meeting: Tuesday 28th June 2011 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm
Outstanding Matters Arising from previous minutes
2008
12/02
Public toilets – condensation: 11/03 under investigation
Riverside Drive Bridge – anti-slip coating
11/03 Old A1: bench
Street lighting: Gifford Gate, Lady Kitty’s, bollards
08/04 Dobson’s Well – signage
13/05 Recycle bins –sports centre
Disabled parking bays
The Sands – parking
10/05 Clearing of river Tyne
Traffic calming – Queens Avenue
09/09 Beechwood Rd – widen pathway
Amisfield Cottages – Slow Down sign
Disabled parking bays – sign erected
2009
13/01 Church Street/Langriggs/Nungate Bridge – lighting
10/02 Beechwood Road – potholes
Roodlands – new hospital – major delay
10/03 Tyne under Victoria Bridge
Town Centre – one-way system
Fortune Ave – signage
12/05 Skate ramp request
09/06 Bermaline – state of river below and at weir
Westfield – disrepair of bridge
Cobblers Shoe Shop premises – disrepair of walls
2010
09/03 Lammermuir Crescent – small wall
14/09 Nungate Bridge – state of disrepair
09/11 Victoria Bridge – parking restrictions (MI)
2011
08/02 George Hotel – clean up exterior
Glebe Cres (Athel) – broken slab
Closes in High Street – sewage problems
12/04 Herdmanflat – fence lowered
Tyne Court – state of disrepair
10/5 Hope Park Cres – pothole
Hardgate – disrepair of pavement
14/6 Riverside Dv – wooden bridge missing slats
Speed bumps – Lynlea Ave
Corn Exch – faulty drain
Whitt Dv – problem with flooding round pavilion
Transportation Dept. -Pot Holes and Broken Slabs throughout the Town & Athelstaneford
Pot Holes: Abbotsview, Somnerfield, Newton Port, Court Street, Seggarsdean, Roodlands Court, Oak Tree Roundabout, Beechwood Rd
Uneven Pavements: High Street, Market Street, Court Street. St. Anne’s Place, Mitchells Close (11/1/11), Glebe Cres (Athel) 8/2,
Drain Covers Missing: Church Street