Dunbar Library re-location

Dunbar Library will close on Saturday, 28 April at 1 pm and re-open on Monday, 7 May in new premises at Bleachingfield Centre, Countess Crescent Dunbar EH42 1DX.

Library staff look forward to welcoming borrowers old and new to their new home !

Minutes of meeting 28 February 2012

Minutes of Meeting of

East Lammermuir Community Council

held on Tuesday 28 February, 2012 in

Oldhamstocks Village Hall

Present:          Cllrs C Bruce (Chair)/D Charlton/P Swain/P Armstrong/M Mylne/B Wyllie

In Attendance:  Cllrs J Bell/ PC K Hughes/Representative from Viridor – Martin Grey and 1 member of the public

1:00     Apologies:      J Hanvidge/M Ramsay/P Jaffray

Cllr Bruce welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Martin Grey from Viridor who gave some brief background information on the Oxwellmains site and an explanation of their present position.

The incinerator application has been granted by the Scottish Government.  Viridor have their PPC from SEPA and at present they are looking into discharging their planning conditions which include landscaping and Public Art.

The biggest change is fresh guidance from the government and SEPA regarding recyclables and waste arriving in Scotland and treated in Scotland. East Lothian Council send sorted waste to many areas of Scotland and England for processing.  Viridor will ask ELC to consider the new guidance and allow Viridor to accept waste from all over Scotland, not just the Lothians.

At the recent public consultations 17 members of the public attended in Dunbar and 6 at Innerwick.  Viridor did not experience the opposition they expected but it was suggested it was not that people accepted the development but accepted that it was going ahead.  One of the points which was clarified was that the quantity of waste processed is not increasing beyond what has already been proposed for the incinerator.

Martin Grey then proceeded to answer Councillors’ concerns:

Increased traffic: Landfill site can take in 300,000T p/a but this will reduce as recycling increases.  Planning permission granted for 500,000T to arrive by road (this will not become a reality).  More use to be made of the rail link.

Refuse on road: Recent survey carried out by Viridor did not indicate they were responsible and PC Hughes supported this.  However, if refuse is seen blowing from transport, then note time and place and report to Viridor.

Number of incinerators Scotland requires unknown, but planning application for one at Glasgow and others to follow.

Electricity produced by incinerator 23MW Electricity, 17MW Renewable energy.  Heat plan to be developed before plant becomes operational in 3-4 years time.

Viridor will definitely proceed with an incinerator event without contracts in place for waste.  They are confident there is a strong market to reduce landfill.

Concerns re stack purity and design of plant:  Viridor aware and investing in a whole series of new technologies.

Community benefits:

1.         Employment and training, local workforce.  Sustainable Waste management           Apprentice Scheme.

2.         Social Enterprises in East Lothian.

3.         Education and Awareness Development

 2:00     Approval of Minutes of Meeting held on 17 January, 2012.  The minutes were approved.

3:00     Any other business to be added to the Agenda:  Planning applications, Ferneylea, Hoprigshiels, Kinegar, Crystal Rig Workshop Report.

4:00     Police Business:

 C Bruce has circulated this to all councillors.

5:00     Treasurer’s Report:  None

6:00     Matters Arising (Previous)                                                                           Action

 Windfarm Applications:  Hoprigshiels and Kinegar have both submitted new applications reducing the height of turbines and landscaping.

Ferneylea in partnership with Castlerock/Edinvar two turbine proposal comes before the planning committee on 6 March.  Oldhamstocks resident requested a Cllr be present.  No Cllrs available to attend but local interested resident will be invited to be present.

6:00     Matters Arising (Previous)  

 Sustaining Dunbar – Cocklaw turbine – follow developments.

Aikengall 2 – Had public enquiry, all submissions now in.

Belhaven Forum: No information has been received by ELCC and West Barns CC.  David Small has been informed and information to follow.  Next Meeting 26 March, 2012.

Viridor: Cllr Charlton reported there have been no applications for funding to consider in this round.  Cllr C Bruce suggested  D Charlton ask how they intend to spread the word that funds are available.

Lafarge: Still below capacity but 20% up on projected reduction.  Kiln stopped three weeks in March for maintenance.  Requests invited for use of stone from East Barns farm steading site.  Next Meeting 27 March, 2012.

Torness : Date of next Meeting 22 March, 2012.

 7:00     Councillors’ Reports

 Stenton Church gate handle still broken. Pot holes. Bottom of village green still not finished.  Advice invited re lack of mobile phone signal – providers have been notified but no action taken.  Other Cllrs agreed the same in their villages.

Oldhamstocks churned up verges.  Would like some replacement trees planted.

Innerwick wants Laburnums removed near war memorial because poisonous.  Also another tree causing staining on memorial – request its removal.

 Newsletter – Cllr Swain would like information for newsletter by 1 March.  He received e-mails from two people re Barn Owl report.

8:00  Correspondence

 From Garth Morrison re Big Lunch website for Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.

