Minutes of Community Council Meeting of 7TH July 2008 held in Newmill Village Hall at 7.30 pm.

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

In Attendance: SBC Cllrs Paterson and Smith, Mrs MacMillan (Treasurer) and Mr Godfrey (Sec) and Ms AJ Pennington

1. APOLOGIES

CCllrs Friell, Kirkpatrick and PC Murray and SBC Cllr Turnbull.

2.POLICE BRIEF

None.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

Passed as read.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

The Branxholme straight A7 traffic lights generator had a drastic leak, the contamination being still visible on the road and side verges.The latest estimate for work to start on the repair of the road is Sept/Oct according to BEAR.

SBC Cllr Smith explained the status quo of the proposed timber transport routes and asked that support and correspondence should be sent via Mr Jim Fullerton (executive roads and infrastructure) who was now the lead on implementation.

5. CO-OPTION OF A NEW COMMUNITY COUNCILLOR

Mrs AJ Pennington, Riverside Lodge, No 12 Polling District 11B was proposed for the one vacancy presently available by CCllr Templeman and seconded by CCllr Douglas.The proposal was passed and Mrs Pennington accepted with immediate effect.

6.FLOOD RELIEF

The currentwork of planting is virtually completed and the water retention work is to commence August/September on the Pilot Scheme.CCllr Robson explained various aspects of the scheme and how it was expected to progress.Rainfall is now being monitored and the R.S.P.B. have become involved with other agencies showing interest.The project is beginning to change as it evolves and many options were being considered.It was hoped that the original intention of Flood Relief will remain first priority.

7.TIMBER TRANSPORT

There being no news regarding the Falnash Route, CCllr Templeman (Vice) will email with specific request for information.The economics of a super forest highway along with the internal politics and the raging costs of fuel have effectively brought the idea to a full stop.Cronespan are using a route of their own and CCllr Robson explained the likely options for the near future and the present situation.

8.WIND FARM

The merger of companies involved has effected personnel changes, leaving gaps and a slow down in communication.Negotiations are still on-going for community payments; the memorandum of conditions is volumous and will most likely require legal interpretation.CCllrs Douglas and Robson explained some details to illustrate and gave the as at moment situation.Negotiations are on-going with the new company Scottish and Southern Energy.

9.COMMUNITY HOUSING

At this moment there is nothing new to report.

10.SBC CLLR’S REPORT

The point of contact with problems in the constituency regarding timber transport and flood relief is Cllr Smith, who then briefed the CC members about the intended future of Border TV News.The main outcome for the Borders would be the withdrawal of studios and organisation to Gateshead with the central control being Yorkshire STV the change to be effective in September 2009.The whole matter was discussed at length and it was agreed the outcome would be a much reduced and poor representation for all the peoples of the Borders.It was decided the CCllrs would seek public opinion and the Chairman then to brief the Secretary to write to SBC Cllr Smith outlining the concerns of the CC and constituents over the loss of area coverage.

11.A7 ACTION GROUP

Nothing to report.

12.WEBSITE UPDATE

The site name is www.thethreerivers.org.uk

Data is still being collected and collated, the only area still to reply being Roberton however this information is expected soon.Then the information will be collated onto a CD and forwarded to a compiler.Details and progress were considered and future requirements and possibilities discussed.

13.CORRESPONDENCE

The Chairwoman had received a letter from Mr Shallis which was read out to the meeting and then discussed, communication would be made immediately.CCllr Templeman (Vice) will contact Mr Shallis.It was proposed, subject to agreement, that CCllr Friell be appointed Press Officer.The problem of local press ads was also discussed, being very expensive.

SBC P/A Roberton sludge works

Trading Standards matters

Halcrow SB Green Spaces strategy

SBC P/A Wind turbine Winnington Rig

SBC War Memorials Trust

SBC Meetings (Pinks)

SBC Festival of Walking 2008

SBC Data Protection Act

Letter from M Moore MP – closure of telephone boxes

SBC Notice – NHS Data protection Act

SBC Area Committee Minutes

SBC Closure B711 St Martins Bridge

Forestry Commission Land Scheme

SEPA View questionnaire

Scottish Government – Safeguarding Rural Schools

SBC Notice of Intention Local Plan

SBC SG Consultation on Model Scheme of establishment of Community Councils

MOD Flying exercises 23 June – 3 July

Re: CC E-Planning Seminar

Letter from Mr M Shallis

14.DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

The next meeting of the Community Council will be held on Monday 8th September 2008 at 7.30pm in Teviothead Hall and the following one will be on Monday 3rd November 2008 at 7.30pm in Roberton hall.