Minutes of meeting of 12th September 2006 in Council Chambers
Jan Wilson (Chair), John Golightly (Vice Chair), Emily Armatage (Treasurer), Irene Pow (Secretary), Norman Lawrie, Ruth Moncrieff, Janet Brent, Marianne Andrews, David Brunton, Graeme Macgregor, Bill Harkness.
Councillor Ann McCarthy, Councilllor Charles Ingle, Councillor Sheena Richardson, Inspector D Gordon,
Stewart Cooper (Courier), Helen Paterson (EL News), Anna Faulkner (minute secretary)
Jan welcomed both Janet Brent and Bill Harkness to the community council; both were elected onto the council over the summer months and this is their first official meeting. She hoped they would both enjoy their time and pointed out that both had got off to a great start with helping to deliver some of the handbooks.
Jan also told the meeting that Effie was in hospital at the moment and wanted to send our best wishes to her. Emily will send a card and some flowers. Action EA
3. Major Items for AOCB
3.1 CAB vacancy
3.2 Art Exhibition and Craft Fair
4. Minutes of Tuesday 13th June
4.1 Jan has a list of changes from Norman which will be incorporated into the minutes once Anna receives them.
Approval of the minutes was proposed by Marianne and seconded by Ruth.
5. Matters Arising
5.1 Item 5.1 Local traders: Jan asked what this item was about. Irene explained that she had written to the Traders Association to get their input as to how the town centre could be developed. She has had no reply as yet from Ian Gibson.
5.2 Item 6/7 Moira Ross: Jan has received an email from Moira thanking the CC for the presentation and the lovely gifts – she is delighted with them.
5.3 Item 10.3 Trinity Centre: Emily pointed out that no decision was made about how much to pay them for the use of the centre. Jan said that the centre were not expecting any payment as we had already paid them £500 last September. Despite this it was agreed that, as a courtesy, we should pay them the sum of £200. Action EA
Jan said that the information office would be finishing up on 23rd September and hopefully we will be in the Doocot for next season. Charles said that the building work on the doocot should be finished by the end of this week.
6. Councillors Corner
6.1 Mill Wheel: Ann reported that she has spoken to the Lamp of Lothian and they have raised Health & Safety Issues around the running of the wheel on a regular basis - it cannot be run unsupervised. However they have said that it could be switched on for special events.
6.2 Victoria Bridge: Marianne pointed out that just this evening there had been two blocks of polystyrene floating in the river at the top of the weir below the bridge. Charles said that work to clean the stretch of river from the West Mills to Abbey Weir is scheduled to start in November.
6.3 Gowl Close: This problem has been brought to the meeting before but Norman reiterated about the bad state of the wall parallel to the river. Charles has written to Alan Forsyth who is responsible for the Tyne and this problem will be addressed.
6.4 Broken kerb at Co-op: Bill said that despite the fact that this has been reported a few times the problem remains and could cause a fall. Action AMcC
6.5 Church Street: Jan said that recently there had been a lot of litter in the street. It is difficult to get the sweeping machine in because of parked cars – could something be done about this? Emily thought she had seen the manual sweeper there today.
7. Police Questions
7.1 Noise and disturbance in Market Street: Norman said that several complaints had been made to the police by residents about disturbances during pub closing time with not much response seen. Insp Gordon said he would look into these reports and pointed out that he has dedicated two special constables to deal with this problem and to create a police presence at this particular time of the evening. Norman asked if publicans have a duty not to serve anyone who appears to have had too much to drink already. Insp Gordon confirmed that it was an offence should they continue to serve someone like this and also pointed out that the licencees in Haddington do co-operate well with the police and on one occasion called the police to deal with a customer who had been refused any more alcohol. He said that this would also be highlighted to the special constables.
7.2 Parking at chip shop: Marianne said that the parking here had decreased when the traffic warden had changed his shifts and been present in the area. It was pointed out though that the problem remains – Insp Gordon said that if this persists and preventative measures are not working then they will look at enforcement and will ticket any double parked or inappropriately parked cars.
7.3 CCTV: Charles asked once again about the effectiveness of the CCTV. It would appear that this no longer acts as a deterrent to criminal behaviour (as he has experienced in Ross’s Close). Insp Gordon said that evidence has shown that it does work but that over time continued effectiveness can be reduced. If images are clear enough they can and have been used to identify culprits. He said that he would have a word with the control centre and can have certain trouble spots identified and looked at more closely. Action Insp Gordon
7.4 Crime Trends: Insp Gordon said that Haddington has a 50% crime solvency rate and that Haddington is a safe place to live.
