Minutes of meeting of APRIL 10^th 2002

 

Venue:           Cockburnspath Primary School, 7pm

 

Present:         Mr John Hay, Mr Paul Wheelhouse, Mr Clifford Bertram, Mrs Jane Hood, Mrs Jean Virtue, Mr Matt Deeming, Mrs Marnie McGregor, Councillor John Elliot (Duns and District North, SBC, Miles Swanston (Treasurer of Village Hall Committee), Mr & Mrs Hood of Linhead.

 

1         Apologies

 

1.1          Members:  Miss Lorna Shand

 

2        Village Hall:

2.1         Miles Swanston reported that after being assigned the task of seeking funds to refurbish the village hall and two unsuccessful attempts, the Village Hall Committee had been successful in attracting some £288,511 in funding from the National Lottery.  MR Swanston invited all interested parties to attend the AGM in May to establish a steering committee for the project.

3        Adoption of Minutes for March 13^th  2002 -

3.1          Secretary apologised for not having amended the minutes of February 9^th, due to work commitments, and would bring them to the following meeting for adoption. 

 

4        Matters Arising from the Minutes of March 13^th 2002:

4.1          Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations - Jean Virtue reported that a fun day was proposed for the Sunday 2^nd of June, as many would not be able to make it to a party if held on the 3^rd or 4^th June.  Mrs Virtue asked the CC to consider providing some funding towards the celebration to enable food and drink to be provided and to help contribute towards the cost of providing a commemorative medallion for the children of the village on the day itself.   Following some discussion, it was agreed it would be appropriate to contribute a sum of £100 from CC funds to augment the fund raising efforts of the Jubilee committee. Fundraising night to be held.

 

4.2          Paul Wheelhouse reported that CC’s submission to the SBC local plan review for the Scottish Borders had been drafted and had been submitted, but that further amendments could be made at a later date.  Comments were recived to the effect that road safety was concern on the Pease Bay road between Cove and Linhead and between Linhead and Old Cambus with dangerous driving and speeding a significant public risk or “an accident waiting to happen” (e.g. Hazeldean Bridge).  It was agreed that this would be added to our submission to SBC and resent in the hope that speed restrictions might be imposed and perhaps additional passing places provided.

 

4.3          Matt Deeming also wondered whether Phase 5 of Tollview might be utilised as a planted area or community woodland.  Need to formalise the status of those trees. Secretary commented that this could be possible and that he had also included a request to improve signage of Co'’ath boundary at Tollviw, possibly with planters / bulb planting.

 

4.4              Outstanding Repairs (Update):

 

4.4.1        Discussion of when Concrete Street Lights removed from Square were due to be replaced, but no sight of works being completed.  Cllr John Elliot agreed to pursue this matter. 

 

Cove - construction of waste water treatment plant.  Problem of mounds at entrance has been resolved to Mrs Clarke’s satisfaction, as they will be reduced in height.

 

4.5          Perrymans Buses - Mrs Magregor has still had no reply.  The secretary is to invite  the community transport fieldworker, Suzanne Nugent, to attend a meeting of the community council to discuss general transport issues and options.  Perrymans will be invited to attend and, if this is not possible, we will proceed to investigate alternative options without their assitance.

 

5        Other Correspondence Received:

 

5.1           Planning Matters:

 

5.1.1       Outline consent sought for proposed redevelopment of farm steadings at Cove Farm, to provide 3 residences.  No objections noted, but observations are likely regarding final design, particularly as the barn concerned is of historic value and good quality.  Applicant attended the meeting to answer questions, which was appreciated by the CC.

5.1.2        Application for construction of agricultural building at Fulfordlees.  No objections noted.

 

6        Any Other Business

 

6.1               Future Presentations to be Made:

 

6.1.1        Perrymans Buses (see above)/Suzanne Nugent, Community Transport Fieldworker

 

6.2         Street signs  -discussed possibility of having improved street signs in Co’path.  Was promised some time back, but never materialised.  Secyt to check previous minutes to find evidence of this.

 

6.3          Hoprig:  Mrs Macgregor reported that houses being built will encroach on the road and that trees may be cut down.  Residenets are concerned as to proposals. 

 

6.4          Jane Hood reported that Viridor are looking to burn more gas to generate electricity, which they could then sell on, using larger burners and connecting to power grid at Torness.

 

6.5          Miles Swanston reported that the Neighbourhood Watch sign had been knocked down by traffic to the waste water plant site at Cove.  Awaiting restoration of the sign by the contractor.  Sec’y agreed to contact EoS Water if not put back soon.

 

6.6          Proposal for Village Pub:  Following on from Derek Swenson’s request to a the March meeting to discuss whether it is willing to provide either financial or moral support for the building warrant application for the public house proposed for 4 Hay Terrace:  It had been the intention for the CC to attend a public meeting prior to the CC meeting to discuss the project, but due to unforseen circumstances this was not possible, with the Pub meeting being delayed one week, and the meetings were held in parallel, without Mr Swenson being present at the CC.

 

6.7         The community council agreed that there were insufficient funds to cover the cost of the building warrant apllication and this should be left to the investors concerned, especially given the fact that funds had already been committed for the original planning application.  The secretary argued that as a separate issue, the CC could and should show support for the public house in principle by providing a letter of support which could be used to demonstrate community support/evidence of need.  He argued the case on the grounds of the village needing a focal point and for the tourism potential of the village outlined in the submission to the Local Plan review process, the strength of support at a previous public meeting an knowledge of support among residents of Cove.  A number of members (MD,JV,JH) were concerned that the CC should not be drawn into any ambiguity about the CC support for the project.  Specifically, the consensus among members was that the CC should not be seen to recommend any investment in any private enterprise, for legal reasons and people should be aware they could win or lose in any such investment.  However, it was judged appropriate for the CC to state that Co’path needs a pub, would like to see a pub develop and express support to planning authorities for the regeneration of the buildings, stating the importance of this to the village.

 

6.8         It was therefore decided that a letter of support would be drawn up by the secretary (PW) stating also qualifying our support that we are not expressing a view that it is either a sound or flawed investment and this could then be reviewed by the CC prior to supplying it to the pub sponsors/backers.

 

 

7        Date for next Community Council meeting:  Confirmed as Wednesday 10^th April 2002, 7pm at the Primary School. Subsequently cancelled.