Category: Meeting minutes

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

Draft

Minutes of Meeting of

East Lammermuir Community Council

held on Tuesday 26 June, 2012 in

Innerwick Village Hall.

 

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

 In attendance:            Cllr M Veitch and P Jaffray

 1:00     Apologies:      None

 2:00     Approval of Minutes of Meeting held on 22 May, 2012:  None

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

 4:00     Police Business:  No one in attendance, however P Jaffray had emailed copies of the CAPP report to all councillors.  On the 28 June 2012, P Jaffray received apologies from PC Gavin Ross and Kevin Hughes who hoped to be in a position to attend our next meeting on 21 August, 2012.

 5:00     Treasurer’s Report:  The balance as of 26 June, 2012 stands at £1,329.45

 6:00     Matters Arising (Previous):                                                                                       Action:

 Innerwick Primary School: Cllr M Veitch advised he has spoken with ELC education service manager – Mr Richard Parker who has now agreed to meet with Innerwick Parent Association in order for all the issues to be discussed and hopefully resolved. MV has not heard if the meeting has taken place.

 Windfarm Applications: Hoprigshiels – nothing to report.  Kinegar Quarry – objection still standing.  Building of new quarry has commenced.

 Ferneylea – the applicant has lodged an appeal with the Scottish Government and all objectors have been notified.  All further communication has to be directed to the Scottish Government and as ELCC maintain their objection to this planning application a further letter advising of ELCC continued objection would be sent.             CB

Spott Vacancy:  Cllr. Armstrong would advertise the vacancy for a Spott Community Councillor within the village.                                                                                                      PA

Belhaven Hospital Forum:   Minutes from the meeting held on 12 June, 2012 were not available and no official notification had been received re the possible closure of the minor injury clinic due to this service not being used to its full potential.  However, Cllr Bruce was not convinced the local population were aware this service existed.  Cllr Veitch telephoned Cllr Hampshire during the meeting to ascertain the current situation.  Cllr Hampshire confirmed NHS Lothian medical advisors do recommend closure of the minor injury clinic and this recommendation was to be presented to the Board on 27 June.  However, this has been postponed and consultation with the community sought.  Cllr Veitch strongly objects to the closure and will fight against it.  The date of the next Belhaven Hospital Forum meeting is to be advised and it is hoped representation from ELCC can be in attendance.

                                                                                                                                               MV

Lafarge:  Celebrates 50 years of operation in Dunbar and two apprentices will be commencing with Lafarge in 2013.  The next meeting to discuss the North West Quarry and the RSPB involvement will be in July.  Cllr Armstrong to contact Lafarge as he is not being kept informed of the current situtation.                                                                       PA

Torness:  Details of the projects from the four villages to be considered by Torness building projects team have been submitted to Cllr Bruce who in turn will forward them to Torness.                                                                                                                                                 CB 

 7:00     Councillors’ Reports

Stenton:  The wall between the old and new grave yard has been repaired, however the handle on the Church gate has not, nor have the verges on the village green.  Pot holes are increasing and there are a number of particularly bad pot holes on the Pitcox to Little Spott road.                                                                                                                                     MV

Innerwick:  Various pot holes and flooding in and around Innerwick are causing concern.  There is a very dangerous pot hole on the A1 junction leading to Thurston Manor Caravan Site, also on the main road out of Innerwick just past Tyme Cottage. Plus further pot holes on the Thurston Mains road, Crowhill east to A1 junction and Thurston Mains.  Flooding at Innerwick Farm, Thornton Bridge is also of concern and there is a continuous stream of water from Blackcastle down to Thornton Bridge. Possible burst water main.                 MV 

Access through Thorntonloch Caravan site to the beach has been denied and ELC Access Officer Mr Nick Morgan has been advised and he will speak to the warden of Thorntonloch and report back to Cllr Charlton.        

Dog fouling in the village is of concern and the area around the school and park are the worst affected areas.  Cllr Charlton contacted ELC dog warden, Jim Wilson who will supply leaflets for distribution throughout the village advising of penalties and the dog watch scheme.

Verge cutting is underway and the laburnum trees in front of the village hall are to be pruned but they can not be removed.        

Two cameras have been sited at the two junctions in Innerwick and Cllr Charlton asked if anyone knew why and what they are for.  One solution is possible traffic monitoring.

Oldhamstocks:  Pot holes, flooding and poor state of verges all require attention.      MV

Spott:  The ‘U’ road surface has completely disappeared and requires attention.  The wall owned by Spott Estate on Starvation Brae is in a poor state of repair and requires attention. MV to view and will report to ELC to find out who is responsible.  MV

From Spott to the A1 road a large pile of gravel has accumulated at the bottom of the hill and is a danger to both motorist and cyclists.  Requires attention.                               MV                                                                 

Stenton:  Pressmennan Road wall has been fenced off for a period of four-five years.  Why and what is happening.  MV to ascertain why.          MV                                                                                         

 Stenton Flower Show will take place on 1 September and can this date be included in the newsletter.                                                                                                                               PS

 The Drymarch Road is to be completely closed for safety reasons.  Cllr Wyllie asked about field access and Cllr Veitch will find out the situation.                                                        MV

 Planning Applications:  Alterations, extensions to building and part demolition of building at the Standards, Bowerhouse.  Alterations, extension to building and part demolition of building at Pressmennan Lake House, Stenton.

