Minutes of meeting of
9th May 2006 at Council Chambers
Minutes of meeting of 12th April 2006 at Council Chambers
Minutes of meeting of 14th March 2006 at Council Chambers
Minutes of meeting of 14th February 2006 at Council Chambers
Minutes of
meeting of 10th January 2006 at Council Chambers
Minutes of
meeting of 13th December 2005 at Council Chambers
John Golightly (Vice Chair), Emily Armatage (Treasurer), Irene Pow (Secretary), Norman Lawrie, David Motherwell, Effie Renton, Ruth Moncrieff, David McManus, Marianne Andrews, David Brunton, Graeme Macgregor.
Councillor Ann McCarthy, PC Ruraidh Hamilton, Jamie Halpin (Courier), Anna Faulkner (minute secretary)
3. Major Items for AOCB
3.1 Meeting on 20th June re Letham Mains development.
4. Minutes of Tuesday 9th May
Approval of the minutes was proposed by David Motherwell and seconded by Irene Pow.
5. Matters Arising
5.1 Item 6.1 Local traders: Irene confirmed she has written to Ian Gibson – no reply received.
5.2 Item 12.1 Letham Mains development: Emily has put an advert in the Courier to advertise the public meeting. Norman will get in touch with the secretary of HADAS to make sure they know about the meeting. He also suggested posters around the town to let the public know. Action NL
5.3 Item 14.1 John Lockhart Award: There were eventually four nominations and the trophy was jointly presented to Joshua Nisbet and Mark Jackson.
6/7. Resignation and presentation of Moira Ross
6.1 After over 10 years service Moira has decided to resign from the Community Council. It was suggested that we invite Moira to the pot luck supper on Tuesday 27th June – the venue suggested was the Trinity Centre. It was also suggested we invite Andew Bain for his presentation. Irene will run this past Jan and if she is in agreement Emily will go ahead and book the hall. Action IP/EA
8. Councillors Corner
8.1 Speed bumps – Hopetoun Drive: Dave Brunton asked if there were any plans to build speed bumps in this road. Some discussion has been held over this in previous meetings and presently there are no plans to implement speed bumps here. John Golightly said that a speed check held in this area was pretty pointless as the cars just slowed down when they spotted the police therefore any results did not give a true picture of the problems associated with speeding traffic. Norman voiced his concern about the number of children having to cross this road to get to school. He also asked if there had been a written report produced. PC Hamilton thought that there had been only a verbal report and that given that the survey was conducted some time ago that it would be unlikely that any information would have been held. It was suggested another survey be conducted. PC Hamilton will look into arranging this. Action PC Hamilton
8.2 Bridge over lade (behind St Mary’s): David M pointed out that although some work has been undertaken only some of the slats have been replaced and that it looked like untreated wood had been used. Action AMcC
8.3 Mill Wheel: David M also asked if this could be running for the tourist season. This has in the past been discussed with the Poldate and David thinks it needs to be brought into the community. Action AMcC
8.4 Alderston Meadows: Effie said that residents here are concerned about the traffic generated by the new build off Haldane Avenue. At present there is a barrier to prevent traffic coming south down the road and across the bridge. Ann wasn’t sure if access would be changed once the development is finished but she personally would like to see the bridge for pedestrians only.
9. Police Questions
9.1 Scooters: David Motherwell said that there have been problems with kids racing scooters around the back of St Mary’s and along the Haugh path. Action PC Hamilton
9.2 Lennox Road A 4x4 has been regularly parking on the corner of Lennox Road, obscuring the vision for drivers coming round the corner. Action PC Hamilton
9.3 Meadowpark: Effie once again mentioned the ongoing problem with cars parking and obscuring the corner at Meadowpark. PC Hamilton said that he and PC Gunn, as well as the traffic warden, had made regular visit to this problem area. Effie suggested that since quite a number of the cars parked here are Council employees that a memo be circulated asking them to park in a more appropriate place – perhaps the back of Kennedy Court instead of at the front. It has also been noted in the past that parents are using the parking area at Knox Court to park when dropping off children at school. PC Hamilton said he would like to see a designated drop-off point created which would go some way to alleviating these problems.
9.4 George Hotel: Norman had brought this up at the last meeting regarding the fact that some of the boarded up windows have been smashed, leaving the contents open to possible vandalism. He pointed out once again that this could be a major fire hazard. It was reported that PC Gunn has been dealing with this and is in the process of trying to find out who is now responsible for this building since its closure. Ann said that building control may be able to help.
