Minutes of meeting of 10th October 2006 in Council Chambers
Jan Wilson (Chair), John Golightly (Vice Chair), Emily Armatage (Treasurer), Irene Pow (Secretary), Effie Renton,
David Motherwell, Marion Smith, David McManus, Janet Brent, Marianne Andrews, David Brunton,
Graeme Macgregor, Bill Harkness.
Councillor Ann McCarthy, Councillor Charles Ingle, Councillor Sheena Richardson, Insp D Gordon, PC S Gunn,
Stewart Cooper (Courier), Helen Paterson (EL News), Anna Faulkner (minute secretary)
3. Major Items for AOCB – None
4. Minutes of Tuesday 12th September
Approval of the minutes was proposed by Bill and seconded by D Motherwell.
5. Matters Arising
5.1 Item 5.3 Trinity Centre: Jan has received an email from the centre asking us if we can clear out our belongings. Effie, Emily and possibly Irene said they could help Jan with this. Emily will find out when the refuse collection is in Church Street. Jan also received a letter from the Trinity Centre thanking the CC for our donation of £200.
5.3 Item 6.4 Broken kerb at Co-op: Bill reported that this has still not been addressed. Ann has reported it but will chase. Action AMcC
5.4 Item 8.2 Year-end Accounts: Emily pointed out that the minutes can only be adopted at a full council meeting and not at the Festival meeting as stated in the minutes of 12th Sept.
5.5 Item 9.22 SEPA: Irene has contacted SEPA but not had a reply as yet. Once we have decided on a date for this meeting we can go ahead and invite all the suggested bodies.
5.6 Item 9.23 ELAA: Irene reported that she has written to David Elder and suggested to him that he contact Alan Forsyth directly as regards the water flow down the lade.
5.7 Item 14 Haddington Business Association: Irene has received a letter from John Main stating that the following are Office Bearers: John Main, Chairman; Simon Kesley, Publicity Officer.
6. Councillors Corner
6.1 Glebe Terrace: Effie said that the slabs have been sorted out at the chestnut tree but that there is an area further up needing seen to. She said that the grass cutting machine is breaking all the slabs and making a huge mess of the area.
6.2 Potholes outside Hall - Athelstaneford: Emily asked about the situation regarding the installation of lighting as there are a number of large water filled potholes into which people have stepped due to the fact that it is so dark here. Charles did not think that the pathway was the responsibility of the Council. It was thought that we should try to ascertain who owns this land. Irene will pursue this. Action IP
6.3 Potholes at Abbotsview: Marion reported potholes at the top end of Abbotsview. Charles pointed out that Phase II of the development of Abbotsview is about to start which will cover this area. Graeme asked if a Contractor had been appointed for this job. Charles replied that this had not been decided as yet but would be finalised by November.
6.4 Crossing at Courier office: Marion asked if there were any plans to install a crossing at this corner. Ann thought that this area got caught up in a planning blight and that it may come under any future plans by Tesco. She didn’t think anything would be undertaken until the Tesco situation is resolved.
6.5 Skateboard ramps: Marion reported that the lighting is out at the ramps. Action AMcC
6.6 High Street - close at Golden Grain: Bill said that this is being used by under-aged drinkers and also as a public convenience. Complaints have been made by residents to the council and the police but nothing seems to have been done to stop this practice. Action AMcC
6.7 Uneven slabs: Bill reported uneven slabs outside Graeme McGraths in the High Street. Action AMcC
6.8 Dobsons’s Well/Pencaitland Road: Bill reported that the slow-down sign is not working. Action AMcC
6.9 The Butts – flooding: Jan has received a letter from a mum who is complaining about the children having to wade through ankle deep water along the Butts. Charles said that the matter is in hand and the job is being costed and put out to tender at the moment. Letter to be sent to this resident informing her of this. Action IP
6.10 Nungate Bridge: D Motherwell said that there is a rowan tree growing out the side of the bridge which needs to be removed. Action CI
6.11 Beechwood Road: John G reported that there is a hole in the back of the wall at the bottom of Beechwood Road.
Action SR
7. Police Questions
7.1 Traffic at Rosehall/Meadowpark: Effie said that as usual the traffic situation here is awful with cars parked everywhere. Bill said that he had counted about 7 vehicles on the main road when there are numerous empty spaces behind Kennedy Court. Sheena said that she has tried for three years to have double yellow lines installed here. It was reported though that a traffic regulation order has been started to make the zig zag lines enforceable. Ann said that there are also plans to move the alignment of the corner at the Railway and increase the width of the pavement. Bill suggested that the pavement opposite Meadowpark could be decreased to increase the width of the road. PC Gunn said that he and his colleague do attend this area on a regular basis and talk to the drivers about parking etc.
7.2 Parking at chip shop: a press release this week will make it clear that the wardens will be working later during the day and certain trouble spots will be targeted. Police officers will be carrying ticket books and will ticket any vehicles seen to be parking irresponsibly.
