UPPER TEVIOTDALE & BORTHWICK WATER COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Community Council Meeting of 9th May held in Teviothead Village Hall at 7.30pm
Present: CCllrs Francombe (Chair), Robson (Vice), Wilson, Douglas, Hepburn, Stevenson, Powell
In Attendance: SBC Cllrs Turnbull, PC Murray, WPC Wood, Mr Dyson, Mr Braiban and Mr Godfrey (Sec)
1 Apologies: CCllr Friell and SBC Cllr Smith
2 Timber Transport
The Chairman introduced Mr Dyson and WPC Wood (Police Transport Representative). CCllr Powell raised two questions first in relation to numbers of trucks moving in groups of two or more and secondly with regard to fully laden vehicles exiting through Ashkirk on roads not capable of bearing the weights. Mr Dyson took a note of the details and would question the authorities for answers to both questions. It was pointed out that in the previous two weeks to this meeting there has been heavy timber transport traffic on the A7 and at high speed. WPC Wood advised this would be looked into and also pointed out that large heavy vehicles are now quite capable of moving at the permitted maximum speeds but do give the impression of going faster than they really are. CCllr Robson asked about the timber transport internal route, which does not appear to be much used, while the Craik main route is wearing badly, also the route at Teviothead which is fast approaching a rough track. Mr Dyson said there were problems over forest area ownership, he was then asked if monies could be diverted to repairs on the rural routes now in use as it may be the internal route will never be completed. Mr Dyson said this was already happening, ie money being diverted to repairwork on roads presently in use and more monies were being made available for timber transport. There followed in depth discussion which included Gare, Craik and Falnash, details of new proposals and ideas on future transport and the consideration being given to increased load weights of 60 tons. With regard to speed of cases of bad driving, as always vehicle registration numbers would be of greatest help, names, colour of vehicles and time could also help identify culprits. The Chairman thanked Mr Dyson for his time and contribution to the meeting.
3 Police Brief
PC Murray gave a full briefing on recent incidents, there had been fires on land between Martinsbridge and Roberton at about 11.30pm 18th April in a number of bushes. Three appliances had attended, no persons were caught setting the fires. There was a report of unexploded ordnance at Easter Alemoor Farm on 21st April. Army disposal declared the munitions harmless and removed all items the following day. Pedlars are cold calling at remote dwellings, they should produce a licence on demand. CCllr Powell raised the subject of refuse and parking and members of the public entering private gardens. This was discussed and the relevant organisations advised, this concerned the Roberton ride-out.
4 Minutes of Previous Minutes:
There were passed as read. Proposed by CCllr Wilson and seconded by CCllr Powell.
5 Matters arising from Previous Minutes:
None
6 Treasurers Report
Not available.
7 Wind Farm Update
The selection panel were to meet. SBC Cllr Patterson, CCllr Stephenson and CCllr Powell, SCF Steering Group were hoping to have a first meeting with the nominated panel around Mary 25th/26th. The CC discussed the method and rules of selection and the secretary was to hand the applications to CCllr Stephenson. There was no information from SSE to date.
8 A7 Action Group
There have been no meetings however a considerable amount of road repairs to the surfaces has been carried out.
9 SBC Cllrs Report
Cllr Turnbull briefed the CC on a number of subjects under consideration, including education and a variety of courses for the future. A bio-mass system had been demonstration at Oxnam. Secondhand white goods can be given or donated to the SBC for refurbishment and distribution to those in need. SBC Cllr Patterson arrived at the meeting.
10 Area Committee Report
CCllr Robson gave a briefing on the meeting held in March where there was notice given of a number of jobs available in the textile industry but employers noted there was a lack of young people seeking work in that particular market. The April meeting had been attended by a large number of members of the public, the subject of main interest being bus services and the growing cost of journeys. There was no police presence or report. SBC Cllr Patterson and or CCllr Robson would endeavour to arrange a meeting with Inspector Clark with reference to considering a Community Watch scheme.
11 Local Issues
The CCllrs reported local roads throughout the constituency were under server pressure after the bad winter and many patch repairs were not holding up. SBC Cllr Turnbull discussed with the CC in some depth on specific areas.
12 Correspondence
The Chairman brought to the attention of the CC several items of interest and advised on a number which may need continued follow up. List attached.
13 Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be the AGM on Monday 4th July at 7.00pm followed immediately by a bi-Monthly meeting at 7.30pm in Teviothead Village Hall.
Chairman: ............................................................................................................
Secretary: ............................................................................................................
CORRESPONDENCE:
· SBC Meetings (Pinks)
· SBC Area Committees (Whites)
· SBC P/A water treatment works, Roberton
· SBC engagement with Borders Communities
· SBC Floral Gateway Competition 2011
· V.A.F. Grant application packs ***
· SBC Re-application Woodfoot, Stobs
· SBC Guidance on replacement windows
· David Hume 300th Anniversary
· SBC “Big Society” in Borders (event report)
· Harestanes and other tourist brochures
· Macmillan Cancer Support
· SBC Local Development Plan meeting
· SBC The Borders Hastings Debate
· SBC Ranger Led Walks 2011/12
· Fire Brigades Union Scotland
· SEPA View Magazine
· Scottish Natural Heritage magazine
· SB Connect
· SBC Adoption of Local Plan Amendment
· SBC Welfare Advisory Services Review
· SBC P/A Police Mast, Crumhaugh Hill
· SBC Common Good Trust Funds ***
· SBC Councils network Agenda 12.05.11