Action AMcC/PC Gunn
9.5 Riverside Place:
Dave Brunton said that underage youths are congregating along
riverside walk – often leaving behind bags and broken bottles (a dog recently
suffered cuts from this). PC Hamilton said that he and PC Gunn have both been
along to the cascades and moved youngsters on and will continue to monitor this.
Action PC Hamilton
9.6 Artillary Park: Dave reported that a van is being continually parked across a wheelchair access point on the pavement. Action PC Hamilton
9.7 Item 8.1 Pencaitland Road: PC Hamilton reported that the traffic department have been made aware of this problem and the persistent offenders can have their cars impounded under new ASBO legislation. It is hoped that this new ruling will make an impact.
9.8 Item 8.2 Herdmanflat: PC Gunn has been up to asses the situation and has spoken with some of the parents of the children responsible for hitting golf balls around. This was met with quite a positive response so hopefully this problem will cease.
9.9 Item 8.3 George Hotel: as mentioned above the owners are still trying to be traced. Action PC Gunn
9.10 Crime trends: PC Hamilton reported an over 50% solvency rate on reported crimes in the area.
Councillor McCarthy left the meeting.
10. Treasurer’s Report
10.1 Emily handed out the current balance sheet:-
HADDINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL A/C as at 13th June 2006
Last month’s balance £1,490.76
Income Expenditure
Jan Phone exp £28.00
Irene honorarium £200.00
Secretary’s fee (Anna) £40.00
Emily phone exp £28.00
Total £1,490.76 £296.00
New balance £1,490.76- £296.00 = £1,194.76
HADDINGTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL FESTIVAL A/C as at 13th June 2006
Last month’s balance £9,084.45
Income Expenditure
Donation from Round Table £401.83 Jan ink cartridges £44.83
Jan Garanet £29.99
Jan Bunting £450.00
Registers Scotland £7.76
Watson’s Festival £23.02
Rages £10.00
Float £60.00
Total £9,486.28 £625.60
New balance £9,486.28 - £625.60 = £8,860.68
Cheques not presented:
Rages cheque not cashed therefore bank statement reads £8,870.68
10.2 Emily has not had the books back from the Accountant but once they are finalised she will send out copies.
10.3 Trinity Centre: the question was asked whether we are going to pay something to the Trinity Centre for the use of the facilities during the summer. It was decided that we should check previous minutes to find out what had been discussed previously before deciding what to pay them. Action EA
10.4
Tourism Committee:
Norman suggested that we look at committee numbers now that we have new members
on the CC perhaps we could look at increasing the number on the Tourism
Committee. Irene also suggested that new members are needed for other
sub-committees.
11. Correspondence
Received:
11.1 Notice of Anti-bullying East Lothian AGM on Friday 16th June at Brunton Hall.
11.2 Copy of Education Standards and Quality Report from East Lothian Council
11.3 Notices of meetings for East Lothian Council
11.4 Reply from First Bus re Market Street passengers drop off stops: a full report has been passed onto the relevant manager who has taken the appropriate action. Marianne said that despite these assurances, the buses are still waiting with their engines running in Market Street.
11.5 Letter re Potential Telecommunications installation at Haddington West Church
11.6 Letter of resignation from Moira Ross
11.7 Notice of AGM of Association of East Lothian Community Councils at 7.30pm on 21st June in John Muir House (speaker: Stuart Pryde of Ground Care & Amenity Services from ELC) also minutes of last Committee meeting.
11.8 Information about a Girl Guide (Jennifer Bertram) from Haddington being selected to represent Scotland
11.9 Copy of Haddington Twinning Assoc. May 2006 Newsletter
11.10 Note from Jan re phone call from David Leckie of Haddington pipe band asking us to place an advert in their leaflet about the ‘Beating the Retreat’ event later this year: it was agreed that we find out the size of the leaflet and that if it’s a small leaflet then we take out a full page costing £100: if A4 size then we take out a half page advert at a cost of £50
11.11 Confirmation that Janet Brent will attend out meeting/potential new CC member: Janet was in attendance at the meeting and was asked to say a few words about what she felt she could contribute if she were accepted as a member of the CC. She said that she had helped in the local community with organisations such as Brownies, the schools and holiday play schemes (Bridge Centre) etc. She also felt that the Festival was such a big part of the town and that she wanted to contribute to this. Janet left the room and a vote was taken whereby she was unanimously voted on to the committee. She returned and accepted the position.
