UPPER TEVIOTDALE AND BORTHWICK WATER COMMUNITY COUNCIL

 

 

 

Minutes of Community Council Meeting of 2^nd March 2009 held in Roberton Village Hall at 7.30 pm.

 

Present: Community Councillors: Francombe (Chair), Templeman (Vice), Pow, Wilson, Friell, Hindmarsh, Pennington, Douglas and Robson.

 

In Attendance: SBC Cllr Paterson, PC Murray, Mr Godfrey (Secretary), Mr Plumbe (B.W.C.D.T.) and Mr & Mrs Powell.

 

1.  APOLOGIES

 

PC Murray, SBC Cllr Smith, CCllr Kirkpatrick and Mrs MacMillan (Treasurer).

 

2.   POLICE BRIEF

 

Fortunately there have not been many incidents to report within the constituency however with only one officer consigned to the whole area on a constant basis that does not mean everything gets reported, the public were encouraged to contact the rural policeman immediately if there was something of concern, there are many other concerns which can be broached to other outlets, SBC technical services being an example.  The difficulty of road accidents and the reasons were many, poor road conditions, poor driving, excessive speed, weather and driver ability all make up towards the problem.  CCllrs then voiced their concerns over several matters concerning traffic and specific routes and the difficulties experienced with several recent diversions.  Mr & Mrs Powell were allowed to relate their experience with specific regard to the temporary access through Wilton Park and mud on roads left by heavy traffic both road and agricultural.  SBC Cllr Paterson observed that minor roads in the SBC area of responsibility were deemed to be worst in Scotland.  The CCllrs were disappointed that SNC Cllr Smith was not present to answer the questions raised both previously and now and whilst he had offered apologies, being elsewhere, had not left any answers or information with the SBC Cllr who was attending.  Further discourse followed regarding roads.  The Water Board contractor operations were criticised as being bullish and aggressive.

 

3.  BORTHWICK COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

 

 Mr Plumbe, the current Chairman of the Trust described the organisation, aspirations and aims of the Trust to the CCllrs.  He then stated his wish that the CC and the Trust should have closer ties as there had been issues in the past and doubtless others may arise which he felt could be addressed with speed and alacrity on behalf of the constituents.  He proposed that the Chairman of both organisations should attend each other’s meetings and have full participation, less voting rights on an informal but working relationship between the figure heads, to speed up the means and efforts of the two bodies to achieve their aims.  The CC Chairman suggested a CCllr from Roberton Valley may be a better proposal to attend the Trust meetings.  Mr Plumbe replied that he requested the Chairman of the CC specifically because he was neither a resident of the valley nor a member of the Trust.  The decision was taken that the Chairman, Mr Francombe, would attend the Trust meetings on a trial basis to search for common ground between the CC and the Borthwick Community Development Trust, a private concern.  Mr Plumbe remained to attend the whole meeting.

 

4.  MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

 

The minutes were passed as read – proposed by CCllr Wilson.  Seconded by CCllr Robson.

 

5.  MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

 

The problems which have occurred as a result of shared Headships, Newcastleton school being the latest, and the plight of a number of children within the constituency who have failed to reach required standards was further discussed and dissatisfaction voiced.  It had been expected that an explanation as to how the children affected would be brought up to the level of their peers, may be given at the meeting.  However the SBC Cllrs attending the previous (Jan) meeting were unfortunately not able to be present.

 

6.  TIMBER TRANSPORT

 

Stages 1 and 2 of the super-inter-forest highway are to go ahead and work has begun on surveys of the internal route.  The Merrylaw - Carlenrig road has suffered a total of 8 wagons immobilised on the road.  The surface is so badly damaged as to be crumbling and the wagons are now digging down into the sub surface and foundation.  It was decided the Secretary should contact Mr Calum Hay, Director of Technical Services and Mr Neil Dyson, the timber transport officer and invite them to attend the next meeting to try and ascertain the future intentions of construction and on-going repairs.

 

7.  WIND FARM

 

The sub-committee had nothing to report there having been no reported dialogue with Airtricity/Scottish & Southern Renewables.  It was decided matters need to be driven forward; therefore the sub-committee would contact the other CC sub-committees and the solicitor Susanna Harvey to re-engage with Scottish & Southern Renewables.

 

8.  SBC CLLRS REPORT

 

SBC Cllr Paterson reported on the current status of roads within the SBC control and in particular the roads and main routes traversing the constituency.  Discussion followed and particular concerns made in the light of the recent children’s school bus accident on the Hawick/Newcastleton road.

 

9.  A7 ACTION GROUP REPORT

 

There was still concern over the surface water problem on the Mosspaul to hawick road.  The drainage at Branxholme requires action now.  The long winter has had a serious effect on the general road surface in many places and erosion was now beginning to take hold.

 

10.  WEBSITE UPDATE

 

This is now fully up and running with access and emails may be sent to CCllr Francombe (Chair), the title, www.thethreerivers.org.uk  Constituents are encouraged to make use of the website and of course the representatives of Teviothead, Roberton, Newmill and Cogsmill hall committees.

 

11.  CORRESPONDENCE

 

SBCC Network Newsletter

SBC Budget & Spending 2009/10

Teviot & Liddesdale Area Committee

SBC Meetings (Pinks)

Sales Brochure Glasdon

SBC Letter re Closure of Pay Phones

Scottish Natural Heritage

ROSPA Child & Older Persons Seminars

SEPA Report

SBC /Scot. Gov. Planning Consultations

Letter John Lamont MSP

SBC Date Protection Act Register

SBC Review of Funding to CC’s

Southern Uplands Partnership

SBC Questionnaire for Stakeholders

Scot.Gov. Use of Mediation (John Swinney MSP)

Home Heat Helpline

SP Forestry John Lamont MSP

British Red Cross Neighbourhood Links

SBC Common Good Fund

 

 

12.  DATE OF FUTURE MEETING

 

The next bi-monthly meeting will be held on Monday 18th May 2009 in Teviothead Village Hall at 7.30pm.

 

 

Signed   Chairman            ___________________________________

            

              

 

 Secretary                  ___________________________________