June 2026 Minutes

The June 2026 NCC meeting was chaired by John Muir @ The Dean Tavern, Function Hall. The Newtongrange Community Council meeting covered a range of local issues, with primary focus on centenary event planning for Newtongrange Welfare Park. Substantial discussion centered on the safeguarded route and Crawlees Road traffic concerns. It alsocaptured community concerns and on-going issues, other issues discussed was fence painting, local issues and correspondence.

1. Welcome and introductions – 
   1. Apologies: Jeremy Adderley, Rebecca McCosh, June Robertson, Lorna Leslie, Betty Wilson
   2. Welcome to Laura Wilson (LW), Chair of Newtongrange Gala Committee and fellow Committee member Connor Wright (CW) to discuss point 4.
   3. Chair led special meeting discussion regarding changes to NCC Constitution which was approved by WD and seconded by RM and the two members signed document along with Acting Chair JM. Action for JM to give copy to Paul Johnson.

1. Previous minutes –May 2026 minutes : to be resubmitted next meeting after corrections for August 2026 meeting.
2. Matters arising
   
   1. Paul Johnson to ask at next MFCC meeting about in person/hybrid solutions i.e come to Newbattle Community Learning Centre for meetings. The AGM is usually in person.
   2. RM to follow up with Tam tregardingthe flying fox structure and get a response on alternatives.
   3. Clr B to ask the next Dean Tavern Trust meeting about the outcome of the disabled access compliance check (and their plans for addressing the double door entry issue i.e pads for doors)
   4. Action RA to check with Paul Johnson to check with BT about Main St, Phonebox removal.
   5. Action RA to get printed draft copies of minutes to the library in advance of meeting.
3. Police report –   RA sent to Members & Councillors. A question still needed answered regarding what is the necessary criteria to report an accident. Action RA to provide email to member.
4. Newtongrange Welfare Park Centenary – CW highlighted his 13 years association with the Gala Day Committee and has vast experience with staging events in the park. The issue highlighted Alun Williams who is attending a NCC Engagement Committee on Thursday 2/7/26 will be able to assess draft plan and highlight issues. A generator will be required for suggested stage as mains power cannot safely be put through the area suggested for the stage/main event. For comparison the Gala Stage is usually at the back of St Anne’s/St David’s. CW mentioned that he is qualified to use the electrical equipment. LW/CW highlighted by the £2 per chair quote and thought it was worth further investigation and discuss with Alun Williams on 2/7/26. CW also queried the need for hand wash basins. A further suggestion was to have the toulets closer and perhaps reduce the number of toilets required to something like 4 standard and 1 accessible toilets (with the Pavilion also being open on the day). Food vendors will have necessary certificates and Gala only required them when ponies were on site a number of years ago. A further query regarding potential reduction of the hours 4 first aiders are needed (Currently 12-5PM & £300 and suggested 2-5PM (Action for JM to discuss with provider). CW/LW had reservations about the star shade marquee (spider web) described as problematic with a lot of dead space and retains heat. CW suggested a 6×12 marquee insteasd which has more useable back of house storage space. Number of stewards were also brought up with an action for JM to ask Adrian Lawrie from the Rotary Club of Esk Valley about stewarding. The Gala Committee are lucky to have a number of dedicated young volunteers with incentives such as The Saltire Awards and this could also be an option. CW kindly offered the use of a number of Gala radios for the event n+24. One further point is the need to advertise right away and use as much social media, videos, sharing content and get back in touch with Black Diamond radio. CW also quoted that banners can be sourced for approx £30 and they are of good quality in respect to previous incarnations. Sound system required should be something small like a tower speaker and wireless microphones (Gala Commitee have such equipment). A suggestion was to get in touch with the Primary School for a megaphone for the activities. One last point was the suggestion to get in touch with Mark Duiffy regarding rubbish uplift post-event as there was issues post-gala with strewn litter. The Chair thanked our guests for all the insight & support offered. NWH are unable to transport chairs as they are ‘not commercial items’. LA/JR highlighted a recent meeting with Midlothian Council Land & Countryside Gardening Team regarding the procurement, desired location and planting of an oak tree. Advised that they are looking to have anothe rmeeting late July early August.  
5. Crawlees Road – RM wants to be involved in any future workshop on Crawlees Road. What about the safe guarding route and can Community Councillors or general public participate in the discussions? RA to ask Clr B. Planning department will delay the development with a 9 to 8 vote  for the pause. Serious concern raised about the state of Crawlees Road, Gowkshill heges are overgrown, lines have disappeared again and Z bend sign unreadable. Concern regarding the planning process and tight schedule, where local residents are unable to re-submit previous comments for new applications. A vote of thanks was asked for on behalf of RM, due to his dedication with regards to this matter. 
6. Line Dyke-  A section of Line Dyke wall up to 4th Street (under Lothian Estate control) was removed by Lothian Estate contractors. Acton for RA to get in touch with factor regarding the next steps as residents are concerned  with the mess and damage to wildlife habitats in and around the wall. The lane is a designated safe walking route to school and a much loved historic feature of the village. 
7. Newtongrange Park railings. JM advise the railings have been painted up to tje gate @ 9th street. The group who volunteered a day this month were hampered by the inclement weather. The group have offered to come back in the last week of July. JM and Harry Evans have painted up to the gate. Next phase is to strip the paint ideally using the wire-brush and electric drill although the battery only lasts approximately 30 to 40 minutes. JM mentioned taking out a membership of the Edinburgh Tool library. Donating paint and equipment to the Newtongrange Primary School PTA volunteers. THE PTA also had little success with the Community payback scheme. The Dean Tavern Trust kindly provide an annual grant of £400 & £350 to fence painting fund. 
8. 
   
   
   
   6. Councillor Reports Clr Bowen’s report sent to members prior to meeting 
      

       

       

      b. Councillor Reports. Clr Scott’s report sent to members to members prior to meeting

9. Treasurer: The Dean Tavern Trust £750 discussed point 7.  With total amounting to £3,300. There will be a reduction of £200 for The Tool Library/Gala bag flyers 
10. Planning –  Action for RM regarding proposed tree removal around 60 Lingerwood Road. 
11. AOB – Derelict building next to the station to discuss at next meeting
12. Next Meeting – Tuesday 25th August 2026 6.45-8.45pm @ Newtongrange Community Learning Centre – IT Suite