BLCC Minutes and December police report
BONNYRIGG & LASSWADE COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Agenda of meeting held on Thursday 17 January 2019
In Sports Pavilion, King George V Park at 7 pm
A G E N D A
Welcome and Introduction
Apologies
Visitor Matters
Minutes of Meeting of 13 December 2018
Matters Arising from the Minutes
Police Report
Report from Midlothian Councillors
Obstacle Course for Waverley Park
Planning
Vet Surgery at Dobbies
Out of Area Developments for interest
Hillend (hotel etc)
Salters Gate Film Studio
Road, Traffic and Footways/Pavements Issues
Grit Bag Locations
Financial Report and New Treasurer
AOCB
Date of Next Meeting 21 February 2019 (rescheduled from 14 February)
Agenda of meeting held on Thursday 17 January 2019
In Sports Pavilion, King George V Park at 7 pm
A G E N D A
Welcome and Introduction
Apologies
Visitor Matters
Minutes of Meeting of 13 December 2018
Matters Arising from the Minutes
Police Report
Report from Midlothian Councillors
Obstacle Course for Waverley Park
Planning
Vet Surgery at Dobbies
Out of Area Developments for interest
Hillend (hotel etc)
Salters Gate Film Studio
Road, Traffic and Footways/Pavements Issues
Grit Bag Locations
Financial Report and New Treasurer
AOCB
Date of Next Meeting 21 February 2019 (rescheduled from 14 February)
Minutes of a meeting held on Thursday 17 January 2019
In Sports Pavilion, King George V Park
Welcome and Introduction
Community Councillor Ann Morrison deputised for Chair Marnie Crawford. Ann welcomed the visitors to the meeting and everyone round the table introduced themselves.
In attendance
Community Councillors: Ann Morrison [acting Chair], Jan Irvine, Owen Proudfoot, Diane Easton, Ruth Scott, Darius Namdaran, Bill McDonald.
Councillors: Derek Milligan, Janet Lay-Douglas.
Community Police Officers James Pendreich, Brian McGuff [Newtongrange and Gorebridge]
Midlothian Communities Officer: Catherine Duns
MSP staff: Grant Stanley
Visitors: Gail Halley, Brian Kane, Kerry Hurding
Apologies
Community Councillors: [Chair] Marnie Crawford, Sheila Metcalfe, Ann Morrison; Simon Tracey; Rhona Matthews.
Councillor Dianne Alexander
Visitor: Isobel Hessler
Visitor Matters
Tonight’s visitors were concerned about Waverley Park and the proposal for the obstacle course at Waverley Park; this was discussed later in the meeting.
Minutes of meeting of 13 December 2018
The minutes were considered a true report of the meeting.
Matters arising from the previous minutes
There were no matters arising from the previous minutes.
Police Report
Community Police Officers James Pendreich and Brian McGuff were standing in for PCs Jonny Cassidy and Owen Findlay who were unavailable.
Summary of the police report for December 2018
62 recorded crimes
27 recorded crimes solved [43.5%]
305 calls to Police Scotland
A full copy of the report appears below.
There followed some discussion concerning anti-social behaviour by young people, often under the influence of alcohol. The police officers stated that it was better if residents keep reporting issues so they can gather information on what is happening. They also described a Friday night youth group run by volunteers in Gorebridge which provides a safe place for young people to go in and have a laugh and socialise. The CPOs invited Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Councillors to the youth group to find out how it is being run. Catherine Duns from the Midlothian Council’s Communities Group would be able to provide a list of activities in other areas. CC Darius commented that youth groups were more likely to succeed when the volunteers who run the group come from the local community.
CC Ann was planning to speak with the local CAT team and the Deputy Headteacher of Lasswade High School for ideas on how to deal with the issue.
Report from Midlothian Councillors
Councillor Lay-Douglas reported that she had attended the Council’s Winter Resilience Planning meeting. This included a presentation by Kevin Sewell who had co-ordinated emergency response procedures in both the Borders and East Lothian. She felt there had been some confusion about the purpose of this session; attendees believed it would be about resilience planning for the bad weather forecast to arrive shortly, whereas it was actually designed for planning for future years. The Council would provide a small budget; deputy co-ordinators would be signed up and small groups of volunteers providing help in difficult situations. At present it’s just Community Councils that are being asked for help, but Councillor Lay-Douglas felt that it might be better if other community and Church groups could also be involved. Mr Sewell reported that people who signed up as deputy co-ordinators would be covered by the Council’s insurance. Councillor Lay-Douglas also reported that the Winter Resilience meeting wasn’t well attended even though it had been widely advertised.
Councillor Milligan gave an update on the replacement of St Mary’s Primary School. All going well it should be complete by Christmas 2019, but definitely by Easter 2020 to allow for unexpected circumstances.
Midlothian Council is preparing to invest in the Hillend Ski Centre on the proviso that a business case shows this will generate actual income.
Midlothian Council is in negotiations concerning the film studio proposed to be located on land adjacent to Dalkeith Country Park.
Councillor Milligan spoke at length about the Council budget issues. If the Council budget settlement is passed, Midlothian Council will be forced to withdraw every non-statutory service it currently provides, for example, libraries and leisure centres, road sweeping, grass cutting and the Community Action Teams. Councillor Milligan reported that the Council has no more room to make efficiencies. The proposed settlement is 2% lower than expected; with current population growth levels the Council’s service provision costs are 4% higher.
