Community Council Minutes - February 2007
COLDINGHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL (CCC)
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 20th February 2007 (Download Printable Copy)
ATTENDANCE:
George Russell, Ged Hearn, Chris Anderson, Allan Simmons, Alan Bogle, Morag Duff, Gwyn Thomas.
1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – as above
2 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING (Jan 16th 2007)
CA pointed out that the balance quoted was after accruing for uncleared cheques that had been paid. This to be clarified in minutes by AS.
3 TREASURY REPORT:
CA reported that current balance stood at £467.95.
It was noted that subscription to Rural Action group (East of Scotland) was outstanding.
CA to address this - the contact was Barriejr@aol.com
4 POLICE REPORT
One officer in attendance, reported as follows:
29 Jan – sheep fencing stolen at Coldingham Moor
30 Jan – house and caravan break-ins (TV, Videos stolen)
31 Jan – Milldown Farm Cottage – breach of peace
17 Feb – attendance by officers at car park following reports of damage to cars – it was noted that some of the youths present were from Fife.
In addition to the above it was noted that there had been some vandalism at the Fishers Brae picnic area (ornamental wheel) on Feb 19th. There was concern expressed that the number of unruly youths are growing.
It was agreed to ask SBC to improve the brightness of the lighting in the car park vicinity.
CA to progress via SBC contact Lisa Chiles re this
See Youth item below re further initiatives
5 MATTERS ARISING
Wind Farm
GR indicated that this was unlikely to be submitted to SBC’s March meeting. It was agreed that GH should go-ahead and arrange a local community debate at the end of March even though no formal submission had yet been made to SBC.
Following a question from the floor it was confirmed that there were long term provisions for dismantling costs in the proposal.
AS to write to Ian Lindley SBC with CCC views that wind farm related community funds should be for the benefit of the communities directly affected.
Youth Initiations
AB reported on the youth shelter idea for the field – his police colleagues suggest that arranging for a shelter in the playing field will not solve the problem. It was agreed to drop this for the time being pending establishing a liaison channel with Coldingham youngsters. It was felt that dialogue was more likely to help resolve the problems.
GH reported on progress to re-establish a Youth Club for the 8-12 year-olds. Fran Evans, who has experience of running such things, including the Eyemouth Dry Dock, has offered to help. One paid worker and one volunteer helper are envisaged. Existing residual funds from previous youth club would be used to get it up and running. There would be a requirement for volunteers to keep guard at the door. The above was supported.
GH would arrange an initial meeting between Fran and CC representatives.
Beach Updates
Progress was still awaited for the car park extension. GR reported that this could be expected during March. GT reported that the one large rubbish bin (which was emptied daily) had now been replaced by two wheelie bins which have much less capacity and which are only emptied twice a week.
GT to email John Dent at SBC to resolve this.
GR added that SBCs legal dept has been reminded about ‘anti social issues’ dog fouling and the like ; extra litter bins will be provided ; some investment at the toilet block has been requested ; beach award application went off in good time.
GT also reported confusion over the new signage which was much less visible than the signs they are replacing, especially as they have been positioned on the access road gate which is invariable open, making the signs useless.
Garden Party initiatives
The meeting again endorsed the good work by the Garden Party in maintaining the Memorial area. Additional work undertaken by CA/AS for Memorial day was also appreciated.
It was confirmed that the Garden Party are responsible for ongoing garden maintenance of the Memorial area with SBC now being responsible for regular grass cutting.
All CC members to keep an eye open for litter in the vicinity and keep it tidy in this respect.
On the subject of new initiatives to help promote the Garden Party it was agreed to run a competition for the best patch of garden in the village by an under-16 year-old. A prize of £35 was agreed from CC funds. Judging would be done in conjunction with Coldingham Gala (July 29th). An independent judge would be found for the occasion.
Community Council review – boundaries
It was agreed that Coldingham CC did not wish to change the boundary with St Abbs CC and expected to liaise with St Abbs on any common issues such as Coldingham beach.
AS to report back to Clare Malster SBC on this.
6 PLANNING
Bogan Green area: A development brief produced by SBC planning for the Bogan Green plot was tabled. This would serve as a guide to any would-be developers and provides a framework for assessment and shows that some 36 houses could be accommodated.
It was confirmed that no development was currently being proposed for the area.
O2 mobile mast – planning application now received for this. This was discussed and supported at previous meeting. AS to request a flagpole style mast.
7 SBC COUNCILLOR'S REPORT (where not already covered above)
Coldingham Sands update (as above)
Speed limit review This has now gone out to consultation and specifically for Coldingham this means a 20mph zone in the centre of the village - up School Road , the High Street , Fishers Brae , Bridge Street - and an extension of the 30mph limit towards East Law by some 200m. The Police will have a large say in the results of the consultation.
Supplementary Planning Guidance (see Bog ran Green above)
Congestion in High Street I accompanied Jim McQuillin of the SBC traffic team to look at the High Street and have asked him to consider what measures might be put in place to ease congestion , particularly on summer weekends.
Cemetery /Memorial Garden Robert Mathison of the SBC Bereavement Service accompanied me to the cemetery to look at the feasibility of a memorial garden. He will do some work on it and get back to me.
Community Funds from wind farm developments The consultation period has ended. No news as yet on the Coldingham Moor planning application.
Budget and Council Tax Thanks to some £1.9m taken from reserves and a larger than the average supplementary payment of £2.6m from the Scottish Executive, SBC council tax payers will face a CT increase of 1.9% in 2007/08.
A1107 closure at Eyemouth Construction of central refuges and other calming measures will mean Victoria Road will be closed for 5 days from 26 February and the A1107 between the petrol station and Victoria Road for 5 days from 5 March.
Borders Care & repair Service This new service is now being rolled out Borders –wide. Its coordinator , Tom Small will be pleased to come and talk to a future CC meeting.
8 CORRESPONDENCE
POSTWATCH – re DTI consultation on rural post-offices.
AS to respond and emphasise the importance of the Coldingham PO.
NHS Borders – Coldsteram dental centre – public engagement paper.
to be circulated for comments – CA given this initially.
Speed Limits Review – already covered under item 7 above.
9 AOB
Coldingham Walks Booklet – GT reported that the Bookshop has offered to take over responsibility for this in future and this was supported by the meeting.
Abbey Court – following a query to its status this was confirmed to be an unadopted road.
Traffic Bollards - There was concern expressed about the positioning of two new traffic bollards at the edge of the road on the corner of Bridge Street and the Eyemouth Road – some of the longer buses had already had scrapes because of the bollards and the narrow road. It was unclear as to whether the bollards had been put there on request of local residents or an SBC initiative. GH agreed to investigate and report.
Priory Garden – the meeting was informed of an archeological survey taking place on Saturday 24th which would be open to the public. This was a exercise ahead of the development of a garden in the area.
10 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 20th March at 7.30 p.m. – Coldingham School
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30pm
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