Category: Meeting minutes

Draft

MINUTES OF MEETING OF

EAST LAMMERMUIR COMMUNITY COUNCIL

held on Wednesday 12 October, 2011 in

Stenton Village Hall

 Present:                      Cllrs D Charlton (Vice Chair)/B Wyllie/M Ramsay/P Swain/P Armstrong/M Mylne/J Hanvidge

 In attendance:           Pauline Jaffray

 Apologies:                  Cllr C Bruce

 The Councillors of East Lammermuir Community Council held a closed meeting, prior to the main ELCC meeting to discuss the management of Crystal Rig Windfarm funds.

 Cllrs Bruce, Hanvidge & Wyllie had previously met as a sub committee to discuss this issue and JH put forward their suggestions.  At this meeting Councillors were informed rumour had it a number of groups and individuals have been appointed to manage the funds.  This is not the case and Councillors felt strongly the overall management of the funds should be maintained by ELCC in line with the Minute of Agreement.

 The first priority is not to be rushed into making a decision too quickly.  A workshop is to be held on Sunday 20 November from 1pm-4pm at Ruchlaw Mains at which ELCC will develop a set of principles using an independent facilitator.  It is important ELCC should get the principles right first, before discussing the proposals for how ELCC manage and/or distribute the money.  The facilitator has experience in this type of project and will be responsible for engaging with councillors to ensure all opinions, thoughts and ideas are taken into consideration.  Councillors have been asked to give this some thought prior to the workshop and put forward as many ideas as possible on the day. The second priority is for ELCC to maintain overall control of the Crystal Rig Community Benefit Fund and appoint specialist help when and if needed.  ELCC do have experience, together with a good working relationship with Crystal Rig, in operating the funding to date and we are fortunate to have in place Councillors with professional experience and training.

 Cllr Swain put forward to the meeting suggestions from Sustaining Dunbar on how part of the funding could be used to assist individuals in the East Lammermuir area on energy efficiency schemes and how a possible loan scheme could be adopted.  Unfortunately, this is not possible as the Crystal Rig funding is to help organisations, not individuals.

 Current applications:  Currently there are two applications outstanding who have requested funding. Spott Church require match funding and Spott WRI, whose application was not received until August, 2011 are seeking funding for their 90th birthday celebrations.  The discussion was suspended due to members of the public arriving for the ELCC meeting and information regarding these two applications would be circulated to councillors.

 Vice Chair, Dawn Charlton drew the meeting to a close and welcomed all those present to the East Lammermuir Community Council Meeting.

  Present       Cllrs D Charlton (Vice Chair)/B Wyllie/M Ramsay/P Swain/P Armstrong/M Mylne/J Hanvidge

 In attendance:           Pauline Jaffray/Cllr J Bell/PC Gavin Ross and two members of the public

 1:00  Apologies:         Cllr C Bruce/Cllr Wyllie

 Prior to the meeting commencing and to introduce PC Gavin Ross all those present introduced themselves.

 2:00  Approval of minutes of meeting held on 30 August, 2011.  The minutes were approved by Cllr Mylne, seconded by Cllr Swain subject to the following amendment.

 Spott:   The visibility from the exit to the driveway at Easter Broomhouse is being blocked by the mound and to rectify the problem the mound needs to be pared.

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

 Consultation on supplementary Landscape Capacity Study for Smaller Wind Turbines

 4:00     Police Business

 PC Gavin Ross who is based at Dunbar Police Station is the community police representative for the East Lammermuir area.  He is also the wildlife crime office for East Lothian.

 PC Ross advised of the increase in rural crime.  Theft of scrap metal, heating oil, fuel etc and for us to be more vigilant in locking our vehicles, houses, outhouses etc.

 Operation Ether commences on Saturday 16 October, 2011 when police will have a presence in the East Lammermuir villages and introduce and meet local residents.  Advice on anti social behaviour, security etc will be provided.

 Four incidents were brought to the meeting’s attention.

 A number of complaints have been received, re excessive mud on rural roads.  Farmers have been notified to clean up asap.

 A postman has been badly bitten by a dog in Spott.

 VOSA stopped a lorry at Dunglass.  The occupants – a male and female ran off and it was subsequently found that the vehicle had been stolen.  Despite a thorough search the driver and accomplice were not found.

 Between 17 and 19 September a field of sheep at a Thorntonloch holding had been badly worried by what is thought to be a number of children.  This is a very distressing incident as one lamb had had its fleece torn out by hand and a further lamb had died due to the stress.

 Cllr Swain provided PC Ross with a copy of the ELCC Newsletter, which subject to his approval, could include any police matters.  Cllr Swain would email PC Ross a copy of the next newsletter, prior to publication, seeking approval for any police items to be included.

 5:00     Treasurer’s Report:

 The balance as of 12 October stands at £905.42, which takes in to account unpresented cheques totalling £885.

 6:00     Matters Arising (Previous)                                                                                                    Action

 Wester Dodd Wind farm – Akengall2:  The reporter has requested further information pending a decision as to whether he needs to re-convene the session or can make a judgement on evidence presented to him.  Since ELCC last met, the MOD have withdrawn their objection, Scottish Natural Heritage have significantly

strengthened their statement to make clear they think the proposal is unacceptable and as far as known, Community Windpower has not re-submitted noise data.  No decision has been reached as yet.

