Minutes April 2025

The April 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: Linda Anderson, Willie Darling, Bill Hunter, Marion Brown, Shauni Emanuel, Marion Brown, Sandy Howden, Clr Douglas Bowen
   2. Introduction to Victor Quested, Waste Management Office in Midlothian 

1. Previous minutes –Mar 2025 minutes : accepted after minor amendments proposed by JR- seconded by LL
2. Matters arising
   
   1. Clr. Scott needs to look for available funding sources for the 4 welcome banners requested by NCC
   2. Stan Gowrie asked about the possibility of Barratt-Redwood/Planning re-routing Crawlees Road away from his house. Noted that nothing will be done until Barratt-Redwood submit applications.
   3. Water flow and flooding a concern for residence along Crawlees. With more houses and fields left without being ploughed.
   4. State of Crawlees Road in Clr. Scott’s report.
   5. Action for VQ to ask Tam Finlay about reinstating benches around sensory garden area.
   6. With removal of the flyingfox could Midlothian Council consider looking to Lauderdale playpark, Dunbar for inspiration. Action for Clrs to consider. New rails and springers might not be the solution.
   7. The chair reported that Whats On In Newtongrange facebook administrators get 30-60 post requests a week. The three administrators are careful to wak a fine line, not censoring the right for people to express their views. However that have the option to suppress the post if comments go beyond guidelines. NCC members worried about the commercial posts.
   8. Clr Scott was happy to announce that the paper repeat prescription has been reinstated at Newbattle Medical Centre.
   9. The two containers have been removed from the Pool Site.
   10. SG highlighted VE Day service around War Memorial at Newtongrange Park. Action for RA to share on Facebook. 
3. Police report – Circulated to members by email. JM noted that the majority were neighbourhood disputes.
4. Victor Quested (VQ) – Council and Community working together discussion
   
   1. Key Contact Matt Kelly (Group Manager – Recycling and Greenspace –
      Neighbourhood Services) MK resolved the Murderdean Road bin issue. Things are changing at Stobhill. Looking at ways to prevent stray fly-away rubbish leaving site e.g chicken wire.
   2. With the two litterpicks by Newtongrange Park Life (26/4/25) & Newtongrange Guerrilla Gardeners (27/4/25). Co-ordinators working with VQ, like Paddy Carstairs and RA are making a difference in Newtongrange. VQ felt overall there is a lack of community in Midlothian. NCC members disagreed with respect to the mining town of Newtongrange. VQ feels that Newtongrange residents who wish could be incorporated in a walk-around of the village. With Waste Management, Elected Councillors and Clerk of Works. Action for Clr to consider. 
   3. VQ met a Newtongrange resident who pointed out broken cobbles, bus shelter graffitti and weeding and has since worked to resolve issue.
   4. Action for RA to promote Midlothian Council Recycling LitterLotto
   5. In cab digital technology improves waste collection services see post 
   6. Action for VQ to look at if Wednesday road/park cleaning in Newtongrange is still a regular occurence.
   7. Discussed the possibility of £5 per item for bulky uplift. Currently 6 items for £30. Although 1 item will also be £30. Having another amnesty booking similar to Woodburn pilot in 2023.
   8. Note the council pays to dispose of gass from fridges ets (no longer in house service).   
   9. With the park centenary next year. One other issue is the park railings that need serious attention. Action for VQ to look once again at payback team getting involved with repainting fences.  
   10. Chair asked how Midlothian Council could work constructively together and wider community. Something that would empower different team. With improving the Midlothian Council website and making it more accessible a possible solution.
5. NCC Garden Competition–  There has been few early entries despite numerous publication articles, online posts and posters in prominent positions (not Newtongrange park noticeboard) coordinated by RM, SM and JR. Need to consider further non-electronic methods like contacting Black Diamond Radio and door knocking/ flyering houses around the community. Action RM to get in touch with Black Diamond. Entries close on 1/6/25.
6. I. C. O = Action for JA/JM to check if we have and need to pay for I.C.O. As it is down to every cCommunity Council.
7. NCC Funding application for 25/26 – Need to make park noticeboard uwith concern thta there was no independent report regarding traffice pdated and relevant. After perspex getting popped out. Action for SM/JA to look at What Halston Engineering can do about perspex and locks. Fraser Wright was recommended to Chair.
8. MFCC Chair Springfield correpondence – NCC members responded with concern that the Crawlees Road figures is not a valid figures and lacks independent scrutiny.
9. Crawlees Road crossing recommendation – After a recent incident where a gentleman collapsed after crossing Crawlees Road. NCC recommended to Clr S that there should traffic lights or at least a zebra crossing. It was suggested that bringing this away from the junction and opposite Saltire Soft Play would be a safer option. Action for Clr. S to see what options are available. 
10. Committees – Issues like Action point 8 & 9 should be taken on by Committees. SM shared the latest Committee members. May meeting we will look to discuss roles and responsibilities for progressing the Committees.
11. Reports
    
    1. COUNCILLOR REPORT – Ellen Scott – Highlighted to Chief Office of Place the maintenance required of Newtongrange Library. (roof leaks, toilet issues, exterior painting) Regarding Crawlees Road dust, dirt and air pollution concerns raised last month – An inspector visited both premises and discussed road conditions and sweeping.  The terms of their wasre management license would ensure dust etc is suitably controlled. Clr S has been advised that constituents can direct dust control complaints to SEPA for investigation. New policy issues have been issued about the use of mobile phones during class times in Midlothian Council schools. Clr S also highlighted CAB display unit. and Gladstone Reservoir water improvements & looking to recruit 2 forest rangers..
    2. MTRaP – Action looking for representative to attend online meeting Monday 12th May starts 6PM
    3. MFCC – Action looking for representative to attend online meeting
    4. Treasurer – £1,998.64 in the bank. JA has asked Catherine Duns for an extension regarding grant funding. Action for JA/JM to meet up and discuss finances in preparation.
12. Tennis update – MR mentioned that Kate Murray was in charge of the tennis court development. Volunteers were being saught for Ageing Well – Walking Tennis proposal for courts. With local boy Jacob Fearnley making waves in the Mens ATP tour it would be a shame not to utilize & promote & generate publicity. MR still expecting a phone call from Derek Oliver. RA read out recent social media post stating that the courts were not yet ready, but would keep public informed when they are.
13. Next Meeting – Tuesday 30th May 2025 6.30-8.30pm @ Newbattle Community Centre – IT Suit