7.3 Noise in town centre: Insp Gordon said that an analysis had been carried out on calls to the police and most were on Friday and Saturday evenings but for the last 2/3 weeks there had been no calls regarding disturbances in the town centre. He said that he intends to ensure that there are foot patrols in evidence in the town centre during the problem times. He also said that a meeting had been held with the licensees of the town and they gave their full support to the police and will aim to move along possible trouble makers as quietly as possible.
7.4 New officers: Insp Gordon said that he now has two station assistants based in Haddington who will cover the hours of 8am-10pm between them. He has also appointed an additional Community Officer (John Douglas) for Haddington East. PC’s Stuart Gunn and Ruridh Hamilton at present cover Haddington Central and Haddington West respectively.
7.5 Crime trends: a number of road signs have recently gone missing – plain clothed officers located some at a scrap metal dealer. At present three men have been charged with these offences.
7.6 Communication: an email box has been set up for members of the public and Councillors to access for any issues they may want to pass on. This is: haddingtoncommunityofficers@lbp.pnn.police.co.uk. A newsletter is also being drafted by Stuart Gunn – he will let Jan have a copy of this for the website. It has also been suggested that an open surgery be held for the public to voice any concerns they have – this is being considered and Insp Gordon asked for the CC’s comments on this. It was thought to be a good idea therefore the police will go ahead and arrange a time and date and get this advertised in the local press. Action Insp Gordon
7.7 Chip shop Close: Bill mentioned the matter of youths using the close for under-aged drinking etc and asked what the police can do to curb this. Insp Gordon said that they are looking into changing the shift patterns so that more foot patrols are out during the evenings. Charles brought up again the suggestion that gates closing off the closes in the evenings would prevent this sort of thing happening. Residents in the area are keen for this to happen and Alan Forsyth has said the matter is being reviewed. Ann said that she has a meeting soon to try to get this revived as she thinks it needs to be addressed. Sheena pointed out that it was residents in the Butts and the warden of the Sheltered Housing complex who had objected to the original suggestion of closing off these areas. Action Insp Gordon/AMcC
8. Treasurer’s Report
8.1 Emily handed out the current balance sheet:-
HADDINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL A/C as at 10th October 2006
Last month’s balance £1,872.54
Income Expenditure
Interest for Sept – None Jan’s Phone exp July/Aug/Sept £84.00
Secretary’s fee June and
Public meeting £80.00
Emily’s phone exp July/Aug/Sept £84.00
Jan – ink cartridges £56.83
Total £1,872.54 £304.83
New balance £1,872.54 - £304.83 = £1,567.71
HADDINGTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL FESTIVAL A/C as at 10th October 2006
Last months balance £8,357.93
Income Expenditure
Interest for Sept - none Garleton Graphics £1,405.78
Income from Craft Fair £263.20 Licence for Art Exh £10.00
Flowers for Effie £22.00
Trinity Centre donation £200.00
Total £8,621.13 £32.00
New balance: £8,621.13 - £32.00 £8,589.13
8.2 Bunting: Emily has received a bill from ELC for the erection of the bunting for £522. Jan thinks that it is unbelievable that the bill has more than doubled – the previous couple of years the council charged £200 for this service. Emily has sent the bill to Lilian to pay and to ask why the charge has increased to drastically. Effie suggested that the press highlight the fact that ELC do not pay for things such as bunting, christmas lights etc as the public are not aware that it is the Community Council who provides all of this. Jan said that we are going to get to the stage where we won’t have any money for anything else but Christmas lights and the Festival. John G suggested we shame ELC and refuse to do the lights one year!
8.3 Year-end Accounts: the accounts were proposed by John Golightly and seconded by Marion Smith.
9. Correspondence
Received:
9.1 Plans for phone mast in West Church tower: plans submitted soon to ELC and any feedback is requested
9.2 Notification of closure of Saltoun Post Office
9.3 Brochure ‘Ageing Well in East Lothian’ from the Health Improvement Officer at ELC
9.4 Reply from J Main with contact names for the Business Association
9.5 Letter from ineastlothian.co.uk – a new directly website to promote and support local businesses, trades, voluntary organisations and charities
9.6 Notice of Planning Committee meeting at ELC
9.7 Leaflets from Waterwatch Scotland – Complaints handling & customer representation
9.8 Report from Russell Darling (RAGES) re meeting with John Home Robertson: re proposed Haddington station site. Would like to come to one of our meetings to discuss. It was thought that this could be fitted in at the Festival meeting if SEPA not coming.
Sent out:
9.9 Email to SEPA re possible dates for meeting. No reply yet.
9.10 No reply from Premier Property Group re Oak Tree Café site
9.11 Nothing from Stuart Pryde re doggy bins for Athelstaneford
9.12 Phone call from Halliday’s re lights on Town House/advised them to contact Jan.
10. Planning – Norman passed out copies of his report
10.1 6 Riverside Place: Graeme to get in touch with Norman re any queries regarding this application
11. Tourism
11.1 Equipment: it was suggested if we were to get printer from ELC that we request an A3 size.
11.2 Tourism Forum: Effie said that Nico had contacted her and asked that the CC and the Business Association keep in touch with him. Effie pointed out that we were not sent the minutes from their last meeting and therefore were not aware of any forthcoming meetings. Jan will email Nico and ask him to send minutes to Effie and David Motherwell. Action JW
11.3 History Leaflet: Jan received an email from Claire Dutton stating that the cut off date for the grant was 31st October. Jan replied asking for an extension because of illness.
