BONNYRIGG AND LASSWADE COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of meeting held on 20th February 2014 at Sports Pavilion, King George V park,
Bonnyrigg at 19:30 hours.
Present: Darius Namdaran (Chair), Jo Lee (secretary), Ruth Scott, Gilbert Scott, J.B Scott,
Janet Clark
In attendance: Ian Baxter (councillor), Bob Constable (councillor), Craig Finlayson
(Advertiser), Alastair Macfarlane (Melville Golf Club)
1. WELCOME
2. APOLOGIES: Cameron Scott, Dougie Stewart, Elaine Ferguson
3. MELVILLE GOLF COURSE REQUEST FOR REDUCED SPEED LIMITS
Alastair Macfarlane reported that the speed limit on Melville Dykes Road from the big brae
at Lasswade to the A7 roundabout is still 60 mph despite the addition of the hotel complex
and the presence of the golf course. Children and members need to cross this road to
access this course and the high speeds of traffic means that they are in danger. Alastair
requested a letter of support for a reduced speed limit.
ACTION: Jo to write a letter of support for reduced speed limits
4. POLICE REPORT (see attached)
The Community Council noted their disappointment that Bonnyrigg Public Counter would
be closing. This is especially frustrating in light of Dalkeith station being open 7 days a
week. We would have liked to see some of these hours allocated to Bonnyrigg station.
5. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Janet Clark proposed the minutes and Ruth Scott seconded them.
6. REPORT FROM MIDLOTHIAN COUNCILLORS
Bob Constable
There is now a flashing sign at Lasswade bridge to slow traffic
There is to be a haggis hurling competition in Bonnyrigg on 1st or 2nd March
Edinburgh Green Space Trust will begin work at Mavisbank on Monday 24th February.
Has raised the issue of the library at Lasswade Centre having extended open hours as it is
only open until 5pm.
Ian Baxter
Access Forum is planning significant works on core paths in Midlothian
Ongoing confusion about the objection to the Hillhead bus stop. Ideally needs the support
of all three councillors for action to be taken.
Allotment plans for the old Hopefield school site are ongoing
Council leader is positive about council owned renewable energy and it will be pursued
through business transformation
Spoke to Openreach and Cabinet 30 on Polton Road is back on the program for late
summer. Hopefield and Glastongait are not.
7. COMMUNITY COUNCIL NOTICEBOARD
Planning is not required for a noticeboard in the town centre. The Community Council
decided they would like to pursue this idea
ACTION: Agenda point for next meeting so that a working group can form

8. COMMUNITY COUNCIL AWARDS

Darius proposed the idea of Community Council awards which recognised local people
who did small things regularly that made a big difference, who had gone the extra mile in
the community. Community Council agreed that it was a good idea
ACTION: Darius, Jo and Janet to develop the idea further
9. TRAFFIC LEVELS IN THE WAVERLEYS
Parking levels in the Waverley estate have become dangerous, especially with most
households now owning at least one car and the additional parking demands of Gigis
restaurant. The Community Council identified this as a hotspot in Bonnyrigg for remedial
action and requested that it be made a priority.
ACTION: Ian and Bob to raise the issue with relevant council departments
10. RESPONSE TO ASSISTED SUICIDE BILL
No-one volunteered to take this further
11. PROPOSED VISIT TO SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Darius, Ruth and Janet were interested in attending
ACTION: Darius to co-ordinate
12. RUBBISH LEVELS IN BONNYRIGG
It was noted that there is significant rubbish build up in areas of Bonnyrigg. It was also
noted that rubbish is dumped faster than the Council depts can clear it
ACTION: Community to identify specific areas of concern and Midlothian
Councillors to explore a Community Service option for clearing
13. DAVY DUNN MEMORIAL UPDATE
After correspondence with Laurence Reed, Jo reported that we need to approach the
current provost. He will apparently seek Bob Constables advice and Bob indicated that he
would not approve a plaque in the playpark despite this being a previous council decision
as he said it was inappropriate to name a childrens park after someone who was
murdered. The Community Council unanimously disagree with this stance and feel the
commitment made to the family should be honoured and it is not for Councillor Constable
to back track on this decision. It was also felt that the memorial was entirely appropriate as
Mr Dunn lost his life performing his civic duty.
ACTION: Agenda point for next meeting to decide how to proceed
14. PLAN FOR AGM
AGM will be on Thursday 17th April 2014
ACTION: Darius to co-ordinate paperwork and submit information to Advertiser
17. FAIR TRADE
With Fair Trade fortnight coming up there is the Big Brew at St Leonards on 5th March and
the primary school football competition on the 7th.
19. A.O.B
Council agreed their public liability insurance could cover the Bonnyrigg Hub gathering on
Saturday 22nd February in the Pitcairn Centre
20. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: 17th April 2014 at 7.30pm