Present: Mrs J Priest, Mr W Alder, Mr J Robson, Ms L Kilpatrick, Mrs J Ferguson, Mr R Russel, Mr B Craighead, Ms P Stephen
In attendance: Cllr J Bell
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Ms K Moulin, Mr E Hill, Cllr P MacLennan
2.0 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON 7th MAY, 2009
This was agreed to be a correct record of the meeting.
POLICE REPORT
There was no Police Report tonight. However, Mr Robson reported vandalism and a break-in at Preston Mill on 12th May. Considerable damage was done to the lock, roof, fence and new seats. This was distressing news as the mill is such a well-loved local landmark.
MATTERS ARISING
4.1 Roads/pavements
Mrs Priest has a meeting on June 15th with Brian Cooper to discuss traffic calming in the High Street. She will also ask about the speed bumps and slow signs for Dunpender Road and Rennie Place.
Mr Craighead and Mr Robson have not yet had a chance to look at possible sites for dropped kerbs at the north end of the village.
Cllr Bell is no further forward with the issue of mud on the A199.
4.2 Paths
Mrs Ferguson reported that the new Drylawhill path is finished and being well used. The signs are in place.
Mr Alder reported that the fence on the Hailes path has now been repaired.
Mr Anderson the Ranger has asked if there are any smallish jobs along the paths for volunteers to do. Varnishing the bench on the Hailes path and painting the bench at Phantassie doocot were suggested.
Mrs Ferguson noted that although the wooden edging has come out in places along the Markle path, it was not intended to be permanent.
Ms Stephen has found out that the cycle paths are cleaned by Amenity Services. However, the section immediately beyond Phantassie, which has been very dirty, is too narrow for the machine. She has asked that the path be kept cleaner.
Mr Hill contacted ELC re the North Sea Cycle Route and was assured that the proposed plan will soon be presented to ELC’s cabinet. There are finance issues, but the outlook is optimistic for its eventual completion.
4.3 Hailes Leaflet
There was no report as Dr Pooley was absent.
4.4 Footbridge area
Mrs Priest will contact Jon Champion re spraying.
4.5 Postcards
Ms Kilpatrick brought in the finished postcard, with 4 local views and a border. It is now available and will be sold in local outlets for a recommended price of 35p. Ms Kilpatrick was thanked for her efforts.
4.6 Homecoming Scotland events.
Mr Craighead confirmed that all Homecoming events are organised and advertised. He has had considerable problems with bureaucracy around the funding of these.
4.7 ELDA article for July/August
Mrs Priest will write this.
4.8 Dunpender News
The next issue goes to print on 16th June.
5.0 TREASURER’S REPORT/ LOCAL PRIORITIES BUDGET
Mr Robson reported a balance of £1612.12 in the Current account. £550 was received from ELC for Ian Govan’s services.
The balance in the Grants Account is £3852.93.
Local Priorities
The postcards cost £286 to produce.
The Antiquarians will be asked for help with the cost of repairs to the Rennie Memorial.
The print run of Dunpender News will be increased to 1750.
Mr Tait has set up a local under11’s football team. He needs money for lines, goalposts, etc. He has been advised to cost these items and write a letter.
East Linton Bowling Club has asked for money towards bowling coaching for children. Again, a letter is required.
(See 11.1) Mr Girling from Phantassie Sound has written to ask for money for the Summer Barn Project in the barn at Phantassie with space for BMX, skating, music and a cafe. He will come to the meeting in September. It was agreed to support this project and give £200 towards it.
East Coast FM has asked for help. Mrs Priest will suggest Leader funding.
6.0 TRAPRAIN AND WHITTINGEHAME ISSUES
There is no progress to report with the road to the church.
The wall at the war memorial has still a few coping stones to be placed.
Whittingehame now has recycling wheelie bins.
7.0 TYNINGHAME, WHITEKIRK AND MARKLE ISSUES
Mrs Ferguson will meet Peter Forsyth next week to discuss drainage at Markle.
Cllr Bell is awaiting a response from Brian Cooper regarding mud on the A199 and signage at Tyninghame.
The fire service has visited Monksmuir and given the owner an idea of what would be adequate fire safety facilities. Mrs Priest has written to Cllr Berry outlining the various concerns at Monksmuir.
Many roads around Whitekirk have now been resurfaced.
8.0 TOWN MAINTENANCE/TOURISM INITIATIVES
The lay-by wall opposite Phantassie cottages has now been completed. The Horticultural Society has been planting and the Landscaping department has got plants for the embankment. Wildflowers have been agreed for the west bank at Allan’s garage.
The Beautiful Scotland judging will take place on 11th August.
Mr Robson had a meeting with Mike Omond regarding a new outlet for the Xmas lights. He was given a quote of £1445.72, not including installation or connection. Mr Robson will reply and say this is too expensive and is significantly more than the original estimate and will investigate cheaper options.
Mrs Priest is still working on the Preston Road board.
9.0 PLANNING MATTERS/ HOUSING SUB COMMITTEE
There were no items for discussion
10.0 PUBLIC TRANSPORT/RAGES
There was a meeting between RAGES, ELC, Iain Smith, Barry Turner and SEStrans on 27th May, hoping to get things moving regarding train services. It was agreed that the situation needs taking up from the Planning side as building development cannot be sustained without infrastructure.
11.0 CORRESPONDENCE
Phantassie Sound (A Girling) – application for funding
ELC: Consultation Older Peoples Strategy. Meeting at Hallhill on 23rd June from 6.30 to 9pm.
ELC: Haddington Town Centre Strategy consultation. Councillors were encouraged to attend/respond.
SESplan Spring consultation exercise. Mr Alder to respond.
East Coast Media Association Ltd: East Coast FM
12.0 ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS
Mr Robson missed the last Lafarge meeting.
Mrs Ferguson voiced concerns regarding house martin nests. This bird is on the amber alert list and is a protected species. She has observed that residents of Longstone Avenue are pulling down the nests and putting up CDs to scare them away. Mr Craighead stated that once the birds have started nesting, the nests cannot be touched and will mention the problem in the Residents’ Association newsletter.
Mr Russel has written to The Scotsman in response to an article which stated incorrectly that East Linton was a shadow of its former self following the building of the A1 bypass.
14.0 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be on Thursday, 3rd September 2009 at 7.30pm in the Council Chambers, East Linton.