Community Council Minutes - April 2007

COLDINGHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL  (CCC)
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON  17th April 2007 (Download Printable Copy)

ATTENDANCE:

George Russell, Chris Anderson, Allan Simmons, Alan Bogle, Morag Duff. Apologies: Ged Hearn, Gwyn Thomas

1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – as above

2 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING (Mar 20th 2007)
Treasury report to be corrected: The person who agreed to examine the 2005/06 accounts was the Eyemouth Herring Queen and Lifeboat Fund treasurer

3 TREASURY REPORT:  
CA reported that the 2005/06 accounts have now been signed off.
There is £404.44 in the account – with the SBC grant that will become £1054.
It was noted that following a suggestion by GR that , if necessary, surplus funds could be ring-fenced as common-good monies under a separate signature-account.

CA advised that another £100  would need to be put aside for Youth Club costs to cover continuation of the Youth Club pending a review (to be arranged).  (See Youth Club below)

4 POLICE REPORT
There had been further caravan break-ins and incidences of underage drinking reported. Some calls had been made in respect of beach fires.

The byelaw re ‘drinking alcohol in public places’ has now been endorsed and notices will shortly be distributed around the village.

5 MATTERS ARISING

 Nominations Process
AS reported that as Barry Crawford was now no longer a councilor by default his place could be filled by a nomination and vote to coopt a replacement at the next meeting. Rhona XXX was the interested candidate.

Carpark lighting
GR advised that Lisa Chiles (SBC) was willing to come to Coldingham and look at what can be done. AJS offered to be contact point.

Youth Club
See Treasurer report – The first club night was successful. The next club night (the second) is this Friday. A review is to be scheduled to take stock of costs and funds, address how to get access to the existing residual £700 , and seek long term funding arrangements.

Beach updates
GT reported that there were still no replacement seats, dog-walk signs, nor development of the carpark extension or appropriate bins. Clear dog signs are needed everywhere – not in small print. Jet-skis were once again becoming an issue.

It was agreed that GT should continue liasing with John Dent (SBC) on outstanding beach issues. AS would remind John Dent that the CCC is behind GT in pursuing these issues.

GR advised that Alan McLeod is the SBC contact for bins issues – it is understood that bins are currently emptied daily.

It was noted that the Marine Conservation Society (adopt-a-beach) involves volunteers collecting nd recording rubbish types found on beaches but does not necessarily address preventative actions.

Garden competition – under 16s

This needs to be initiated by next meeting.
AS to draft and entry form and liaise with CA to promote the event.

Windfarm – public debate   (see under Planning below)

SBC Floral Gateway competition 2007      
The Garden Party explained why they didn’t want to enter this event – it tended to be an artificial focus for one day on one pre-defined route and not award natural and general floral/garden work across the whole village all year-round.
Action: AS to thank SBC for the invite and respond and explain.

6 PLANNING

Scottish Exec – Planning reform and community Engagement – paper noted

06/02509/OUT – Gosmount Hill Farm (update) – planning refusal noted

05/0425/FUL – Coldingham Moor Windfarm
The public debate had concluded with a message of a resounding ‘no’. The CC intended to meet in camera and deliberate on the outcome of the debate and agree a response to SBC, which will be circulated at the next CCC public meeting.
GR reminded of the need to reference policies to underpin any response if it is to have influence. It was expected the application would next be reviewed by SBC on 28th May which gives time for CCC to complete its response.

07/00474/FUL – Archers Close, The Bow – replacement windows - supported

07/00457/FUL – Eastlaw Cottage – extension to form residential annexe
It was agreed to remind SBC of previous points for refusal (eg, sewage constraints) and draw attention to the fact that there seems to be very little difference between this “residential annexe” and a new dwelling house.
07/00497/REM – Plot 3 – land SE Buskin Farm Cottages
– erection of dwelling house with garage/annexe supported

7 SBC COUNCILLOR'S REPORT

GR spoke to his report (where not already covered above)

Cemetery
The Cemetery was a major disappointment – the access issues with neighbouring landowners has been thwarted despite best efforts over four years. The Memorial garden area was still a prospect though.

High Street
Yellow lines in High Street opposite side to Spa – endorsed by this CCC meeting

30mph extension
Extension of 30mph entrance to village at Eastlaw remains a realistic possibility

8 CORRESPONDENCE

Berwickshire “citizen of the year” proposal – this has been withdrawn through lack of interest. Noted.
Burnfoot – local community council action plan - this is an example of action plan for general CC interest. Noted

SBC Our Scottish borders – Vibrant Communities Awards 2007

Examples of community projects put forward for 2007 awards. GT given spare copy to review because Coldingham CC is hoping  to put beach improvements project forward for 2008 award.

Community Council Insurance Cover – noted should CCC employ anyone.

9 AOB

St Abbs road – request for traffic-slowing measures.
This was noted as part the overall traffic issues. The idea of an island on Coldingham Moor road opposite woodland walk exit was supported
GR advised that Russel Craig at SBC is contact..

Residual water pipe plinth

AS to contact June Tinto Scottish Waters re residual plinth next to Bridge in Bridge Street which youngsters are jumping off – a danger to traffic and youngsters.

Memorial grass – grass not always being removed – strimmer used which is not appropriate – Stuart Wilson is contact – Garden party to follow up

The Bow – Keep clear road painting  - supported by meeting – AS to contact Paul Matthewson (SBC)

Bridge Street bollards - It was noted the bollard on the Bridge Street bend had been knocked over by a bus and removed. The CCC supported the need for a bollard on that bend.

10  DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Tuesday May 15th  7.30 p.m. – Coldingham School