Minutes September 2023

The September NCC hybrid meeting chaired by Jeremy Adderley captured community concerns and on-going issues. Councillor’s reports were offered and discussion regarding the Crawlees Road traffic concerns, Local Palce plan, Newtongrange Masterplan, Police Report and correspondence.

1. Welcome and introductions – 
   1.  Apologies offered by Andrew Marshall (AM), Sandy Howden, William Hunter & Fae Mackie
   2. Welcome from the Chair – reminder of website address
   3. Ongoing issues: PC McFarlane has been in touch with SM regarding derelict building in Murderdean Road. The building has been made safe and dialogue has started with owner.
   4. Matters arising(1): Action to check with AM regarding leafleting owners regarding pavement bins @ top of village (October meeting).
   5. Matters arising(2): Crawlees Road. Clr. S & JA have made progress regarding line painting. The lines are due to be painted on 9th October 2023. Wayne Clark, Robbie Beattie and Derek Oliver from Midlothian Council have all been contacted. Clr S was informed that the school buses will continue to use this route. Further changes are subject to the Springfield development and is by no means a complete solution with a timescale of 3-4 years. With approx. 100 houses built per year, zoning of houses, space for Easthouses, Blackcot Road and active travel considerations. RMac expressed concerns about the 90degree bends and feels the road junction is dangerous and needs to be addressed now. RMac shared photographs of children crossing and pedestrian warning road signs that were dirty, illegible, obscured from the road and in the wrong place. He suggests Why wait till there is a serious accident? Action for Clr. S/JA to point out traffic signs to council. .  RMac/JM mentioned that Midlothian council planners could consider ‘good neighbour agreements’ section 75 order with regards to the  Springfield development. Clr S mentioned section 75 often relates to developers contributions going towards education, play areas etc in or around the local areas. Clr B stated that prior to the development you can request eg. x, y, z & how it will be implemented. However Clr B. cannot say with authority regarding this matter. RMac felt that council “is washing their hands” on matter. Next action for JA/Clr. S to enquire about short term safety measures on road such as traffic lights, one way-traffic solution and explore section 75 agreement. JM felt that if you are stopping traffic flow along their usual route they may find alternative route. JA felt that something cheap & cheerful such a contraflow solution might change behaviour for the better. Re-instate footpaths on the road when they do the Springfield Development works. RMac pointed out that the Highway Code was updated in January 2022 with walkers/pedestrian at the top of the hierarchy. There is a huge load of road safety issues and although no major accidents there has been several small bumps.  A full-risk assessment of the road would be advantageous. Should there be a traffic cap? Action for JA to provide planning document mentioned at last meeting to October meeting. 
   6. Matters arising(3): School buses on Crawlees Road. Clr S read out a response received by Wayne Clark (WC) regarding school buses. Crawlees Road is conceived as an industrial road. 600 children travelling by school bus to Newbattle and St Davids H.S. Re-routing would cause issues for vendors and schoolchildren by lengthening the journey times. Kids would need to leave ten minutes earlier. WC suggested removal of foliage with the Crawlees Road hedges can be cut down a little bit. Plans are in place for speed limits and traffic calming. RMac suggests sticking a 20mph limit on road. He invited the 3 ward councillors to walk the road with him. Although he  feels the main problem is the volume of traffic. LA mentioned that many in the wider community are concerned about the road and “used to walk the road as kids, but no chance now”. 

1. Previous minutes – August 2023 minutes : proposed (after corrections) by LA – seconded JM
2. Matters arising – Action: AM still to progress flyer drop to Murderdean Rd/Old cinema residents regarding wheelie bin matter. . 
3.   Police report –  Police report was shared to members by email
   
   1. No police officer in attendance
   2. JR expressed concern about the number of breaking & entering. There appears to be a degree of professionality to the thefts.
   3. LL mentioned PAT locks and has an action to share with SM 
4. Protecting and improving services:
   
