Minutes August 2023

The August NCC hybrid meeting chaired by Jeremy Adderley @ The Dean Tavern Lamp Room captured community concerns and on-going issues. Councillor’s reports were offered and discussion regarding the Crawlees Road traffic concerns, Newtongrange Masterplan, Police Report and correspondence.

1. Welcome and introductions – 
   1.  Apologies offered by Rebecca McCosh, June Robertson, Betty Wilson and Maureen MacRae
   2. Welcome from the Chair – JA and apologies for delay with need to move meeting to alternative room + issue with Zoom connectivity.

1. Previous minutes – May 2023 minutes : proposed (after name corrections) by LA – seconded LL
2. Matters arising – Action: AM still to progress flyer drop to Murderdean Rd/Old cinema residents regarding wheelie bin matter. RA still to have ‘Twinning’  discussion with JA and SH. RMac wanted to raise Crawlees Road issue as there has been no developments. JM wanted to mention latest communication regarding Newtongrange Conservation Area plans and received the response ‘it is not in the public interest’ to know where the boundaries are. 
3.   Police report –  
   
   1. No police officer in attendance
   2. SM read out oral report which included two incidents relating to cannabis; removal from Dean Tavern of intoxicated male; attempted theft @ COOP Main Street; erratic driving by inexperienced driver; issues of inconsiderate parking of cars on pavements in 3rd and 5th Street; Child hit by BB Gun pellet in Victoria Park; hoax calls to emergency services from phone box; fire raising in park by youths; Suttislea Grove disturbance where police found valium tablets & an offensive weapon in vicinity; (additional correspondence – issue with 4-6 youths frequenting derelict building on Murderdean Road and a report of an abandoned vehicle. Action for JA to report to Police along with Murderdean Road derelict building correspondence.)
   3. BH had hoped to notify police of the re-emergence of youths and the building of a gang hut with firepit and tarpaulin roof in the woods at the Glen. 
   4. Fae Mackie wished to report that there has been fly-tipping incidents, on the building sites beside new Easthouses Primary School and it is getting through to the suds pond.
4. Protecting and improving services:
   
