Prestonpans Community Council
Town Hall, Prestonpans
25th October 2022, 7pm
Present - Elaine Anderson, Prasun Barman, Roger Bromley, Aniqah Choudray (ELC), Tam Gibbons, Graeme Hutchison, DJ Johnston Smith (Chairperson), Gregor Millar (EL Courier) , Alexander Park, Joe Simpson, Michelle Ritchie, Iain Whyte, Janis Wilson (Secretary), Cllr Colin Yorkston.
Apologies – Tony Leach, Andy Stevenson, Ferhan Ashiq, Allan Sneddon, Cllr Lachlan Bruce, Cllr Neil Gilbert.
The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Matters Arising – an update regarding an email from Men’s Shed. Minutes proposed by Graeme Hutchison, seconded by Alex Park.
Treasurer’s report - received by members earlier via WhatsApp – balance - £17892.57 of which £10648.81 is restricted. We have paid out £3150.00 in funding requests.
Two funding requests were discussed – The Gala Committee – awarded £300 for Santa’s Sleigh proposed by Alex Park, seconded by Joe Simpson. Preston Tower Primary School - awarded £1000. An email is to be sent to St Gabriel’s to ask if they need funding for any end of term events.
Secretary’s report – n/a
Councillor’s report – from Cllr Colin Yorkston
PL Park is getting a pump track
Meeting between Preston Lodge learning foundation and Edinburgh college re 16 students to be given the opportunity to train with the chance of apprenticeships. If successful, the scheme is to be expanded
A safe passage for schoolkids from Blindwells is to be created from the new development to the train station. Colin explained the plans and agreed to send printed copies.
Area partnership – no update. Awaiting the minutes from the meeting on the 12th of October.
Social issues – Parking on the pavement across town still posing a problem, the Scottish government passed a Bill which hasn’t come into effect yet.
Police report – a decrease in calls and antisocial behaviour.
Civic Square will be ready for remembrance Sunday – Scots pine to be planted on the square. 19th November, open day at Preston Tower – details to follow.
AOCB – Michelle told the meeting that the 2-day Christmas fair at the penny pit has been cancelled. Alex Hodgeson concert 10th November. Community centre Christmas Fair 3rd December. Aniqah informed the meeting that the town’s Christmas tree would be installed free of charge.
Michelle told the meeting that the issues with the junction at Appin Drive / Longdykes Road is not yet resolved. Roger raised the issue of the closure of the Goth – to be told it is changing hands, not closing.
Upcoming meetings – all online - health and wellbeing – 21/10/22, 1015. Sustainable development 8/10/22, 7pm, children and youth network, 15/11/22, 1530. In person – heritage group, 16/11/22, 1900, Port Seton community centre.
Meeting ends 2010. Next meeting to be AGM on 22/11/22, 7pm, Town Hall.
