Royal Burgh of Haddington and District Community Council

Minutes of meeting of 11th November 2008 in Council Chambers

 

1.  Sederunt

Jan Wilson (Chair), John Golightly (Vice Chair), Emily Armatage (Treasurer), Colvin Denholm, Kathryn McDowall, Margaret Ingle, Bob Oliver, Graeme MacGregor, Fiona-Frances Adam, Nico de Freitas, Ruth Moncrieff, Janet Brent

 

In attendance

Cllr Sheena Richardson (arr later in meeting), Neil Aitchison (Courier), Craig Finley (EL News), Anna Faulkner (minutes/correspondence secretary)

 

2. Apologies:  Cllr Tom Trotter, Cllr Ludovic Broun-Lindsay, PC Stuart Gunn

 

3. Major Items for AOCB

3.1 Handbook

 

4. Stuart Pryde, Landscape & Countryside – Capital Development Fund/Civic Pride Fund

4.1 Town Entrances: Stuart gave an over-view of the plans in place for the roundabouts into Haddington, namely the Oaktree café site and the two at Abbotsview.  Enquires and costing have been made and he is sure that he can put in place a suitable proposal for these site.  What is suggested is a typical Scottish landscape, with granite rocks and scree, with minimal planting (therefore low maintenance).  He has sourced granite rocks from Geddes at £10 per tonne, with the handling of such materials to be quoted for by Bernard Hunter.  He reckons that the whole project should cost in the region of £10,000.  Viridor funding should cover 50% with the other 50% coming from the CC Capital Dev Fund.  Strictly speaking we should also secure funding from a third party source. It was thought that money donated from J Mains & Sons (£5,000) could be put towards this project. 

 

Stuart said that once we get the roundabouts sorted then the verges etc can be looked at.  It was pointed out that the verges at the Abbotsview roundabout in particular are in a bad state of repair.  He said that ELC were not responsible for all this land and Bear Scotland took care of the maintenance.  The roundabout at Aberlady Road, which does not require a complete over-haul will be planted up with herbaceous plants and a maintenance regime put in place to cover all the roundabouts in the town.  Bob pointed out that the contributions from both Geddes and Bernard Hunter were not insignificant and we should make sure that they are mentioned.  Stuart will email Emily with a breakdown of the costings.

 

4.2 Other projects:  Jan suggested we make a list of things we’d like to see done in the town and get Stuart involved.  Painting of the town centre was one idea.  Emily suggested the memorial park (at Railway Hotel junction).  Stuart said that a planting and tidying scheme is in place for the park.  John said that one of the residents at the park has intimated that he would be happy to help maintain the gardens if the council plant it out. 

 

5. Minutes of Tuesday 14th October

Approval of the minutes was proposed by Bob and seconded by John.

 

6. Matters Arising

6.1 Tom sent through an email detailing matters he has dealt with since last meeting. Detail as follows:

1.speed sign for haldane avenue . REQUESTED.

2.Costings for a  speed sign. REQUESTED

3.Riverside drive bridge painting.REQUESTED.trying to find out who is responsible for upkeep

4.slabbed area in Somnerfield.WORKS REQUESTED

5.path behind west road houses.WORKS REQUESTED

6.Hole in road at newton port.SORTED !  HURRAH !

7.smell of gas in corn exchange.PASSED ON

8.corn exchange toilets.WORKS TO BE COMPLETE EARLY NOV.

9.fence repairs at millfield.IN HAND

10.A/ford notice board painting.IN HAND

 

6.2 Item 6.1 Somnerfield Ave: Bob said that the pathway behind the West Road was fixed within 24 hours of the last meeting but that the slabs further along are still to be seen to.

6.3 Item 6.3 Newton Port (hole in road): Although this was sorted soon after the last meeting John said it was already breaking up.

6.4 Item 7.1 Chip shop close:  Jan said she has heard no more about this.

6.5 Item 7.2 St Mary’s Pleasance: Jan said that the police caught some kids in the gardens and although they weren’t causing any bother they had alcohol on them which they confiscated. 

6.6 Item 13 Christmas lights: Jan has now got consent for the lights to go up.  She has also ordered 2 new sets of lights.  Dave Brunton has re-wired all the remaining lights.  The lights will be put up in the High Street first and then the lamp posts in Court Street.  If need be the lights in the trees can be done by ladder if they run out of time.  There are no lights for Market Street as the motifs housed there are no longer in production.

6.7 Armistice Service:  Jan said this went quite well with only a few minor hiccups. 

 

Matter arising from Festival Minutes (28th October)

4a. Bowling Club: it was agreed to go ahead with the donation as per the minutes.  Emily to action. Action EA

4c/d. ASCC conference/Planning Aid reception: Emily has submitted Graeme’s name to attend both of these

4e. Comm Environmental Fund:  Application form put in.  Emily will be sent details of work by Owen McAlpine

4f. Lieutenancy Office: the British Legion wreath was not there on Sunday.  It was suggested that it was a good idea that the CC order the wreaths.

Jan gave thanks to Ruth and Janet for their help with the sandwiches and teas.