   1. 1.  Local Place Plan Survey (Sarah Matthews) – SM offered introduction about plan saying that the ‘Scottish government want to know how local people wish to use their area’. The survey  has been accessed online by 100 people. However not all completed survey. Th survey was to close on the 15th of September. This is typical with other local Community Councils in the area. Few paper copies have been completed despite library sessions publicised and offered in the library. At the meeting the survey was considered confusing and time consuming. SM had a useful meeting with Village Voices (VV). SM also visited St. Davids Day Centre & St. Annes.  RMac did mention that the 12-14 participants could not understand survey. Either a clear Yes or No would have been helpful. New ideas were to have bullet points, 14 questions on a single piece of A4. Brainstorm ideas – pull demographic of the village; what does each age generation want; targets for age groups;  create executive summary. Clr. Scott to share ‘3 wishes for my community’ A4  sheet that was used in Gorebridge.  SM organising COOP drop in sessions with the intention to get children involved in process. Which was supported by the Coalfield Regeneration Trust. SM informed meeting that  volunteers required for compiling (formatting & wording) and the report needs to be completed by October (this could be a draft copy) and ideally a final copy published in November 2023. 
      2. Newtongrange Park tennis court refurbishment (Michael Robson)- JA introduced item mentioning that MR/NCC are looking at a potential offer of funding from LTA grant scheme, this to get an all weather court surface (easier maintenance than current surace) with lockable gate. This surface has been laid in Rosewell, however by Sports Scotland refurbishment. Newtongrange courts current surface is around 20 years old and has no escape for drainage water. Old surface can now be recycled by the charity Tennis for Free. We are currently on the reserve  list. This combined with potential hire of workable toilets in the tennis pavilion. The pavilion appears to have workable floodlights which stands us in good stead for grant. However Mark Kenmure, Midlothian Council contact is struggling to get round the maintenance needs of building. MR sates that the project requires the full blessing and understanding that Midlothian Council would maintain the court. LTA expectation courts to be maintained for 10-15 years. However, MR not privy to what is in full maintenance agreement. Need confirmation from Midlothian Council, Estates department. NCC also looking out for other potential partners/volunteers. Current tennis courts are passed their shelf life (tried to clean them up). Michael Robson waiting on Ewan Peddie, Sportex report regarding costs for refurbishment of court surface. Two new courts and recycling £12,000 + VAT approx and for another cleanup £2,600 + VAT For example MR quoted that currently 3 West Lothian courts have been replaced for £96,000. Kris Henderson, Tennis Scotland keen to support Newtongrange project. This summer MR & Rhona More provided a tennis session for 17 children and 10 adults and it was the best attended session ever in Midlothian. All our ward Councillors are supportive and if you don’t ask you don’t get!
      3. Newtongrange Community Garden – LJ informed meeting that the garden now has a greenhouse. Which can provide shelter for volunteers as well as space for growing.This project has been beneficial for volunteers mental health. Toilet access/communication with Leisure Centre has been perfect. Funding from Mushroom Trust, Royal Horticultural Society. Networking with library to provide wildlife identification sheets. The pergolas are erected thanks to support from Willie the volunteer and the Payback Scheme. The first batch of honey has been produced and volunteers will receive a jar. Clr Drummond expressed delight at how much has already been achieved and how ‘very impressive’ the garden is.
      4. Newtongrange Gardening Competition – LJ/JM – Currently £58 from Apache services for trophies & engravings. LJ to total up total costs incurred from Gardening Competiton. JM advised NCC that clear tickets/receipts should be provided for auditing books. JM also wished to ensure every transaction agreement was clearly minuted. LJ requested volunteers to do the mechanics of the event. Dalkeith Guerrilla Gardeners will be judging the event prior to Awards ceremony on Sunday October 1st, Rebecca McCosh has created a flyer with full details and will be shared. JA suggested a printing job of 1,000 flyers this TBC. Targeting local shops and areas the other option.
      5. Crawlees Road survey – Robert Mackie (RMac) – RMac concerned that there has been no movement “how long will it take to get resolved.” regarding this road and specifically white lines urgently required on road. He provided further pictures to show how road is in a terrible state of disrepair & too narrow for traffic. Latest figures provided 580 totla in one hour (552 cars , 50m lorries and 8 school buses on road). Crawlesss Road. JA/Clr S have contacted Derek Oliver regarding issue but at meeting have not received a response. The email was officially received on the 13th July 2023.  JA mentioned that evidential support has been provided by Robert Hogg, Chair of Mayfield/Easthouses CC. Action for JA/Clr. S to get back to Derek Oliver regarding matter urgently. During the meeting AM filled out a road report form. Need for a full risk assessment on Crawlees Road .  RMac advised solution would be to put traffic lights on the road or make it a one-way system and stop lorries going on the road. LA mentioned that the  road used to be a country road, now it is not walk-able. Clr. Scott felt it was not a safe route for schools.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               *From previous meeting concerns were raised about environmental health – the larger number with asthmatic/breathing issues and decided to do a traffic survey on Crawlees Road is not coming up to requirement. Crawlees road seen as a quick connecting road between A68 – A7. RMac looked at Highway department requirements and distribution road requirements for road to need to be 7.3 metres wide. Crawlees Road narrows dramatically towards Stobhill Road less than 6 metres long. Vehicle speed is a real problem. Pedestrians cannot attempt to walk (pavements worn down by vehicles) or even cross the road without risk. Request to have lines repainted as vehicles are blocking access by moving into the middle of the road. Council vehicles should not be using road why re they still flouting the law? Explaining an hourly survey – RMac provided a visual example with one marbles representing one car.  