August 2026 Minutes

The August 2026 NCC meeting was chaired by Jeremy Adderley @ Newtongrange Community Learning Centre – IT Suite. 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: Sandy Howden, Rebecca McCosh, June Robertson, William Darling, Betty Wilson and William Hunter
   2. Chair intimated his intention to stand down, with an agreed exit plan in place with the possibility of next meeting being his last. (Action discussion regarding next steps/AGM next meeting) 

1. Previous minutes –May 2026 minutes  (proposed LA and seconded MB) ; June 2026 minutes (proposed RM and seconded by IH)
2. Matters arising
   
   1. Crawlees – SG raised his concerns about the close proximity of Crawlees Road to properties and RM queried the breadth of same road. Why was the number of vehicles not considered in survey 13/3/26. How did he council come up with these figures? With the planning meeting imminent 8/9/26 members should look out for the papers going out on Live Meetings website. NCC agreed that the majority prefer that the road to be on the safe guarding route. Not for the current route with an alternative active travel/safe route for school incorporating the safe guarding road. It was felt that currently there is not a safe path along Crawlees Road it disappears and pollution concerns have not been fully addressed.
   2. Line Dyke – JM, LA and JR met with Ben Burbridge factor of Lothian Estates along with Councillor Scott and a resident of Wester Suttislea. JM felt it was a productive meet and BB answered all the questions raised. The area of the wall damaged by the storm and area belonging to Lothian Estates was removed due to safety concerns. Still ownership queries regarding the area that is not Lothian Estate responsibility. The 6-7 metre strip east of wall was sold and the farm land is now the responsibility of Barratt Homes. NCC stated that coping is required to strengthen the remaining wall as water build up from the fields streams down 5th-6th street due to braches in the wall and is a flood risk.  Clr Scott confirmed that at preent state the Line Dyke is not a safe route to school for the many children recommended to walk this route to Newbattle High.
   3. There are three potental sites  earmarked for a new Gorebridge High School. However, any decision on these sites will be at least four years away.
   4. La confirmed that oak tree is getting planted & the cermeony will be held @ 11am the 10th September 2026. The council will stake it, circle and mount spade for ceremony that will include Lord Lieutenant and Newtongrange Primary School children.
   5. Intention is for Alan Turpie to bring Newtongrange War Memorial additional names proposal to General Purposes Committee on 29/9/26 for approval.
3. Police report –   RA sent to Members & Councillors. NCC responses: Police were catching a good few bikes which is a positive sign. RM mentioned that there had been a recent motorbike crash on Crawlees Road. He also is still waiting for answer regarding the incident of the school bus crash on Crawlees Road on 9th January 2026 approx. 11:03am. Was it reported and if not why?. What is the requirement for reporting such incidents i.e amount of damage, personal injury etc.
4. Newtongrange Welfare Park Centenary 19/9/26 – JA will mark lines the night before and in conjunction with Midlothian Council will be setting up equipment from 9-12 on Saturday morning. Their is approximately 25 stall holders with NCC sharing a stall with Sarah/Poodle Pop face painting. Black Diamond has kindly offered to provide music,  PA equipment and use of roving microphone for Eric Davidson to engage with groups. We would only need to provide a £150 donation to Black Diamond.  Midlothian Council to put up bunting around lamposts in the park. Note for JA to get in contact with Craig King from Midlothian Council regarding power & cabling. Minimum requirement of 18 volunteers on the day. Need to clarify with council with regards to bin provision and clear up requirements. Need to confirm where the toilets are getting placed and that we have clear signange for car parking restrictions at tennis courts. There will be a tennis and petanque offer in the afternoon at that side of the park TBC. Requirement with stall holder agreement to ensure food safety compliance and our insurance is valid unless we get 2,000+ all together at the same time. 
5. Centenary Programme – (TBC)
   
   
   6. Official opening 1pm
   7. Midlothian Community Band first set
   8. Gardening Competition 
   9. Midlothian Community Band second set
   10. Tug of war
   11. Be Happy Performing Arts showcase
   12. Gorebridge Community Choir
   13. Traditional races
   14. Newtongrange Silver Band
   15. Official closure Eric Davidson
6. Councillors reports – RA forwarded report from Clr Bowen and Scott to members
   
   
   6. Clr. Scott informed group that she has mde planning aware that the mature trees next to the new housing development @ the Pool on Main Street are not to be touched. Plans were submitted in March 2026, planning consent expected on 31st August 2026.
   7. Clr. Scott has let our Treasurer know the process of accessing the money allocated by the council for the centenary event
   8. Clr. Scott confirmed that the electrical issues regarding the lights by the Dean tavern is in process with cable joints needing repaired. This is why there has been roadworks along this area of Main Street and adjacent streets.
   9. Concerns have been raised regarding rental properties in the village.
   10. Clr Scott has new surgery dates 
7. Paving slabs on Main Street from the Dean to Scotmid – Clr Scott will look at the slabs.
8. Lady Road path maintenance – LA reported that you can hardly get through Lady Road now.
9. Old Legion site – LA highlighted that nothing has happened with this site and it is an eyesore,
10. 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 
11. Planning –  8 dwellings @ Home Farm, Newbattle Road and that their is a crushing site @ Meggetfield Garage. 
12. AOB – MLDP2 open consultation in Newtongrange Library on Thursday 12-7pm. Regarding this issue Penicuik CC are looking to make a formal objection with other CC’s Damhead. Action required for Chair to consider NCC response after consultation. Gardening Competition expenditure needs to be agreed for next year and liaise with Flora NGC.
13. Next Meeting – Tuesday 29th September 2026 6.45-8.45pm @ Newtongrange Community Learning Centre – IT Suite