News

 

Minutes of Meeting of

East Lammermuir Community Council

held on Tuesday 27 November 2012 in

Innerwick Village Hall at 7.30pm.

 

Present:  Cllr’s /J Hanvidge/C Bruce (Chair)/P Armstrong/

B Wyllie/ J MacDonald

Apologies: Pauline Jaffray

In attendance: Cllr. M Veitch/Cllr P McLennan (latter part of meeting) /PC K Hughes/PC Gavin Ross/Margot Kirkland/Donna Collins/ Caragh Fiddian

 

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions followed.  Cllr. Bruce confirmed, in accordance with Community Council guidelines, that Margot Kirkland and Donna Collins could be either co-opted or voted onto ELCC.  Both candidates were duly proposed, seconded and elected onto ELCC.

Cllr. Kirkland offered to assist Cllr. Armstrong with his share of allocated duties.

It was agreed that Dawn Charlton should continue to represent ELCC at the Viridor Credits meetings.  Should she be unable to attend Cllr. Wyllie would substitute.

It was noted that the Countryside Officer was unable to attend the meeting as scheduled due to illness. A brief discussion took place on Grazing.  Cllr. MacDonald to contact Duncan, the Countryside Officer for information to be included in the winter newsletter.

Discussion took place on the format and frequency of the ELCC newsletter/website.  The following was agreed:

• Cllr. MacDonald to use existing newsletter format with addition of a picture of the month in the centre.
• Website to be updated & monitored
• East Lothian Council Cllr’s surgery times to be added
• Expand forthcoming events area
• Make fuller use of back page
• Next issue to include updated Cllr’s details
• Include extracts from Police report
• Issue seasonally
• Distribution to remain the same but with help from village groups if available

2:00            Approval of Minutes of Meeting held on 2 October 2012:  The minutes were approved.

3:00            Any other business to be added to agenda:  None

4:00 Police Business: PC Hughes advised there had been few calls of note since the last meeting.

There have been a number of reports regarding mud on the road related to farm vehicles.  Ruchlaw was one area that received a few complaints.  A number of Farmers have been spoken to and given advice.

• On 21 October there was a report of hare coursing in the Whittingham area
• On 24 October fuel was stolen from a lorry at Sunnyside Farm
• On 11 November the travellers who were parked near to Eweford Farm moved to the far end of the Skateraw Road

Other policing issues:

• Following a complaint from the Stenton P7 road safety officers they assisted with a speed check, no offences detected.
• School lunch visits conducted at Innerwick and Stenton primaries, very well received by pupils and staff
• Parking complaints received by council regarding Manse View, Innerwick

Community and Police Partnership (CAPP) agreed the following priorities

• Parking issues in Countess area Dunbar
  • Patrols to be made of fire station car park, disabled bays in front of Bleachingfield Community Centre and disabled car park in front of school gates
  • Mud on roads
    • Extra patrols to be conducted in rural areas to check for mud on roads associated with agricultural vehicles
    • Thefts from insecure properties and vehicles
      • Extra patrols already being carried out, various crime prevention tactics to be considered.

All welcome to attend next CAPP meeting which is an open format and held within Dunbar Police Station on Thursday 17 January 2012.

Cllr. Kirkland raised concern at the number of dead badgers on the road near Spott, PC Ross confirmed that there was no badger baiting going on in the area and that this was continuously monitored by Scottish Badgers.

Cllr. Wyllie raised the issue of mud on the road near Stenton Bridge which needs to be cleared.  Cllr. Veitch agreed to progress this matter.

Cllr. Armstrong gave a briefing of the resilience work identified following an amber warning in September. It was stressed that individuals and communities should take responsibility for ensuring each village has an emergency plan in place. A template and other relevant information would be circulated to ELCC members by Cllr. Armstrong following the meeting.

 

5:00 Treasurer’s Report:

 The treasurer confirmed that no transactions had taken place since the last meeting.  Year end Accounts were audited and were presented as showing a true and fair view of the transactions of the council over the year.  It was confirmed that Crystal Rig Community Benefit Fund Applications had now received final approval and that cheques would be issued over the next few days.

6:00 Matters Arising (Previous)

 Chief Executive’s visit to last ELCC meeting: Chair to contact Murray Leys re follow up on issues raised.