   1. 1.  Local Place Plan Survey (Sarah Matthews) – SM updated meeting about survey with figures with 200+ responses. 151 online, 28 library, 10 COOP & survey filled out at the Dean Tavern. Feeling of Lack of Influence and Sense of Control was highlighted and the need to remove barriers, have meaningful consultation and community involvement. Natural Space was also high on the agenda. . NCC now need to compile report which will set priorities for community. SM/AM to categorize and make sense of the comments. It is important work to look at data, evaluate, suggest and set targets and complete report. It will be a decent amount of work. Currently reports needs to be in draft form by November 2023.
      2. Newtongrange Park tennis court refurbishment continued (Michael Robson)- MR mentioned that we are still on We are currently on the reserve list for £1,500 spending programme funding from LTA grant scheme, this to get an all weather court surface (easier maintenance than current surface) with lockable gate. West Lothian with 3 courts and East Lothian have used park developments, recycling old courts and agreed by charity Tennis for Free. MR also looking at an affordable storage boxes to store equipment. Ewan Peddie, Sportex rhas rough costing for replacement of court surface but needs to be rubber stamped. MR has a Midlothian Coaching team in place. Next step to have a meeting with Midlothian Council Place depratment and Penicuik councillors. This meeting is open to others. All we need is for all representatives to be “singing from the same hymn sheet”.
      3. Newtongrange Community Garden – Outside wall of the leisure centre has been painted blue to compliment aesthetic improvements to front of fence by Main Road. LJ reminded meeting that the Community Garden is a “wild garden”.
      4. Newtongrange Gardening Competition – LJ mentioned told meeting that all the entries were lovely and all winners have been given their vouchers. Dalkeith Guerrilla Gardeners judged event and prizes awarded to competition winners. Due to low turnout the ceremony on Sunday October 1st was cancelled. It was agreed that the competition should be held earlier in the season next year. Action for LJ to share and post images.
      5. Pool Site – THERE WAS A PUBLIC CONSULTATION EVENT ON WEDNESDAY 13th SEPTEMBER 2:30-4:30PM that was very well attended. Online and library feedback form open until 27/09/23. This consultation event feedback will be considered and then go to SHIP and aim to come back with plans by the end of November 2023. JA informed meeting that office bearers held meeting with Anderson Bell Christie this morning to extend community feedback. The architects were told that the retention of tree avenues are important. Need to consider the future of our library. Whether in partnership with church or a provision in a community hub. Wish for the library to expand and be more inclusive. Reiterated the need for a big central public space for community events for emergency situations and festive gatherings. Need to use sympathetic building materials to consider the look and heritage of the place.  It needs to be cost-effective and worry that it will be high-density housing. Architects politely declined request to come to NCC meeting. LA felt architects should have met all of NCC first, not commitee and invitation should have been offered. Clr S asked the meeting what are your feelings – should there be accessible houses for older people – do you want a community centre? LJ suggested two bedroom cottages ‘”smaller houses for smaller houses” because there is a dearth of compact accessible housing in Newtongrange. 10% more bungalows required rather than flats. Wet rooms could be a feature. Clr S agreed that new estates all need a bungalow element.  Ian Hogg (IH) suggested community housing complex such as in Wester Hailes, or build Dean Park Place style housing (without the big gardens that are impossible for residents to maintain. JR suggested keeping the character of the place & recalled how historically the stane block was very much a green space with big gardens. Not houses right up to the Main Road pavement with no parking space. IH said this would be a great place for a pilot project or consider Livingston (West Lothian) resident swap. Local Place Plans will tell them that
      6. Top of village/Murderdean Road bins – This access issue brought up regularly at Village Voices. Clr B confirmed nothing can be done by the council. Action still for AM to organise leaflet drop to residents. 
      7. Library roof/drainage issues – LA concerned about leaks from roof. The toilet is regularly put of use due to drainage issues that have not been resolved, Action for Clr. Scott to double check regarding maintenance work as she had believed it has been checked.
      8. Skatepark divots/crevasses – The skatepark has been skimmed but not with the appropriate “resin” material. LJ/LA discussed matter with Justin Venton (JV). JV looking to get appropriate resin in near future.  
      9. Weeding – (Has this action been address from last meeting?) NCC would like a diary for when council weeding is due in the village. Still need designated zones in the village. Fae Mackie had suggested to get wildflower meadow/orchard in are near new Easthouse Primary School. Fae to liaise with LJ about Orchards for Schools (Has LJ/FM been address from last meeting?)
      10. School parking issues –  Clr B to meet with Laura Cameron, Head Teacher, Newtongrange Primary School. New footprints have been added as a safe route. Publicity campaign required as the “new footprints” are two bright coloured hexagon shapes. They are unclear and very different from previous incarnation.
      11. Conservation area plans – JM reminded meeting that Midlothian Council decreed that it was not in the public interest to know the conservation area boundaries. LA mentioned that there is an architectural link between Newtongrange and Port Sunlight.
      12. Castle Rock resident pipe feed issue – Clr. S felt this was a Scottish water issue 
      13. Pump Track funding – LJ received confirmation from James Kinch, Midlothian Council that there is no money available for a track in Newtongrange Playpark. Looking for NCC to combine with likes of NC1’s Fiona & Dot who were instrumental in getting the skatepark installed, NDT, developers & other interested parties. SM to meet Ivan regarding possible funding streams for NCC which could include pump track etc.
5. Reports