Midlothian has experienced huge population growth through housing expansion, but Councillor Milligan believes that developers are not contributing enough to the rising costs of education and the local infrastructure. A significant proportion of the developer contributions in Midlothian are going towards projects like the Sheriffhall upgrade and the Borders railway. Also, many local agreements concerning developer contributions were signed years ago and are no longer sufficient to cover the actual rise in costs. House prices are lower in Midlothian than they are in Edinburgh, thus attracting more young families. The Council receives 25% of its revenue from Council tax which equates to around £43 million. The Council’s bill for education alone is around £43 million; as well as that costs are on the increase for social care and for children with additional support needs.
Councillor Milligan was asked whether there would be any savings benefit from amalgamating services with East Lothian Council. He commented that an attempt was made to do this a few years ago but abandoned at the last minute following a change in administration.
Councillor Milligan has met with John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills to appeal for more funding for early years education. He has also requested meetings with leaders of other political parties in Scotland.
Obstacle Course for Waverley Park
Recap from previous meeting. A funding application for £34096 has been submitted to Viridor and CC Bill is waiting for a decision. At the previous Community Council meeting it was agreed that the visitors from the Waverley area should gather further feedback to support their objections to the location of the obstacle course in Waverley Park.
At tonight’s meeting the visitors presented a petition with 31 signatures and comments objecting to the proposal. A table of their comments appears at the end of the minutes.
More discussion followed, principally concerning traffic issues and anti-social behaviour. All the visitors in attendance complained that Waverley Park is not a suitable location for this obstacle course.
CC Bill suggested the residents apply to the Council for a road traffic order banning any traffic other than for residents. CC Ann believed there might be issues with this; Waverley Pavilion is used for several child care groups which parents want access to. There would be a risk of vehicles clogging the surrounding streets.
CC Bill reported that he has support for the project from the Land Resource team at Midlothian Council, also from PC Cassidy. He also confirmed that in addition to the funding application, he is having to submit a maintenance and management plan which would include involvement by two residents. He believes that Waverley Park is the best location for this structure.
CC Darius commented that one of the things the Community Council discussed at the beginning of this project was that before committing to it, they would need to speak to the residents, hear their feedback and respond to it. Now, having heard all the feedback over the past two or three Community Council meetings as well as the petition presented this evening, it was time for the Community Council to respond. All due diligence has been carried out and it is time for the Community Council to decide how to proceed. Feedback has been favourable to the concept of the obstacle course, but not to the proposed location. CC Darius proposed a vote on whether the obstacle course should go into Waverley Park. More discussion around the table, this time looking at possible alternative locations, for example St Cyr Park at Sherwood and other pieces of open ground around Bonnyrigg.
CC Ann opened the vote to the Community Councillors.
CC Darius opposed; parking is too much of a known issue at Waverley Park.
CC Ruth opposed; Waverley Park not a suitable location.
CC Own opposed; Waverley Park not a suitable location.
CC Diane opposed; Waverley Park not a suitable location.
CC Jan abstained.
CC Bill abstained.
It was agreed that the proposed obstacle course will not be in Waverley Park.
CC Ann asked for it to be minuted the visitors have raised their concerns about traffic in their area, also traffic and access to Waverley Park. The only vehicular access is via Waverley Drive; this is a real ‘pinch point’ as there are not enough parking spaces and there is no room for expansion. There is a safety issue with small children moving around outside the pavilion while car drivers are jostling for space.
Planning
Application for a Vet Surgery at Dobbies Gardenworld. CC Ann had concerns about access for people with disabilities. There are also concerns that this is part of the green belt and no one present was sure where the surgery would be located. It was agreed to move this to the next Community Council meeting for further discussion.
Out of area developments of interest:
Hillend Ski Centre [hotel etc]
Salters Gate Film Studio
No concerns were noted.
Road, Traffic and Footways/Pavements Issues
Grit Bag Locations.
CC Darius created a poll via the residents’ forum on Facebook asking for nominations for suitable locations. He has narrowed the responses to up to 20 strong locations evenly distributed throughout the community.
Action. CC Darius to respond to the Council with the list and ask them to drop 1-tonne bags at each location. CC Darius will post the map on the residents’ forums. He will also ask the Council when this is likely to happen.
Financial Report and New Treasurer
CC Diane reported Chair Marnie’s concerns that the Community Council no longer has a treasurer. It was agreed to discuss this more fully at the next meeting.
AOCB
CC Ann is planning to look more closely at youth services provision and hopes to visit the youth club in Gorebridge. She commented that the Community Council would need to look for suitable premises for something similar in Bonnyrigg. Councillor Milligan commented that only a tiny minority of the 1500 or so Lasswade High pupils were causing most of the problems. Also, some are coming in from other areas. He also commented that there are already lots of groups operating in Bonnyrigg, for example the Bonnyrigg Rose Boys Club, lots of groups using Lasswade Centre and local sports groups.
CC Ann commented that Bonnyrigg lacks physical space, ie a community hall. Councillor Milligan felt that there is lots of space at Lasswade Centre still unused. However, CCs Ann and Darius believed that it was difficult to get enough adults to supervise groups, particularly when regulations are very strict; for example, one adult would be required at each fire exit. This makes it difficult to organise supervised discos and other events are buildings like Lasswade Centre and they would be more feasible in a smaller community hall.
CC Ruth said that she had been asked to bring up the rise in Tonezone fees for senior citizens but, having listened to Councillor Milligan’s concerns about the Council budget, now understood why this was happening.