 8:00     Correspondence:

 ELC Chief Executive, Angela Leitch wishes to attend ELCC meeting on 2 October, 2012.

East Lothian Food Bank – MP Fiona O’Donnell, is to establish a charity and ELCC wish to be kept informed.

AR Hepburn a company who specialise in cavity wall and loft installation have written offering their company services to the residents of East Lammermuir.  Cllr Swain to reply.

East Lothian Council/Energy Saving Trust are working together to offer free insulation to East Lothian residents.

Reshaping Care of Older People in East Lothian.

Community Survey by National Environment Manger

 9:00     Date of Next Meeting:  21 August, 2012 in Oldhamstocks Village Hall.

Minutes of Meeting of

East Lammermuir Community Council

Held on Tuesday 22 May, 2012 in

Beveridge Row, Dunbar*

 Present:          Cllrs P Swain/C Bruce (chair)/D Charlton/M Ramsay/B Wyllie

In attendance: Cllr M Veitch/P Jaffray and two members of the public – Moya Anderson and Fiona Nightingale.

1:00     Apologies:      Cllr J Hanvidge/M Mylne/P Armstrong/P McLennan/N Hampshire

* The meeting was held in Beveridge Row as unfortunately Spott Village Hall was locked.

Chair, Cllr Bruce welcomed everyone to the meeting and apologised for the last minute change of location.  Those present introduced themselves to Mrs M Anderson and Mrs F Nightingale, representatives of Innerwick Primary School Parent Council.

Mrs Nightingale and Mrs Anderson advised the meeting on a number of acute concerns with relation to the current situation of Innerwick nursery and primary school.  At present, Innerwick nursery, which operates in the morning and can accommodate 20 children, is not used in the afternoons.  This means, especially with the growing population 10 local children have been refused a nursery place at their local school and a further seven are possibly facing the same situation.

ELC have advised the parents that nursery places are available within the Dunbar area. However, this is not acceptable due to transport issues, bus time table not satisfactory and in some cases parents already have children in education at Innerwick, which means children from the same family will be attending different schools.  Another real concern is if children are unable to attend their local nursery the chances of Innerwick primary school loosing that pupil is very high, which in effect puts the future of Innerwick primary school in jeopardy.

Innerwick Primary School Parent Council has been desperately trying to resolve the situation with ELC Education and wrote to Don Ledingham.  He passed them on to a dedicated head of education and they are now dealing with a Mr Richard Parker, education service manager, who apart from one generalised response to their concerns, suggesting they set up a play group, has not responded meaningfully to any further communication.

Innerwick Primary school is classified as remote rural, serves the parish and is an integral and vital component of village life. Refusing access to nursery education, especially for those living in the parish, has a very series implication, not only for the children, but for the school and the village.  Ten children have already missed the opportunity to attend nursery and unless this situation is readdressed it is very likely further children will also miss out. It is important Innerwick school is sustained and they accept all children.

Innerwick Parent Council has also been made aware that a number of teaching posts are on very shaky grounds.  Most teachers are on temporary contracts, some of which may not be renewed and others are subjected to having their hours reduced.  Innerwick school has been through terrible disruption and it is only within the last year that a degree of stability, due to staff efforts, has been in place. The school is facing an uncertain future; parents are entitled to some clarity and need to have answers and commitment from ELC.

Cllr M Veitch asked for all background information is sent to him and he will arrange a meeting between ELC Education and Innerwick School Parent Council as quickly as possible.

2:00     Approval of Minutes of Meeting held on 10 April, 2012.

The minutes were approved subject to the following amendments:

Windfarm Applications:  Hoprigshiels development.  Cockburnspath Community Council had not lodged their objections with Borders Council as stated.  Their concerns had been addressed by the developer.  PJ has issued an amendment to Berwickshire News.

Kinegar Quarry.  Borders Council planning have not turned down this application as stated but Cockburnspath & Cove Community Council have objected.

Cllr J Bell had undertaken to report a number of actions from the minutes from which her name had been omitted.

 3:00     Any other business to be added to agenda.  Resignation of East Lammermuir Community Councillors.

Cllr M Mylne (Spott) has tendered his resignation, with immediate effect, from ELCC. Mr Mylne has been a valued member of ELCC and the meeting expressed their sincere thanks for his work and commitment to ELCC.