 Windfarm Applications:  It was noted that an exhibition had been set up in Dunbar Library by Sustaining Dunbar for the proposed turbine at Cocklawhill. Cllr. Bruce agreed to write to Ian Waugh to request that the exhibition should come to each of the villages in East Lammermuir in particular to Innerwick and Oldhamstocks as they were the nearest villages to the proposed development.

 

A1 Junctions:  Morag Haddow of Sustaining Dunbar thanked ELCC for supporting her proposal for improved access for cyclists/walkers from Innerwick to Dunbar.

Cllr. Veitch confirmed he would be meeting with Morag on Thursday to discuss Thurston Glen to Innerwick and that a meeting was to take place with Viridor regarding the Broxmouth junction.

Belhaven Hospital:  Cllr. Hanvidge confirmed that she had written to NHS Scotland requesting copies of the Minor Injuries Services in East Lothian Leaflet which was recently issue to Health Centres and Community Buildings.  It was agreed that on receipt of these they be circulated with the winter newsletter.  Cllr. Hanvidge to send reminder to NHS Scotland.

It was confirmed that the Belhaven Forum was not scheduled to meet again until May 2013.

Lafarge:  7 November minutes of meeting not yet available.

Torness:  It was confirmed that Engineers from Torness were now in a position to offer labour to assist with the projects identified in Innerwick and Oldhamstocks.  Cllr’s Bruce and Hanvidge agreed to liaise with EDF and Lafarge to progress these activities.

7:00 Councillors’ Reports:      Action:

 Innerwick:  Work now complete at the Hedgerow at Innerwick

Postal service resumed.

Cllr Collins asked what was happening at Innerwick bridge as there were markings on the road which looked like work was about to take place in the near future.           MV

Spott:  MV has reported the damaged Spott boundary wall, part of which is on land owned by ELC – no progress has been made.          MV

Oldhamstocks: It was noted that pot holes had been filled in but there was still no progress on the issue of Verges.  Cllr. Bruce confirmed that netting was now in place at the ford at the west end of the village, however, it was unlikely that this would make any significant difference to the flooding issue and perhaps what was needed was removal of the pipes.   MV

Stenton: Cllr’s Wyllie and MacDonald highlighted that erosion of the village green was getting worse and that there needed to be action taken regarding the fallen down wall at Presmennan Green          MV

Planning Applications: Meteorological Mast at Woodhall nr. Innerwick

Cllr. Armstrong confirmed he had attended the recent Planning presentation at ELC and found this extremely useful.

Cllr. Veitch provided the following updates:

• Speed signs – were in Dunbar and West Barns no arrangements yet for East Lammermuir villages
• BT – following information received from Community Cllr’s a letter of complaint was sent to BT regarding broadband speed in villages
• Path in Innerwick – ongoing
• Dog waste bin being re positioned
• Innerwick Nursery – twins now allocated a shared place.  Capacity should be okay for 2013/14 and 2014/2015 but situation needs to be closely monitored.
• Permanent flooding at horse trough Innerwick reported
• Possibility of yellow lines beside Innerwick House
• Coastal Parking charges – ELC vote to take place on this issue on 18 December
• Ambulance cover – less cover available to the area but meeting this week to discuss.

Cllr. Bruce raised the issue of First Responders linking to local Community network to avoid individuals being taken to hospital e.g. after a fall if someone can stay with person. However local First Responder Co-ordinator did not see this as viable so may need to follow up with Scottish Ambulance Service – Cllr Bruce

8:00 Correspondence:  Cllr. Bruce presented a letter from Iain Gray MSP regarding the proposed closure of Haddington Sheriff Court and Justice of Peace Court.  Cllr’s agreed that they were opposed to these proposed closures and that a submission should be made to the Scottish Courts Service.  Cllr. Hanvidge to e-mail response.              JH

9:00            Date of Meetings for 2013:

 8 January                        Oldhamstocks

26 February                        Stenton

16 April                        Spott

18 June                        Innerwick

27 August                        Oldhamstocks

1 October                         Stenton

26 November                         Spott

 

Cllr’s are to reserve village hall for meetings in their villages.

Cllr. Bruce thanked everyone for attending and the meeting closed at this point. 

 

Minutes of Meeting of

East Lammermuir Community Council

held on Tuesday 2 October, 2012 in

Stenton Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Present: Cllrs D Charlton/J Hanvidge/C Bruce (Chair)/P Armstrong/M Ramsay/

B Wyllie

Apologies: Cllr P Swain

In attendance:  Cllr M Veitch/Cllr N Hampshire (part of the time)/ PC K Hughes/ELC Chief Executive Angela Leitch (part of the time)/ P Jaffray

 

2:00            Approval of Minutes of Meeting held on 21 August, 2012:  The minutes were approved subject to the following amendment:

 

Viridor Liaison:  Cllr Charlton reported that four and half megawatts energy being fed in to Lafarge from methane gas.

