Meeting Minutes - 23rd June 2005

Present
Councillor McKintosh, Dave Kenny, Colin Bruce, Fleur Collett, Isabel Berston, Matt Gordon, J Gordon, R Hume, G Gordon, Sandy Gordon, Julie Collins, Donna Hogg

Background
PC Louise Murie gave a brief outline of the background to the meeting. Several solutions had been tried however these relied on the goodwill of individuals and could not be guaranteed. These solutions included staff parking their vehicle in the Bilston Miners Car Park and Transporters unloading on the westbound carriageway of the A701. In conjunction with the council waiting restrictions were imposed on Meadow Place however this had a knock on effect in the vicinity. Further waiting restrictions are in the process of being applied for and the correct signage erected so the Midlothian Traffic Warden can now enforce the present ones. She also reported that garage staff were not solely to blame for the congestion and that Bilston was being used as a park and ride for commuters to Edinburgh. She reported she had recently received complaints in relation to transporters and delivery/recovery vans unloading on Meadow Place completely blocking the roadway there.

Input from Garage, Mr Colin Bruce
Mr Bruce reported that the transporters normally unload on the A701 and sometimes Meadow Place. He reported the garage did have a yard however it was too small for transporters to access. It was agreed the garage management only had control over the business of the garage and not the individuals that work there or those working for other companies delivering there. Mr Bruce explained if they are aware of a delivery or refuse collection they make arrangements for these to take place as quickly as possible. They do however receive deliveries they have no prior notice of therefore cannot accommodate as proactively. He informed the meeting he was keen to find a solution to the problem.

General Discussion
Councillor McKintosh informed the meeting the garage had applied for a second hand dealer's license however it had been opposed and would go to the General Purpose Committee.

It was proposed that transporters unload on the straight stretch of the Seafield Road or the Bilston Miners Car Park. It was explained the entrance of the Bilston Miners was not wide enough to accommodate all transporters particularly when vehicle are parked opposite the entrance. Councillor McKintosh proposed the council could assist in widening the entrance if an agreement could be met between the Garage and Bilston Miners with the garage meeting the cost. Mr Bruce explained the garage only had a limited number of Trade Plates, which may prove problematic if vehicles were unloaded on Seafield Road. Mrs Berston explained she would have to take the proposal to the Management Committee before the miners could agree to this solution.

Mr S. Gordon proposed Meadow Place should have double yellow lines on the garage side. Mr Dave Kenny explained the decision had been taken to have single as the restrictions were in place when the garage was operational and it meant the other local businesses and householders were able park there out of garage hours. Mrs Donna Hogg emphasised that the small local businesses should be protected and kept for the community. She emphasised passing trade was important to them.

Mr S.Gordon proposed the garage should rent another space for storage. Mr Bruce explained this may be a possibility but would take some time.

Outcome
Mr Colin Bruce assured the meeting that transporters would no longer unload on Meadow Place and instead Seafield Road would be utilised using trade plates to bring vehicles to the garage. In the long term he and Mrs Berston (Bilston Miners) would liase in an attempt to find a long-term solution. He also assured the meeting he would again request that staff working at the garage park their vehicles within the miner's car park. He reminded the meeting this was something he could only request and not guarantee.