Present :

Jim Barnett, Neil Butterworth, Fiona Drewery (Chair),John Mackie, Alison Schofield, Pippa Culham, Helen Bradd, Gerry McCann (Acting Min. Sec.), John Greenwell,and one member of the public.

Apologies :

SBC CouncillorsDonald Moffat and Frances Renton, PC Suzanne Jacobs, Hazel Paxton and Carol Trotter.

1. Declaration of Interests.

None.

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 17th June were approved, Proposed by FD, seconded by AS.

3. Matters Arising.

  • FD advised that Gr8 have almost finished the painting of the play park fence, and have £300 remaining after costs, with which they would like to install bird boxes on WS Happer Memorial Park. Unanimously approved.
  • The Townhall Group held its first meeting on 23rd July and was due to meet again on 27th August. First step was to establish a Memorandum of Understanding with SHBT, who own the building, regarding the possible transfer of ownership to a community body. HB and GMcC will report developments and seek consultation as matters develop.
  • Bus stop at Blackadder Crescent : Status of enquiry to SBC Public Transport Department is unclear. Deferred to next meeting.
  • Electricity substation in Church Hill : Some work is in progress but unclear as to whether the overgrown shrubs are being tackled.Deferred to next meeting.
  • Rumbletonrig Wind-farm Development : The Group had met on 17th July and discussions were cordial and constructive. Minutes of that meeting were circulated for discussion at next meeting. Feedback and questions from the wider community were encouraged and could be directed initially to GMcC using .
  • Road Sweeper coverage : Matter satisfactorily resolved.
  • Mill Wynd street lighting : Cllr JG will investigate and report back.
  • Fire damage at Church Hill : Cllr JG will investigate and report back.
  • Unsafe wall around grave in cemetery : Cllr JG will investigate responsibility issue and report back
  • Hume Core paths project :Deferred to next meeting.
  • Tennis Court and Club : HB reported that the committee was now defunct. No proposals for next steps were made. Deferred to next meeting.
  • Drop in re Blinkbonny Wind turbine proposal : FD reported 25 responses, the majority being against the proposal on the grounds of its height and visual impact from Hume.

4. Police Matters.

PC Suzanne Jacobs was unable to attend. Her report dated 20th June had been circulated. Concerns were again expressed regarding speeding in and out of the village.

5. WS Happer Memorial Park.

The brash chipping, and Watergate repair have been completed, the latter to the satisfaction of the adjoining land owner. Total cost was £504 as previously approved. The Sub Group is putting together a development plan which when approved might involve grant applications. Erosion issue still being addressed.

6. Councillors’ Report.

  • Clr John Greenwell alerted the meeting to the SBC Apprenticeship scheme. The current round was closing but would be repeated next year. He encouraged participation and felt it should be promoted to the wider community.
  • He advised re the WW1 centenary commemorations being planned for next year (and 2015-18), and again encouraged participation.
  • He advised that the SBC holiday lull was now passed and that responses should be more prompt.

8. Correspondence

  • www. tellmescotland : a new information portal that CC’s were being encouraged to use. Agreed as a possibility for HP to consider
  • Litter Free Scotland: Consultation re new national strategy. FD to look into and report back.
  • Briefing note re alcohol consumption in public places : HB to look into and report back.
  • Tackling Poverty and Financial Exclusion : GMcC to look into and report back.
  • Consultation re Planning Enforcement Charter : PC to look into and report back.
  • Police Scotland notification of traffic warden review : Noted
  • Community Fuel buying groups , AS to look into and report back.
  • Scottish Borders Annual Conference for Community Councils will be held on 10th September : Any volunteers to attend and represent G&H CC should contact HP before 2nd September.

9. Any Other Business

  • Todrig road drystane dykes : Who is responsible for maintenance ?Cllr JG will investigate and report back.
  • Unsupervised dogs at Hume end of Legars straight : Unsure if issue is appropriate for CC consideration.
  • Hume Bogie race : to be deferred until next year
  • Greenlaw Emblem : PC to make enquiries with Lady McEwan
  • Donation to Hume Common Riding celebrations : £50 approved. JM to provide GMcC with details
  • Unanimously agreed that hearty congratulations to the Memorial Hall Committee should be expressed in the minutes, to mark their remarkable achievements.
  • Also that congratulations should be minuted for all those who had contributed to the Floral Gateway effort which was highly regarded.
  • Skate park in Greenlaw : Raised by HB. FD encouraged those who want it to come along to the next meeting with their ideas and proposals.
  • B6364 road (Greenlaw to Hume end of Legars straight) : Considered dangerous as badly rutted at edges with obvious drainage issues. Cllr JG to look into date of last survey.
  • Accounts to 31st March 2013 as previously presented and approved were signed byFD and GMcC.
  • Resilient Communities : Unanimous support reaffirmed. GMcC to arrange a visit to St Abbs to benefit from the experience of their successful efforts.
  • Benches at Halliburton, Marchmont Rd and Greenlawdean : Unclear as to status. Deferred to next meeting.
  • Grass Cutting : PC mentioned that green had been cut but that verges were untouched .Cllr JG will investigate and report back.
  • Flowers to HP approved with an expression of sympathy and concern during this difficult time.

10. Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting will be on Monday 16thSeptember and will be held in the War Memorial Hall. JM advised that he will not be able to attend and offered his apologies.