CC Ann had recently helped at an event held by local ex-servicemen to fund the purchase of poppy wreaths for the next Armistice ceremony. She has advised them to contact the Community Council nearer the time for possible support.
The Community Council office does not have enough office bearers. CC Ann asked everyone present to encourage more people to attend and get involved in future Community Council meetings as this is a good way to find out what is happening in the community.
CC Diane mentioned a few items that had been brought to the Community Council’s attention recently.
Fly tipping; this was to be discussed at a meeting organised by the Midlothian Federation of Community Councils on 23 January. Community Councillors had been invited to attend.
The yellow junction box at Dundas Street; this is to be repainted. Timescale unknown.
The Community Council has received an approach from Bonnyrigg Bowling Club; they are planning to build a replacement clubhouse and would like to begin a conversation with the Community Council on how to do this.
Date of next meeting
The next meeting will be on Thursday 21 February 2019 at 7pm. This has been rescheduled from its original date (14 February). The venue will be the Sports Pavilion in King George Park.
Residents’ comments on the proposal to locate an obstacle course in Waverley Park
Resident 1
Objections:
Resident 2
Agree with everything already said. I might add that I think it will be a waste of money and the council’s budget is already stretched.
Resident 3
Main concerns as above. Traffic from nursery, after school club and football hinders residents.
Resident 4
Dangerous concerns about traffic at entrance to park. Reversing onto children.
Resident 5
The volume of traffic entering the street, plus the speed they come down the road at is a real safety concern for me. Also, there is enough vandalism in this street done by people cutting through to the park that we don’t want to encourage any more.
Resident 6
I am a concerned resident who uses the park daily. There is enough traffic coming and going into the pavilion without encouraging more. Most of the parents dropping off their children do not adhere to the 10-mile speed limit entering the pavilion, which makes it dangerous for children and dog walkers. Let’s keep the park for young children to play in! Not enough parking spaces for any more cars,
Resident 7
We do not want any changes to local community building which may attract wrong type of people coming in and out and traffic.
Resident 8
Think it’s a good idea but just not the right place. Too many safety issues.
Resident 9
Great idea but think it would be better placed elsewhere. We need to consider who currently uses the park and might not if we change the use. Plus, not a good idea to have increased traffic in a restricted area.
Resident 10
Great idea, but not in the small park. I would suggest a large piece of ground to benefit a greater community. Our small park is well used by the surrounding residents – nice and friendly not over crowded!
Resident 11
Too much traffic as it is.
Resident 12
Nothing left for the young children. Need space for them to play.
Resident 13
Unsupervised facility.
Resident 14
I feel it would encourage older kids to use it as a drinking den, broken glass, smoking.
Resident 15
I regularly use the park for walks and feel it is a good environment for both adults and children as it is. It’s good to have something as nature intended and a green space for all. I would also be concerned about access and the increase in traffic as there is insufficient infrastructure in place.
Resident 16
Concerns about traffic, parking, safety. I’m a scooter user, sure it will bring trouble.
Resident 17
Concerns about traffic, already busy as it is. Likely to bring groups of youths down to hang around the area, intimidating children from using the park. Very likely to get vandalised and become an eye sore.
10mph signs should be moved to top of the street as people drive far too fast going down to the park as it is.
We need to stop building on the little grassy areas we have left for young children to explore. The park is suitable for all ages as it is, whereas an obstacle course targets a small audience.
Resident 18
I think the park should remain a natural open space for young children to play, especially under 12s. There is a lack of safe places for young children to play in Bonnyrigg. Obstacle course is aimed at teenagers which could stop young children’s freedom at park.
Resident 19
The park is fine the way it is.
Resident 20
Will attract anti-social behaviour. Would rather the park was a safe place for minors. Need places for kids to run about safely.
Resident 21
Our house is very close to the park and I am concerned this will attract further anti-social behaviour. Also, the park is already well used and enjoyed by the local community. Green space is becoming more scarce.
Resident 22
Waverley Park already causes a problem within a large part of the housing scheme, along with the volume of cars and lorries – some of which use it as a rat run/short cut. This will only exacerbate the problem. The park as it is should remain as a younger activity area (nursery school already on site) and would not seem suitable for this. This type of attraction will tempt older people (probably with vehicles) who could cause more problems both within the park and the surrounding areas due to vandalism and also noise.
This is a small green grass area and should remain as such. Why not plan for a new one within all the new schemes and allow the correct space and access?
Resident 23
Concerned about parking and volume of traffic. Walk dogs down park and speed of traffic is already a massive issue. To add more volume of traffic to this area is a major concern to this local area.
Resident 24
This would attract all ages – not the proper ages – and then will be problems and bullies.
Resident 25
Took long enough to get rid of the anti-social problems in the park before. People would also use Wishart Avenue to park.
Resident 26
Disabled resident. Not in favour due to past experience with noise and trouble in park.
Resident 27
We are older (mid-late 60s). Moved here few years ago with most neighbours. We have grown up within Bonnyrigg and street is normally very peaceful. Think this proposed change to Waverley Park will make more unruly youngsters to add to the unruly youngsters already since McD’s has opened. No from us.
Resident 28
Adding to the park will cause more night time problems.
Resident 29
Will cause further problems than we already have.
Resident 30
There is already a problem with teenage kids in the park. We don’t want to add to it. It’s a no from us.
