The following minutes were approved by Judy Thomson and seconded by George Jackson on 2 November 2016.

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1 Mayfield and Easthouses Community Council (MAECC) Minutes of Meeting 05 October pm McSence Business Park The following minutes were approved by Judy Thomson and seconded by George Jackson on 2 November Attendees: Apologies: Robert Hogg (Chair), Judy Thomson (Treasurer), Jane Wahlberg, Sharon Hill, G. Jackson, M. Jackson, G. Kerr, J. Kerr, Lynne Hood, PC A. Forbes, PC Ian Kirkpatrick, Cllr Kenny Young. Cllr Peter De Vink, Gina Hughes, Laura Yuill (Secretary), Theresa Hogg, Stephen Liddell, Paul Johnson (Midlothian Council), Lynne Pryde, Kevin Quinn (Midlothian Advertiser), Lewis Hodkinson The Chairman Robert Hogg (RH) requested the permission of the group to record the meeting using a dictaphone in order that a true and accurate minute be taken of the minutes. The recording will be stored securely, for the secretary s purpose only and will be destroyed once minutes are approved at the following meeting. There were no objections. 1. Apologies and Introduction RH welcomed everyone to the October meeting and acknowledged the number of apologies for which there are a number of factors, including local parents evening and illness. A sub group requires to be arranged to formalise the Mayfield and Easthouses Community Council Constitution. This requires to be completed by May A meeting will be arranged for December Minutes from Previous CC Meeting Mayfield Walkabout: was scheduled to take place on 21 September with local Cllr Peter De Vink, unfortunately there was low attendance with only two individuals attended - a member of the resident s association and Sharon Hill (MAEDT). This was despite notices advertising the event. The walkabout took place with the route including Stone Place, Blackcot Road and St. Luke s Way. No significant issues were identified - some untidy gardens, a broken curb, and overgrown shrubbery however no garbage/fly tipping. It was noted that the car park behind the big wall at Stone Place was severely overgrown but would likely be extremely expensive to tarmac. Garages next to maisonettes at Stone Place (approx 13) many lying empty and ideas are encouraged from local residents/groups on what this land could be used for in the future (e.g. allotments).

2 There were some thoughts among the group whether the walkabouts are worthwhile with so little community engagement and what action is carried out as a result. Change Works Information Session: Took place on Tuesday 13 September 2016 at McSence. The purpose being to allow dialogue between council and residents. Again there was poor attendance with only 4-5 individuals attending. An update was given in regards to the steel houses in lower Easthouses it is believed that a trial is currently underway with two homes of this type in Easthouses. RH met with Morag McDonald Head of Finance at Melville Housing who are keen to work with MAECC and Y2K with commitment also given to the In It Together partnership. Melville are keen to secure funding from Scottish Government to complete the housing in Mayfield and Easthouses, as are Midlothian Council. RH highlighted the fantastic job carried out at the Dalkeith Corn Exchange and urged residents to visit. Post Office, Mayfield Scotmid: Opened Wed 05/10/16. The location of the post office within the store is different to what was originally believed (currently located at bakery). The situation is to be monitored for three months on a trial basis after which MAECC and staff will feed back comments to the post office. The lack of privacy was highlighted by some members of the group as it is located at the main counter and customers can be overheard. Overgrown Trees, Westhouses: Photos received by RH from member of the public who has forwarded them on to Midlothian Council and Cllr Kenny Young for action. The walkway is extremely overgrown and is an eyesore. Minutes from the September 2016 CC meeting were approved by Judy Thomson and seconded by George Jackson. 3. Community News History of the Lim Kiln Walk Presentation is due to take place at 6:30pm on Thursday 6 th October within the local library and all members, friends and family were encouraged to attend. Tea and coffee will be provided. In relation to this research, RH shared with the group the story of a Dr Crones from Cousland. Dr Crones great grandfather was born in Westhouses and later moved to Canada. In researching his family history he uncovered the origins of the family within Westhouses and wrote a book; he has been asked to attend the presentation on 6 th. Newbattle High School: On Schedule and work progressing well. Steel structure erection began in September and the school is due to be completed in Morrison s Construction regularly communicate with MAECC in regard to advertising apprenticeships and are believed to source local tradesmen - will continue to ensure this is correct. Morris McCann contacted RH following a complaint from an individual who believes that the work on the site is a distraction for drivers. RH was asked to consult with the MAECC who are of the opinion that it is an individual s responsibility to ensure safety and diligence when driving and do not believe this to be a serious health and safety

