Agenda item

(Copy of Scottish Fire & Rescue Service report attached).

1.1         Police Scotland

Inspector Tony Hodges was in attendance to present his report and answer questions. He confirmed that, as agreed at the last meeting, he had contacted Elected Members prior to the meeting to gauge the issues they wished him to cover.  The majority of matters had been dealt with directly but he wished to raise several issues at the meeting which had a bearing on the whole of the Eildon Locality.  With regard to this year’s Festivals/Common Ridings and Sevens in the Eildon Locality, Inspector Hodges reported that these had passed without significant incident.  Working in partnership with Event Organisers and partner agencies, through the SBC Safety Advisory Group (SAG) process, had helped to ensure that these events were safer for participants, spectators, motorists and residents.  In relation to next year’s events Police Scotland would like to see a real focus on the traditions which made these events the envy of other areas in an effort to avoid alcohol being the main driver for many.  In an effort to tackle the issue of youth drinking and related Anti-Social Behaviour, which has become more prevalent in certain communities recently, Inspector Hodges had met with partner agencies and agreed to run a local campaign towards the festive season in relation to parental supply of alcohol to teenagers.  This would be pulled together under the stewardship of the Council’s Safer Communities Team.  A similar campaign in Lanarkshire had seen a dramatic reduction in alcohol-related youth issues.  Inspector Hodges went on to talk about Unauthorised Travellers Encampments which were a regular cause for concern across the Eildon Locality.  The onus for these encampments lay with the landowner but Police Scotland would provide support and respond to reports of criminal behaviour.   Often residents were reluctant to come forward to make reports but, as seen recently in Selkirk, they could refer the matter to Elected Members who in turn could report to the police.  The Local Community Policing Teams were more than willing to assist with any crime prevention projects communities may wish to consider.  Inspector Hodges concluded his report by raising again the issue of drug supply.  Police Scotland were currently running a Proactive Enforcement Operation – ‘Operation Spray’ throughout the Scottish Borders which targeted those who supplied controlled drugs.  This work relied on information from the community and Inspector Hodges encouraged Members to advise residents to report any activity either via 101 or confidentially to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  In response to a question from Stow Community Council representative, Jack Mackenzie, Inspector Hodges advised that there had been no reports of underage drinking at the      Stow Sports event in the Summer.  However as this was growing in size it would be added to the list of events and police would engage with the organisers for the 2018 event.   In relation to an issue raised by Newtown and Eildon Community Council representative Roger French about reports of drugs and cantankerous dogs in the neighbourhood, Councillor Thornton-Nicol advised that this matter was being dealt with by the police.  The Chairman thanked Inspector Hodges for his report.

2.2       Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

In the absence of a representative from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) the Chairman referred to the written report submitted by Station Manager, Stephen Mitchell, which had been circulated.  The update listed incidents attended between June and August and referred to the ongoing prevention and protection activity as described in the last report to the Locality Committee.  Other activity included a partnership approach with LIVE Borders when crews from Galashiels and Innerleithen were involved in a successful multi pump exercise at Galashiels Swimming Pool to test operational preparedness and to educate and inform good practice with partners. Fire safety audits provided a targeted examination of business premises and their relevant documents to ascertain how the premises were being managed regarding fire safety.  Unwanted fire signals were being addressed by phased intervention actions which identified premises which were producing ‘false alarms’, provided guidance on how to reduce a reoccurrence and could also evoke legislation if occurrences failed to reduce in number.  SFRS were currently reviewing the numerous activities undertaken by Operational Staff which contributed to the main areas of the seasonal thematic action plan for Summer 2017.  The service would continue to work closely with partners in the Scottish Borders Council Safer Communities Team as well as local partnerships to promote preventative work as well as inter agency solutions.

DECISION

NOTED the updates.