Present: Chris Heywood, Marion Donovan, John Prentice, Kym Bannerman, Fran Keymer and local councilor David Raw.

Apologies: Walter Wyse (Chairman), George Murray and Ian Fleming. Lothian & Borders Police: The local Police were unable to attend this months meeting.

Neighbourhood Watch: There were no incidents brought to the attention of the Community Council at this months meeting.

Previous Minutes: Proposed by Kym Bannerman and seconded by John Prentice. 

Matters Arising

• Digital TV Switchover - The dates for the switchover from Analogue (Terrestrial) TV to Digital TV will take place in the Borders Districts over two dates.  The first date is 6th November 2008 also 20th November 2008.  There may be some delay for some residents as it is not understood which broadcast tower provides the TV signal.  David Raw advised the committee that John Askew is the local liaison officer for information regarding Digital TV queries, and will be able to answer the worries that residents have and provide answers to help a smooth transition.  If anyone is unsure about the effects the switchover will have on them, then please contact your local liaison officer who will be more than happy to assist you.
• Seminar -  Chris Heywood attended the Association of Scottish Community Councils (ASCC) Community Council Empowerment Seminar at the Scottish Borders Council HQ in St Boswells on 27th September 2008.  Chris stated the presentation was concentrating on matters concerning the larger Community Councils which wanted more powers, which involve more legislation and regulation.  Chris said that from the information he picked up from the seminar he thought it would not be in the best interests of the smaller Community Councils to be controlled by so much new legislation. It was also brought up that the small local councils are organized by Volunteers who do not accept any monetary value for their time and dedication to the running of the C.C.  David Raw stated he will contact Claire Malster to get the best advice he can on the issues arising from the presentation and contact the Community Council with the information and advice for the community.
• Minutes Availability - It was noticed in the new local government legislation that the Council would like a draft copy of the community council’s minutes.  The Minutes Secretary did advise that they have never been aware that the minutes be sent to the S.B.C.  “Local Government ETC. (Scotland) Act 1994 Scottish Borders Council” legislation does state in section 15.2 “Each Community Council shall submit to the Scottish Borders Council’s Head of Corporate Administration draft copies of the minutes of its meetings no later than within 21 days after each meeting and copies of the agenda for the subsequent meeting of the Community Council when being issued”. It was concluded that Walter Wyse (Chairman) be informed of the issues arising before the next meeting and advise where to go from there.The Minutes Secretary said we don’t have time to read over all the amended legislation regarding guidelines that Community Councils must adhere to.

• Butterdean: There have been consultation documents sent to the C.C about the applications to erect 4 houses on the owners land.  The plans were inspected and we had no objections and foresaw no harm to the surrounding countryside and neighbours.
• Harelawside: It was agreed to oppose 3 applications for houses at Harelawside as the land is subject to severe flooding.  There were also worries about the increased traffic in the very restricted and heavily parked road at Harelawside and the greater number of accidents that would result.
• Outward Bound Centre: There was no information provided to the Committee about the O.B.C at this months meeting.

Correspondence:

• ASCC Conference:  The Association of Scottish Community Councils Conference will take place on 22nd November 2008 from 10am held at the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh.  There will be more information regarding this conference provided at the next C.C meeting.
• Festive Lighting: An application form has been sent to the C.C. regarding the possibility of Festive Lighting to be erected in the Community.  We will respond as soon possible after Walter Wyse has returned.
• Jim Clark Rally:  There will be a meeting relating to the Jim Clark Rally in Duns on the 27th October 2008. 

Any Other Business:

• Message Board: Jane Barribal (who maintains the Grantshouse website) asked members of the Community Council to join the website's Message Board This month’s newsletter is available to all on the Grantshouse website and contains information on planned events in the local and surrounding areas. Printed copies are delivered locally and available from the Grantshouse Inn and the Cedar Cafe.
• Houndwood Church:  The C.C was informed that the gates to the grounds of the Houndwood Church are in serious and immediate state of disrepair.  David Raw has asked for the information on this issue to be forwarded to himself and he will contact the correct council department and have the gates repaired or replaced as soon as he can.  When the C.C. have more information relating to the completion of this repair they will let the community know.
• Local Pathway:  It has also been brought to the attention of the C.C. committee that the pathway from Grantshouse to Harelawside (which runs alongside the A1) is seriously overgrown and the pathway has been reduced to a narrow walkway.  David Raw once again has asked for the information regarding this issue be passed onto himself and he will contact the correct local department in relation to having this rectified.  When the C.C.have information relating to the completion of this issue they will let the community know.
• Wind farm:  Regarding the possibility of a wind farm at Coldingham Moor, it seems that the planning application may be too weak to carry forward, but it may be passed to the Scottish Government if a strong case can be made.  As soon as there is more information made available to the C.C. they will let the community know.
• Grants:  David Raw has informed the C.C. that there is a grants program set up for communities to apply for help with funding on a project that they would be setting up.  If approved it would be a one grant payment for one project to the maximum value of £1000.  Any local projects that would benefit from this help are encouraged to be put to the C.C. who can put an application into the administrator at the BAVS in Duns.
• Statue Unveiling:  On Sunday 19th October at 3.00pm in Cove there will be a statue unveiling taking place.  All are welcome to come along and share in this special event.  There will be some refreshments available after the unveiling. 

Date of Next Meeting -  Thursday 13th November at 7.30pm.  All are welcome to attend.
                             (NB.  No Questions will be taken from the Public unless authorized by the Chairman.)
If there is a question that you would like to be brought up at the Community Council Meeting but are unable to attend, then please e-mail your question to the Correspondence Secretary Kym Bannerman - kym.bannerman@lycos.com