7.5 Updating councillors: Insp. Gordon stated that he would send Jan Police news items for the CC website.
8. Treasurer’s Report
8.1 Emily handed out the current balance sheet:-
HADDINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL A/C as at 12th September 2006
Last month’s balance £1,194.76
Income Expenditure
Interest May £1.14 Jan Phone exp £28.00
June £0.97 Secretary’s fee (Anna) £40.00
July £1.58 Emily’s phone exp £28.00
August £1.59 Accountants fee £267.50
EL Council Grant £1,036.00
Total £2,236.04 £363.50
New balance £2,236.04 - £363.50 = £1,872.54
HADDINGTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL FESTIVAL A/C as at 12th September 2006
Income Expenditure
Interest May £14.28 Tax May £2.85
June £14.20 June £2.84
July £13.36 July £2.67
August £12.98 Aug £2.59
Shine a light (Tesco collection) £150.00 Food for presentations £46.65
Handbook advert (2005/06) £60.00 Gift for Moira £93.00
Revd Andrew Bain £100.00
Advert for Public meeting £80.25
ELC Handbook Map £125.00
Stamps £185.04
Jan Viking Direct £106.57
Trinity Centre £14.00 **
Public Liability Insurance £44.68
Total £264.82 £806.14
Bank statement reads: £8,357.93
** The Trinity Centre cheque has not been cashed so will appear again next month. Festival week information on separate sheet.
8.2 Year-end Accounts: Emily has sent out copies of the finalised accounts but as not everyone present has their copy with them they were not proposed and adopted. This will be done at the next Festival meeting. Action EA
8.3 Public Liability Insurance: Emily confirmed that she has checked with the insurers and that we are fully covered for any eventuality.
9. Correspondence
Received:
9.1 Notices of ELC meetings and Minutes of ELC meetings
9.2 Letter from ‘Policy & Projects’ Dept of ELC re trees at Briery Bank: Irene had written to them about the danger of erosion and flooding. Their reply stated that they are keeping an eye on the situation.
9.3 East Lothian Community Planning Questionnaires: Jan thought that we should have a look at this
9.4 Copies of East Lothian Countryside News (Mud in your Eye)
9.5 Letter from CAB asking for nominations from the CC to join their Management Committee: Ann Hastie had written to convey her thanks to Norman and to ask if the CC could nominate a replacement for him as he has recently stepped down from their committee. Marianne said that she would be interested in taking on this role.
9.6 Copy of newsletter for Tenants of East Lothian Council
9.7 Notice of proposed traffic calming measures for West Road, Station Road and Gateside
9.8 Allocations Leaflets on ‘Building a better allocations system for East Lothian’
9.9 SNP booklet ‘What could the Future Bring’
9.10 Panel news and Annual Report from East Lothian Tenants & Residents Panel
9.11 Notice of Association of Scottish Community Council’s AGM in Stirling on Sat 14th October 2006
9.12 Recruitment of volunteers for Scottish Health Council Local Advisory Council – anyone interested?
9.13 Consultation Documents on Health & Healthcare of Children & Young People in Lothian
9.14 East Lothian Housing Association’s Annual Report
9.15 Leaflet on Funding ‘Big Day Out’ but held on 16th Aug!
9.16 Letter about 2006 Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning: Community Involvement Award [Applications via Scottish Exec website]
9.17 Letter from Alyn Smith MEP re proposal to establish Ship to Ship oil transfer in the Firth of Forth
9.18 Letter from Helen Eadie MSP re Consultation Document: Abolition of Bridge Tolls on Forth and Tay Road bridges
9.19 Leaflet on Integrated Risk Management Plans for the Fire Service from Fire Brigades Union
9.20 Reminder from ABEL about an earlier request for funding for Student
9.21 Jan received letter from Colvin Denholm saying that subsequent to his attendance at the last meeting he was interested in becoming a community councillor. As there is no vacancy at present his letter will be held on file.
