WelcomeChairman John Common welcomed everyone along to the meeting.

PresentCllr K Hanson, Cllr C Mabon, Cllr M Blackmore, Cllr B Jackson, Cllr H Cessford, Cllr E McNulty, Scottish Borders Cllr A Nicol

5 members of the public were also present.

ApologiesCllr C Atkinson, Cllr J Weir

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting on 20 June 2006 having been circulated were passed as a true record of events by Cllr Cessford and seconded by Cllr McNulty and signed by the Chairman.

MATTERS ARISING

·Resignation of Treasurer, Joanne Sudlow

Resignation letter had been received from the Treasurer who felt that the Chairman no longer trusted her.Chairman had asked at last meeting that all payments were to be made by cheque and not to come from shop funds, which were then reimbursed, and this was agreed.Cllr Cessford commented that her honesty was not in question and all members agreed that the system needed to be changed.Chairman asked all members if they wanted him to continue as Chairman as he wanted all business to be run properly.All agreed that he was to continue as Chairman and it was emphasised that there are no ill feelings with Cllr Sudlow.A new Treasurer needed to be appointed.Robert Paterson was willing to take up the position for a year until a new treasurer could be found.He was proposed by Cllr Mabon and seconded by Cllr Blackmore and duly co-opted on to KCC.ACTION:Secretary to write and thank Cllr Sudlow for all her work over the last three years.

Cllr Atkinson wished to be co-opted back on the council but had been late in returning her nomination form to the returning officer.This form would be collected at the next meeting.Cllr Cessford and Cllr Blackmore were to approach potential interested parties who may be willing to fill the last vacant position.

·Results of the Questionnaire

The results of the questionnaire were discussed and it was suggested that all households that were given a questionnaire were given a copy of the results to keep them involved.The question of where we go from here was raised.The Rural Resource Centre should be contacted again to perhaps give another presentation on the next steps to KCC and all other interested parties eg the school, as one result of the questionnaire was to upgrade the school playing field.Another result was that the service by Kelso Health Centre was valued.ACTION:Secretary to write to the Health Centre and emphasise this point and thank them for reinstating the two day service.

CORRESPONDENCE

Planning Application, Mr & Mrs T Fleming – Chairman could not comment, as he is an affected party.KCC feel that the access to the property would be hazardous but have no concerns with the property.

SBC Corporate Plan 2006-2009 – To be passed around.

New Ways Community Plan 2006-2016 – To be passed around.

Switchover to Digital TV – John Askew has been appointed as Regional Manager.

Changes to Development Control Service – Changes read out.

Local Governance Act 2004 Review of Electoral Arrangements – Read out.Cllr Nicol added that Heiton and Roxburgh are to be moved to be part of the Jedburgh district and not part of Kelso district.Agreed that this seemed ludicrous.

Cessford Castle – Invitation from the Duke of Roxburghe to the opening of Cessford castle on 24 July 2006

LEAFLETS OF INTEREST:

Scottish Water Letter

Summary Cards on the National Standards for Community Engagement – Handed out.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

“Morebattle In Bloom” has been formed.Helen Cessford (Chair), Mary Pringle (Secretary), Lizzie Thomson (Treasurer), this committee will deal with all of the flowers for the village.£200 has been donated from the JMM Scott Trust and Cllr Cessford proposed that £100 be donated from the book fund.This was agreed.

Twelve bins are to be brought to the road end at Hownam Howgate.Cllr Nicol suggested that the residents write to John Cook at the council with their concerns.

“Twenty’s Plenty” signs.Still no word on when they will be completed.Think they are still waiting on Scottish Power.Would be beneficial to be ready before the school reopens.ACTION:Chairman to follow up.

The weeds in the three churchyards, Linton, Hownam and Morebattle were commented on.Felt the council left it too late this year.

Teapot Street road needs some attention due to bad potholes. ACTION:Chairman will enquire with Mr Pattenden.

Cllr Nicol suggested that the information board in Yetholm is looked at to see if this is what may be wanted for Morebattle.All ideas will need to be discussed with the Institute Committee before a board is bought.

MATTERS TO BE DISCUSSED AT NEXT MEETING

“Twenty’s Plenty” signs

Information board for Morebattle

DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING

Tuesday 15August 2006 at 7pm in Village Institute, Morebattle.

With there being no further business the meeting was concluded at 9:15pm