A REGISTERED SCOTTISH CHARITY: CHARITY NO SC042692
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN FOX & HOUNDS, DENHOLM ON
TUESDAY, 5thOCTOBER 2021 AT 7.00pm
PRESENT: John Biggar (Chair), Gordie Campbell, Dougie Crew, Lynn Ferguson,
Sid Huddart, Adam Massey, Scott Tait, George Thom, Doreen Biggar
APOLOGIES:Gordon Ferguson, Graeme Wilson
MINUTES: Minutes of Meeting on 4th August 2021: These were agreed, proposed by
Scott Tait, seconded by George Thom.
NOTES from Meeting held on 26th August after one small wording change clarifying Gordies’ comments were agreed proposed by Gordie Campbell, seconded by Adam Massey.
At this point Sid commented regarding Plot 1 & Shed at Mill Wynd that other Members as well as Tenant should have declared a conflict of interest regarding making use of premises for storage. After discussion it was noted one Council Member had a small amount of goods stored as a favour but for no personal gain. It was also noted the Village and a Charity had made some use but again for no benefit or personal gain.
Offers from Scott Tait and Adam Massey have now been rescinded.
MATTERS ARISING:
- (i) Plot 1 – Shed and Ground at Mill Wynd: It was noted Dougie had a vested interest but allowed to ask question as to whether or not had any quote for repair been requested? John answered that George M Brown & Sons Ltd were requested but stated clearly that the Shed was beyond any economical repair and recommended demolition. This led to John being asked to obtain report from Structural Engineers. This was obtained from David Kyle (Turnbull Kyle Ltd) who re-iterated George M Brown & Sons Ltd views and also recommended Shed be FencedOff to protect the public from potential falling cladding and demolished asa matter of urgency.
There was some discussion particularly Sid commenting that this was extremely urgent should for instance a child get into property, although fenced off, and obtain a serious injury the DF & HC could be liable for a considerable claim.
John requested that council ratify the recommendations of Structural Engineers (Turnbull Kyle Ltd). These being that Shed be fenced off to protect the public from potential falling cladding and demolished asa matter of urgency. (It was noted Heras Fencing already in place.)
This was put to a Vote proposed by George Thom, seconded by Sid Huddart. The proposal was carried four voting in favour, with two abstentions. Dougie (vested interest) and John (Chairpersonnot voting). I have checked the Constitution and the number voting is legal and in order.
The agreement that shed be demolished as matter of urgency therefore carried.
(ii) With this agreed the implementing of the decision discussed:
Asbestos – It was noted that sheet of asbestos found in shed had been removed in the correct licensed manner
Bats – Graeme dealing with this. Full details in bat report Action – Graeme
Planning – George dealing with this and also Building Control. Action – George
Minutes of Meeting on 3rd October 2021 cont’d
Quotes for removal – John reported three quotes (full removal with Base left intact)
- George M Brown & Sons Ltd £8,000
- Border Demolition £4,800
- Robert Cartland £3,000
The offer from Robert Cartland agreed. John to ensure proper Liability Insurance in place to cover all risks involved before allowing any work to commence.
Action – John
- Bat Report from Graeme: The Initial Survey now complete. Finding – 4 small roosts containing only one or two Soprano Pipistrelle Bats, most likely male roosts.
Writing up survey and license application. This will be completed by end of the week and be ready to send to Nature Scot Licensing Team.
I do not envisage any major issued getting license.
In my experience there are usually a few conditions but none of these a game changer.
Based on current estimated license should be in place for start of December at latest to allow removal of building.
However please be aware that if Nature Scot Licensing Team has any absences, then this could take longer but this is outwith our control.
Once license is in place then bat boxes will be purchased and erected in suitable locations.
- Monument Railings – Scott to organise works in proceeding weeks or matter to be taken over by another committee member. Action – Scott
- Listed Monument Inspection – John now has details from Gordie to organise quote and also inspection for Bridge Arch. Action – John
Gordie to look into submitting application for funding. Action – Gordie
- Petanque – This agreed. John to make contact and look at suitable place on Green.
Action – John
Dean Report from Graeme: I met with Nicky from Borders Forest Trust on site and discussed timeline for removal of conifers.
Both Nicky and I felt it was important that community need to be on board but that clock was ticking on getting trees removed.
We agreed that we aim for removal in autumn/early winter next year, 2022 with community consultation happening in spring of that year.
We hope that everything will be open by next year to allow hall to be used as consultation venue but just in case we have a plan!
We are going to make a video over the next few months and focus on issues that affect the Dean such as non-native plants and ash dieback as well as tree removal.
We will also produce a survey that can be online or in person.
As long as we are able to use hall then we can play video, have displays up and folk can have opportunity to do survey.
Minutes of Meeting on 3rd October 2021 cont’d
Even if hall is available, we can also put video up online and survey online to allow maximum community input.
Worst case scenario is that we are in another lockdown and we just have online consultation with video and survey.
Ash dieback update: Owen from Kew Gardens has been on site and found an Ash that looks like it is resistant. He plans to revisit in coming years to collect seed. Am going to ask Owen if he will record a short bit of video for community consultation video.
Funding – Graeme asked to contact Gordie re possible funding. Action – Graeme
There was also some discussion on the possibility of purchase of top Dean.
BFT Original Dean Report emailed to newer committee members for their information.
Stuart Bruce trees discussed but council felt no action required.
Green Events: School Car Boot did not take place.
Christmas Lights – Lynn said funding now for lights on all trees round
Green.
Lights switch on to be Sunday, 5th December with Mulled Wine and Mince
Pies Action – Lynn/Chairman/vice Chairman
Friends of Denholm require Lighting on 3rd December.
Bonfire: The following agreed:
- Bonfire to go ahead. The Auld Cross Keys providing Firework Display.
- Remove Turf before allowing access Action – Dougie/Martin
- Open for Usefrom 29th October to 4thNovember closing daily at 4.00pm.
On 5th November Gates will close at 3.00pm
Publications Action – Scott/Adam
- Fire to be lit at 5.30pm Action – Adam to organise
- Risk Assessment Action – Gordie
- Amusements & Burger Van – Kenny Stewart to be approached. A donation of £250 to be requested. Glo Sticks – A donation of £75 to be requested.
Gordie to approach Kenny Stewart. Action – Gordie
Doreen to collect rental money on night. Action – Doreen
Tree Planting: Two Apple Trees to replace trees removed. Action – Gordie
Accounts: No problems seen by council. These to be ready to be produced at
A G M Action – Doreen/John
Signatures on Cheques – Jimmy Steel to be removed, Adam to be Added
Action – Doreen/Adam
Other Business:
- Discussion on Outstanding Rent Action – Doreen/John/Adam
- Dougie asked for reason for meeting date change. John answered to his satisfaction
- It was noted Claire Ramsay was meeting with Community Council on 6th October at 9.30am regarding pavement on Green Side of Main Road.
- Display Board Frame was noted as Rotten. Scott to Repair Action – Scott
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:Annual General Meeting to be held on Wednesday,
1st December 2021 at 7.00pm in Village Hall, Denholm. (Top Hall booked by Lynn)
John & Doreen to prepare Accounts, Agenda & Minutes and publicise.
Action – John/Doreen/Adam
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