UPPER TEVIOTDALE AND BORTHWICK WATER COMMUNITY COUNCIL

 

 

 

Minutes of Community Council Meeting of 6th July 2009 held in Roberton Village Hall at 7.30 pm.

 

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

 

In Attendance: SBC Cllrs Turnbull Paterson & Smith, Mr Godfrey (Sec), PC Murray, Mr Elliot, Mr Iovens and Mr Johnstone of SBC and Mr & Mrs Powell (constituents).

 

1.  APOLOGIES

 

CCllr Douglas and Mr Plumbe ,BWCDT.

 

2.   BRIEF BY REPRESENTATIVES OF SBC TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT

 

The subject of heavy transport and road repairs was discussed in detail with Messrs Elliot, Iovens & Johnstone including the timber element.  For a full consultation on this Mr Dyson would be needed. 

The problems arising from the Water Board activities in the Roberton Valley were then discussed as there were lessons to be taken for all concerned from this experience and it was agreed that the CCouncil should have been involved and its inclusion in the future could be considered.  SBC has the authority to question contractor’s plans.

Mr Johnstone advised on timber traffic and Phase One, the Gair Bridge upgrading and other parts of the forest highway.  SBC have applied for a grant towards this project commencing this financial year.  Details of timings and vehicle numbers were discussed and the operating practices and abuses.  The CCllr representative detailed weights and volume and the technicalities of axle loadings which can cause problems and the fact that within the constituency there is now serious damage being caused on public roads of all ratings. It was pointed out that all interested parties were applying for grants to ease the situation.  The difficulties in controlling individual drivers and private companies were recognised. It was thought advisable to invite WPC Wood to the next meeting as she is the police officer tasked with timber transport matters.

There are further delays with BEAR works on the A7 and still problems with surface water and certain road bridges.  Transport Scotland is the authority responsible for BEAR operations.  SBC operations were financing specific targets covering 57,000 maintenance works and they conduct a reactive policy with little preventative maintenance being conducted.  Funding at this moment only allows for surface dressings and pothole repairs and this will remain in force during this financial year.  Mr Elliot pointed out that there are no mechanisms for the SBC to recover monies from timber transport as the routes currently used are approved.  This means that private companies cannot be held responsible.  SBC will receive no monies from central government for major repairs.  The problems associated with crisis management and a number of local road situations were then considered.  The Chairman thanked the SBC representatives for the opportunity to ask questions and have answers as well as the general discussion relevant to the constituency.

 

3.  POLICE BRIEF

 

On 17th May a family walking in Craik Forest became lost and was rescued by a local person.  23 June an ASBO warning was issued to a male driver after being reported for a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre on the A7 Hawick to Carlisle section.  PC Murray then described the conditions and details of this type of ASBO and the serious consequences which can ensue and details are available on this from the police.

Traffic lights on the Branxholme straight on the A7 are often inoperative and the police should be advised as soon as possible to rectify the situation.

Badger and deer carcasses should be reported to enable SBC Environmental Agency to uplift as soon as possible.  There has been no criminal activity over the previous 4 months reported to the authority.

The CC pointed out that the ongoing problems of campers in the Borthwick Valley were resulting in an accumulation of all kinds of refuse, some of a health concern.  This should be reported to police as a matter of urgency.

 

4.  MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

These were proposed as read. Proposed by CCllr Pennington (Treas) and seconded by CCllr Friell.

 

5.  MATTERS ARISING

 

The public toilets at Teviothead are under consideration for closure due to constant vandalism and anti social behaviour connected with the structure.

Education was considered involving children at St Margaret’s and Drumlanrig Primary schools. 

The SBC Cllrs advised on the present situation, with development in the Slitrig Water valley and that the domestic stables are presently under enforcement order.

 

6.  TREASURERS REPORT

 

The new treasurer having only just been appointed and becoming familiar with the accounts will be able to give a more in depth report at the next meeting.

 

7.  AREA COMMITTEE REPORT

 

CCllr Templeman (Vice) has attended the last meeting and gave details of business and CC involvement.  SBC Cllr Turnbull emphasised the importance of the Area Committee and the CC attendance after such a long absence and there is general satisfaction by all at this renewal of representation.

8.  SBC COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

 

SBC Cllr Smith described the sign for the church at Teviothead and discussed the matter with the CC.

SBC Cllr Turnbull offered to ask Mr Elliot of Scottish Water if he would speak at the next meeting and the Chairman would ring requesting the same.

 

9.  A7 ACTION GROUP

 

There was no report due to the absence of CCllr Douglas.

 

10.  CORRESPONDENCE

 

PA Land East of Branxholme Town cottages

Email SBC Cllr Turnbull to Vice Chair reference toilets at Teviothead

Letter MSP John Lamont ref Broadband

PA Retrospective – Redpath

SBC Review of CC Funding

PA - Woodfoot, Sands

SBC Meetings, Pinks

SBC PA Stables with house, Slitrig

Enquire

SBCCN Network

SG Invitation to National Conversation Safer Borders

SBC Disc Place making & Design

SBC CC Network

SBC PA – Extension,Willowbank

SBC Community Council Constitution

SBC Area Committee meetings

PA – Stables, Slitrig

Action Earth

SBC Waste Minimisation

SEPA View

 

11.  DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

 

The next meeting will be held in Teviothead Village Hall on Monday 7th September at 7.30pm.

 

 

 

Signed   Chairman            ___________________________________

            

              

 Secretary             ___________________________________