VENUE: Cockburnspath Primary School.
1. PRESENT:
John Hay, Clifford Bertram, Jean Virtue, Marnie McGregor, Tom Dean,
Peter Hood, Kate Tulloch, Matt Deeming, Fiona Deeming (Minutes Secretary),
Councillor John Elliot (Duns and District North SBC), PC Christian Flucker
(Lothian and Borders Police Force), Ken Underwood (Village hall committee),
Donald Spiers (Crystal Rig Wind Farm), 5 members of the community.
1.1. Apologies: Angela Brading.
2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF 11th October 2006
2.1. Minutes discussed and accepted.
3. POLICE MATTERS.
3.1. It has been a busier month than normal. This is probably due to
the advice of previous months, not to “leave it till later” but contact
the police at the time! There were 7 recorded incidents this month ranging
from disturbances, dog bites, vehicle accidents, assault and turf being
damaged on the bowling green.
3.2. The advice remains the same. If you don’t report the problem at
the time, it cannot be dealt with.
4. CRYSTAL RIG WIND FARM.
4.1. Donald gave the Community Council an update of both the existing
(phase one) wind farm and the extra 52 wind turbines recently approved
(phase two).
4.2. Phase one. At the moment 20 turbines are in place, there is consent
for a further 5 which will be in place for March ’07. therefore increasing
the community benefit fund accordingly.
4.3. Phase two. A firm date for grid connection has been agreed, of
Dec’ 2009, so the construction schedule delivery of plant etc, can be planned.
Due to conflict with a historic site, four of these turbines have been
taken from the plan and a reshuffle within the wind farm can make that
number back up.
4.4. Phase two will also bring with it a separate community fund, which
will need to be discussed, as there are different thoughts as to the way
it operates and the areas covered.
4.5. Community Benefit fund. As Donald was present 3 applications were
heard at this meeting.
4.5.1. Cockburnspath Rural; Request for funds to purchase sound equipment,
clip-on microphones, speakers etc, to combat poor acoustics in the hall.
The equipment to be made available to other hall user groups. £350
being the amount.
4.5.2. Cockburnspath Primary School; request for funds to create an
outdoor classroom for environmental and creative work, this ties in with
the Eco-Schools project. The old bike sheds have been chosen as the
outdoor classroom and safe and appropriate seating is required. Five benches
and security attachments at £300 each. Plus paint etc in order to
decorate the seating in an environmental manner. Cost £1500.
4.5.3. Village Hall; Purchase of skirts for the stage and sound absorbent
boards, there are 4 already but more are needed to reduce the echo in the
hall. Approximately £1150.
4.5.4. Funds are available to cover all 3 projects, which are all worthwhile
and all are for the good of the community. There being no objections all
requests were granted, and the paperwork will be passed on to Donald.
5. MATTERS ARISING.
5.1. Crofts Road junction: Surface to be repaired but awaiting
availability of the “big squad” SB Local unable to do it. Other potholes
have been brought to SB Locals attention and are in hand.
5.2. 125 Anniversary service: Good turnout and successful memorial
service, £307 was raised.
5.3. Gala Committee: As there were no fireworks this year our cheque
for £50 is to be returned. It was agreed that as we had already given
the money to a cause, the Primary School, who will be appearing on “Children
In Need” would receive the money.
6. LETTERS
6.1. Countryside Alliance: Are getting small communities with “under
treat of closure” Sub Post Offices to write to MP’s and MSP’s against
any closures. John has drafted a letter. Which was agreed by all.
6.2. RAF low flying: Exercises are scheduled in the near future.
6.3. SBC: Civic amenity site in Duns temporary closure for refurbishment
until Feb 2007. Letter to go on notice board as it details the temporary
arrangement for domestic excess rubbish.
6.4. British Energy, Employee Charity: A Charity reception for Help
The Hospices On Tuesday 12th December 2006, 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Invite to
members of CC.
6.5. Scottish Borders Awards 2006: Do we have any nominations, (companies
and organisations). No. Also there is an invite to the awards ceremony
at £45 per ticket!
6.6. Eastern Borders Development assoc’: Nominations for the EBDA award
2006 asked for.
6.7. Berwickshire area committee: minutes received.
6.8. Scottish Borders Community Councils Network newsletter received.
6.9. BCCF and environmental group: Minutes received.
7. PLANNING MATTERS.
7.1. Townhead farm: Disused steading development. No objections.
7.2. Cockburnspath House (old Hotel): Old stables development. No objections.
7.3. It would appear some of the copies we receive from SBC planning
department are photocopies and barely legible. John Elliot will look into
this for us.
8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS.
8.1. Remembrance Wreath: Ordered and volunteer to lay the wreath arranged.
8.2. Berwickshire News Items: two residents from the Cockburnspath
area were mentioned in “The Berwickshire” last week.
8.2.1. Euan Dale: 'Berwickshire Sports Personality of the Year'
went to double Commonwealth silver medallist, swimmer Euan Dale from Abbey
St Bathans. Euan, who also won the award last year, won silver medals in
the 400m individual medley and 4x200m freestyle relay in the Commonwealth
Games held in Melbourne.
8.2.2. Rosie Hood: The award for 'Junior Sports Personality of the
Year' also went to a swimmer - Rosie Hood from Cockburnspath.
Rosie is currently ranked No1 in Scotland for the 50m, 100m and 200m
long course back crawl. This year she was a bronze medal winner in the
Scottish Schools Championships, was junior East District champion at 200m
individual medley, junior Scottish champion at 50m long course back crawl
and also represented Scotland at the first ever UK School Games.
8.2.3. The Community Council applaud the commitment of these young
people and are very proud of their achievements.
8.3. Drone Hill proposed wind Farm: John Elliot gave a brief
summary of the meeting held by the developers.
8.4. Toll View notice board: In Need of repair, Mr Esslemont, has been
contacted to repair.
8.5. Old Coldstream Cottage Hospital: There is a proposal that
the buildings be turned into a Community Dental hospital. a public consultation
is due, which Kate will attend, any comments to her please.
8.6. Patient Focus Public Involvement network: Kate attended on 25th
October and gave a brief outline of what went on.
8.7. The “Slow Down” signs on the Hoprig road are now up and working.
9. NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY 13th DECEMBER 2006; in the school at 7pm.