6. Christmas Fun Day: Jan reminded the councillors that sandwiches and biscuits are needed at the Town House for the fun day. 

John has spoken to Colin re the sleigh.

Ruth – will take in the fliers for photocopying and dist round the schools etc

Ruth will organise the face painting - £1.00 per person

Santa’s grotto – to look into getting a gazebo – Argos?

Santa suit – Jan had details of this.  Agreed to go ahead and buy one (£99.99), with additions of a bag (£9.50) and extra wig/beard (£29.99)

Jan asked if flowers could be sent to Linda Harkes (ELC-Landscape & Countryside) as she has undergone major surgery. Equipment bookings are done through Linda for all our events                                                             Action EA

7. CCTV meeting Tues 18th Nov:  all those going agreed to meet at Corn Exchange at 7.15pm to travel to ELC Resource Centre for 7.30pm

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

 

7. Councillors Corner – as no councillors present at this time any items to be passed to Jan

7.1 Sheena had arrived after C Corner therefore at the end of the meeting Margaret passed this to her:

Bus shelters; High St, Abbotsview, Dunbar Road:  all in need of repair                                                    Action SR

 

8.  Police Questions  - no police present so as above

 

9. Community Warden (Murray Thomson)

9.1 Fireworks:  Murray reported that the displays in Pencaitland and Tranent went well.  Bob asked what time in the evening people should refrain from letting off fireworks?  Murray said he would find out and feed back to Bob. 

Action MT

9.2 Drinking dens/alcohol stashes:  he said that they had established some areas where kids are congregating and have passed on to PC Gunn

9.3 Old Maltings:  youths have been getting into the football club through a break in the fence.  He will arrange to have this fixed.

9.4 Halloween:  went well with very few problems reported

9.5 Night-time noise team:  not many calls have been received

9.6 Anti-social behaviour: Murray handed out samples of cards with the tel no to call to report any incidents.  These will be distributed around the town.  He has also made visits to the Day Centre.

9.7 Murray said he would attend our meeting as much as possible.  It was suggested he email Anna for any items for inclusion in the minutes.                                                                                                                                                 Action MT/AF

 

10. Treasurer’s Report

10.1 Emily handed out the current balance sheet:-

 

HADDINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL A/C as at 11th November 2008

 

Last month’s Balance                          £1,046.05                             

Income                                                                                   Expenditure

Interest                                                  £0.49                       Jan’s Phone exp                                   £28.00

                                                                                                Emily’s phone exp                                £28.00

                                                                                                Anna secretary’s fee                           £50.00

                                                                                                Payment for 4 wreaths                         £85.20

 

Total                                                       £1,046.54                                                                             £191.20                                                                                                                                                                                

New balance £1,046.54- £191.20 =                     £855.34

 

There will be payment for the 3 wreaths (Rotary, Lord Leiutenant, Masons)

 

 

 

 

 

 

HADDINGTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL FESTIVAL A/C as at 11th   November 2008

Last months balance                           £16,840.79

 

Income                                                                                                   Expenditure

Interest                                                  £16.81                                     PJ Design EL Life Magazine               £26.00

Preview                                                  £1,101.00                                ELC insurance premium                      £44.68

Thursday                                               £250.00                                   Float for Art Exhib                               £150.00

Friday                                                     £541.00                                   Macro food for Art exhib                    £144.67

Saturday                                                                £282.00                                   Tesco food for Art exhib                    £107.93

Sunday                                                  £908.00                                   Kirsten Boston                                     £336.00

Hanging fees                                        £389.00                                   Keli Clark                                               £124.00

Float returned                                       £150.00                                   Nessie Gell                                                            £20.00

Craft fair income                                   £577.50                                   Audrey Grieve                                      £92.00

                                                                                                                Margaret Hunt                                      £24.00

                                                                                                                Elizabeth Lindsay                                 £156.00

                                                                                                                Jay McKay                                            £96.00

                                                                                                                Dennis McLister                                  £232.00

                                                                £21.056.10                              Julie Otter                                              £212.00

Donations                                             £297.40                                   Sheena Phillips                                     £288.00

                                                                                                                Yvonne Turnbull                                  £35.20

                                                                                                                Isabella Wright                                     £76.00

                                                                                                                Judith Dale                                            £84.00

                                                                                                                Ros Pearson                                          £52.00

                                                                                                                Margaret Stubbs                                  £88.00

                                                                                                                Marilyn Paterson                                                 £14.40

                                                                                                                Ash Hawes                                           £76.00

                                                                                                                Margaret Gillies                                    £28.00

                                                                                                                Christine Scott                                      £32.00

                                                                                                                Anna Crombie                                      £96.00

                                                                                                                Mary Lusk                                             £28.00

                                                                                                                Janet McCrorie                                     £64.00

                                                                                                                Vera Duguid                                          £152.00

                                                                                                                Judith Dale                                            £60.00

                                                                                                                Advert                                                   £31.44

                                                                                                                Keli Clark Christmas cards  £143.00

                                                                                                                Charles Ingle interim payment           £100.00

                                                                                                                Jan                                                          £100.70

                                                                                                                Advert for C/Councillors                    £44.84                    

                                                Tax                                                          £3.36

                                                Food for the craft fair                                          £41.28

                                                Planning Aid Scotland                                        £25.00

                                                Stamps Jan & Anna & Emily                              £197.80

 