 Ferneylea Wind farm application:  No further information

 Blackburn Wind farm application:  No further information

 Mainstream RP.  Offshore wind proposals:  will provide a presentation at the start of our next meeting on Tuesday 29 November at 7.30pm.  A maximum of 15 minutes has been allocated for the presentation, with 10 minutes for questions.

 Lafarge Wind turbines:  No progress

 BeGreen, Dunbar & District:  Cllr Swain, a founder director of BeGreen advised BeGreen has been set up as a Community Interest Company limited by Guarantee and Cllr Swain would forward detailed notes to all ELC Councillors.                                                                                                                                         PS

 Liaison Meetings:       No reports

 Belhaven Hospital Forum:  Cllr Mylne apologised as he had not been able to attend the meeting on 21 September.  He had also not received any information.  Cllr Mylne would attend the next meeting at Hallhill on 25 October at 6.30pm.  The public meeting organised for 1 November had been cancelled.  PJ confirmed this with Wendy Michael (0131 536 8010) on 13 October, 2011.

 Lafarge:  The fire service who attended the Lafarge fire had advised all local residents keep their windows and doors closed.  This information had not reached local residents and ELCC want to know why.  Cllrs PA and BW to raise at next meeting:                                                                                                 PA&BW

 Oldhamstocks:  Cllr JB has notified Tom Shearer of the request for grass cuttings to be uplifted from village greens, particular at times of flower shows and fetes.

 Innerwick:  The potholes in Smiddy Row have been repaired and the inspection cover has been replaced.

 First Bus:    The unreliability of First Bus services is still of concern.  The 253 service has been discontinued.

 Spott:    Cllr JB has reported the speeding concerns at Easter Broomhouse, but will also report these concerns at the police meeting to be held next week.  The poor visibility due to the mound has also been reported.                                                                                                                                                   JB

 Stenton:  Cllr JB has reported the condition of the road at the East Linton T junction.

 Village Lighting:  Cllr PS had publicised the suggestion of reducing street lighting in the villages via the newsletter and had received two objections and Cllr JH had also received a further objection.  Further discussion took place and Ettie Spencer emphasised the importance of energy conservation.  Perhaps the following compromises could be considered.  Switch off street lights at midnight.  Reduce wattage.  Reduce lamp posts. Only switch on alternate lamp posts.

 ELCC agreed to take this matter back to each village to discuss with other groups/organisations.                       ELCC

 LEAP – Plans for an environmental project:  Councillors were reminded each village has to identify an environmental project which is to be submitted to ELC by 20 October.  Innerwick have identified the need for a handrail and Stenton the on going programme at The Butts.                                                                      ELCC

 7:00     Councillors’ Reports

 Spott:   Cllr MM reiterated the concerns regarding speeding past Easter Broomhouse and the poor visibility due to the mound.                                                                                                                                          JB

 The road from Spott roundabout to the village requires complete resurfacing and loose gravel has already caused one bad bike accident.                                                                                                                        JB

 Innerwick:  Cllr DC reported her car has been vandalised (scratch both sides) as have another five. Three in Main Street and three in Kirk Brae.  Incident reported to police.

 Main Street and Smiddie row potholes have been repaired.

 Further concerns have been raised with regards to the proposed sewage plant at Thurston Manor.  Cllr DC to speak with other residents.                                                                                                               DC

 Stenton:  The repairs to the village green road have been completed, however, the special parking area on the village green has not.  The handle on the gate near the Tron is broken and Cllr JB to report.                                                                                                                                                                                             JB

 The playpark is going ahead and Cllr MR to ascertain the costs and how much ELCC have committed.     MR

Planning Permission:   The Glebe Barn, Stenton – installation of doors.

Newsletter:     Forthcoming events to be notified to Cllr PS.  Stenton Community Association AGM – 18 November at 7.30pm

Consultative Draft Supplementary Landscape Capacity for Smaller Wind Turbines

This document appears to be very significant and Cllr CB recommends ELCC support it and for ELCC to view and submit their views by 20 October.  One point Cllr CB highlights is the ‘tubular’ style of turbine (a photo of which is in the appendix) as it moves less obviously.  Please view this document and comment accordingly.                                                                                                                                                         ELCC

 8:00  Correspondence  – None

 9:00     Date of Next Meeting:  29 November, 2011, Spott Village Hall – 7.30pm

                                                   17 January, 2012, Oldhamstocks Village Hall – 7.30pm

MINUTES OF MEETING OF

EAST LAMMERMUIR COMMUNITY COUNCIL

held on Tuesday, 30 August, 2011 in

INNERWICK VILLAGE HALL

 

 

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

 

In attendance:  Cllrs J Bell/P McLennan (part of the time)/Pauline Jaffray

 

1:00     Apologies:      Cllrs J Hanvidge/P Armstrong/M Ramsay

 

2:00     Approval of minutes of meeting held on 28 June, 2011.  The minutes were approved subject to the following amendments.

  Continue reading “Minutes of meeting, 30 August 2011”

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