Crystal Rig workshop report: Due to lack of time it was decided to defer discussion and prioritise at the next meeting.

Meeting closed at 10.15pm

9:00     Date of Next Meeting:   Tuesday 10 April, 2012 in Stenton Village Hall

             Tuesday 22 May   –  Spott

Tuesday 3 July      –  Innerwick

Tuesday 21 August – Oldhamstocks

Tuesday 2 October  –  Stenton

Minutes of Meeting, 29 November 2011

DRAFT                                            Minutes of Meeting of

East Lammermuir Community Council

held on Tuesday 17 January, 2012 in

Innerwick Village Hall

Present:          Cllrs C Bruce (Chair)/J Hanvidge/P Armstrong/M Mylne/

D Charlton/M Ramsay/B Wyllie/P Swain

In Attendance:  Cllrs J Bell/P McLennan (from 9pm)/PC Gavin Ross/P Jaffray, plus

two members of the public and two representatives from Sustaining

Dunbar – Philip Revell and Ian Waugh

1:00     Apologies:      None

Cllr Bruce welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Philip Revell and Ian Waugh, Sustaining Dunbar, who gave a presentation on Dunbar Community Energy Project.  Mr Revell provided brief background information on Sustaining Dunbar whose aim is to bring people together to create a resilient community.  Mr Waugh explained Dunbar Community Energy Project, a trading subsidiary of Sustaining Dunbar, and their wish to establish a community wind turbine at Cocklaw, Oldhamstocks, which would be of financial benefit to Ward 7, covering Dunbar, East Linton and the area of East Lammermuir.  Following consultation and research Sustaining Dunbar were seeking the opinion of Ward 7 and are currently canvassing the area, as to whether the local community would like to see established a 500kw community turbine at the Cocklaw site.  He asked the committee to consider the draft Resilience Action Plan and to provide comments when they had done so.

Discussion and questions followed and the meeting felt that those living further away from the actual site, would not necessarily have an objection or be aware of how populated the East Lammermuir area was with wind turbines.  Further information can be found on dunbarcommunityenergy.org.uk and an open meeting has been arranged to take place in Dunbar library on 26 January from 2pm-7.30pm.  It was further noted residents in Oldhamstocks have received a questionnaire relating to the Cocklaw turbine, but no other East Lammermuir village had received information.

2:00     Approval of Minutes of Meeting held on 29 November, 2011.  The minutes were approved.

3:00     Any other business to be added to the Agenda:  None

4:00     Police Business:

PC Gavin Ross advised of two pending changes within the Dunbar community team. Later this month Sgt Gordon Simpson is moving on to become the East Lothian Local Authority Liaison Officer, his replacement is yet to be chosen.  PC Davie Aitchison is returning to response duties from Dunbar, again his replacement has yet to be decided.

There are few incidents to report since the last meeting, mostly dealing with theft and PC Ross asked that all occupiers and businesses in the area take every reasonable precaution to prevent theft and that people remain vigilant to suspicious behaviour.

On 7 December 2011 it was discovered that a theft of copper had occurred at the Blackcastle Hill radio mast, this had possibly occurred at any time in 2011.

Between 3 and 4 January 2012 an attempt was made to break in to the Crystal Rig high voltage substation by ram raiding the gates, no entry appears to have been made and nothing was stolen.

Between 5 and 6 January 2012 there was a theft of tools from a locked shed at Thurston Mains Farm, Innerwick.

On 13 January 2012 two kids’ bikes were stolen from the roadside by Thornton Glen, 1 x white BMX and 1 x blue and grey mountain bike

The next Dunbar Community and Police Partnership meeting will be held at Dunbar Police Station at 7:30pm on the 23 January. The meeting has an open forum format and all members of the public are fully welcome to attend and discuss any concerns they have in relation to the Dunbar area.  The priorities for this month are Cycle Lights and Environmental issues.

ELCC reiterated their request to have a speed reactor placed in the village of Innerwick, as speeding was of concern.  PC Ross would speak with ELC Colin Baird, but would meantime arrange to have spot speed checks in the village.

No further incidents to report regarding card-skimming devices on ATMs within East Lothian.

Fly tipping was of concern and all incidents were to be reported to Dunbar Police station.

5:00     Treasurer’s Report:  The balance as of 17 January, 2012 stands at £777.42.  Cllr Hanvidge reminded councillors all local priorities funding projects (£620 per village) had to be completed or in hand by 31 March, 2012.

The wind farm workshop would take place on Sunday 22 January, 2012 at Ruchlaw Mains and Cllr Bruce emphasised the importance for all councillors to attend this.  Cllr Charlton advised, due to work commitments she was unsure whether she could attend, but stressed she would do her very best to do so.  Once this workshop has taken place, a decision would be reached as to how ELCC would make an approach to organisations/groups etc and how much money would be available.  This Sunday’s workshop was for ELCC councillors only and the purpose was to establish a set of principals and related criteria for the application of funds received from Fred Olsen Renewables.  These would be considered more widely after the event.