9.22 SEPA: Jan received notice of their annual campaign re flooding issue. As such they are planning a visit to Haddington in November to raise awareness of the issues involved. They wondered if the CC would be interested in a presentation – Jan suggested we invite SEPA to our October Festival meeting. It was also suggested that this may be of interest to other parties in the town such as HADAS, Haddington Historical Society, Traders Association plus the Police and Fire department. It was agreed that we invite SEPA to our meeting in October and then contact other suggested parties to invite them Action IP
9.23 ELAA: Jan received a letter from David Elder (of East Lothian Angling Association) expressing their concerns about the flow of water at the weir at West Mills. Too much water is flowing down the lade and not enough across the weir preventing migratory fish from passing up the river. Sheena believes that Scotia Homes (developers at The Maltings) hold the mechanism for lifting/lowering of the sluice gate and that someone was going to lower the sluice tonight and then re-assess the situation. It was pointed out that we must make sure that the long term control of the sluice does not disappear with the developers and that we retain the key to do this. John thought that ELC should possibly hold onto this. Charles pointed out that as Alan Forsyth is responsible for the Tyne he could be the point of contact. Further to this it was suggested that David Elder write directly to Alan Forsyth to discuss the situation. Irene to write to David Elder asking him to contact ELC direct. Action IP
9.24 Jan received an email from Sue Robinson re the Handbook questionnaire. Sue can let us have the analysis sheets but needs a group of volunteers to do the analysis. Jan also said that as some of the handbooks have yet to be delivered that the deadline for return of the questionnaires should be changed to 22nd September. She asked if the local papers could report this. Dave Brunton volunteered to collect the completed questionnaires from the various premises on the 22nd. The analysis needs to be completed by 6th October. Norman, John, Irene, Graeme and Marianne can all help Jan with collation of the results. This was arranged for the evening of 27th September at Norman’s house.
9.25 Broadway Malyan – held over for discussion until next meeting.
9.26 ELC Museum Review consultation document – Norman had a look at this.
9.27 Haddington Retail Capacity Study: Draft Report – we need to have a closer look at this as it affects the long term future of the town.
Various catalogues received
Sent out:
9.21 Invitation to Bill Harkness to become a member of the CC (after discussion during our Festival meeting of 27/6/06)
10. Planning – Norman had previously emailed out copies of his report
10.1 Compass School: it would appear that the Compass School have possibly not met the regulations laid out although Norman in not entirely clear about the details and did not want to comment until he had looked into it further. He will do so before the deadline. Action NL
11. Tourism – has already been covered earlier in meeting.
12. Local Plan Hearing – already covered
13. Handbook and questionnaire – already covered
14. Haddington Business Association
14.1 This is now up and running again with John Main as Chair. It was decided we write to him to find out who the office bearers are. Action IP
15. Harperdean Site: Meeting with Miller Developments Tuesday 26th September 2006 – on agenda for information only
16. AOCB
16.1 CAB vacancy – already discussed earlier.
16.2 Art Exhibition (Corn Exchange): the preview is being held on Wednesday 11th October and Jan needs help to set up the hall on Tuesday 10th. Irene and Bill said they could be there on Tuesday morning and Emily said she could help on Wednesday morning to hang the paintings.
16.3 Craft Fair 28th October: Jan needs help on the day and asked that everyone donate some filled rolls. Details to be discussed at later meeting.
16.4 Committee Structure: it has been suggested that sub committees be formed to take on roles within the CC but this to be discussed further at the next Festival meeting.
17. 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
Town House Lift – this has been finished so can be removed from list. It was brought to the attention of the meeting that mothers are not allowed to use for prams. It was felt that the lift is there and should be available for anyone not able to take the stairs and not just for those in wheelchairs. The caretakers perhaps need to use a bit of discretion and be flexible as to who uses the lift.
Burleigh’s Wa’s
Newton Port surgery car park
12/04 Old Bowling Green – name plaque
Request for donation from A.B.E.L for school girl – it was discussed and decided that we write to the person involved and ask what were the costs involved and at that point we can make a decision as to what sum we donate. Action IP
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
Bridge over lade (behind St Mary’s and swimming pool)
Benches at Tyne: this has been fixed but Insp Gordon pointed out that sometimes these problems go unreported to the police and he asked that the public make sure they do report any suspicious behaviour they may see. At present he has two officers dedicated to dealing with vandalism in the town with a fair amount of success in solving crimes reported but they need the support of the public.
Newton Port surgery – parking
Benches near river Tyne
Speed bumps – Briery Bank
Craig Avenue – parking bays have been finished but Dave Brunton said that there was an area of loose stones that haven’t been finished and kids are scattering the stones around the street. Action CI
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
16. Date of next Meeting: Tuesday 10th October 2006 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm.
17. Date of next Festival Meeting: Tuesday 26th September 2006 in Town House at 7.00pm