3:00            Any other business to be added to agenda:  None

4:00 Police Business: PC Hughes advised there had been few calls of note since the last meeting however PC Gavin Ross (Wildlife officer) has since the last meeting carried out a number of joint agency checks in the Torness area in relation to the large scale catching of undersize sea bass. No offences were detected although a number of fisherman were spoken to and advice given.

Attention has been given to the Innerwick churchyard areas due to recent complaints. No persons’ have been seen and no further complaints received.

Attention has been given to the Innerwick churchyard areas due to recent complaints. No persons’ have been seen and no further complaints received.

On the 23 an incident occurred which involved a stolen motorbike. Eventually the incident came to a conclusion in the Monynut area. Enquiry is ongoing into this in relation to a number of road traffic offences and potentially stolen motorbikes.

This month Community and Police Partnership agreed priorities are as follows:

Road Traffic General – Target those using mobile phones while driving in East Linton.

Continue speed checks on approach roads in to all towns. Education and enforcement regarding bike lights

Environmental Issues – Underage drinking and associated Anti Social Behaviour in John Muir Country Park, Lochend Woods, East Beach, Deer Park, Innerwick Cemetery and East Linton Park

Road Traffic other: Continued monitoring of zebra crossings at Westport and High Street, Dunbar in response to complaints

All are welcome to the CAPP meeting, which is an open format and held within Dunbar Police Station on Wednesday 24 October 2012.

ELCC advised speeding in Stenton was still of concern and it would help if residents could take a note of registration numbers, time dates etc as this would assist in targeting persistent culprits.  Would it be possible to have rumble strips put in place?

Speeding in Innerwick was also of concern and to date Innerwick had not had the speed reactors put in place.  Cllr M Veitch would speak with ELC officer Colin Baird to ascertain the timetable for the rotation of the speed rectors.

Introduction of guest:

Chief Executive Angela Leitch joined the meeting at this point.  ELCC Chair, Chris Bruce explained the set up of ELCC and the diverse nature of the county, range of employment and age of residents living in this area.  Introductions of those present were made and AL went on to explain she was currently arranging to meet with the volunteers who give their time freely to the community and how ELC can work more effectively with Community Councils.  She was aware of the need to improve the quality of consultation and to identify some of the key strategies which impact on the community.  The new administration had put a great deal of time and effort into identifying new priorities as part of the East Lothian Plan.  A prevention agenda was being looked at to help more vulnerable people and stressed that the growth and success of East Lothian relies heavily on sustaining vibrant communities.

ELC need to do more to help local business grow/expand and for youth unemployment to be more effectively targeted to help secure a productive county.

There are huge changes in Public Sector reform and challenges in bring together various public sector priorities due to the Public Sector finances not growing.  ELC are working on a flat cash budget, with a restricted income and they must work with communities to ensure a positive outcome.

Members of the meeting outlined a number of concerns to AL.  The small villages which make up ELCC and other small villages in the county are very much on their own.  For example in Stenton, mobile phone coverage is very limited, which means those on duty as First Responders, must remain within their homes in order to be able to be contacted.  Mobile phone coverage in both Innerwick and Spott was intermittent and whilst there was upgrading to telephone exchanges in Haddington and Dunbar, which brought a more efficient broadband signal, those using a mobile phone in outlying villages did not receive a good reception. Concern regarding the lack of upgrade to the Cockburnspath exchange which serves Oldhamstocks was also raised.

Education in smaller villages, as currently being experienced by Innerwick Parent Association, was of real concern.  Village schools are at the core of all villages and for nursery places to be restricted was to the detriment of sustaining villages and village life.

The care and support of older people was also of concern.  Currently ELC Care Providers are not aways able to supply care in the community for residents in outlying villages and local people are stepping in to breach this gap.  AL was particularly interested to learn how residents in Oldhamstocks/Innerwick have united to provide this service to those who are faced with this difficult situation.

Angela Leitch and Cllr Norman Hampshire left the meeting at this point.

5:00 Treasurer’s Report:

The balance stands as of the end of August, 2012 – £1,136.05.