Cllr M Ramsay (Stenton) will also be standing down in October 2012 at the end of the current term of office and two people from Stenton have expressed interest in becoming involved in ELCC.  Information with regard to the procedure involved in becoming a member can be obtained from ELC Lillian Pryde.

Cllr P Swain (Innerwick) also advised it was his intention to stand down in October at the end of the current term of office.

Cllr chair Chris Bruce expressed his regret at losing such valuable members of ELCC and asked if  those standing down could possibly secure replacements to represent their villages.

4:00     Police Business: No one in attendance, however PC Kevin Hughes has forwarded minutes from the CAPP meeting held on 1 May, which had been circulated to ELCC.  The next CAPP meeting is due to take place on 4 June, 2012.

5:00     Treasurer’s Report:  The bank balance at 19 May, 2012 stands as follows:

Balance at Bank                                                                                                2743.39

Less CR Printing balance                                            244.00

Less unpresented cheques

Innerwick Rainbow Club                                            550.00

Total                                                                                                                      794.00

Balance                                                                                                                 1949.39

Less contingency Crystal Rig Defibs                                                                  900.94

Funds available 19.05.12                                                                           1048.45

 Crystal Rig Windfarm:  Applications forms for funding have been sent to all organisations in the ELCC area on 21 May, 2012.  The meeting agreed a closing date of 20 June should be put in place in order for the completed applications to be discussed on 26 June.  PJ would circulate posters to each councillor, advising this information, for display in the four villages.

Cllr Swain has included the agreed wording format in the ELCC Newsletter which will be published and distributed within the next few days.

6:00     Matters Arising (Previous)

 Belhaven Hospital Forum:  The minutes from the 8 May, 2012 meeting had been circulated promptly and the next meeting will be advised in due course.

Lafarge:  The North West Quarry is currently being pumped as the Dunbar Golf Course is becoming water logged in certain areas.  At present Lafarge do not believe the quarry is responsible for the waterlogging but are pumping the lake as a gesture of goodwill to see if this makes any difference.

Torness:  Cllr Bruce asked for all proposed projects from the villages to be considered by the Torness building projects team, who are keen to work in the community, be with him by 4 June.  Innerwick have identified the need for the Christmas tree lights electricity installation to be investigated as the wind, over the past two years, keeps tripping the fuse. Plus ask if they could install a timing device.  Cllr Charlton also asked if they could possibly look at the floodlighting system to see if there was a more economical way in which it could be utilised.

Oldhamstocks have identified the Mill Bridge project and Stenton have asked if the village hall drains could be investigated.

Food Train supporting local older people at home.  ELC felt they were already covering certain aspects and did not want to be involved at present.

7:00     Councillors’ Reports                                                                                      Action

 Stenton:  Cllr J Bell has reported the broken Church gate handle and the dangerous state of the wall between the old and new grave yards and reminded ELC Brian Cooper of the verges and green repairs. No action has been taken by ELC and Cllr M Veitch would contact Cllr Bell and take the matter forward.                                                                                     MV

 ELC have removed hedges (whilst birds are nesting) and replaced with railings at a number of council houses within this conservation village.  Complaints have been addressed to ELC who undertook this work without planning permission or consideration.  ELC are now applying for retrospective planning permission.

The community dog warden visited Stenton and notices regarding dog fouling will be distributed throughout the village.  However, it was noted that the majority of dog owners in Stenton are aware of their responsibilities.

Pot holes on B6370 (Ruchlaw area) require attention.                                                        MV

 Innerwick: A number of the pot holes had been repaired, however three very large pot holes still require immediate attention.  Cllr Veitch took note of where these are and will report to ELC.                                                                                                                             MV

Cllr Bell had reported the two trees which need attention and ELC Mike Foy has been in touch with Cllr Charlton.

Innerwick Flower Show will take place on Saturday 4 August, 2012.

Oldhamstocks: Cllr Bell has reported the village green/verge repairs to ELC.  Cllr Bruce advised flooding around the top of the village was severe and required immediate attention.                                                                                                                                       MV

Oldhamstocks Flower Show will take place on Saturday 18 August, 2012

Spott: The Spott estate wall on Starvation Brae requires immediate attention and Cllr Armstrong will contact one or more of our local ELC councillors.

Spott will be having a Jubilee Lunch on Sunday 3June.  Spott Fete this year will be on 18 August.

Planning Applications:  Erection of agricultural building at Stottencleugh and erection of cement transition bin compressor building and formation of door to existing building at Lafarge Dunbar works.

8:00     Correspondence: 

The East Lothian Food Bank – public meeting on 6 June, 2012 at 7.30pm in Town House, Haddington.

Consultation on the Integration of Adult Health and Social Care will take place in Edinburgh City Chambers on 19 July, 2012 from 2pm-5pm.

9:00        Date of Next Meeting:  26 June, 2012 in Innerwick Village Hall at 7.30pm.  Please note there is a closed meeting for ELCC only and this would commence at 6.45pm.