Resident 31
A change like this will negatively affect the community and the sense of security felt by its residents.
In Sports Pavilion, King George V Park
Welcome and Introduction
Community Councillor Ann Morrison deputised for Chair Marnie Crawford. Ann welcomed the visitors to the meeting and everyone round the table introduced themselves.
In attendance
Community Councillors: Ann Morrison [acting Chair], Jan Irvine, Owen Proudfoot, Diane Easton, Ruth Scott, Darius Namdaran, Bill McDonald.
Councillors: Derek Milligan, Janet Lay-Douglas.
Community Police Officers James Pendreich, Brian McGuff [Newtongrange and Gorebridge]
Midlothian Communities Officer: Catherine Duns
MSP staff: Grant Stanley
Visitors: Gail Halley, Brian Kane, Kerry Hurding
Apologies
Community Councillors: [Chair] Marnie Crawford, Sheila Metcalfe, Ann Morrison; Simon Tracey; Rhona Matthews.
Councillor Dianne Alexander
Visitor: Isobel Hessler
Visitor Matters
Tonight’s visitors were concerned about Waverley Park and the proposal for the obstacle course at Waverley Park; this was discussed later in the meeting.
Minutes of meeting of 13 December 2018
The minutes were considered a true report of the meeting.
Matters arising from the previous minutes
There were no matters arising from the previous minutes.
Police Report
Community Police Officers James Pendreich and Brian McGuff were standing in for PCs Jonny Cassidy and Owen Findlay who were unavailable.
Summary of the police report for December 2018
62 recorded crimes
27 recorded crimes solved [43.5%]
305 calls to Police Scotland
A full copy of the report appears below.
There followed some discussion concerning anti-social behaviour by young people, often under the influence of alcohol. The police officers stated that it was better if residents keep reporting issues so they can gather information on what is happening. They also described a Friday night youth group run by volunteers in Gorebridge which provides a safe place for young people to go in and have a laugh and socialise. The CPOs invited Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Councillors to the youth group to find out how it is being run. Catherine Duns from the Midlothian Council’s Communities Group would be able to provide a list of activities in other areas. CC Darius commented that youth groups were more likely to succeed when the volunteers who run the group come from the local community.
CC Ann was planning to speak with the local CAT team and the Deputy Headteacher of Lasswade High School for ideas on how to deal with the issue.
Report from Midlothian Councillors
Councillor Lay-Douglas reported that she had attended the Council’s Winter Resilience Planning meeting. This included a presentation by Kevin Sewell who had co-ordinated emergency response procedures in both the Borders and East Lothian. She felt there had been some confusion about the purpose of this session; attendees believed it would be about resilience planning for the bad weather forecast to arrive shortly, whereas it was actually designed for planning for future years. The Council would provide a small budget; deputy co-ordinators would be signed up and small groups of volunteers providing help in difficult situations. At present it’s just Community Councils that are being asked for help, but Councillor Lay-Douglas felt that it might be better if other community and Church groups could also be involved. Mr Sewell reported that people who signed up as deputy co-ordinators would be covered by the Council’s insurance. Councillor Lay-Douglas also reported that the Winter Resilience meeting wasn’t well attended even though it had been widely advertised.
Councillor Milligan gave an update on the replacement of St Mary’s Primary School. All going well it should be complete by Christmas 2019, but definitely by Easter 2020 to allow for unexpected circumstances.
Midlothian Council is preparing to invest in the Hillend Ski Centre on the proviso that a business case shows this will generate actual income.
Midlothian Council is in negotiations concerning the film studio proposed to be located on land adjacent to Dalkeith Country Park.
Councillor Milligan spoke at length about the Council budget issues. If the Council budget settlement is passed, Midlothian Council will be forced to withdraw every non-statutory service it currently provides, for example, libraries and leisure centres, road sweeping, grass cutting and the Community Action Teams. Councillor Milligan reported that the Council has no more room to make efficiencies. The proposed settlement is 2% lower than expected; with current population growth levels the Council’s service provision costs are 4% higher.
Midlothian has experienced huge population growth through housing expansion, but Councillor Milligan believes that developers are not contributing enough to the rising costs of education and the local infrastructure. A significant proportion of the developer contributions in Midlothian are going towards projects like the Sheriffhall upgrade and the Borders railway. Also, many local agreements concerning developer contributions were signed years ago and are no longer sufficient to cover the actual rise in costs. House prices are lower in Midlothian than they are in Edinburgh, thus attracting more young families. The Council receives 25% of its revenue from Council tax which equates to around £43 million. The Council’s bill for education alone is around £43 million; as well as that costs are on the increase for social care and for children with additional support needs.
Councillor Milligan was asked whether there would be any savings benefit from amalgamating services with East Lothian Council. He commented that an attempt was made to do this a few years ago but abandoned at the last minute following a change in administration.
Councillor Milligan has met with John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills to appeal for more funding for early years education. He has also requested meetings with leaders of other political parties in Scotland.
Obstacle Course for Waverley Park
Recap from previous meeting. A funding application for £34096 has been submitted to Viridor and CC Bill is waiting for a decision. At the previous Community Council meeting it was agreed that the visitors from the Waverley area should gather further feedback to support their objections to the location of the obstacle course in Waverley Park.
At tonight’s meeting the visitors presented a petition with 31 signatures and comments objecting to the proposal. A table of their comments appears at the end of the minutes.