11.4 Monthly meeting: it was suggested that we have a meeting at the beginning of each month for a tourism update. 6th November , 10am in Maitlandfield lounge was the suggested date.
11.5 Information Office: Effie said a huge thanks to everyone who did help to man the office this past season. It has been fairly steady with approx 530 visitors over the summer. Unfortunately the office had to close a month early due to lack of cover – she was disappointed that there were not enough volunteers from the members to cover the opening hours. She also said that Visit Scotland were so impressed with our service that they have given us the ‘I’ sign instead of Peter Potters, although she said it was embarrassing that no-one from the CC was available in the Centre on the day they visited.
12. Handbook and questionnaire – already dealt with
13. New Sub committees
13.1 Sub committees volunteers were agreed at the Festival meeting as follows:
Planning: Norman, David Motherwell, Bill
Christmas Lights: Jan, John G and Graeme
Tourism: Effie, Jan, Bill, David Motherwell and Irene
Festival & Exhibitions: Jan, Janet, Irene, Emily, Ruth and Marion
Web site: Jan and David B
Local Priorities: Jan, John G, Bill, Marianne and Emily
Admin (mailing etc): Janet, Ruth, Marion and Graeme
(Graeme also volunteered to take the minutes for the Festival meeting if Irene not available)
14. Harperdean site
14.1 Miller Developments did not turn up for the meeting.
15. Inter Town Sports
15.1 Emily has still not managed to get in touch with Val Laing. Emily has now written to her and asked her to get in touch with us.
16. Armistice Service
16.1 Jan reminded everyone that sandwiches and biscuits will be needed on the day. A rehearsal will take place at 10am on the 11th November. It was suggested that the Royal Scots attend the rehearsal. Irene to email the minister to inform him. Action IP
16.2 Wreaths: Emily confirmed that the wreaths have been ordered.
16.3 Haddington Probus Club: Bill said that it was the clubs’ 25th Anniversary next year and they may be interested in participating. It was suggested that Bill ask Probus to write to the CC to let us know. Action WH
17. Craft Fair – Saturday 28th October
17.1 Jan needs help on the Friday evening to set this up. Help also needed on the Saturday to serve food and drinks. Sheena said she could help and Bill’s wife is doing some baking.
18. Christmas Fun Day and Switching on Service – 26th November
18.1 John Wood will take the service and it was suggested we invite Father Friel for 2007 and Kenneth Walker for 2008
18.2 Fun Day: kids workshop, Santa’s grotto, craft fair and torchlight procession have all been arranged. Due to lack of numbers there will be no disco this year. Members were reminded that sandwiches and biscuits will be needed in the Town House for after the service. Emily will order the fruit. Also wine for Cathy (Santa’s grotto – Colin Hamilton) Jan will order selection boxes. John G asked if another member could be present to walk round with the procession and Irene to get in touch with David Hopkinson at the Fire Station to ask for some fireman to be in attendance. Jan has already emailed Peter Berry re police presence. Action EA/JW/IP
18.3 Shine a light: Jan said that this would be the last year these will be available.
18.4 Christmas Lights: Jan said that we may need to order some more joy curtains – she will check on the price.
Action JW
19. AOCB - none
20. Outstanding Matters Arising from previous minutes
14/03 Litter Bins – this still outstanding so we will write again to chase Action IP
Athelstaneford (Lighting at hall) – Charles has written to Ray Montgomery (with no report back as yet) and has chased this evening
Burleigh’s Wa’s
Newton Port surgery car park
12/04 Old Bowling Green – name plaque
09/06 Town House Clock tower lighting – Jan has contacted Halliday’s on numerous occasions and the lighting has still to be sorted. Irene to write once again. Action IP
Potholes at Florabank – Ann believed this to be sorted but Norman pointed out that further potholes are present just round in Templedean Action AMcC
Speed bumps – Briery Bank
Glebe Terrace – staggered barrier: Ann is dealing with this now as it has been suggested that the high fence be continued up to the barrier to prevent children running out this way
Boy racers – Pencaitland Road: Insp Gordon said that this had been raised at the last meeting and a number of vehicle registration numbers were noted and the parents of those involved were spoken to by the police. All the parents involved were very cooperative and so far the youths seem to have heeded the warning. Some have even agreed to attend an advanced driving instruction course. This in no way means that the problem will go away over night but so far this seems to have helped and none of these particular youths have been seen driving in the same manner.
Fencing at Oak Tree Café – although we have written to David Murray about this we have not had a reply. It was suggested we write again. Action IP
13/06 Hopetoun Drive – speed bumps: a request has been made to have a speed check carried out here
12/09 Broken kerb at Coop
10/10 Potholes outside hall – Athelstaneford
Uneven slabs at Graeme McGraths
Nungate Bridge – Rowan Tree
Beechwood Road – hole in wall
21. Date of next Meeting: Tuesday 14th November 2006 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm.
22. Date of next Festival Meeting: Tuesday 24th October 2006 in Town House at 7.00pm