UPPER TEVIOTDALE & BORTHWICK WATER COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Community Council Meeting of 5th September 2011 held in Roberton Village Hall at 7.30pm
Present: CCllrs Douglas (Chair), Francombe (Vice), Pennington (Treasurer), Robson, Powell, Stephenson, Hepburn and Friell
In Attendance: SBC Cllr Smith and Mr Godfrey (Sec) and Mr & Mrs Hutchinson
1 Apologies: SBC Cllr Turnbull and PC Murray
2 Police Report
In the absence of PC Murray the Chairman read out a submitted report. While no serious crimes had occurred there have been a large number of road accidents within the constituency. There are still illegal scrap metal collectors moving around the whole of the UK and any details of a suspicious nature should be reported, especially with vehicle registrations. There have been a number of thefts of drain covers on the A7 and A68 and all drivers should be aware of this dangerous practice. SBC Cllr Smith advised that flytipping was much more frequent now. CCllr Robson remarked on a black pick-up vehicle which had been seen visiting sites without appointment or attempt at contact. Fuel, scrap metal and ATVs should all be made secure.
3 Minutes of Previous Minutes:
The minutes were accepted as read. Proposed by CCllr Pennington and seconded by CCllr Francombe.
4 Matters arising from Previous Minutes:
None
5 Area Committee Report
No CCllrs were able to attend the last meeting, the main theme of which had been a presentation of the flood prevention measures which have been taken for the town centre of Hawick and future intentions.
6 Wind Farm Update
The Langhope Rig site has no completed community profile and there have been no meetings of late. CCllr Robson stated that an Airtricity site in Ayrshire was experiencing difficulties with its road traffic plan and thought that SSE may have similar problems to consider. The new site proposal by ABO Wind for the Barrelaw would obviously be discussed after the proposed local meetings to be held shortly. SBC Cllr Smith spoke about the community meetings. Mr Shallis, chairman of the CDT has had a meeting with ABO Wind and spoken with CCllr Douglas (Chair). There was a lengthy discussion on various aspects of the turbines, proximity, height, access, etc. Other possible sites were considered and the overall spread of the combinations were included. Mr Hutchinson then asked if there was a list of names for the SCF panel, the names of constituent members were given, however, the names from other constituencies are not known.
7 SBC Cllrs Report
SBC Cllr Smith spoke of the general interest in wind farms, especiallu with a view to monetary returns and a large number of neighbourly disputes in the town of Hawick.
8 A7 Action Group Report
There was to be a meeting on Friday 9th September and points for this were discussed including the lack of bollards in a number of places and surface water due to the heavy rainfall of late. The grass cutting was felt to be poor everywhere. The state of the A7 from Mosspaul to Langholm was of concern, still, and the area past the Hermitage junction considered bad. Mr Brian Young, SBC, would be contacted, he is also standing in for Timber Transport vice Mr Dyson who has moved on.
9 Local Issues
Timber, a log has fallen from transport by the Borthwick Water in front of two cottages and a public telephone box on Thursday 1st August. PC Wood and Mr Dyson were informed. The log is still lying where it fell. CCllr Robson advised the meeting that investigations could be ongoing, that cameras are in specific locations on routes and these logs can be identified to specific vehicles. CCllr Powell would follow up with PC Wood and the Forestry would be contacted through Mr Brian Young. Speeding is now a regular happening, all drivers should be aware the Police will not try to investigate hit and run incidents if the details, including registration number of the culprits vehicles, cannot be given. The Secretary is to speak with PC Murray on the subject of both logs and hit and runs.
10 Treasurers Report
The Roberton and Teviotdale Shows were each paid £20 for adverts of the CC in their programs. ASC membership has been cancelled. The Teviothead Hall Committee must spend the money granted to them before any further funding. The Treasurer then had agreement from the outstanding members of the CC to abide by the rules of the Constitution and the Code of Conduct for CCllrs.
11 Correspondence
Please see list attached. The Chairman pointed out various communications of interest to CCllrs to view.
12 Dates of Future Meetings
The next bi-monthly meeting will be in Teviothead Village Hall on Monday 7th November at 7.30pm. The first meeting of next year will be at Roberton Hall on 9th January 2012 at 7.30pm
Chairman: ............................................................................................................
Secretary: ............................................................................................................
CORRESPONDENCE:
· CC Insurance Cover (SBC)
· SCDC ACE
· Scottish Woodlands *
· SBC (Pinks) and (Whites)
· SBC Maint Grants Paths
· SES Plan No 3 x 2 *
· NHS Borders Meetings, Kelso
· SBC Updates (Business Consultancy Unit)
· Epic Awards 2011 (art and craft)
· SBC Network Meeting
· SBC CC Survey 2011 *
· Royal Horticultural Society
· SB Safer Communities Partnership
· P/A NW of Colterscleuch Steading **
· P/A Alteration Village Hall, Newmill**
· ABO Wind
· SBC Draft Planning Guide (Landscape) Letter
· SBC B Taylors Big Debate & Updates (BC Unit) *
· Letter from P Wright “Ribbon of Wildness”
· The Bridge (Community Development Co)
· Harestanes brochure
· SBC’s Annual Seminar