More discussion followed, principally concerning traffic issues and anti-social behaviour. All the visitors in attendance complained that Waverley Park is not a suitable location for this obstacle course.
CC Bill suggested the residents apply to the Council for a road traffic order banning any traffic other than for residents. CC Ann believed there might be issues with this; Waverley Pavilion is used for several child care groups which parents want access to. There would be a risk of vehicles clogging the surrounding streets.
CC Bill reported that he has support for the project from the Land Resource team at Midlothian Council, also from PC Cassidy. He also confirmed that in addition to the funding application, he is having to submit a maintenance and management plan which would include involvement by two residents. He believes that Waverley Park is the best location for this structure.
CC Darius commented that one of the things the Community Council discussed at the beginning of this project was that before committing to it, they would need to speak to the residents, hear their feedback and respond to it. Now, having heard all the feedback over the past two or three Community Council meetings as well as the petition presented this evening, it was time for the Community Council to respond. All due diligence has been carried out and it is time for the Community Council to decide how to proceed. Feedback has been favourable to the concept of the obstacle course, but not to the proposed location. CC Darius proposed a vote on whether the obstacle course should go into Waverley Park. More discussion around the table, this time looking at possible alternative locations, for example St Cyr Park at Sherwood and other pieces of open ground around Bonnyrigg.
CC Ann opened the vote to the Community Councillors.
CC Darius opposed; parking is too much of a known issue at Waverley Park.
CC Ruth opposed; Waverley Park not a suitable location.
CC Own opposed; Waverley Park not a suitable location.
CC Diane opposed; Waverley Park not a suitable location.
CC Jan abstained.
CC Bill abstained.
It was agreed that the proposed obstacle course will not be in Waverley Park.
CC Ann asked for it to be minuted the visitors have raised their concerns about traffic in their area, also traffic and access to Waverley Park. The only vehicular access is via Waverley Drive; this is a real ‘pinch point’ as there are not enough parking spaces and there is no room for expansion. There is a safety issue with small children moving around outside the pavilion while car drivers are jostling for space.
Planning
Application for a Vet Surgery at Dobbies Gardenworld. CC Ann had concerns about access for people with disabilities. There are also concerns that this is part of the green belt and no one present was sure where the surgery would be located. It was agreed to move this to the next Community Council meeting for further discussion.
Out of area developments of interest:
Hillend Ski Centre [hotel etc]
Salters Gate Film Studio
No concerns were noted.
Road, Traffic and Footways/Pavements Issues
Grit Bag Locations.
CC Darius created a poll via the residents’ forum on Facebook asking for nominations for suitable locations. He has narrowed the responses to up to 20 strong locations evenly distributed throughout the community.
Action. CC Darius to respond to the Council with the list and ask them to drop 1-tonne bags at each location. CC Darius will post the map on the residents’ forums. He will also ask the Council when this is likely to happen.
Financial Report and New Treasurer
CC Diane reported Chair Marnie’s concerns that the Community Council no longer has a treasurer. It was agreed to discuss this more fully at the next meeting.
AOCB
CC Ann is planning to look more closely at youth services provision and hopes to visit the youth club in Gorebridge. She commented that the Community Council would need to look for suitable premises for something similar in Bonnyrigg. Councillor Milligan commented that only a tiny minority of the 1500 or so Lasswade High pupils were causing most of the problems. Also, some are coming in from other areas. He also commented that there are already lots of groups operating in Bonnyrigg, for example the Bonnyrigg Rose Boys Club, lots of groups using Lasswade Centre and local sports groups.
CC Ann commented that Bonnyrigg lacks physical space, ie a community hall. Councillor Milligan felt that there is lots of space at Lasswade Centre still unused. However, CCs Ann and Darius believed that it was difficult to get enough adults to supervise groups, particularly when regulations are very strict; for example, one adult would be required at each fire exit. This makes it difficult to organise supervised discos and other events are buildings like Lasswade Centre and they would be more feasible in a smaller community hall.
CC Ruth said that she had been asked to bring up the rise in Tonezone fees for senior citizens but, having listened to Councillor Milligan’s concerns about the Council budget, now understood why this was happening.
CC Ann had recently helped at an event held by local ex-servicemen to fund the purchase of poppy wreaths for the next Armistice ceremony. She has advised them to contact the Community Council nearer the time for possible support.
The Community Council office does not have enough office bearers. CC Ann asked everyone present to encourage more people to attend and get involved in future Community Council meetings as this is a good way to find out what is happening in the community.
CC Diane mentioned a few items that had been brought to the Community Council’s attention recently.
Fly tipping; this was to be discussed at a meeting organised by the Midlothian Federation of Community Councils on 23 January. Community Councillors had been invited to attend.
The yellow junction box at Dundas Street; this is to be repainted. Timescale unknown.
The Community Council has received an approach from Bonnyrigg Bowling Club; they are planning to build a replacement clubhouse and would like to begin a conversation with the Community Council on how to do this.
Date of next meeting
The next meeting will be on Thursday 21 February 2019 at 7pm. This has been rescheduled from its original date (14 February). The venue will be the Sports Pavilion in King George Park.
Residents’ comments on the proposal to locate an obstacle course in Waverley Park
Resident 1
Objections:
- Extra noise on top of what I have as living room looks onto park and can hear and see what’s going on to what was a quiet and peaceful environ.
- Increase in traffic not just in Waverley Drive but entering into Waverley estate in general.
- Congestion in park as only 8 parking spaces.