3 concern, however should it turn in to one in the future then the matter will be readdressed. It is anticipated that former pupils will be invited into the current Newbattle High School prior to its closure. MAECC are hoping to organise site visits when school is three quarters built poss April/ May Community notice board has now been made and expected to be placed in the next month. Community Service Team will be undertaking this. Mayfield and Easthouses Park: There are companies available to help community groups apply for funding for play equipment etc. RH is going to research this and feed back at next meeting. New benches have been installed in the park. Leisure Centre: Smashed glass around back of centre and around the park. This is frustrating local residents and a health and safety issue for children / pets who could be. Cllr Young will progress this. 4. Environmental Issues RB updated the group in relation to a perceived decrease in fly tipping in the area. MAECC acknowledged that this is largely due to the efficiency of Midlothian Council in dealing with incidents speedily when highlighted. Fire and police were called to a large fire in the area end September. It is believed that Neil Williams Haulage were storing tyres and rubbish in a large hole within the ground which an individual (not further described) then set fire to, causing significant air pollution in the form of smoke, also annoyance to local residents. Fire were called out twice in 12 hours. Development of the DARAG building is now underway, which has attracted speculation through social media. The building is owned by Castlerock and it is believed will be rented under the banner Home Hunters dependant on funding criteria. It is believed there will be six flats in total. A question was raised from a member of MAECC on the position of the MFI and whether planning permission has been sought / approved. There is no confirmed update on this. 5. Councillor Update Cllr Kenny Young: ASB use of Motorbikes in Westhouses: Resident got in touch regarding access to Gilhooley Woods and the possibility of erecting a locked gate or concrete blocks that would prevent bikes accessing the woods. Cllr Young has now spoken with PC Lewis Hodkinson and Ricky Moffat (Midlothian Council) who is liaising with the landowner in a bid to gain permission to erect said gate. Small grants scheme deadline is 7 October - 3K maximum available. 3 schemes - employability, learning and health and physical activity.

4 Blackcot Road ca park area: Police carried out crime prevention survey, there is not a lot that they can do. Residents urged to call when problems are happening (youths throwing stones etc). There was some discussion among the group that police cannot always attend. Phase 2 Council House Build: Mayfield site has been designated (triangular area between David Scott and Conifer - Bryan s School site). Funding gained and approx 50 homes will be erected on the site (subject to change). Ground investigations underway. MAECC welcomed this news. Gritting: At meeting on 27/09 with Ricky Moffat stated there will be a consultation carried out with local communities in terms of gritting routes / highlighting particularly problematic areas. RH suggested that a mini tractor style gritter would be useful for during adverse weather conditions. 6. Consultation MAPPA - Federation Update: Meeting at Newbattle Community Learning Centre last month. Chief Officer updated the federation on MAPPA processes and a long debate was had between some community councils on the handling of previous cases regarding the housing of sex offenders within the community. RH acknowledged that these are difficult situations with social media and press often aggravating the situation. Community Choices Fund: An application was made by MAECC, MAEDT and the Communities Team at Midlothian Council under the greens paces banner however the fund was oversubscribed and the group was unsuccessful. Safer Scotland Consultation on Winter Safety available. reports. There have been some Recycling / Waste Consultation: RH urged all residents to complete consultation surveys currently underway re regularity of black waste bins. BT Telephone Box Consultation: BT have launched a scheme Adopt a kiosk where communities have been given the opportunity to adopt a local phone box for 1. In Mayfield and Easthouses there are 2 phone boxes available. One is located in Easthouses near to the post office (stats show 8 x calls made from this phone box in the last year). JT has requested further detail from BT on when calls were made and where poster consultation is as this phone box has no walls or a phone within and is overgrown with weeds. It is unlikely that MAECC will want to adopt this as it is not a traditional red phone box. The other at Waverley where 400 calls have been made in last year. MAECC plan to object to the removal of this phone box. The phone box is filthy and needs upkeep from BT. Recovery Café has moved to Church Hall 4-7pm on Wednesday evenings. Managing well using volunteers, food is low cost and includes soup and baked potatoes. Residents encouraged to come along and support those in recovery. In It Together: No update. Activating ideas application submitted and waiting to hear back from this.

5 LLLE Inspection: Many community groups have been involved in this which seems to be going well. 7. Treasurers Report balance Some invoices are due to be paid. 8. Police Report PC Ian Kirkpatrick and PC Alan Forbes attended from the community policing team and read through the police report covering the month of September. See police report for details and for safety information on information and Internet security. Of note there was only one crime recorded in Easthouses in the last month this is welcome news. Some residents complained at the lack of police attendance when reporting incidents. PC Forbes will take details of complainer s and update in due course. RH asked if police could share incidents of break-ins etc asap as MAECC can post on facebook page and hopefully lead to intelligence being received on those responsible. PC Alan Forbes will look at this and feed back. Residents are also encouraged to contact the police with any information on crimes mentioned within the police report or any intelligence regarding illegal activity in the area via 101 or crimestoppers. Fly tipping can be reported through Dump Dumpers which is a local authority service. Residents are also encouraged to call 101 to report noise complaints as Midlothian Council Environmental Health Night Time Noise Service is no longer in operation. A poster has been designed in conjunction with the council on trick or treating the poster is split into two parts and residents can choose which side to display (i.e. welcoming guisers / not welcoming guisers). RH updated the police on events taking place in the next month: 5 November: Firework display. 9. Planning No update. 10. A.O.B. Next meeting will take place Wednesday 2 November 2016.

Mayfield & Easthouses Community Council minutes. Wednesday 3 rd June pm at McSence Business Park

Mayfield & Easthouses Community Council minutes Wednesday 3 rd June 2015 7.00pm at McSence Business Park Att: Robert Hogg (Chairman), Judy Thomson (Treasurer), Peter De Vink (Local Cllr), Theresa Morrison,