Welcome: Chairman Eric McNulty welcomed everyone along to the meeting.

PresentCllr B Jackson, Cllr S Di’Lorenzo, Cllr H Cessford, Cllr M Scott, Cllr J Weir, Cllr L Riseam, Cllr C Mabon

5 members of the public were also present.

MinutesSecretary Gillian Byers

ApologiesCllr M Blackmore, Cllr R Paterson, Cllr A McEwan, Scottish Borders Cllr A Nicol

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting on 15 January 2008 having been circulated were passed as a true record of events by Cllr Weir and seconded by Cllr Riseam and signed by the Chairman.

MATTERS ARISING

·Kelso Medical Practice – Surgeries In Morebattle To Close

Chairman and Derek Anderson had been to Newstead to have a meeting about the closure of the surgery.The action group put together a good list of suggestions for the meeting.A new building fit for purpose was raised but it was thought the costs would be roughly £120,000 plus running costs.This option would require parking spaces and Ross Cameron confirmed that a new building would be very difficult to get into the yearly budget.What are the alternatives?NHS Borders would be unlikely to recommend that Morebattle surgery stays open but Yetholm might.NHS Borders have not take this suggestion to the GPs yet.It was suggested that Yetholm could stay open and transport would be provided to allow people from Morebattle to obtain appointments in Yetholm.Some people may be entitled to free transportation but this would need to be looked at in more depth and also at who would provide the transport.Yetholm may be kept open for a 9-12 month trial period and then assess whether it should be kept open.The main question brought back from the Newstead meeting was would people go to Yetholm if transport was provided?KCC thinks that this is a reasonable suggestion but it was emphasised that there is the possibility that the GPs and the board could still reject this idea.To summarise:KCC is in favour of transport being provided to travel to Yetholm for appointments but will stress that the transport should be for the benefit of everyone.However the service will need to be secured before pushing for free transportation.

·Information Board

Cllr McEwan not present.

·School Playing Field

No further updates at present.

·Trees at Morebattle’s Graveyard

Simon Wilkinson was going to be in Morebattle today but no word as yet.ACTION:Secretary to contact SBC as there is a problem with moles at the graveyard and also find out if it is possible to get a gate made instead of having to climb over fence.May need site visit to point out exact problem.

CORRESPONDENCE

Planning Application – Douglas Brown, Plot 3 Morebattle Mains, Erection of Dwellinghouse House with Attached Garage – No objections/comments.

Planning Application – Mr & Mrs Eggleston, Plot 2 Morebattle Mains, Change of use from Steading Building & Alterations to form Dwellinghouse with Ancillary Holiday Accommodation and Detached Garages – Member of public present who have already objected to the garage and alsoblocking their view.KCC will comment that the build should be sympathetic tothe buildings that are already there.

Lothian & Borders police Custody Visiting Scheme Leaflet

Poster Campaign Against Dog Fouling

Borders Organic Recycling Leaflet

Email from Cllr Nicol on new packaging that can be recycled – all households should have received a leaflet

Email from John Askew – Informing that they will be working to help all over 75s with the digital switchover.

To be passed around the pink file:

Digital TV Switchover – List of FAQs

Consultation on Possible Changes to School Sessions and the School Week – Responses by 14 April 2008.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

From the last meeting: The bus service has not arrived on time in the last 4 days.Chairman has emailed SBC again but no response as yet.First Bus have also contacted Chairman to say they will get back to him.Was suggested that it might be worthwhile contacting the school to ask whether they are having problems with any of the children being consistently late.

The verge at the 30 signs near the school are now in a mess after the hedge cutter ran over the planted flower beds.ACTION:Chairman will write on behalf of KCC to the farmer who employed the hedge cutter.

MATTERS TO BE DISCUSSED AT NEXT MEETING

Closure of Doctors Surgery

Information Board

Update on Playing Field

Trees at Morebattle Graveyard