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News

Pencaitland road works set to close A6093 in January

Due to planned works to extend a gas main to Glenkinchie and upgrade the road surface, the A6093 at the Tyne Bridge will be closed.

The A6093 at the Tyne Bridge will be closed to road traffic (but open to pedestrians) from January 20th to February 10th.
The A6093 at the Tyne Bridge will be closed to road traffic (but open to pedestrians) from January 20th to February 10th.
Carried out by contractor Fulcrum, information began to emerge earlier this week with the appearance of signs at the eastern entrance to the village explaining some of the details to motorists. The most significant disruption occurs between the 20th of January and 10th of February when the Tyne Bridge will be closed to road traffic but, crucially, it will remain open for pedestrians, cyclists and anyone using a pram or wheelchair.

Outside the actual road closure dates, roads works begin on the 6th of January and are expected to finish by the end of February with most delays expected during rush hour, as work on other parts of the A6093 through Pencaitland will use temporary traffic signals.

Today the Community Council received a more detailed breakdown of what is set to happen and when from Bill Laird, the Road Network Officer at East Lothian Council, which we are reproducing below.

The closure will be from Lempockwells Road at the west end eastwards to the west side of the entrance to Pencaitland Parish Church / Old Pencaitland House where the carriageway widens sufficient for the use of traffic signals.

During the closure the residents of the lodge house of the estate and Dovecot Way will still have access .

Pedestrian access will be unrestricted.

The contractor will also take the opportunity to carry out works at the junction with Lempockwells Road in preparation for the remainder of their programme – this will ensure that they are clear of this junction when the other works commence.

Works are likely to commence in the village week commencing 6th January – under standard 2-way traffic control but with a suspension of parking – Main Road – (Church to crossroads), then after the closure week commencing 10th February on Lempockwells Road (Main Road to Huntlaw Road) and Huntlaw Road (Lempockwells Road to railway bridge at No 45)

EL Road Services will surface the closed section of road week commencing 3rd February – 1 week only this is part of our capital programme of surfacing works and we are taking the opportunity of the road closure to complete the works and reduce the impact on the residents of the village. At this time the works will NOT include anything other than surfacing of the carriageway and re-applied road markings.

Apart from reinstating any excavations Fulcrum will not be undertaking any works on our behalf.

The contractor has also been asked to produce a letter to be issued directly to those properties adjacent to the streets listed and to supply a copy to me so that I can pass it on to you. They have also agreed to consult with the community council, school and bus companies – advance warning signs are already in place.

Where possible I want to make sure that as many people are aware of the works and effect it will have on their daily travel.

Bill Laird

The Community Council has also been contacted by contractors Fulcrum. The company’s Project Manager for this work, John McLuskey, is keen to hear from anyone with specific questions about the planned works which he will endeavour to answer. John can be contacted via email.

Please remember to share this information with any neighbours and friends living locally, to ensure that as many people as possible are aware of the expected disruption in advance.


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News

Pencaitland Community Council proposes road safety measures to ELC

Last year ELC’s Transport team provided the community with drawings suggesting a number of road safety changes. Your Community Council wants to hear your views before a response is sent.

An alternative roundabout layout at the eastern entrance to Pencaitland would avoid relocating the war memorial. For details of other provisional recommendations click here.
An alternative roundabout layout at the eastern entrance to Pencaitland would avoid relocating the war memorial. For details of other provisional recommendations click here.
In July last year, after a request from Pencaitland’s Community Council for joined up thinking on how to improve overall road safety across the village, ELC’s transport team responded with drawings outlining a number of ideas. You can see those original plans and what was proposed by clicking here.

In response to these suggestions the Community Council set up a Roads Working Group (RWG) to review the thoughts and comments of local people which have come via this website, social media and through word of mouth.

The Roads Working Group now has a provisional response to the ELC’s initial plans which it is ready to share with you (see map below), before a final set of recommendations is sent to ELC Transport for consideration.