To represent how many cars pass along the road in just one hour. The survey was on a Thursday between 12.15-1.15PM with a total number of 410 vehicles on the road. Heavy goods vehicles and school buses to and from Newbattle High School are using this route. Regarding the Springfield development NVV would like to see the road planning. Clr D provided paper link with roads diagram and action for JA to provide plans and make them available in the library. BH asked if road survey using electronic measurement was carried out by Springfield or Local Planning, can we check when they were measured (perhaps during Covid, so much busier now)? JA thanked RMac and believes we have two issues: planning & road inquiries. Action for JA to look at meeting with Derek Oliver regarding road issue and need to consult with absent Vice Chair, Andrew Marshall who is our key NCC rep regarding concerns Springfield development. The three ward councillors are sympathetic to issues raised and will discuss the matter together and Clr S has photographic evidence of issue provided by RMac. JA to consider the multiple actions and this will remain on agenda for August meeting*.
      6. Pop-up Park– LA stated that the area looks quite terrible. Bay trees are withered and are were not suitable for climate. RMac also questioned why teque for the benches?. It should have ben greener/recyclable material.  With it being a disgrace that £84k was spent on this site. LA felt that we never got to the bottom of who sanctioned it. Clr B reiterated that the project was never put before full council and was decided by the Place department. The money could not have been redirected to another project. One benefit is it can be moved when masterplan project begins. LL confirmed that all the planters have been weeeded by NGG and certain shrubbery cut-back. LA also asked about the £30k offerd for replacing hoardings. Clr B reminded meeting that this was declined due to requirement to prioritise this area for council masterplan.  Action for Clr B. to ensure that the hoarding is repaired however as the place is still full of rubble and sharp material and is a Health & Safety issue. Clr D informed meeting that *THERE WILL BE A PUBLIC CONSULTATION EVENT ON WEDNESDAY 13th SEPTEMBER 2:30-4:30PM. This consultation event feedback will then be considered and then go to SHIP and aim to come back with plans by the end of November 2023. Meeting had clear exclusion concerns of not offering an evening consultation. LA expressed concern that the consultation already looks like a done deal with “too short a window”. JA advised that this among other concerns should be asked specifically at the meeting.
      7. Top of village/Murderdean Road bins – This access issue brought up regularly at Village Voices. Clr B confirmed nothing can be done by the council. Action still for AM to organise leaflet drop to residents.
      8. Library roof/drainage issues – LA concerned about leaks from roof. The toilet is regularly put of use due to drainage issues that have not been resolved, Action for Clr. Scott to double check regarding maintenance work as she had believed it has been checked.
      9. Twinning ideas – Action for JA/RA and this will be on the September agenda.
      10. Skatepark divots/crevasses – The skatepark has been skimmed but not with the appropriate “resin” material. Action for LJ to discuss matter with Justin Venton. The area is cramped and dangerous for little children with lots of near misses.. Any chance of a more benches for the area (concern about vandalism/fire raising) & pump track similar to the great facilitiy in North Middleton? LJ also mentioned a lamppost that had fallen fallen over.
      11. Griggs vans – LA noted improvements but issue will continue to  be monitored.
      12. Weeding – NCC would like a diary for when council weeding is due in the village. Still need designated zones in the village. Fae Mackie had suggested to get wildflower meadow/orchard in are near new Easthouse Primary School. Fae to liaise with LJ about Orchards for Schools
      13. School parking issues – SM contacted Laura Cameron, Newtongrange Primary School Head Teacher and provided community members comments. Clr, B also addressed issue with Derek Oliver.  Issues raised were large number of cars per residence on 3rd Street. JM asked SM to add bottom of 7th Street and Park Road where it is near impossible to turn car out-off at busy times. It was noted that there has been an increase in parking attendants around school hours. Clr B mentioned 
      14. Conservation area plans – JM on NCC’s behalf has lodged an appeal regarding the decision that locating and providing the conservation area plans are not on the public interest. JM feels a list should be provided and will consider options which includes going the local press. This action to be brought back to September meeting,
5. Reports

Councillor’s Report –  Clr. Bowen sent email report

• Clr B to provide contact for a friend who is offering his services regarding external funding ideas.
• Regarding Morris Road area – Clr B had asked Lawfield Estates to cut-back area. Bill Hunter wished to clarify whether ownership was with Lawfield or Lothian Estates?

Councillor’s Report –  Clr. Drummond prepared report but issues already discussed.

Councillor’s Report –  Clr. Scott to send report

• Lady Road to Easthouses core path is currently deemed very dangerous. LA stated that it is a historical walkway. Could it be improved to make it a safe way to school. Fae Mackie mentioned the area and properties were subject to recent flooding. 

1. 1. • Treasurer – Financial figure £2,193 in bank. JM has paid for and received Remembrance Day wreath and passed to AM.
      • MFCC – N/A
      • Planning Applications – COOP to improve laundry services and major development for Hillend Sports Complex. Newtongrange Church has had planningapproval, however this does currently include solar panel alterations. Springfield embarking on the first round of planning.
        

         

         

2. Date of Next Meeting – Tuesday 26th September 2023 at 7.00 pm, Dean Tavern Heriot Meeting Room and Zoom – register here