6:00     Matters Arising (Previous)                                                                           Action

Wester Dodd Wind farm (Aikengall 2):  Community Windpower has put forward amended proposals for wind turbines of 125m.  The Reporter has sought advice from the Scottish Government as to whether the entire proposal has to be resubmitted. It was advised no new submission was required and the Reporters final decision would be reached on 24 January, 2012.  ELCC felt that the reduction in height did not make a massive difference to the visibility impact for this development.

Ferneylea Wind farm application.    Nil to report

Blackburn Wind farm application.   Nil to report

BeGreen Dunbar & District: Cllr P Swain has resigned as a director mainly due to his disappointment and disillusionment with this organisation.  During the six months he had been a director the lack of progress in putting this community interest company on a proper footing was of concern.  Philip Revell who was in attendance was also disappointed at the lack of progress, some of which was out of his control and he hoped the Community Interest Company would become a legal entity in the near future.  He hoped a further representative from ELCC would be forthcoming.  It was agreed ELCC would look at the situation when the organisation was on a proper footing.                                                                                  ELCC

Belhaven Hospital Forum:  Since the last meeting no minutes or notification of the next meeting, which is due to take place on 24 January, 2012, have been forthcoming.  Concerns were also expressed over the lack of winter home care services in the rural area and the best way forward to identify vulnerable people within ELCC area.  These, together with other concerns would be discussed with Mr Murray Leys, head of adult social care, who has agreed to meet with Cllrs Charlton/Hanvidge & Bruce.                                               DC/JH/CB

Lafarge Liaison meeting:  Cllr Wyllie reported on the liaison meeting held on 6 December. The north-west quarry is filling up quicker than anticipated and if necessary any over fill can be pumped out to sea.  The new cycle path is now open.  The section of road on the old A1 between the quarry and Dryburn area will be closed.  A representative from the RSPB would like to speak to ELCC on the north-west quarry.  ELCC agreed to postpone this until summer, 2012.                                                                                                                             PA/BW

Viridor:  Unfortunately Cllr Charlton was unable to attend the liaison meeting due to work commitments and had no details to report.

7:00     Councillors’ Reports

Correspondence from consultants McNally, employed by Viridor with regard to the proposed incinerator advising of their intention to extend the area for the incinerator. Principal variation of condition 5 of planning consent to extend the area for receipt of waste energy from waste plant, Oxwellmains.  A public exhibition would be held week commencing 20 February, 2012.

Dog fouling was of concern both in Innerwick and Stenton.  Cllrs Swain/Charlton/Wyllie/Ramsay to contact dog warden, Mr J Wilson re dog watch scheme.

                                                                                                                         PS/DC/BW/MR

A local resident has expressed alarm at the decreasing number of barn owls in the area and requested any one spotting a barn owl to advise Cllr Swain.  The item would be mentioned in the newsletter.                                                                                                                                     PS

The Stenton church wooden gate handle is broken and pot holes in and around Stenton are of concern.  Cllr MacLennan would report.                                                                           PMcL

The inspection cover at Spott village hall needs to be replaced. Cllr Bell would report.        JB

Resurfacing work from Spott roundabout towards Spott village had been carried out, but the white lines and other directional signs are required.  The water run-off from Easter Broomhouse, mostly from the field, on to the road was causing damage.  The roads from Spott village to The Halls and Frizzels Wood House are in an appalling condition.  Cllr Bell will report.                                                                                                                            JB

Oldhamstock verges are extremely dangerous, due to the amount of water and now ice and the lack of kerbs, which had been promised. Cllrs Bell & MacLennen will arrange to meet with ELC Brian Cooper to discuss all these issues.                                                            PMcL/JB

Telephone signal from Vodaphone and BT has been unavailable for a period of two weeks in the Oldhamstocks area.  This was not acceptable as not everyone had access to other telephone providers and the public phone box was no longer in operation.  Cllr McLennan would raise these concerns with the appropriate person.                                                    PMcL

Planning Applications:  Alterations to house in Stenton. Erection of 1 wind turbine and associated work at Woodhall, Innerwick.  Installation of silos and intake equipment at Lafarge Cement.  Storage of hazardous substances, hydrazine, sodium hypochlorite and ammonia at Torness Power Station

8:00  Correspondence

Mainstream Offshore provided a copy of their environmental impact study.

ELC – information on Community Environmental Fund

ELC –  information on change of ward in North Berwick to one ward.  Does ELCC have any changes they wish to make.  ELCC agreed their wards worked well.

Public Transport – All concerned parties are working together for the improvement of the infrastructure and JB to contact Perrymans for information on their new service.           JB

9:00     Date of Next Meeting:   Tuesday 28 February, 2012 in Oldhamstocks Village Hall

Tuesday 10 April  –  Stenton

Tuesday 22 May   –  Spott

Tuesday 3 July      –  Innerwick

Tuesday 21 August – Oldhamstocks

Tuesday 2 October  –  Stenton