- Fear for children and adults alike who use the park with speeding and undue care and attention of drivers as no pavement.
Resident 2
Agree with everything already said. I might add that I think it will be a waste of money and the council’s budget is already stretched.
Resident 3
Main concerns as above. Traffic from nursery, after school club and football hinders residents.
Resident 4
Dangerous concerns about traffic at entrance to park. Reversing onto children.
Resident 5
The volume of traffic entering the street, plus the speed they come down the road at is a real safety concern for me. Also, there is enough vandalism in this street done by people cutting through to the park that we don’t want to encourage any more.
Resident 6
I am a concerned resident who uses the park daily. There is enough traffic coming and going into the pavilion without encouraging more. Most of the parents dropping off their children do not adhere to the 10-mile speed limit entering the pavilion, which makes it dangerous for children and dog walkers. Let’s keep the park for young children to play in! Not enough parking spaces for any more cars,
Resident 7
We do not want any changes to local community building which may attract wrong type of people coming in and out and traffic.
Resident 8
Think it’s a good idea but just not the right place. Too many safety issues.
Resident 9
Great idea but think it would be better placed elsewhere. We need to consider who currently uses the park and might not if we change the use. Plus, not a good idea to have increased traffic in a restricted area.
Resident 10
Great idea, but not in the small park. I would suggest a large piece of ground to benefit a greater community. Our small park is well used by the surrounding residents – nice and friendly not over crowded!
Resident 11
Too much traffic as it is.
Resident 12
Nothing left for the young children. Need space for them to play.
Resident 13
Unsupervised facility.
Resident 14
I feel it would encourage older kids to use it as a drinking den, broken glass, smoking.
Resident 15
I regularly use the park for walks and feel it is a good environment for both adults and children as it is. It’s good to have something as nature intended and a green space for all. I would also be concerned about access and the increase in traffic as there is insufficient infrastructure in place.
Resident 16
Concerns about traffic, parking, safety. I’m a scooter user, sure it will bring trouble.
Resident 17
Concerns about traffic, already busy as it is. Likely to bring groups of youths down to hang around the area, intimidating children from using the park. Very likely to get vandalised and become an eye sore.
10mph signs should be moved to top of the street as people drive far too fast going down to the park as it is.
We need to stop building on the little grassy areas we have left for young children to explore. The park is suitable for all ages as it is, whereas an obstacle course targets a small audience.
Resident 18
I think the park should remain a natural open space for young children to play, especially under 12s. There is a lack of safe places for young children to play in Bonnyrigg. Obstacle course is aimed at teenagers which could stop young children’s freedom at park.
Resident 19
The park is fine the way it is.
Resident 20
Will attract anti-social behaviour. Would rather the park was a safe place for minors. Need places for kids to run about safely.
Resident 21
Our house is very close to the park and I am concerned this will attract further anti-social behaviour. Also, the park is already well used and enjoyed by the local community. Green space is becoming more scarce.
Resident 22
Waverley Park already causes a problem within a large part of the housing scheme, along with the volume of cars and lorries – some of which use it as a rat run/short cut. This will only exacerbate the problem. The park as it is should remain as a younger activity area (nursery school already on site) and would not seem suitable for this. This type of attraction will tempt older people (probably with vehicles) who could cause more problems both within the park and the surrounding areas due to vandalism and also noise.
This is a small green grass area and should remain as such. Why not plan for a new one within all the new schemes and allow the correct space and access?
Resident 23
Concerned about parking and volume of traffic. Walk dogs down park and speed of traffic is already a massive issue. To add more volume of traffic to this area is a major concern to this local area.
Resident 24
This would attract all ages – not the proper ages – and then will be problems and bullies.
Resident 25
Took long enough to get rid of the anti-social problems in the park before. People would also use Wishart Avenue to park.
Resident 26
Disabled resident. Not in favour due to past experience with noise and trouble in park.
Resident 27
We are older (mid-late 60s). Moved here few years ago with most neighbours. We have grown up within Bonnyrigg and street is normally very peaceful. Think this proposed change to Waverley Park will make more unruly youngsters to add to the unruly youngsters already since McD’s has opened. No from us.
Resident 28
Adding to the park will cause more night time problems.
Resident 29
Will cause further problems than we already have.
Resident 30
There is already a problem with teenage kids in the park. We don’t want to add to it. It’s a no from us.
Resident 31
A change like this will negatively affect the community and the sense of security felt by its residents.
Police Report
Bonnyrigg, Lasswade and Poltonhall and District
[1-31 December 2018]
During the month of December 2018 in the beat area BD01 – Bonnyrigg, Lasswade, Poltonhall & District – there were 62 recorded crimes reported, of which 27 were solved (43.5% solvency).
During this time period, there were 305 calls to Police Scotland.
INCIDENTS OF NOTE
On Sunday 2nd December a window was smashed a small single pane window at Luci’s Restaurant in Lasswade. Enquiries could not identify a suspect.
On Tuesday 4th December report of youths being anti-social at the library at Lasswade Centre, Bonnyrigg. Youths challenged by staff and asked to leave.
Friday 7th December disturbance reported at Caldwerwood Arms, Bonnyrigg. One person arrested and reported for various offences.
On Saturday 8th December disturbance reported on Polton Road West regarding two males fighting. Two persons charged for assault.
On Wednesday 12th December numerous calls received from persons on Auld Coal Drive, Bonnyrigg regarding male trying doors to houses and cars. Male traced and arrested for numerous attempt thefts and attempt theft housebreakings and reported to Procurator Fiscal.
