Minutes September 2025

The September 2025 NCC meeting chaired by Jeremy Adderley @ Newbattle Community Learning Centre.  The meeting captured community concerns and on-going issues, other issues discussed was the police report, litter-picking and maintenance issues, Springfield development, Crawlees, Pool Site, local issues and correspondence.

1. Welcome and introductions – 
   1. Apologies: John Muir, Willie Darling, Betty Wilson, PC Jason Mackenzie, Rebecca McCosh, Marion Brown

1. Previous minutes –August 2025 minutes : accepted after minor amendments proposed by JR- seconded by LL
2. Matters arising
   
   1. Action for RM to create an agenda crib-sheet for 2026 Garden competition. 
   2. Action for Clr. Scott to source Welcome Signs for Newtongrange when money/funds are available.
   3. NCC Lingerwood response was added to the planning portal and sent to Ward Councillors.
   4. JA asked which NCC members would be interested in meeting Jilly Davis, Land Manager @ Barratt for discussion 3-4 max. JR & LA to take lead on getting a meeting date.
   5. Lothian Estates are currently making reapairs to a section of the Line Dyke wall and will maintain it over time. There is a need to remove 30 metres due to safety concerns. Action for RA to communicate with correspondent on this matter.
   6. JA discusses the digital accessibility training offered by Paul Johnson and Robert Hogg. Paul Johnson MTRAP offered IT training locally on a Tuesday, Thursday or a Friday for those wanting to learn more about attending online meetings. However, Robert Hogg, MFCC was looking at how a hybrid offer might work for those who prefer face to face meetings.
   7. Clr S mentioned that the new fencing for the extension to Newtongrange Primary School playground has been erected.  Clr S expressed that there had been positive feedback from the school regarding the fencing The school is now waiting on the play equipment being delivered. The estimate for this is Oct/Nov 2025.  Inside the gym hall has been resurfaced and Clr S was impressed with the mural. Keep NPS playgound on Sep 2025 agenda. 
   8. Action for Clr. Scott for update request with regards to the pot-hole pro machine and its activities for next meeting.
   9. Action for update on noticeboard and defib map  for next meeting.
3. Police report – Police report delivered by Ally Hutchison – 99 calls over period. Which included details of theft, drug-related activities, and assaults.
4. .  – RM concern about little mention of perceived arson attacks at Newton House. Other incidents involved arson attacks in and around the premises of Newton Cottage. PC Hutchison to talk to Newbattle High School police officer regarding previous action about willful fire raising issue around private property near school. Illegal bikes and dangerous back wheel man oeuvres were discussed. MCAT had a planned day of action on the 14th of September, but poor weather deterred the normal level of activities.  Action for NCC Facebook post regarding this matter and how you can report anonymously. The meeting was informed about the large police presence required at the scene of serious organised crime activity in the vicinity of Mayfield Industrial Estate. PC Hutchison discussed the increase in mental health related calls and the role of the police in providing support to individuals in the area.
5. The Pool Site housing
   
   1. Clr S mentioned that there had been four tenders and the intention is to award a contract in February 2026.
   2. NCC member asked whether the the modular houses will have brick style cladding? There is a concern that the houses will not be in keeping with the heritage and character of the historical  village.
   3. NCC asked if it was possible to see the tender invitation to understand the council’s vision for the space.
   4. Why was the Community Council not shown the tendor application documents and specifications before the process began?
   5. NCC wished to see the latest visualizations/configurations (artist impression/perspective drawings) 
   6. LA wanted confirmation that the planted trees by the curbside will be preserved
   7. It was agreed there was a need for an update on the tender and the potential for community engagement in the design process Action for Clr S to send any update to Ross Anderson in the Chair’s absence.
6. Abbeylands tennis – JA reported that RA, Michael Robson and himself had an online meeting with Keith Smith, Midlothian Council regarding the courts. Keith has a remit to boost sport and engagement in Midlothian and it is good to have a named contact moving forward. The aim is for school collaborations and introductory courses to promote tennis are available, i.e Park Activator.  Looking to get a pool of volunteers who will with only a limited amount of time expected of them. Abbeylands 148 bookings in the soft launch of eight weeks and plans for future engagement and further promotion to come before next season. There is a sinking fund of up to £1,800 for the upkeep of the courts. Floodlighting linked to bookings and lighting system is getting tweaked. There was no alternative booking system it all has to go through the LTA Clubspark app. 
7. Newtongrange Park – Clr. S mentioned that there had been further complaints about the litter (not many litter bins) and parking in and around the park. Action for RA to get in touch with Keith Smith to ask whether they could send a polite email to the local football clubs using the park at the weekend and for cars not to park on the grass.
8. Crawlees and other road issues –
   • NCC highlights the increase in traffic and the need for a safety review of the road.
   • JA mentions the implementation of a 20-mile-per-hour speed limit in certain areas and the impact on traffic flow.
   • RM discusses the lack of response from MP and MSP regarding road safety issues & provided this documentation to the Minute Secretary scan_randerson_2025-10-17-14-11-02