11.12 Information from Charter 88 (Campaign for modern and fair democracy). Request to ask our MP to support an early day motion on the Sustainable Communities Bill at Westminster
Sent out:
11.13 Letter to Haddington shopkeepers via Mr Ian Gibson asking their ideas about maintaining a viable town centre in Haddington
11.14 Invitation to attend our Council meeting to prospective new member for the CC
12. Planning – Norman handed out copies of his report
12.1 Haddington House car park: Norman said that his inclination was that we should weaken our original objection to the proposed closure of the car park to the public and suggested he write to Hilary Dickson to say we would prefer that the car park be made available for short tern evening parking as we felt that it was a loss of a local amenity otherwise. It was agreed that Norman write to Hilary with this suggestion. Action NL
12.2 Victoria Inn: Doubts have been raised as to the suitability of the outside lighting installed at the newly refurbished Victoria Inn. This is despite the fact that Historic Scotland have not objected to them. Graeme suggested that ground level lighting would look better. Dave Brunton thought they looked fine as they are. The overall view was that most buildings have wall mounted lighting so this set the precedence but that we should suggest a lower wattage bulb be used to soften the look. Action NL
12.3 George Hotel - radio mast: John G was concerned that the proposed radio mast would look out of place. It was confirmed that it would be erected alongside the flag pole and would not look different from this therefore would not stand out.
13. Tourism
13.1 Visit Scotland: Effie said that a meeting had been held between Pamela McGuigan (Visit Scotland), the Tourism sub-committee and Susan and Clare from ELC Economic Development. ELC have made it clear that they are willing to back the CC run visitor information centre. We will now get the ‘I’ for information put up, although it was pointed out that we could do with this signage now whilst we are still in the Trinity Centre. ELC have also said that office space may be available in the Sinclair McGill building in the future. John thanked Effie and the tourism team for all their efforts.
13.2 Tourist Forum meetings: Effie said that they usually hold these meetings on the 1st Monday of the month. The most recently held meeting had also been attended by Nico de Freitas (Maitlandfield Hotel) and Frances Wright (Malt Kiln). They have suggested that they would like to get some liaison set up between the Tourist Forum and the Traders Association. Each shop will be willing to display posters in their windows and David Motherwell was asked if he would consider leading an historic town walk on a regular basis. It was suggested that a monthly meeting be held between the Tourist Forum, the CC and the Traders Association. This was agreed.
14. AOCB
14.1 A local resident Colvin Denholm) who was in attendance at the meeting asked to say a few words about the out of town proposals. He felt that the majority of the comments centred on objecting to the proposals. He felt differently and thought that Haddington would benefit from the development, citing Galashiels as an example of a failing town centre but once it was developed and pedestrianised it is now a thriving and beautiful town. He also pointed out Berwick as similar, with a beautiful and thriving town centre, despite out of town developments. Emily pointed out that he could have attended the Public Meeting and aired his views. Mr Denholm said that he had not been aware that such a meeting was being held.
14.2 Letham Mains Development: a meeting will be held on 20th June in the Town House
15. Outstanding Matters Arising from previous minutes
14/03 Litter Bins
Athelstaneford (Lighting at hall)
Jackson’s Jewellers
Town House Lift
Doocot-finished work-Tourism
Local Chemists-administering methadone
Knox Court Parking
Burleigh’s Wa’s
Newton Port surgery car park
12/04 Old Bowling Green – name plaque
Community Environmental Fund possible source of funding for parks/open spaces
Request for donation from A.B.E.L for school girl
09/06 Town House Clock tower lighting
Potholes at Florabank
Bridge over lade (behind St Mary’s and swimming pool)
River Tyne – cones/rubbish under bridge
Athelstaneford – communal repair to flats
Athelstaneford – village hall lighting
Newton Port surgery – parking
Benches near river Tyne
Speed bumps – Briery Bank
Craig Avenue – parking bays
Glebe Terrace – staggered barrier
East Haugh – chain fence/wall
Roy racers – Pencaitland Road
George Hotel – open window
Fencing at Oak Tree Café
13/06 Hopetoun Drive – speed bumps
16. Date of next Meeting: Tuesday 12th September 2006 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm.
17. Date of next Festival Meeting: Tuesday 27th June 2006 in Town House at 7.00pm