6:00 Matters Arising (Previous)

Windfarm Applications:  The refusal for siting wind turbines at Fernylea has been overturned and it is expected work will commence in the near future.

A1 Junctions:  The presentation by Transport Scotland was well received and a number of concerns/ideas discussed.  Dialogue will continue regarding A1 junction improvements, which are the responsibility of Transport Scotland.

Morag Haddow of Sustaining Dunbar has met with ELC Nick Morgan re the improved access for cyclist/walkers from Innerwick to Dunbar.  ELC considered the proposal to promote two link footpath/cycleways near the A1 from the north end of Thurston Manor to the Pinkertons and from Pinkertons to Brandsmill.  The meeting fully supported this proposal.

Belhaven Hospital:  Disappointment was expressed at the closure of the Minor Injuries Service, which had not been heavily utilised, due to the fact very few residents knew of its existence.  At the recent Belhaven Forum it was raised by Cllr Hanvidge that it would be useful if a leaflet could be produced advising on the NHS out of hours facilities available to East Lothian residents and the procedure they should follow to ensure they get the proper service available to them.

Lafarge:  Will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2013 and to mark this occasion is looking at investing in projects for the community.  The shared used of the North West Quarry is still of concern but Lafarge do prefer the RSPB option.  Date of next meeting 7 November, 2012.  Full minutes of the meeting held on 22 August, 2012 were circulated to ELCC.

Torness:  No response re the community projects has been received.  BW advised her husband was attending a meeting Torness on 4 October and would raise this matter.  This he duly did and Torness would follow up and advise ELCC as soon as possible.

Community Councillors’ Elections:  The appointment of new ELCC would take place on Thursday 4 October at which Cllr N Hampshire would chair the meeting.  DC was very disappointed no one had come forward to represent Innerwick and with the retirement of Cllr Peter Swain a new person was required to take on the responsibility of ELCC website and newsletter. With DC retirement a new person was required to take on the responsibility of planning issues.

CB took this opportunity to thank all ELCC for their hard work, support and commitment and to those standing down he wished them every success for the future.

7:00 Councillors’ Reports:      Action:

Innerwick:  The hedgerow at the end of Kirk Brae requires cutting back and the designated pathway, which is no longer the responsibility of ELC, also required attention. MV would look into both matters and advice costs on the pathway maintenance.                                MV

The Post Office have apologised for not providing a service in the village for the last two weeks and it was also noted at tonight’s meeting a noted was pinned to Stenton village hall door apologising for the lack of postal services.  It was unsure when the Post Office would be resuming their service.

Spott:  MV advised the damaged Spott boundary wall, part of which is on land owned by ELC, has been reported and will be examined.

Oldhamstocks: Kerbing would be put in place as specified during October. Many pot holes have been repaired, however more pot holes in and around Oldhamstocks were of concern. Cllr Hanvidge requested that ELC advise the community or at least the Community Council when the work was due to take place so that residents could be prepared.                       MV

8:00 Correspondence:  None

9:00            Date of Next Meeting:  Tuesday  27 November 2012 at 7.30 p.m. at

Innerwick Village Hall – Janice Hanvidge to book hall

The meeting closed at this point and Councillors’ then went on to discuss Crystal Rig funding applications.

 

 

 

 

Draft

Minutes of Meeting of

East Lammermuir Community Council

held on Tuesday 21 August, 2012 at

7.30pm in Oldhamstocks Village Hall

Present:          Cllrs C Bruce (Chair)/P Armstrong/P Swain/D Charlton/M Ramsay

In attendance:            Cllr M Veitch/Cllr P McLennan/PC K Hughes

1:00     Apologies:      Cllr J Hanvidge/Cllr B Wyllie/Cllr N Hampshire/P Jaffray

2:00     Approval of Minutes of Meeting held on 26 June, 2012:  The minutes were approved.

3:00     Any other business to be added to agenda: 

Timetable for elections and Viridor Liaison Meeting

4:00     Police Business:  PC K Hughes submitted a written report, which is attached.  PC Hughes pointed out in the previous Lothian & Borders Police newsletter it appears that, with regard to dog fouling, the Police are able to issue ‘dog asbos’.  This is not the case.  It is East Lothian Council who will do this.

Cllr Charlton reported that between 9 – 11 August, a fire was seen in the local bus shelter.

Cllr Armstrong is unable to attend CAAP meetings if held on a Monday.