Thursday 13th December theft housebreaking at property in Hill Head, Bonnyrigg with jewellery items taken. Enquiries still ongoing to trace suspects.
On the 11th January a vehicle was seized for having no insurance and person reported to courts for offence.
On 13th December two vehicle seized for having no insurance and persons reported to courts for offence.
On 14th December Youths causing disturbance at the Co-op store High street Bonnyrigg. Youths traced and warned regarding behaviour.
On 16th December suspect person reported at Gordon Avenue, Bonnyrigg.
On 17th December Drugs warrant carried out at address in Campview Road, Bonnyrigg. Numerous types of drugs and money located within and person reported to courts for various offences.
On 18th December Disturbance reported to address in Royal Scots Medway, Bonnyrigg with one male arrested for assault and held to appear at court for offence.
On 18th December youths reported as throwing stones at Lasswade centre. Youths identified and spoken to regarding their behaviour.
On 19th December Drugs warrant carried out at address in Sherwood Court, Bonnyrigg. Drugs and money located within and male reported to courts for various offences.
On 21st December theft of alcohol from Co-op store, Bonnyrigg by youth. Person traced and reported for offence.
On 21st December report of about 10 youths drinking and playing music on Lothian Street, Bonnyrigg. Officers attended and searched for youths but were unable to locate them.
On 21st December report of Fight on Dundas Street, Bonnyrigg. Officers attended and located suspect who was charged for assault and reported to Procurator Fiscal.
On 29th December 2018 male searched in Eskdale Court and found in possession of Cannabis. Reported to procurator Fiscal.
On 30th December reports of youths riding motorbike on footpath behind Scollon Avenue, Bonnyrigg. Officers attended but youths had left prior to arrival. Enquiries made to identify riders but unsuccessful.
On 31st December male searched in Park Crescent and found in possession of quantity of controlled tablets. Reported for offences.
On 31st December drugs warrant carried out at property in Royal Scots Place, Bonnyrigg. No controlled substances found.
On 31st December vehicle seized on Eskbank Road for driving without insurance. Driver reported for offence.
On 31st December shoplifting from Tesco's, Rosewell Road. Male located shortly after and charged for shoplifting.
On 31st December reports of numerous youths hanging around outside Tesco Express Rosewell Road, trying to get adults to purchase alcohol for them and being antisocial. CAT team attended but youths left prior to arrival.
Throughout the month of December a festive initiative was conducted where numerous road checks and speed checks were conducted. This resulted in numerous traffic offences being detected and offences reported to the courts.
Police received numerous calls regarding youths causing a nuisance around the Bonnyrigg area. This is known to be a continuing issue and there is dedicated patrols carried out in response to these from both Community and MCAT officers.
Concerns have previously been raised that the new McDonalds next to Tesco's in Dalkeith would cause an increase in antisocial behaviour along the old railway line footpath. This appears not to have been the case so far but we will keep an eye out should any issues here arise.
If any person has any information about the incidents listed above, or indeed any other crime, please contact your Community Policing Officer PC Jonny Cassidy or PC Owen Findlay via 101 or email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Additional Information
Hate crime and domestic abuse can now be reported online via the official Police Scotland website at www.scotland.police.uk or by visiting a Third Party Reporting Centre – details of which are also on our website.
Information regarding crime can be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through an Online Form - both of these routes are completely anonymous and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Police Scotland use social media to circulate the latest news, events and information to the public via Twitter (@LothBordPolice and @MidLothPolice) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/LothiansScottishBordersPoliceDivision and www.facebook.com/MidlothianPolice).
Your View Counts
Police Scotland consults with the public every year on what their priorities are for policing in their community.
In the past this has always been by hard copy consultation questionnaires which were distributed by police officers within the community.
This year, Police Scotland's consultation process is widening and becoming more flexible. The consultation process is moving online to a digital format and consultation will be open all year.
The public consultation is for you to tell us what is important to you in your community. Your opinion is valued – we need your opinion to inform our policing.
Having your say in the decision making process of Police Scotland is a vital tool for residents of Scotland to be able to shape the way their public services should operate.
Everyone's views across Scotland will be taken on board at a national and local level. We want you to help us focus on the priorities that will help communities most. There is no 'one size fits all' approach to local policing and all the needs and wants of individual communities will be considered.
This is the first time Police Scotland’s public consultation is being hosted on a digital platform. This allows us to reach a much wider audience than ever before, ensuring that everyone can have their say.
The online consultation is open all year which allows you to take part when it suits you but also gives the flexibility of being able to re-submit the consultation if your priorities change.
It's a very simple process that should only take a few moments of your time but will shape the way that policing is coordinated across Scotland and in your local community. We will keep you updated on our quarterly results. The consultation will be a completely transparent process as it's all about your priorities. Find out more by visiting www.scotland.police.uk/yourviewcounts
Bonnyrigg, Lasswade and Poltonhall and District
[1-31 December 2018]
During the month of December 2018 in the beat area BD01 – Bonnyrigg, Lasswade, Poltonhall & District – there were 62 recorded crimes reported, of which 27 were solved (43.5% solvency).
During this time period, there were 305 calls to Police Scotland.
INCIDENTS OF NOTE
On Sunday 2nd December a window was smashed a small single pane window at Luci’s Restaurant in Lasswade. Enquiries could not identify a suspect.
