October 2026 Minutes

The October 2026 NCC meeting was chaired by John Muir @ Newtongrange Community Learning Centre – IT Suite. The Newtongrange Community Council meeting covered a range of local issues, with primary focus on community concerns and on-going issues, other issues discussed were contingency plans for Chair, local issues and correspondence.

1. Welcome and introductions – 
   1. Apologies: Rebecca McCosh, Betty Wilson and William Hunter
   2. AGM will be held on Tuesday 24th of November 6:45-7:45pm

1. Previous minutes – September 2026 minutes (proposed LL and seconded by LA)
2. Matters arising 
   1. Community Council Experience of Engagement with Midlothian Council – Survey to be continued October 2026 meeting 
   2. Action for Secretary of NCC resend letter to new Director of Education regarding the capacity limitations of the 48 single decker Lothian bus.
   3. Action for Secretary to get all remaining members to read revised code of conduct and sign if agreeable.
   4. Action for Secretary to find out if there can be private funding for Newtongrange Gardening Competition 2027.
   5. Action for RA to invite Colin Beattie to attend January 2027 meeting where we discuss community priorities.
3. Police report –   Secretary sent to Members & Councillors. NCC responses: Face covering such as wearing balaclavas seems to be on the increase. Is there any way that police can identify individuals?
4. NCC Officer roles moving forward (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary) 
   
   
   6. JM to Chair November AGM 2026 meeting.
   7. RA continuing to work with ex-Chair to maintain NCC email account, website and insurance responsibilities. Now has access to email account.
   8. RA and JR (& LL if required) have agreed to be signatories for the RBS account. With both non RBS account holders the process will be longer. Treasurer will contact RBS too move forward.
   9. Secretary to promote AGM on Social Media regarding vacant positions. Vice-Chair position prioritised & a massive priority to get new people on board.
   10. Secretary to get Zoom admin access to allow hybrid access.
   11. Funding applications moving forward – any takers? (Previously Chair and Treasurer)
5. Council houses in Newtongrange – Action for Secretary to get copy of letter from resident to Clr. Scott regarding housing issues.
6. Community Council Experience of Engagement with Midlothian Council – Survey Discussion – Chair completed a half of the survey. Action for RA to ensure second part is discussed next meeting Oct 2026. 11 Members were in agreement for the sections completed in survey.
7. Newtongrange Welfare Park railings project thank you – JM presented with card and gift for the incredible team effort. A massive thank you to John, Ian and the team. An estimate was that the length of fencing was from the Dean Tavern to Gilmerton crossroads.
8. Cost for gardening awards 2027  – RA to investigate private funding proposals.
9. Landscaping proposals Pool/Church site – Option 2 decided upon due to need for public realm for Christmas event and signt lines to tree. Concern raised that despite being retained the Council did not appear to maintain planters or the condition of table & chairs.
10. Safe guarded route – see 11b
11. Correspondence – Indoor football in Newtongrange. Action for Clr. Scott to see whether younger levels can use Newtongrange Community Learning Centre – Sports Hall. The early plans for the Lingerwood development had football pitches included but no longer.
12. Councillors reports – RA forwarded report from Clr Bowen to members
    
    
    6. Clr. Scott to send report to Secretary for forward on.
    7. Gladhouse Reservoir phase 1 is now complete
    8. Clr S highlighted The Promise, to try & make improvements to  the care system.
    9. Mining Museum pavement and bus shelter improvement work starts early 2027.
    10. Action for Clr S regarding issue with drop kerb at St. Anne’s Car park
    11. Parcelforce box is now away from Main Street.
    12. Pool/Church site – consent from planning expected by the end of October 2026.
    13. Library/Leisure Centre refurbishment agreed.
    14. Concern raised regarding uncovered sub-contractor lorries.
13. MFFC – Secretary attended October meeting. Action for Acting Chair to send Proposed Midlothian Local Development Plan 2 Representation on behalf of NCC. Secretary to send further response to MFCC representative for meeting with Colin Beattie MP regarding new housing figures in Midlothian in MLDP2. Secretary advised NCC members that local people can inform capital works expenditure. With fortcoming notification regarding putting forward two carriageway schemes and two foot-ways to be considered for Midlothain capital project. One path that will be highlighted is Lady Road path. MFCC AGM will be held in-person on Wednesday 18th of November 2026, 7-9pm. Two members are hoping to represent.
14. Treasurer: 9,955 in bank as of 30/10/26. Still payments due from centenary e.g Midlothian equipment hire.  Treasurer to work with JA and RA to get Annual Accounts ready for AGM.
15. Planning – Tree removal in Lingerwood Road area. Action for RM to consider.
16. AOB – RA to ask for new road plans for RM to consider. What is happening regarding ownership with regards to the old NHS clinic in St David’s. An observation that the colour of yellow lines is not very consistent in the village. JM to represent NCC and lay wreath on Remembrance Day. JM represented NCC at Community Learning and Development in person event.
17. Next Meeting – Tuesday 24th November 2026 6.45-7.45pm & Regular meeting 7:45-8:45pm @ Newtongrange Community Learning Centre – IT Suite