MINUTES of the MEETING HELD at MAXTON CHURCH on 29th March 2007 at 7.00pm

MAXTON and MERTOUN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

MINUTES of the MEETING HELD at MAXTON CHURCH on 29th March 2007 at 7.00pm

Present: Andrew Leitch Chairperson, Vera Holbrook, Penny Harvey, Isobel Veitch, Trudy Leitch

In Attendance: Councillor Carolyn Riddell-Carr, Claire Malster

Apologies: Anne Collie

Members of the Public Present: One

Notes of Meeting Held on 22nd February 2007
Proposed as correct: Penny Harvey
Seconded: Isobel Veitch

Councillor’s Up-date:

Best Value Audit: Councillor Riddell-Carr gave an account of the latest ‘very favourable’ report received regarding financial leadership the community plan and corporate plan with in Scottish Borders Council. The Council, however, lack an asset register and are in the process of reappraising the estate, for example Duns High School and Social Work Department.

The Railway: Network Rail picking up funding from this point onwards.

Maxton and Merton Community Council wish Councillor Riddell-Carr well for the future, as this was her last meeting.

Replacement Trees for Main Street Maxton:
Mr McCorquodale has been contacted and has stated that he is very happy for trees to be replaced by Silver Birches in his field. He has requested that the old trees be disposed of, and the new trees to be planted opposite the’vennels’ so as to lessen loss of view etc., he has also requested that care of the trees falls to those who plant them and that they have the canopy kept high once mature.

Clare Malster, Community Engagement Officer:
Clare was once again welcomed to the meeting and the floor opened for questions/ discussion to Clare:

Appropriateness of recent training for new community council members; there is now guidance being issued on roles of CC members, any concerns regarding roles Clare is very happy to assist.

Speed limit within the village; Community Police officer has been invited to CC meeting, but has been unable to attend. The speed which vehicles travel through the village is a major concern to the village.

Maxton and Merton Community Council have been commended for its early action for such a young CC.

Clare informed the meeting of information available from Scottish Borders Council under Freedom of Information;
Community/Corporate Plans
Draft Culture Bill
The Waverley Line
Information is also available regarding the NHS and Scottish Enterprise.

Clare was thanked for her contribution and it is hoped that she can attend further meetings in the future.

Business Meeting;

Matters Arising from Previous Meeting:

a) Corrections to previous minute:
Mrs Vera Holbrook had tendered apologies to the previous meeting and had not indeed been present as was recorded in the previous minute.

Correspondence:
· Lothian and Borders Outdoor Diary SBC
· SBC Structure Plan Alteration (Thursday 19th @ 6.30 Committee Rm. 2 SBC Isobel Veitch to attend)
· Minutes of Council Meeting of 28th March 2007
· SBC Community Council Network meeting 30th April 2007 @ 7pm Melrose Ormiston Rooms (Penny Harvey and Vera Holbrook to attend)
· Copy of Vibrant Communities Handbook 2007 for onward circulation

Reports from Community Council members:
Andrew Leitch: digital switchover further meeting in June.

Public Concerns:
Raised by Isobel Veitch on behalf of a member of the public concerns regarding the state of roads at Rutherford/Mains – potholes and general poor state of repair.

Vera Holbrook voiced concern regarding the insertion of the new bollards along the Main Street in Maxton with regard to the removal of one of the stumps without the hole being filled and obvious danger. Concern was also raised re the continued erosion of the roadside, and the lack of kerb. It was noted that there are already an increased number of walkers using St Cuthbert’s way and there is a lack of footpath.

Action Point: Scottish Borders Council to be approached yet again regarding a kerb to lessen erosion.

AOCB:
As this meeting was held within the Church, due to work on going within the village hall, a donation of Ł9 should be given to the Church.

Date of next meeting Thursday 26th April 2007 at Maxton Village Hall

(Minutes by Trudy Leitch in Secretary’s absence, apologies for any mistakes or omissions!)