    

   • NCC discussed the likely impact of new developments on traffic, including the increase in skips and movements.
   • JA suggests documenting increased traffic to make a stronger argument for road safety improvements.
   • The discussion includes the challenges of managing traffic in the village and the need for better infrastructure.

    

   • The council’s role in ensuring safety and addressing traffic issues is emphasized.
   • NCC discussed the need for a comprehensive safety review and the impact of new developments on traffic.

    

   • Speaker 5 mentions the police’s perspective on traffic accidents and the lack of significant accidents on certain roads.
   • The discussion includes the challenges of managing traffic in the village and the need for better data.
   • Speaker 8 emphasizes the importance of documenting traffic issues to make a stronger argument for road safety improvements.
   • The conversation highlights the need for better traffic management and infrastructure to address safety concerns.
   
   
   • JA suggested finding out the phasing of developments and their impact on road safety.
   • RN discussed the impact of new developments on traffic and the need for a comprehensive safety review.
   • The discussion highlights the importance of addressing traffic issues in the village and the need for better management.
9. Newtongrange Park Centenary 2025 – JA discusses the need to plan for the centenary celebrations of Welfare Park. NCC felt that activities might happen throughout the year with various events culminating in or around 11th September 2026. JA proposesd creating a central point of communication for the centenary celebrations and involving the community. NCC discussed the importance of collaboration and the need for a planning day for the centenary celebrations. Action point for January 2026 meeting to define what NCC’s role is in the celebrations. Need to collaborate with the Mining Museum, Village Voices, NC1, NPS, NDT. SE suggested a plaque or tree planting ceremony. Could ther be a form of Gala Day in Sep 2026 like there was in Sep 1926. 

10.       Place-Based Investment Programme (PBIP) fund. JA discussed the funding application for fencing refurbishment, roofing over the bandstand, and improved path signage. NCC discussed the criteria for the funding application and the need to link it to the local place plan. If successful Jeremy Adderley discussed the potential for community involvement in the projects and the need for proper purpose and management.

11. Remembrance Day volunteers – LL & SE will represent NCC in the wreath laying ceremony on Sunday 8th of November 2025. JM will drop off wreath prior to the day.
12. Newtongrange Library – NCC wished to thank Clr S and the Estates department/Contractors for the improvement work to the outside of Newtongrange Library. Concern was raised that there needs to be a proper maintaince plan looked at every year.
13. Newtongrange Church – Will be open for congregation in the first week of November and public visits planned next month. Concern raised about the hazardous area where the chuirch hall and car park had been. There was a requirement for accessible car parking spaces 2-3,  which as of yet has not been resolved. 
14. NCC response to Lingerwood planning application – Action for JA to send Community Council response to Councillors.
15. Tennis pavillion – Action for Clr S/JA to look at whether a lease similar to the bowling pavillion can be resurrected. There needs to be a full audit of the building. Clr S advised that on the matter of Newtongarnge Park there has been been complaints about parking, the behaviour and the mess in the park. In considerate parking is a concern all over the village. 
16. Reports Clr. Bowen’s report was sent to members.

    Clr. Ellen Scott

    – Newtongrange Primary School – 100 years

    Clr S was very pleased to visit the primary school and see the work in the park that is going on.  The fencing is in place and the school is just awaiting the play equipment – Clr S has asked when this will be delivered .  This will add so much joy to the pupils and give them the extra space and green area they so desperately.  I also asked for the gym hall floor to be done.

