Community Council Minutes - January 2007
COLDINGHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL (CCC)
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 16th January 2007 (Download Printable Copy)
ATTENDANCE:
George Russell, Ged Hearn, Chris Anderson, Allan Simmons, Gwyn Thomas.
Apologies: Alan Bogle, Morag Duff.
1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – as above
GH reported that Barry Crawford was no longer a CC member through lack of attendance.
2 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING (Dec 19th 2006)
These were accepted as being a correct record of the meeting.
3 TREASURY REPORT:
CA reported the current balance to be at £586.91, having accrued for cheques to be cleared for payments for memorial wreathes, grass cutting, secretarial expenses, and Christmas lighting
4 POLICE REPORT
One officer in attendance: There had been several caravan break-ins over the Christmas period but no-one had been charged as yet. There had been reported damage to the Christmas tree lighting. A garden fence had been reported as being vandalised but it was possible that the damage was weather-related.
The reported desecration of the cemetery had been investigated and it appeared that the collapsed stone was due to slight land subsidence, although evidence of potential unlawful behaviour was noted from cotton-buds littering the area.
5 MATTERS ARISING
Memorial – grass cutting
AS had submitted detail of work undertaken and had been paid. It was agreed that SBC should be responsible for regular maintenance of the grass as long as it is kept to the current standard. The Chairman thanked the Garden Party for their maintenance work and also CA for his contribution to a tidy-up before memorial day.
Community Councils Scheme review
SBC were seeking comments with regard to Community Councils whose boundaries and seat numbers were affected by the review. This didn’t affect Coldingham CC. Comments were also sought as to whether there were sufficient seats. It was agreed that Coldingham CC had sufficient seats but had problems filling them all. The overlap of the beach domain with St Abbs CC had been flagged up as a boundary issue where adjacent CC’s have joint interest.
AS to liaise with Clare Malster to keep abreast of progress of the review
Wind farm public debate
It was noted that the item was not on the February SBC agenda, and planning had not yet formally received any revised proposal. GH had still to arrange a meeting for a debate among communities affected. He now expected this to be some time around mid-March. The Berwickshire Community Council Forum (BCCF) had arranged a meeting at Duns on 23rd Jan to discuss SBC consultation document “Governance Framework for Community Benefits derived from Wind farms. CA agreed to represent CCC. The Chairman suggested Dave Jones also attend and there was no objection*.
[*Subsequent to the meeting it was established that only elected or formally co-opted CC members could attend and speak at the BCCF meeting and Dave Jones was advised of this]
Youth initiatives
GH reported that arrangements had been made for a trial youth club for one month which would require £60 of CCC funding. This was supported. The organisers would feed back to the CC after the trial.
Resolving antisocial behaviour
With regard to possible youth shelters that could double-up as dugouts for the football pitch AS showed some examples that AB had provided. It seemed that the most appropriate youth shelters/seating would not really also be appropriate as a dugout. The main issue at this stage was to get an indication of budget because such items varied from £5000 to £10,000 and beyond. GR advised that if the CC could raise 10% of funds then CC Grant funds were available to match the other 90%. So for £500 a budget of £5000 could be found.
Following AS suggestion it was agreed that it was important to involve local youths in the decision making process.
Beach updates
GT reported no further developments since December meeting. Nothing had started re the proposed car park as yet. GR reported that he had recently reminded John Dent SBC of the key points requiring progress.
There was some discussion about whether car park charging at weekends was desired. It was felt that warden control of other aspects (dogs, disabled parking, illegal parking, illegal use of beach) was greater necessity than monitoring car parking. It was expected that the CCC would be consulted before car park charging was finalised.
Coldingham Moor pathway (M Fenty)
It was understood that this was now in hand with pathways contact at SBC
The Garden Party and village gardens
The Garden Party requested the CC to consider ways they could help with:
A possible garden competition might help encourage general improvement to village gardens.
Greater awareness of the Garden Party in the village.
It was agreed to put the item on the agenda for next meeting for further discussion.
Cemetery – a memorial garden
GR said that he had asked SBC (John Cook) to initiate a project to create a memorial garden area adjacent to the cemetery (where the electricity poles had stood). Updates to follow.
6 PLANNING
It was noted that the Ale Mill development had been passed by SBC
06/02509/OUT – Gosmount Hill Farm – two new dwelling houses
There was concern about the access point along the narrow lane, on a blind bend; additional traffic on a road that lacks passing places; and the significant number of trees that would need felling in a wooded area outwith the village boundary.
06/02408/FUL – Press Castle – Flat 1 – alteration to form two flats
This was supported
7 SBC COUNCILLOR'S REPORT (where not already covered above)
Coldingham Priory Gardens
The community garden group continue to meet to develop ideas and are liaising with SBC regarding repair and maintenance of the access path from The Bow.
Coldingham Cemetery
No news regarding the issues re additional access
Whitfield Junction
There is little chance of this becoming a priority in the present financial climate. If the CC wishes to make a formal approach it should go to Colin Ovens.
A1107 at Acredale
Concerns have been passed on regarding the quality of work and the narrowness of the carriageway around the new islands.
8 CORRESPONDENCE
O2 (uk) Ltd proposal for new mobile mast along Reston Road
It was noted that this was in the same vicinity as the existing mast. It was noted that it would be useful if the mast doubled up as a flagpole (which was believed to be an option available).
AS to respond and request a flagpole-style mast for the benefit of the village.
SBC Budget and Spending Plan briefing – Jan 29th
Noted – no attendance planned
SBC Small Towns report 2007-2013 – document issued or comment
Passed to CA to initiate circulation
9 AOB
The Priory Garden group asked whether the CCC could assist with notice boards to promote the improvement project. GR advised that SBC Local should be contacted to assist with provision of notice boards.
10 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 20th February at 7.30 p.m. – Coldingham School
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30pm
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