September 2026 Minutes

The September 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 community concerns and on-going issues, other issues discussed were contingency plans for Chair, the centenary event, fence painting, local issues and correspondence.

1. Welcome and introductions – 
   1. Apologies: June Robertson, William Darling, Betty Wilson and William Hunter
   2. Chair will stand down at end of meeting, 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 – August 2026 minutes (proposed LL and seconded by IH)
2. Matters arising 
   1. Line Dyke – Action for Clr. S as further assessment  required regarding the present state of Line Dyke as a designated safe route to school. Due to the lane being used by cars, bikes and pedestrians. JM suggested more sleeping policemen as a traffic calming measure.
   2. Action for Secretary of NCC to write a letter to Director of Education regarding the capacity limitations of the 48 single decker Lothian bus.
   3. Clr Scott highlighted isssues of the paving slabs on Main Street from the Dean Tavern.
   4. NCC highlighted to Clr. S the change of use with new laundry facilities at corner of the ScotMid Dalhousie Road. 
   5. Clr. S to chase up the Blue Parcel Force related storage box that is obstructing the footpath on Main Street.
   6. JM highlighted the unfinished state of the drop-kerbs.
   7. LA mentioned the pavement situation by the main entrance of the Mining Museum has not improved sufficiantly ansd that the roadsweeper does not pass the barrier. Can this pavement be put on a regular maintenace schedule or use a narrower vehicle for specific pavement job? 
3. Police report –   Action for RA to send to Members & Councillors. NCC responses: RM still keen to explore Guidance for drivers: Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV) – GOV.UK reporting. What is the ceiling for personal injury or is there a certain amount of damage required. NCC asked if other major issues such as hate crime, demographics of age and cyber crime could be considered in the future.
4. NCC Officer roles moving forward (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary) 
   
   
   6. Chair to step down at end of meeting
   7. JM to Chair October and NOV AGM 2026 meetings.
   8. RA  has agreed to step in as Secretary for October meeting and willing to stand for election for AGM. RA working with Chair to get access & maintain NCC email account, website and insurance responsibilities. Motion was carried Proposer: IH & Seconded: BW.
   9. Requirement to complete small grant application for 2027 and to report on the funding. What we have to pay for governence.
   10. RA and LL have agreed to be signatories for the RBS account. With both non RBS account holders the process will be longer. Treasurer will organise this transition when required. 
   11. Rotating Chair option? This was  previously considered between Jeremy and Andrew but never worked sufficiently.
   12. Look to promote AGM on Social Media regarding vacant positions. Chair stated it is a massive priority to get new people on board.
   13. Chair to re-share 
5. Revised Code of Conduct (2026 September Revision) 
   
   
   6. NCC members looked at new proposals and signed document acknowledging the change.
   7. Action for RA to chase up all absent members at next meeting
   8. A current Councillor decided that he would no longer attend the meetings and Chair addressed this matter at meeting.
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 – Concern about accessibility at venue for wheelchair users. Dalkeith Advertiser stated it was on Thursday, not Wednesday.
10. Safe guarded route – see 11b
11. Correspondence – Chair to resend Scottish Government Local Government Reform Proposals with response being organised and opportunity to make inputs. The Newtongrange Heritage Trail has been launched at the centenary event.
12. Councillors reports – RA forwarded report from Clr Bowen to members
    
    
    6. Clr. Scott informed group that planning consent for the Pool/Church Hall site expected at the end of October 2026 
    7. Clr Scott mentioned the safe guarding route beside Newbattle Medical Centre is a viable option.
13. Paving slabs on Main Street from the Dean to Scotmid – Clr Scott will look at the slabs.
14. Lady Road path maintenance – LA reported that you can hardly get through Lady Road now.
15. Old Legion site – LA highlighted that nothing has happened with this site and it is an eyesore,
16. Treasurer: £5,486.83 in bank as of 27/10/26. Approx. £4,000 committed regarding Centenary payments. Treasurer to work with JA and RA to get Annual Accounts ready for AGM.
17. Planning –  8 dwellings @ Home Farm, Newbattle Road and that there is a crushing site @ Meggetfield Garage. 
18. AOB – Concern raised that you do not get a chance to get on to the A7 from Stobhll Road junction. Clr S advised that traffic lights are planned for the bottom of junction. Dave Hope asked about how can the Newtongrange community get behind and promote Tour De France 2027 – yellow bikes along village and knitting/crochet groups with the various stage winners green, pokka dot etc.  
19. Next Meeting – Tuesday 27th October 2026 6.45-8.45pm @ Newtongrange Community Learning Centre – IT Suite