Currie Community Council

Minutes of meeting on 8^th September 2008

Present: G Dane (Chair), D Bertram, A Clark, D. Henderson, B McGovern, Cllr Paisley, Cllr Cairns, Cllr Henderson; Vanessa Stephen and Ruth Smith from MTLA and Andrew Brown from DN Associates, 10 members of the public.

Prior to the start of the meeting Vanessa Stephen gave a Phase One presentation on the vision for Currie Conservation Area. The Chair asked the members of public present for their views and A. Clark outlined the Community Council’s vision to take the project forward to the next phase, planned for the November meeting.

Minutes The minutes of the August meeting were approved.

Matters Arising The problems of the wind turbine causing shadow flicker and noise to residents adjacent to the Currie CHS were discussed. K Paton reiterated the school’s consultation with the residents via a mail drop, and a flyer distribution at the planning stage. It was decided that no action would take place until A Clark received a response to his letter from the CEC Chief Executive. A site visit would be arranged to seek reconciliation. K Paton gave an insight into the theory of wind turbine energy generation to complete the debate.

1. Currie CHS :K. Paton supplied a report (later distributed by e-mail) and gave a summary of its contents. Three new teachers and five probationers have joined the school. The revised dress code is proving to be a success with many comments on how smart it looks. The first meeting of Parents in Partnership will take place on the 24th September, and improvement plan priorities for 2008/09 have been outlined.

2. Police Report: PC M Smith supplied a report and gave a summary of its contents. Vandalism and two assaults were the main areas of concern and a motor car had had its number plates stolen.

3. Chair Report: An invitation has been received to send a representative to the Cockburn Association civic forum meeting on 9th September. *We have been invited to submit a motion to the Association of Scottish Community Councils’ meeting. *The C&B News are holding an awards night at Baberton Golf Club on the 7th of November. We have been invited to send along two representatives. Elaine Fraser agreed to represent Currie Community Council at the event. *Pentlands Neighbourhood Partnership meeting is on the 7th October. The grant applications list was passed to B. McGovern for information. *The Currie Jubilee Playgroup has been temporarily wound up. *It was agreed to pay a grant of £100 to Currie After School Club. *Hermiston second hand motor dealer’s licence application was supported by the council.

4. Convenors' Reports:

A - Planning: A Clark tabled a report and gave a summary of its contents. The planning application for 46 units of sheltered apartments at the Kinleith Mill site had been withdrawn. No developments to date on the Veich’s nursery development. Rydens have lodged an appeal against the refusal by CEC to grant planning permission at the tannery site. The Treetops Construction Co Ltd has applied to be wound up and appoint an interim liquidator. The petition requesting that CEC reinstate the right of way from the Somerfield petrol station to the water of Leith Walkway now has over 1500 signatures and is almost ready to be bound and arrangements are to be made to present it to the Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council and publicise it in the press. A. Clark to write to the head of transport for further information on the speed bumps in Currie.

B - Education: Nothing to report.

C - Environment: B McGovern gave a summary of her report. Investigations are underway regarding the footpath from Muir Wood Road to Bloomiehall Park. It was noted that it is not an accessible through route. Work continues in Poet’s Glen to clear access to the Poet’s stone by a team of volunteers. The monthly walkabouts have resulted in a number of items being attended to. Ongoing lists of items requiring attention are being investigated especially weed control around the Currie streets. A team of volunteers have been picking up litter in Roley’s Wood; it was decided to write to the volunteer co-ordinator expressing appreciation for their efforts.

D - Flower Tubs: Nothing to report.

E - Transport: It was noted that speeding still continues on Kirk Brae.

F - Health/Website: Vic Mackinlay is continuing to upgrade the website, and appreciation was expressed for his efforts in this regard.

5. Young People's Issues: The way forward for the youth club is still a concern.

6. Financial Report: Current balance- £6760.67 Funds available- £1437.57

8. City Councillors:All actions covered during meeting.

Date of next meeting: Monday 13^th October 2008 at 7:30pm.

Venue: Gibson Craig Hall.