5:00     Treasurers report as at 1^st August 2012:

Funds available 01.08.12     £1309.35

 6:00     Matters Arising (Previous)

 Innerwick Primary School:

Innerwick Parent Association forwarded to East Lammermuir Community Councillors’ two documents regarding Innerwick Nursery for information; one is a synopsis of the situation to date, the other is a record of their eventual meeting with Richard Parker in June – a meeting which was held after pressure from Cllr Michael Veitch on Richard Parker (currently heading up the Education Department) to engage with them.

To date Innerwick Parent Association has failed to persuade Richard Parker to provide local nursery places for local children but they have agreed to keep the pressure on, on behalf of the next cohort of children who have not been offered places.

Cllr Veitch reported only one child this year will not be accommodated at Innerwick Nursery and it is hoped that a fairer admission service will be forthcoming.

Windfarm Applications:  Scottish Borders have approved three turbines for Hoprigshiels.  Fernylea are still waiting to hear the outcome of their appeal.

A1 Junctions:  BEAR Scotland are to give a presentation to East Lothian Council and then hopefully to a wider area.

Belhaven Hospital Forum:  The next meeting is due to take place on 27 August, 2012 at 6.30pm.  Unfortunately, Cllr Veitch is unable to attend the meeting but having read through the minutes of the meeting of 12 June and the draft paper on the MIU, he wishes to put on record his strong opposition to the closure of the MIU.

Lafarge:         The shared used of the North West quarry is still of concern, but the final decision rests with Lafarge and a meeting is scheduled to take place on 22 August, 2012.

Torness:         With regards to the local projects for the four East Lammermuir villages a number of queries regarding health and safety issues have been raised, together with questions regarding legal liability if they carry out the work.  With regard to the electric work at Innerwick Church and the work to be carried out on the bridge at Oldhamstocks, Cllr Bruce asked for the Torness representatives to contact the liaison officer of the two projects.  Unfortunately, Torness will not be able to help with the drains in Stenton.  Further enquiries to be made by councillors.

Community Councillors elections:  Cllr Bruce has sent the procedures and forms for the new community councillors.  Application form to be lodged by 4pm on Thursday 13 September.  Cllr Swain to advertise vacancies in Newsletter.

Website:         As Cllr Swain is standing down, ELCC are looking for someone who would be willing to taking on this project.

7:00     Councillors reports: 

Stenton:  Cllr Veitch advised the handle on Stenton Church gate has been repaired.  Work has still to be undertaken for the hard stand at the bottom of Stenton village green.  No further details regarding the wall fenced off on the Pressmennan farm road.  All pot holes have been reported.

Innerwick:  Pedestrian access notices for Thorntonloch Caravan site are to be changed, as pedestrians can walk through the site, on tarmac area only.  The two cameras sited at two Innerwick junctions are for monitoring flow of traffic.

A local resident has approached Cllr Swain re dog fouling in Innerwick, requesting dog ‘waste’ bins be put in place. These would have to be purchased by the community, but ELC would empty.  Potholes in the Innerwick area are an ongoing problem and getting worse, especially near the T junction.  Verges require cutting and the water running off the fields onto the road; will be a major issue in winter.  Cllr Veitch advised this is the landowner’s responsibility.

Further reports of anti social behaviour in Innerwick Church yard – football, dog walking and fouling, gravestones being knocked over.  Residents asked if gates could be locked.

Stenton:          The road at the top of Ruchlaw to East Linton is in a very bad state or repair.  Huge pot holes also reported in road after Pitcox to Dunbar. Bottom of village green to be finishing and a reminder of the wall on Pressmennan farm road.

Spott:  Nil

Oldhamstocks:  Cllr Bruce asked after the grass was cut, could it not be lifted, as otherwise it leaves a very untidy mess.  Kerbing work is due to commence in the autumn.  With regards to the flooding problems in Oldhamstocks a report is due.  Possibility on installing pipes under the road.

Viridor Liaison:  Cllr Charlton reported that four and half megawatts energy being fed into Lafarge.  Input was static.  No representation made to SEPA.  Rosewell site closed.

Planning applications:  Extension to the Bungalow, Stenton.  Alterations to buildings and part demolition of buildings and installation of domestic garden at Pitcox.  Erection of two houses and associated works on land adjacent to the Steading, High Road, Spott.

8:00     Correspondence:

 9:00     Date of next meeting:            2 October, 2012 in Stenton Village Hall