Minutes of meeting of DECEMBER 14^th 2001

Venue:           Cockburnspath Primary School, 7pm

 

Present:        Mr John Hay,  Mr Clifford Bertram, Mrs Jane Hood, Mrs Jean Virtue, Mr Paul Wheelhouse, Councillor John Elliot (Duns and District North, SBC), Julian Warman (Scottish Wildlife Trust, Galashiels)

 

1         Apologies

1.1          Matt Deeming (work commitments), Lorna Shand (ill health), Mrs Marnie Magregor

 

2      Guest Speaker:   Julian Warman, Conservation Manager –Borders, Scottish Wildlife Trust

2.1          Discussion on developments at Pease Dean and how awareness can be raised among local people of the Pease Dean itself and the work of SWT.

2.2          Importance of this habitat - relatively undamaged woodland and little altered since the surrounding land has been cultivated.  Home to small population of red squirrels, roe deer.  Keen to expand if possible to include area up to Penmanshiel, where much of the best oak forest is located.

2.3          As visitors may have noticed, much of the non-native species, such as sycamore and chestnut are being felled and replaced by native trees such as Oak, Ash, Rowan, Holly, etc.  Some other coniferous trees such as Scots Pine will be retained because of value for Squirrel population.

2.4          Keen to recruit volunteer helpers for the further improvement of the Reserve

2.5           SWT are keen to facilitate guided walks through Pease Dean during Spring / Summer months (probably around dawn as this is best to wildlife) for local community to spread understanding of what is there and its value.

2.6           SWT to make a mail drop of leaflets to residents of Co'path and Cove areas to provide details of the proposed walks and to speak to Co'path primary regarding guided walks for groups of school children to increase their understanding of the importance of the Pease Dean and engender support among the next generation of users.

 

3        Adoption of Minutes for November 14^th

 

4        Matters Arising from the Minutes of October 12th:

 

4.1           Outstanding Repairs (Update):

4.1.1        Concrete Street Lights removed from Square - no progress to date, as funds are not available for replacements

4.1.2        Cove - repairs under way to access road land slip - continuing

 

4.2           Cove - waste water treatment plant - received e-mail from ESW to say gravel will be replaced by grass where possible in the new facility.  Confirmed that other points regarding bunding / hedges had also been included in new plans.  Generally satisfactory response to concerns

 

4.3           East Berwickshire Communities (replacing Coastal Villages Forum with Ayton, Reston, Foulden, Lamberton and Mordington being added to original membership of Co'path, Coldingham, St Abbs and Burnmouth)- further meeting planned for January 14^th at Ayton Bowling Club (7pm)  to adopt a constitution (have draft), elect office bearers, nominate representatives to the EEBP Forum, nominate representatives to the community grant scheme advisory group, set a date for the advisory panel training workshop and AOB.  Members need not be elected community councillors, if others with appropriate skills are available.

 

5        Other Correspondence Received:

 

5.1           Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations, June 2002 - pack received from SBC on guidance for events to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen's Silver Jubilee of her rule.

5.2           Community Planning Theme Seminars (8^th Feb 2002 at Hawick Leisure Centre)

5.3           Borders Consumer Advice Survey 2001 - seeking views on provision of Citizens Advice Bureaux and other consumer advice services (completed at the meeting)

5.4           Scottish Borders in Figures - glossy on facts and figures regarding population, housing, economy of the Borders (5 copies received)

5.5           Additional planning consent for Kinegar Sand-Pit (to extend site away from village - re-opening old works) - no objection noted.

5.6           Power Cuts - Euan Robson MSP had written to the Chairman to set out progress achieved in relation to improved power infrastructure for the Borders area costing £14m.  Cockburnspath not explicitly included in first phase, but should benefit from switching gear on the ring, but there is also recognition of need to alleviate current situation which may require underground cables to be laid at a later date.  Sec'y to write to thank Euan Robson for keeping us informed and seek clarification when Co'path may be scheduled for an upgrade if this is known.

 

5.7              Future Presentations to be Made:

5.7.1        Perrymans Buses (No progress to date on agreeing a date – John Hay will progress)

5.7.2        Planning Department - regarding community planning and Structure Plan changes - Alasdair Maclean at Duns - contact not yet made (due to holiday period)

 

6        Any Other Business

6.1           Energy Efficiency - Jane Hood attended meeting at Viridor plant at Dunbar. Presentation made by Scottish Executive on climate change prevention - campaign will be launched soon asking people to "do a little, change a lot!"

6.2           Christmas tree arrangements were discussed.

6.3           John Hay signalled an intention to relinquish role as Chairman, if suitable replacement can be found

6.4           Vandals have damaged picnic tables and gate in play area after recent repairs conducted by the SBC.  Yellow pages outside doors have been set on fire and local kids are often seen running through private gardens.  Police will have to be called in to see what can be done.

6.5           Concern raised by Chairman regarding consultation by the SBC Convener, Cllr. Drew Tulley on raising of Council Tax following recent difficulties. 

 

 7        Date for next meeting:  Confirm :  Wednesday 13^th February 2002?