These include:

  • A roundabout at the eastern entrance to Pencaitland to replace the current crossroads. The RWG agrees that this is a good idea but could be achieved without moving the War Memorial to a different location, as originally suggested in ELC’s plans.
  • Road narrowing on the A6093 inside Pencaitland. The RWG believes this is unwise in light of the need for parking which already acts to slow traffic. Instead it is seeking the introduction of a painted cycle lane would achieve the same ends and benefit all concerned, at much less cost and disruption.
  • Further restrictions on speeds should be considered in areas where there are large numbers of kids/pedestrians, in some cases (such as the B6363 through Boggs Holdings) with no pavements for a measure of protection from road vehicles.

Please share this information with your neighbours, especially those who are not comfortable using the web, and encourage everyone who has an interest in road issues around Pencaitland to send us feedback. Tell us your views via email to website@pencaitland.org, by replying below in the comments or simply leaving your views in a dedicated comments box that will shortly be found in the local Pencaitland Post Office.

What is the Roads Working Group proposing to ELC?

The issues surrounding traffic and pedestrian safety can be best summarised visually with the map below. Click the blue lines on roads or the markers to see details of what the RWG is planning to send to ELC. Whether you agree or disagree we want to know. Equally, if there are issues that you believe have not been picked up by the RWG please inform us.

If you find it too difficult viewing the map below, you can view a larger version by clicking this link: Pencaitland road traffic calming measures.


View Pencaitland road traffic calming measures in a larger map

A printed copy of the map and a list of the proposed responses to ELC Transport’s original suggestions will also be available for review at the Pencaitland Post Office.


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News

Pencaitland recycling timetable released

You may have spotted the pamphlets that came through front doors recently with details on what and when you can recycle.

Extra or replacement box covers are also available at <a href="https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/directory/23/council_area_office_contact_details">Local Area Offices</a> or by contacting Waste Services.
Extra or replacement box covers are also available at Local Area Offices or by contacting Waste Services.
We’ve also added all the dates to the community calendar for both brown and recycling bin collections along with a link to the current timetable which you can download and print.

Brown bins are collected every other Friday for garden waste. You can find loads of useful information on recycling on the ELC website.

East Lothian is already recycling almost 44 percent of household waste. By 2020 60 percent of all the waste collected from households should be recycled, composted or prepared for reuse. To help achieve this Local Authorities are being asked to introduce a collection service for food waste which will be introduced as a new service in the future.

Meantime here’s a quick refresher on what you can put in the green and blue recycling boxes on alternate Fridays…

 Green box  Blue box
 glass bottles and jars  paper (unwanted mail)
 food and drink cans  cardboard

 plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays, tops & straws

 envelopes (including windowed envelopes)
 empty aerosol cans & clean aluminium foil

 telephone directories and Yellow Pages

 magazines, brochures and leaflets

 wrapping paper


Recycling Collection Points

The Council also operates around 80 recycling points across East Lothian. There is one in the car park of the Winton Arms in Pencaitland. Additionally, for larger items you can access one of ELC’s four recycling centres.

The nearest one is the Macmerry Recycling Centre in Macmerry Industrial Estate. For location details see this map.


View East Lothian Recycling Centres in a larger map

Categories
News Photos

ELC upgrades speed signs entering Wester Pencaitland

East Lothian Council’s transport team have almost finished making upgrades to signage coming in and out of Wester Pencaitland.

The 30mph speed signs have moved out from the start of Wester Pencaitland to try to reduce cars entering the village over the speed limit. Speed is an issue here as there is little room for error with cars parking on one side effectively making the road a single lane.
The 30mph speed signs have moved out from the start of Wester Pencaitland to try to reduce cars entering the village over the speed limit. Speed is an issue here as there is little room for error with cars parking on one side effectively making the road a single lane.

As part of the upgrade to signage there are also plans to add three sets of yellow rumble strips before reaching the newly installed 30mph signs. This gives cars and their drivers notice that they are coming to a slower section of road.