On Tuesday 4th December report of youths being anti-social at the library at Lasswade Centre, Bonnyrigg. Youths challenged by staff and asked to leave.
Friday 7th December disturbance reported at Caldwerwood Arms, Bonnyrigg. One person arrested and reported for various offences.
On Saturday 8th December disturbance reported on Polton Road West regarding two males fighting. Two persons charged for assault.
On Wednesday 12th December numerous calls received from persons on Auld Coal Drive, Bonnyrigg regarding male trying doors to houses and cars. Male traced and arrested for numerous attempt thefts and attempt theft housebreakings and reported to Procurator Fiscal.
Thursday 13th December theft housebreaking at property in Hill Head, Bonnyrigg with jewellery items taken. Enquiries still ongoing to trace suspects.
On the 11th January a vehicle was seized for having no insurance and person reported to courts for offence.
On 13th December two vehicle seized for having no insurance and persons reported to courts for offence.
On 14th December Youths causing disturbance at the Co-op store High street Bonnyrigg. Youths traced and warned regarding behaviour.
On 16th December suspect person reported at Gordon Avenue, Bonnyrigg.
On 17th December Drugs warrant carried out at address in Campview Road, Bonnyrigg. Numerous types of drugs and money located within and person reported to courts for various offences.
On 18th December Disturbance reported to address in Royal Scots Medway, Bonnyrigg with one male arrested for assault and held to appear at court for offence.
On 18th December youths reported as throwing stones at Lasswade centre. Youths identified and spoken to regarding their behaviour.
On 19th December Drugs warrant carried out at address in Sherwood Court, Bonnyrigg. Drugs and money located within and male reported to courts for various offences.
On 21st December theft of alcohol from Co-op store, Bonnyrigg by youth. Person traced and reported for offence.
On 21st December report of about 10 youths drinking and playing music on Lothian Street, Bonnyrigg. Officers attended and searched for youths but were unable to locate them.
On 21st December report of Fight on Dundas Street, Bonnyrigg. Officers attended and located suspect who was charged for assault and reported to Procurator Fiscal.
On 29th December 2018 male searched in Eskdale Court and found in possession of Cannabis. Reported to procurator Fiscal.
On 30th December reports of youths riding motorbike on footpath behind Scollon Avenue, Bonnyrigg. Officers attended but youths had left prior to arrival. Enquiries made to identify riders but unsuccessful.
On 31st December male searched in Park Crescent and found in possession of quantity of controlled tablets. Reported for offences.
On 31st December drugs warrant carried out at property in Royal Scots Place, Bonnyrigg. No controlled substances found.
On 31st December vehicle seized on Eskbank Road for driving without insurance. Driver reported for offence.
On 31st December shoplifting from Tesco's, Rosewell Road. Male located shortly after and charged for shoplifting.
On 31st December reports of numerous youths hanging around outside Tesco Express Rosewell Road, trying to get adults to purchase alcohol for them and being antisocial. CAT team attended but youths left prior to arrival.
Throughout the month of December a festive initiative was conducted where numerous road checks and speed checks were conducted. This resulted in numerous traffic offences being detected and offences reported to the courts.
Police received numerous calls regarding youths causing a nuisance around the Bonnyrigg area. This is known to be a continuing issue and there is dedicated patrols carried out in response to these from both Community and MCAT officers.
Concerns have previously been raised that the new McDonalds next to Tesco's in Dalkeith would cause an increase in antisocial behaviour along the old railway line footpath. This appears not to have been the case so far but we will keep an eye out should any issues here arise.
If any person has any information about the incidents listed above, or indeed any other crime, please contact your Community Policing Officer PC Jonny Cassidy or PC Owen Findlay via 101 or email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Additional Information
Hate crime and domestic abuse can now be reported online via the official Police Scotland website at www.scotland.police.uk or by visiting a Third Party Reporting Centre – details of which are also on our website.
Information regarding crime can be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through an Online Form - both of these routes are completely anonymous and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Police Scotland use social media to circulate the latest news, events and information to the public via Twitter (@LothBordPolice and @MidLothPolice) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/LothiansScottishBordersPoliceDivision and www.facebook.com/MidlothianPolice).
Your View Counts
Police Scotland consults with the public every year on what their priorities are for policing in their community.
In the past this has always been by hard copy consultation questionnaires which were distributed by police officers within the community.
This year, Police Scotland's consultation process is widening and becoming more flexible. The consultation process is moving online to a digital format and consultation will be open all year.
The public consultation is for you to tell us what is important to you in your community. Your opinion is valued – we need your opinion to inform our policing.
Having your say in the decision making process of Police Scotland is a vital tool for residents of Scotland to be able to shape the way their public services should operate.
Everyone's views across Scotland will be taken on board at a national and local level. We want you to help us focus on the priorities that will help communities most. There is no 'one size fits all' approach to local policing and all the needs and wants of individual communities will be considered.
This is the first time Police Scotland’s public consultation is being hosted on a digital platform. This allows us to reach a much wider audience than ever before, ensuring that everyone can have their say.
The online consultation is open all year which allows you to take part when it suits you but also gives the flexibility of being able to re-submit the consultation if your priorities change.
It's a very simple process that should only take a few moments of your time but will shape the way that policing is coordinated across Scotland and in your local community. We will keep you updated on our quarterly results. The consultation will be a completely transparent process as it's all about your priorities. Find out more by visiting www.scotland.police.uk/yourviewcounts