    Flying Fox

    I am investing ting whether the Flying Fox in Arniston Park and Newtongrange Park can be restored as this is very popular with slightly older children.

    Line Dyke

    I raised the condition of the wall as it was felt to be in a dangerous state in parts.  Officers responded that they were aware of the condition of the Line Dyke wall and had structural engineers appraise it and it is not in imminent danger of collapse however it is a risk they are monitoring.  It is not owned by Midlothian Council and is not part of the new Cruden site. 

    Further investigations has discovered that it appears Lothian estates have taken responsibility and propose removal of c30m of wall for safety – it will however be rebuilt.

    Main Street Bollards

    I have again chased this up and have received a reply that a works order was raised and that the operations team will be contacted to try to get this processed urgently.

    339 and Circular Route

    Officers will be appraising the community bus soon and seeking direction for rolling it out further.

    St Annes – Midlothian Retirement Housing Association

    I have been supporting residents at St Anne’s in Newtongrange, who wanted to complain about the additional amounts they were being charged for services.  It resulted in a very good meeting at Gorebridge Bowling Club, where the Landlord – Places for People, MSP Colin Beattie, myself and representative of the newly formed Midlothian Retirement Housing Association met.  The Midlothian Retirement Housing Association now includes

    Cost of Registering to the Information Commissioner [GDPR]

    After a query from Moorfoot Community Council, I have asked that Officers look into whether the cost of registering can be paid by Midlothian Council, similar to the Insurance premium for Community Councils, as £70 can be quite a significant amount of allocated budgets.  This is being investigated.

     Battery Storage

    I am very pleased that the result of my moving for a Judicial Review in the Planning Committee and after deliberations in private, Councillors agreed for the process and legal advice to be taken forward through the Director of Place.

    “Midlothian Council is challenging a decision made by the Scottish Government on 12 May 2025 to grant consent for a battery storage site the Dalkeith schools campus. 

    The site will store energy using large lithium-ion batteries, but it is close to the campus which has around 2,500 pupils as well as staff members. Councillors are worried about safety concerns, especially the risk of fire which may create the potential for toxic fumes.

    The council has started a process called a Judicial Review. In Scotland, this means asking the Court of Session to rule on whether the government complied with the law when making their decision. COUNCILLOR REPORT – Ellen Scott –

    
    Clr. Ellen Scott – 

    Newtongrange Library

    I have met with Officers to ask that all the maintenance in the library and the outside is completed as soon as possible.  I am very unhappy about the lack of maintenance of both Newtongrange in libraries and will continue to pursue this as a priority. NCC member felt that the interior walls had not been done and looks “shabby” and in need of plastering and painting. The library staff were also left to clear up all the debris left. Action for Clr S to check if the interior is satisfactory.

    Education Placement Appeals

    During June, there are Education Placement Appeals to be heard.   These can be very emotive for parents/carers, but panel members try to ensure a friendly and open environment to put people at ease.

    Education Exclusion Appeal

    I took part in an Education Exclusion Appeal.  Exclusions are not taken lightly and parents/carers have the opportunity to appeal any decision taken by the school if they feel it is warranted.

     

    Treasurer –  balance £1,292.68

17. Correspondence – Inconsiderate parking due to limited parking space by the junction of Galadale with cars parked to close to the junction, disability parking spaces and yellow lines are all creating restrictive viewing and creates a blind bend for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike. The area is already blighted with cars travelling up the very narrow Newbattle Road. Concerns over the yellow lines on 7th Street, making it difficult to turn in and out of street was also mentioned. Another issue appears to be the disparity with regards to parking fines for cars parked up on the pavements. Traffic wardens appear to be targeting Gowkshill Crescent but missing many other areas. Why not a bigger range of streets.  Concern raised that such a road needs to have access for emergency vehicles to move freely. 
18. AOB: JA & Clr. S offers apologies for next meeting. LA hopes to be Chair TBC. The AGM will be in November 25th and the need to prepare appropriate information. Action for RA to add on next months Agenda.
19. Next Meeting – Tuesday 28th October 2025 6.45-8.45pm @ Newbattle Community Centre – IT Suit