This is part of wider plans, some of which are still under discussion, to improve road safety throughout the village. The main road through Pencaitland is also due to be resurfaced, most likely later this year.


Categories
News

ELC begins moving speed signs in Pencaitland

Following consultation last year, East Lothian Council’s transport team have begun making some improvements to signage coming in and going out of Pencaitland.

A car approaches Pencaitland with 30mph signs now placed outside the village entrance, to encourage drivers to slow before arriving at houses.
A car approaches Pencaitland with 30mph signs now placed outside the village entrance, to encourage drivers to slow before arriving at houses.

This is part of wider plans, still under discussion, to improve road safety throughout the village. However, it is unlikely that any major changes will take place until after the main road through Pencaitland is resurfaced, most likely later this year.


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News

Pencaitland’s Parallel Footpath – What next?

There have been a number of people asking what happens next now that the public consultation has happened on the parallel footpath plan for Pencaitland.

A mum runs up the main road with her buggy which is too wide to fit the pavement
A mum who can’t fit her buggy on the pavement races up the road hoping the lights remain in her favour, giving her enough time to get back on the pavement where it’s widens again. Click for a larger image.
Whilst the pubic consultation took place last week, boxes have been placed in the Granny Shop, Spar and Post Office to collect views from those unable to attend that event and via the one question survey which we encourage you to complete if you haven’t expressed a view already.

Those boxes will be collected later this week and all the views expressed at the public consultation or via the online survey will then be reflected in a report which will be produced by Brian Cooper, Senior Transportation Manager at East Lothian Council, no later than the 27th of November. It will then be presented to Cabinet on the 11th of December, provisionally returning to the Planning Committee on the 8th of January.

As soon as any reports go public we will share those details via this website.


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News

New Trusted Trader scheme backed by East Lothian Council

East Lothian Trusted Trader - click to view the companies that have signed up.Your Community Council recently received information from East Lothian Council over the new Trusted Trader scheme.

Similar to other kite-mark type services, the idea is that businesses displaying the new logo can give consumers a level of reassurance about the service they will receive.

The service was initially promoted to businesses back on March this year, with the aim of helping east Lothian based companies to market themselves and be distinguished from rogue traders.

The East Lothian Trusted Trader scheme is run by East Lothian Council and Trading Standards. Member companies are listed on a Trusted Trader website which allows customers to leave reviews – good and bad – of the company and their experiences. This means members of the public searching for a trader can find recommendations of businesses that are reliable and trustworthy with experience in their field.

Businesses signing-up to the scheme all agree to trade fairly and sign-up to a Code of Practice. The Code covers complaint resolution processes, transparent procedures for quoting for and carrying out work, and staff training. In return, companies can use Trusted Trader logos and materials in their own marketing, benefit from all year-round promotion at events, through the directory and on the Trusted Trader website.

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News

ELC proposes traffic calming measures for Pencaitland

Traffic plays a big part in the concerns of many locals. In an effort to have a number of issues addressed the Community Council sought the recommendations of East Lothian Council’s Transport department. Here’s the suggestions it came up with in response to this request.

Beech Terrace - moving speed sign and adding rumblestrips - click to view full PDF plan1. Easter Pencaitland Roundabout: Entering Pencaitland from the Haddington road ELC is proposing a roundabout with a proper central island. The current recommendation would necessitate relocating the war memorial and seating to a different corner. Additionally speed restrictions would be extended so that the 30mph limit would not cease until after leaving the village and would come into force before entering.

2. Pencaitland village road (Easter): After entering the village ELC is proposing traffic calming measures which are a combination of road narrowing and forming parking bays to the south side of the road in two locations.

3. Wester Pencaitland: Entering Wester Pencaitland ELC is proposing to move the speed restriction signs further west so that they come into force before vehicles arrive at houses. Additionally, in the run-up to the 30mph speed sign there would be 3 sets of rumble strips.

