MINUTES OF MEETING OF
EAST LAMMERMUIR COMMUNITY COUNCIL
HELD ON TUESDAY 28 JUNE 2011
IN OLDHAMSTOCKS VILLAGE HALL
Present : Cllrs C Bruce (Chair), J Hanvidge/P Armstong/P Swain/M Ramsay
In Attendance: PC Tait/ 11 members of the public Cllrs Bell & Mclennan
Apologies: Cllrs B Wyllie/D Charlton /P Jaffray
Chair Chris Bruce welcomed all and explained the form these meetings usually follow. As the majority of the public were here to discuss the proposed Hoprigsheils turbines this would be dealt with first, followed by the suggestions of the use of Crystal Rig monies.
An application was sent to Borders Council on the 26 June, for the erection of three turbines. These turbines are to be the biggest erected. Although the turbines would be erected on Borders Council land, they will be seen from Oldhamstocks, hence East Lammermuir Council’s interest. Cllr Bruce had emailed a survey of specific questions to residents of Oldhamstocks. This survey showed that opinions were neither for nor against. A member of the public present asked if residents and public had all the facts re the benefits of Turbines. After much discussion the public representing Oldhamstocks felt that a questionnaire should be sent out to a wider area, and perhaps obtain a more positive response. As this would take some co-ordinating and residents were of the opinion it should be a member of the council who does this, Cllrs Bruce and Hanvidge agreed to do, with the help of residents present. Cllr Bruce informed those present, that East Lammermuir Council would write to Borders Council with the results of survey, but stressed that individuals should also write with their objections. A public meeting is to be held on Tuesday 5 July at 7.00pm in village hall.
There were a number of proposals for the way in which the substantial increase of money from Crystal Rig should be used. The feeling of the meeting was that it should not be used lightly. As the committee has not had the opportunity to discuss all the implications of handling such a large amount, all ideas were noted and will be looked at. We need to draw up proposals and inform Crystal Rig of our intentions. Cllr Swain represents ELCC on the Sustaining Dunbar committee. It was proposed that someone from BeGreen come and talk to committee.
Police Business: PC Tait submitted the following written report.
Crime in the area continues to be very low since the last community council meeting, with no crimes recorded in the East Lammermuir area.
As discussed previously, we have been trying to pay particular attention to the A1 and its associated junctions, an area that I know is of concern to the members.
As such, a vehicle being driven with no insurance was caught. The driver has been charged and a report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.
We have also continued to issue fixed penalties for drivers using their mobile phones on the A1. I have noticed a marked decrease in the number of heavy goods vehicle drivers committing this offence, which is encouraging.
One of the topics discussed previously was speeding in the villages, particularly Innerwick. The village is now part of a list, which our Community Action Team focus on, in terms of speed checks.
Given that speeding is such a concern, I am happy to say that I have now been trained in the use of a hand held laser speeding device. This allows me to regularly carry out speeding checks in areas of concern at short notice, where hitherto we had to rely on a long process taking several weeks to arrange speed checks.
With this in mind, I would encourage members to pass on any areas of concern where they feel speeding is an issue. I will then arrange to attend as soon as possible and carry out speed checks. No doubt this will be a welcome and well-used resource!
As mentioned, I previously liaised with Viridor regarding the reports of issues with their vehicles vis-à-vis the A1; the management assured me that they have spoken to their drivers regarding this issue and I have underlined their responsibilities and potential consequences. The relevant manager carried out an operations meeting specifically regarding the issue and created an ongoing incident report. As part of this, all the Viridor drivers were warned. Certainly on the part of the company they were very keen to assist and tackle the problem. I’m pleased to say I have not received any reports regarding further incidents.
This is something that will be ‘visited’ regularly and I will keep a watching brief over.
Again, I would ask if members are aware of any issues they notify me as soon as possible, preferably with the registration number of any vehicle(s) involved.
This information was also been passed on to the Cockburnspath Community Council as requested.
One of the matters that comes to our attention at this time of the year particularly, is the issue of mud on the road from agricultural vehicles. With regard to the law, the legislation covering this has changed.
The relevant legislation is:
Roads (Scotland) Act 1984
Section 95 – Deposit Of Mud From Vehicles On Roads
“(1) A person who, being in charge of a vehicle on a road, allows such quantity of mud, clay, farmyard manure, or other material (of whatever nature) from the vehicle, or from anything carried on the vehicle, to drop onto or be deposited on the road so as to create, or be likely to create, a danger or substantial inconvenience to road users and who fails to remove the material as soon as reasonably practicable commits an offence.”
If you see anything that would be relevant to this, please report it and we can make sure it’s removed before an accident occurs.
I have received an anonymous letter regarding parking issues in Innerwick. The letter refers to concerns over the parking of two vans on the bend next to the church. I have attended there and, unfortunately, there are no powers to have the vans removed, as there is no legislation covering parking at that area.
Unless the vans are parked in an overtly dangerous manner, or were obstructing the roadway, there is little that I can do. Ultimately, if the vehicles are taxed and insured, which they are, they are entitled to park on the road.
Lastly, I would ask that homeowners make sure that any outside fuel containers are securely locked. The country as a whole is experiencing an increase in the theft of fuel, and rural villages are particularly at risk. Please remember that I can also offer free crime prevention surveys for any member of the area.
If there are any questions or issues, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Cll Swain had issues for the Police, brought from Innerwick Parish Welfare Association meeting:
1 Concerns were given over the speeding of First Bus – suggest that drivers of buses drive to road conditions.
2 Dog fouling: tickets have been issued but was still of concern. PC Tait will look into both problems.
Approval of minutes from last meeting held May 10 2011: The minutes were approved
Matters arising:
Paragraph 4: Cllr Bruce had attended the enquiry today and a statement had been submitted. They had asked for witnesses and Neil Reynolds, Oldhamstock resident has submitted a written statement. The enquiry continues.
Treasurer’s Report:
A balance of £1838.39 was given.
Cllrs Reports :
Innerwick : Concerns re wall on Main St. Owner’s responsibility – Cllrs Bell/McLennan will look into.
Perrymans and First Bus both running a service.
Oldhamstocks:
‘30’ signage done
A hedge on a corner of the Oldhamstocks to Innerwick road needs cutting – Cll Mclennan
Spott:
Pot holes required attending to
Stenton:
Belton Livery warning signs have been done
The old information board –done
Village hall has now been fitted with photo-voltaic cells and the hall is generating electricity.
Cllr Mclennan reported attempts to set up Village Hall Federation and that a meeting would take place on 16 August.
Liaison committees:
Cllrs Swain and Wyllie to attend Lafarge meetings Cllr Bruce will attend Torness Cllr Charlton will continue Viridor Cllr Armstong will continue CAP meetings
Correspondence:
David Small from CHP – ‘Looking at the future of Belhaven Hospital
Transport Strategy – Cllr Armstrong will look at
Maps of Dunbar & East Linton were available from Sustaining Dunbar
Newsletter:
There had been positive feedback from the first edition. Cllr Bruce thanked Cllr Swain for his sterling work. Any ideas for future could be emailed to Cllr Swain.
Dates of future meetings
Tuesday 30 August – Innerwick
Wednesday 12 October – Stenton
Tuesday 29 November – Spott