MINUTES FOR MEETING OF 9TH   MARCH 2005.

VENUE: Cockburnspath Primary School
.
1. PRESENT:
1.1. John Hay (Chairman), Clifford Bertram (Vice Chairman), Angela Brading (Treasurer), Jean Virtue, Marnie McGregor, Matt Deeming, Fiona Deeming (Minutes Secretary). Councillor John Elliot (Duns and District North SBC). PC Hulford, (Lothian and Borders Police).
    1.2.APOLOGIES: Jane Hood, David Munro (Secretary), Paul Wheelhouse.

2. POLICE MATTERS:
     2.1. PC Hulford reminded the community of the continued need for vigilance, for example the recent theft of a 4 x 4 from a local farm. Big family cars and 4 x 4's seem to be the latest targets of vehicle thieves. With a view to the latest airgun incidents in the village and surrounding area the need for vigilance and the confidence to "make that call" is important, all calls will be followed up and PC Hulford stated that weapons incidents are a high priority and the only problem that the police face is that a number of members of the public are too nervous to "make that call". As with most Scottish law 2 witnesses are required for prosecution, but a warning can be given on the strength of one witness.
    2.2. Dog fouling: PC Hulford was given a copy of the community wide letter about the unsocial habit of not "cleaning up after your pet" and will pass it on to his Inspector.

3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF 9th FEBRUARY 2005.
    3.1. Minutes discussed and accepted.

4. MATTERS ARISING.
   4.1. Small schools questionnaire: The questionnaire was gone through and answers filled in.
   4.2. Proposed Garage: John told the council that with the help of Paul on behalf of the council Alan was going to appeal the decision.
   4.3. Wind farm Community Fund: When John contacted Donald Spiers about the latest application, Donald suggested that rather than have a system of open applications we should maybe have two application deadlines per year, suggested deadlines being, 1St March and 1st September. He would get back to John over the possible changes to the agreement. Also, would we wish to carry the remaining £200 in the fund to next year. Both suggestions were agreed.
   4.4. Village Hall light: If it is not fitted soon we will be into the light evenings

5. LETTERS:
   5.1. New Ways: seminar to be held, no volunteers.
   5.2. Letters received from the following: Association of Scottish Community
Councils, SBC Annual public performance report,
   5.3. Scottish water and Post watch Scotland.
   5.4. Leaflets circulated: Know the Code (outdoor access code), Anti social behaviour (information and advice) and Right To Know (Freedom of Information).
   5.5. Dog waste bin: A letter was received from a member of the community requesting that a dog litter bin adjacent to their property be moved as on a number of occasions the contents have been thrown into their garden, they have young children and feel most annoyed, they are unable to identify the culprits. The meeting agreed to move the bin to see what difference that makes.

6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
   6.1. Dog fouling: it would seem that the community letter may have done some good as a reduction in the fouling in some areas has been noticed.
   6.2. Skate boarding: A complaint was received that youngsters are using the Village square as a skateboard park in the evenings, even using the market cross as a ramp! When asked to refrain the complainant received cheek and abuse, It was suggested that " a quiet word with the parents" would be the best option as official action can sometimes cause bad feeling. Most parents would rather have neighbours talk to them, than receive letters from the council (community or regional) or visits by the local Police. An eye will be kept on the situation.
   6.3. Street light at The Mount: A comment was made that there was insufficient lighting at The Mount. It was suggested that the housing association be contacted by the residents to see if they could remedy the situation.
   6.4. Local Plan: goes for consideration in June.
   6.5. The Community Council send their condolences to both the Grey and Drysdale families for their recent bereavements.

7. NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY 13th April 2005; in the school at 7pm.