Community Comments to date

Categories
News

East Lothian Council’s flood advice

With the spate of what can at times seem like endless amounts of rain over East Lothian, we thought we’d reproduce this handy advice on flooding from ELC. Hopefully it will not be needed any time soon.

What information is available if there is flooding in the area?

Flood Ahead signSEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) runs FLOODLINE, the recorded telephone and website service that provides information on the latest risk of river and coastal flooding in Scotland.

The FLOODLINE number is 0845 988 1188 and callers to that number can hear Flood Alerts or Warnings in force for their area, telling them when potential flooding is forecast, as well as general advice on how to prepare for, or cope with flooding.

You can also sign up to the Floodline service, so when SEPA issues a Flood Alert or Warning for your area you can receive it directly to your phone via text message or voicemail, giving you time to take action.

For more info about how to prepare for severe weather and coping during it, visit Ready Scotland

Flood prevention

Householders are reminded that it is their responsibility to make sure they have their own floodwater prevention equipment such as sandbags and floodgates. These can be bought from DIY stores.

More information is available on the SEPA website at Be Flood Prepared.

Floodwater

flood alert logo

Take extra care if you have to cross deep or fast flowing water which can hide other dangers or be contaminated and dangerous to health. Don’t allow pets to drink or play in it and wash your hands if you come into contact with the water.

Concern for the community

Try and be a good neighbour. Keep an eye on those around you, particularly older people, and anyone with disabilities or young children.

What is the council’s role during severe weather?

East Lothian Council works with its partners in health, the police, the emergency services, the voluntary sector and the Scottish Government to make sure that as many services as possible are maintained. Its priority is to ensure that those at the most risk and the most need receive attention first. So, during periods of severe weather, it asks people to be patient, take care and keep up to date with what’s happening by using ELC’s pages on its website.

You can also phone ELC’s Contact Centre on 01875 824 305. Bear in mind that the high volume of calls to the Contact Centre during severe weather means you may spend a little time in its call-waiting system.

Recent video of flooding in Haddington

This post is based on original advice posted on the ELC website here.

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News Notices

Newest ELC Councillor Shamin Akhtar releases surgery dates

Following the 2012 elections of Councillors to East Lothian Council, the Fa’side ward gained a new face in Shamin Akhtar (LAB).

Shamin’s constituency surgeries were recently published. If you have any issues you’d like to raise you can see Shamin at the following times and places…

 Wednesday 27 June  5pm – 6pm  Trevelyan Hall, Pencaitland
 Wednesday 4 July  5pm – 6pm  Ormiston Community Centre
 Saturday 7 July  10am – 11am  Loch Centre, Tranent
 Wednesday 11 July  5pm – 6pm  Macmerry Village Hall
 Wednesday 25 July  5pm – 6pm  Trevelyan Hall, Pencaitland
 Saturday 28 July  10am – 11am  Loch Centre, Tranent
Shamin Akhtar

Shamin has lived in Pencaitland since 2007, moving to the village from Musselburgh with her partner Ryan and their two young children in Limekilns. After graduating from the University of Abertay, Dundee in Biotechnology she was elected President of her Students’ Association, going on to be elected the President of the National Union of Students Scotland. Shamin has subsequently spent much of her career in the voluntary and community sector, including more than a decade working for SCVO, the national umbrella body for Scottish charities. She has also volunteered with a wide range of charities and community groups over the last 20 years including Chair of a national housing organisation. Closer to home, Shamin has supported Pencaitland playgroup and volunteered with the school’s PTA.

Shamin Akhtar Contact info

John Muir House
Haddington
EH41 3HA
Tel: 01620 827019/07718669395
Fax: 01620 827180
Email: sakhtar@eastlothian.gov.uk

Councillors Jim Gillies, Donald Grant & Kenny Macleod

Details for Fa’side’s three recently re-elected councillors, their contact information and times of constituency surgeries, can be found on East Lothian Council’s website:

Jim Gillies (LAB)

Donald Grant (LAB)
Kenny Macleod (SNP)

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