                                Total Expenditure                          £3,171.82      £454.48

 

New balance £21,056.10 - £3,171.82  =  £17,884.28

 

Cheques shown in red have not been cashed

Donations are banked but not shown up this month

 

11.  Correspondence

11.1 Letter from Callum Colquhoun in application for the Comm Council.  Anna to write to invite him to the next meeting.                                                                                                                                                                                           Action AF

11.2  Signpost - leaflet

11.3 EL Heritage Forum meeting:  Jan will attend this meeting on Thurs 13th Nov 2.30-4.30 at John Muir House.

11.4 Town & Country Planning: letter from ELC about proposed modifications to Local Plan.

11.5 Letter from ELC: permission granted to erect Christmas lights in High St and Market St.

11.6 ELC – ‘Your pay now have your say’: details on a major consultation exercise about how the council should spend their money.  Details are on the website and responses requested by 19th December.  Jan asked for any comments by the next meeting so that they can be passed on.

11.7 Processions in E.Lothian:  letter with details of forms that are required to be completed.  Jan has copies of the policy document.

11.8 EL Violence against Women Forum: Fri 21st Nov, 11am at the Brunton hall.

11.9 Leaflet; Height for Hire:  Jan thought this may be of use to us.  It was suggested we could also hire such equipment through Hadd Hire Centre but that we would need a licence to drive it.

11.10. Booklet on Screens:  Jan suggested we purchase our own screens for use in the Corn Exch etc.  It was agreed we buy 4 now: prop by Bob and seconded by Kathryn.

 

12. Planning applications – it was felt that no comment was needed on current applications:

12.1 Sheriff Court building:  display outside entrance

12.2 Smiths Gore at Haddington House: illuminated sign inside the windows

12.3 Display for ad at 29 High Street (Subway)

12.4 Extension to back of house at Gateside

 

13.  Update – Armistice Parade

13.1 Already mentioned

 

14. Christmas Funday 30th Nov

14.1 Funday runs between 12-4.30 pm, with the Craft Fair in the Corn Exch and street stalls in Market Street,  Sandwiches and biscuits needed in the Town House for after the switching on service.  Nico said he would supply mince pies for the event.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Action All

14.2 Santa Run: this will be on 21st Dec.  Colvin will arrange to get the sweeties.                                   Action CD

               

15. Christmas night out

15.1 Arranged for Tuesday 16th December and Nico once again kindly offered us a good rate, plus glass of wine and private room at the Maitlandfield for the event.                                               

 

16. AOCB

16.1 Handbook: some areas of the town still need to be delivered.  Jan asked for help with this. Graeme and Ruth said they would do Abbotsview – Graeme will collect books from Jan.                                                        Action GMcG/RM

16.2 Fashion Show:  Mackays are holding a show to raise funds for the Christmas lights on Thurs 20th Nov at 7.30pm.

16.3 Rotary – Young Chef competition:  Nico said the Rotary are looking for entrants from the Haddington area for this competition.  He asked if anyone knew of such a person aged 14-16 to get in touch with him.  Nico will call the press to have this put in paper.                                                                                                                                    Action NdeF

 

17. Date of next Meeting:  Tuesday 9th December 2008 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm.

 

18.  Date of next Festival Meeting: Tuesday 25th November 2008 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm

 

19. Outstanding Matters Arising from previous minutes         

 

2006

14/03    

Athelstaneford (Lighting outside hall): a wall light has been installed but this is not what the CC had asked for; Emily to email Tom about this                                                                                                     Action EA

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

12/04     Old Bowling Green – name plaque: Sheena has tried to find out where the original sign is.  Suggested that a new one be made if old one can’t be found (09/07)

09/06     Town House Clock tower lighting – Jan has contacted Halliday’s on numerous occasions and the lighting has still to be sorted.   13/2 Jan has had no reply to her email and Irene had no reply to a letter she sent to them last Autumn.  It was decided that Irene should write again.              08/05 and 12/06 Still no reply         Action IP

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

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

                St Ann’s Place – large puddle

                Herdmanflat – broken slabs/tree roots

13/03     Nungate Bridge – light filters

                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

08/05     White brig – slats missing-Tom has passed this on to relevant department (12/06)

                Pathway at sluice

                Herdmanflat

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

                Oak Tree Café-untidy-needing cleared

11/09     General disrepair of the pavements in town   

                Gifford Road – speed bumps

                Oxfam Shop – selling new goods

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

                Alderston Muir – fence blocking access to Alderston Muir

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

                Pencaitland Road – election poster: 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

                Market Street  - pigeon droppings

                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

                Athelstaneford – hall light/noticeboard

                Butts Sheltered Housing – mess in grounds

                Corn Exchange – upgrade; toilets and gas heating

11/11     Bus shelters: Abbotsview, Dunbar Road, High Street