Councillor’s Report –  Clr. Bowen read out report

• Clr B attending various meetings
• Felt dismissal appeals are a difficult process.
• Attended and contributed to pool site discussions with relation to the architects Anderson Bell Christie architects.
• Still looking to organise Litter plan with local minded groups.
• Discussion with NVV regarding Lingerwood development.
• Miller homes agreed to pay for litter bins in local area and will adress suds pond & drainage issues near Lady Road path (discussed previous meeting).
• Looking to get Lady Road Path cleared to make safe route to school. Midlothian council has no money in current budget to address issue but looking to get it from another source.
• Owner of derelict building on Murderedean Road has resolved the boundary issue. Owner hoping to sell to Network Rail.
• Meeting attendee Robert who lives in 8th Street wanted clarification regarding who to approach for lane maintenance. Clr B said when sold in the 1980s the deeds are very vague “you need a share in the lane” and some may be “privately owned”. Not a clear definition regarding private landlord, Council or Places for People. Resident could check with Places for People (old Castle Rock).

• Regarding Morris Road area – Clr B confirmed it is Lawfield Estates.

Councillor’s Report –  Clr. Drummond N/A

Councillor’s Report –  Clr. Scott read out report:

• Clr. S spoke to Fiona Clandillon about whole of the ward including Newtongrange masterplan. To confirm they will not spend anymore money on new hoardings around the pool. Planning permission has gone through for Newtongrange Church (with the exception of solar panels). Church can and will be appealing. LRB will decide. LA advised that the church will be a sanctuary. Two halls will be opened up with kitchen and toilet facilities etc.
• Clr. S mentioned the Scottish Government act to get UNCRC to be enshrined in Scots Law. Noted that Edinburgh College is having a turbulent time having financial issues combined with strike issues.
• Clr. S mentioned that Archie Pacye, former Header Teacher @ Greenhall and instigator in getting the Gorebridge Beacon project built had died. Clr S. attended his funeral.
• Cost of Living Task Force projects for Winter 2023/24. Scheme such as free meal provision via British Read Cross which is something NDT as a trusted partner should already know about. Scottish Welfare Payment that looks to support families that are struggling. Warm and well hub reintroduction at Newbattle Library 02/10/23. Clr S mentioned growing levels of mediation in neighbour disputes. With mental health issues often at the forefront.
• Visited Newbyres Medical Practice. Meeting addressing concerns with practice with less partners and seeking to resolve an issue regarding the lease.
• Education changes in secondary schools with intention to be ambitious, supportive & invest in talent. New Diploma of Achievement personal pathway. Highers unlikely to change.

1. 1. • Treasurer – Financial figure still £2,193 in bank. LJ needed reimbursed for one gardening competitoon trophy.
      • MFCC – SM proposed letting her know if NCC members were in agreement with a letter from Chair, MFCC  regarding having no more major new sites allocated in MLDP2 in the ward. The feeling was that we need more social housing but do not need more with Lingerwood & Redheugh developments. More bungalows, accessible and affordable housing is required. Clrs noted that there are now 5,000 people on the housing waiting list. SM mentioned the My Place Awards  with lots of built environment projects in the region. After many community queries regarding electric cars and lack of charging pointas. SM asked if there is a specific Midlothian Electric Car & Charge strategy and Clr B mentioned that a team is dealing witrh this issue. 
      • Planning Applications – COOP to improve laundry services and major development for Hillend Sports Complex. Newtongrange Church has had planningapproval, however this does currently include solar panel alterations. Springfield embarking on the first round of planning.
        

         

         

2. Date of Next Meeting – Tuesday 31st October 2023 at 7.00 pm, Dean Tavern Heriot Meeting Room and Zoom – register here