Present: Mrs J Priest, Mrs E Gill Ms A Pearson Mrs A Cosgrove (minutes) Mr D Wight Mrs L Shaw-Stewart Mr M Askey
In attendance: Cllr L Jardine, Anthony Jeffries, John Kinnaird, Peter Beckman, David Marsh, Verity Sinclair, Chris and Angela Muirhead.
1. Apologies: Mr H Thomas, Mr R Russel, Mrs A Hunter
2. The minutes of the meeting held on 5 June were agreed.
3. Police Report/CAPP
There have been several reported incidents of ASB at Linn Rocks over the summer. These reports have all been from one resident.
Although this is a popular hotspot for youths over the summer, it is also apparent that many criminal incidents have occurred following the resident trying to engage and correct the youths involved which has resulted in escalation. I am trying to work with the residents and educate them on strategies to prevent further incident.
I will be attending at Dunbar Garden Centre on Tuesday the 23rd of September and at Dukes cafe, West Barns on Friday the 24th of October between 1130 hrs and 1330 hrs for anyone to who wishes to speak with me regarding any community issues.
I had the opportunity to meet with an advisor from CAP (Community Alcohol Partnerships). This is a national organisation which supports communities to try and reduce adolescent alcohol consumption. The community can make a difference through a number of initiatives such as education within schools, working alongside police, licensing and retailers within our community.
I am hoping to set up a group of volunteers across East Lothian that will meet quarterly and get involved some of the initiatives. This is a great opportunity for the community to work together to tackle adolescent alcohol consumption.
Please could you pass this on to your members and forward contact details of anyone who would be interested in getting involved.
Once I have enough volunteers, I will arrange a meeting for all to meet with a CAP advisor who will be able to explain more about the organisation and support us in setting this up.
Between 1st of August 2025 and 31st of August 2025 there were 65 calls to the area. This resulted in police recording 18 crimes, categorised as follows:
• Reducing Violence and Antisocial Behaviour
5 x Assault
2 x Threatening behaviour 1 x vandalism
1 x Resist arrest
• Reducing Acquisitive Crime (Crimes of Dishonesty)
1 x Theft of MV
• Improving Road Safety
2 x Disqualified Driving
2 x Drive no insurance 1 x Drink drive
2 x Miscellaneous
• Tackling Serious and Organised Crime (Drugs & Crime Prevention)
1 x Possession of drugs
Following the CAPP meeting on 14th August 2025, the following priorities were set:
1. ASB at Linn Rocks, East Linton
2. ASB/Fires at John Muir Country Park
The date of the next CAPP meeting is 6pm on the 9th October 2025 at Dunbar Grammar School
Mrs Gill advised that police had been informed about graffiti on the new bridge at Markle, as well as concerns from some residents about possible speeding on the new section of road. Based on reports from residents she went on to outline the range of incidents that had occurred over the summer at the Linn Rocks. While some of these appeared more serious than others she said it was important to note the cumulative effect of all of these whether some were deemed minor or otherwise and these were often being committed by the same group of people. The main message from the Police to residents at the Linn Rocks was "Do not engage" which residents did not find helpful. It was suggested that a meeting be arranged between Police Scotland and some Community Council members, as well as appropriate ELC ASBO staff and elected representatives. Also, if there was hard evidence that this was as a result of the free bus passes then the bus companies should also be involved.
4. Matters Arising
4.1 Chairmanís Report for the year - agreed by all. As it had not been possible to finalise the accounts in time, there would be no AGM this year
4.2 Community Council elections - All were reminded to submit nominations to ELC by 18 September. There were 3 current vacancies on DCC.
4.3 Meetings attended: Parking Charges in Dunbar - Mr Wight had attended. Dunbar Food System - Mr Wight had attended: he explained Dunbar could be a model for other places.
4.4 Wolfstar Archers - Mr Marsh explained that ELC want to see the woodland used by the archers enclosed by a 6 foot fence. Cllr Jardine offered to convene a meeting with ELC. Mr Askey would attend from DCC.
4.5 Defibrillators at EL surgery and Whitekirk - Ms Pearson outlined the issue at the doctorsí surgery in East Linton. Mr Askey would assist to find a solution.
North Berwick Coastal AP had offered a defibrillator to Whitekirk, but Mrs Priest could not locate a contact in Whitekirk to progress this.
4.6 Clearing of road culverts - Mr and Mrs Muirhead, 42-44 High Street attended and explained the issue with flooding coming down the main road into their garden. Mrs Priest offered to contact the water authorities to find out if the culverts require clearing.
5.0 Area Partnership
Ms Cosgrove noted that there was a meeting on the following Monday to finalise the Area Plan.
Ms Pearson asked about funding for picnic tables at Pencraig and Whitesands. She would progress this.
6.0 Finance
Mrs Gill read out the notes which Mr Thomas had provided on the previous yearís accounts, as well as a budget forecast for the current year. Members thanked Mr Thomas in absentia for providing the forecast and for clarifying financial matters within the accounts. Members agreed the accounts for 2024-25 and agreed that a formal audit was not required. The position for 2025-26 was noted and it was agreed that any potential spend should be notified to Mr Thomas.
7.0 Planning/Licensing
Information had just been received concerning the Belltown planning application. Ms Shaw Stewart will reply.
East Lammermuir Energy Forum was the following week. Cllr Jardine would attend.
No more had been heard about the Solar PV application at Preston Road and it was agreed to keep this in view.
Noted that Graham Marsden was now ELC's Chief Planning Officer.
8.0 East Linton/Preston
Information boards at Dunbar Road - Robert will request that these be re-erected by ELC.
Pavement at Orchardfield - work had now been done by ELC after 7 years of requests.
Path to Markle from Dunpender Road - now complete. Some concern had been expressed about the materials iused but it was noted and agreed that this was in line with other core paths that were repaired.
9.0 Tyninghame/Whitekirk
ELC was considering the petition for a speed limit through Tyninghame.
The bus shelter has been repaired.
The Hall Committee are considering installation of a wood burning stove in the Village Hall.
10.0 Traprain/Markle/Whittingehame
A visit was planned to look at the proposed site for a bus stop for use by Overhailes residents.
A letter had been received from residents of Markle, appreciating Mrs Gillís work regarding the level crossing replacement work and all the associated works involved. DCC members welcomed this warmly. Mrs Gill advised that planting at the site was still ongoing and that more would be done in the autumn. Signage in the area was being attended to and GPS would be updated. Noted that Community Benefits work done at Preston Road, Binning Wood as well as the Dunpender end of the Public Right of Way that ran from Markle.
11.0 Projects
Walks Leaflet - Mrs Gill would chase up the appropriate person in Cross Country to see if DCCís application has been successful.
12.0 Correspondence
As noted in the agenda
13.0 AOCB
The Whittingehame noticeboards require restoration. Mrs Shaw Stewart will discuss with Cllr Jardine and bring back to DCC in due course.
The Horticultural Society AGM was on Saturday 13 September at 10 am in the Stables.
14. Date of next meeting: Thursday 2nd October 2025 at 7.30pm