Agenda and minutes

The Chairman varied the order of business as shown on the agenda and the Minute reflects the order in which the items were considered at the meeting.

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Minute of the meeting of the Teviot and Liddesdale Area Forum of 19 January 2016 to be approved. (Copy attached).

There had been circulated copies of the Minute of the meeting held on 19 January 2016.   

DECISION

AGREED to approve the Minute.

To consider a report by Service Director Commercial Services. (Copy attached).

With reference to paragraph 3.3 of the minute of 16 June 2015, there had been circulated copies of a report by Service Director Commercial Services presenting reasons for the implementation of the direction of the one-way traffic flow in Hawick High Street.  Mr McQuillin, Road Safety and Traffic Management Team Leader, Scottish Borders Council (SBC) was in attendance and presented the findings of a recent questionnaire survey that gauged local trader and general public opinion on the current operation of the one-way system.  Mr J McQuillin advised that the one-way system was introduced in 2004 in response to problems with HGVs travelling through the town centre.  A detailed consultation had been carried out and an experimental one-way system introduced.  At that time there had been a clear indication for a southbound flow of traffic, compounded by the engineering works that would have been required for a northbound direction. This had informed the decision making process that a one-way system be implemented and that traffic flow should be southbound.   Mr McQuillin stated that at the meeting of 16 June 2015, the Forum had requested a further consultation be undertaken on the traffic flow direction. This had been carried out between 29 January and 8 February 2016. 162 questionnaires had been delivered to traders on and around the High Street, 30 questionnaires had been returned, with 21 indicating that the traffic flow should be northbound, one of the reasons given was that tourists from the south were bypassing the town centre.   There followed a lively debate with opinions that the traffic flow should be northbound, that it should revert to two-way and that it remain as it is.    The problem of traffic management was highlighted, particularly the loss of the Traffic Warden which had exacerbated the problem.  The lack of parking enforcement meant that some cars parked all day on the High Street, there was parking on double yellow lines and delivery drivers often had difficulty unloading.   Improved signage was also discussed and Mr McQuillin reported that SBC were working with Amey to rationalise and improve signage, there would also be directional signage to the free car park.  In answer to a question, Mr McQuillin advised that since deregulation, SBC did not control traffic wardens and they were not self-enforcing. Deregulation would be a huge exercise and would need to happen across the whole of the Borders.   Concluding the debate Councillor Turnbull stated that the problem appeared to lie with a lack of car parking enforcement.  Councillors would liaise with officers to discuss and investigate ways in which traffic management could be improved.

DECISION

AGREED to liaise with officers to consider ways in which traffic management within Hawick Town Centre could be improved.

To consider a report by Service Director Commercial Services. (Copy attached).

With reference to paragraph 3 of the minute of 20 January 2015, there had been circulated copies of a report by Service Director Commercial Services detailing the current public space CCTV camera provision in Hawick after the installation of additional public space CCTV cameras within the central area of the town during 2015.  There were currently 15 public space CCTV cameras located within the central area of Hawick.  Eight of the current public space CCTV cameras were installed after funding was approved by Teviot and Liddesdale Area Forum in January 2015.  Police Scotland was consulted on the locations of the additional cameras.  Longer term the Council was unlikely to be in a position to fund the installation and maintenance of public space CCTV systems, though in conjunction with the Police it would be supportive of communities that were willing to fund such CCTV systems themselves.  The Forum expressed concern that in the longer term Hawick might have no CCTV system.  Mr Richardson, Asset Manager, was in attendance and highlighted that the main concern in Hawick was cabling.  The maintenance costs were currently being funded through the asset management budget but this was unlikely to cover major failure of the system.  Mrs Short, Hawick Community Council, referred to the vandalism of the Hawick in Bloom displays, she was concerned that a lack of CCTV would increase problems.  Mr Richardson referred to Kelso Community Council who faced a similar situation and were investigating alternative options to maintain their CCTV system.  He would investigate further with officers and report back to Members.  A member of the public asked if the CCTV could be utilised for car parking enforcement, The Chairman, Councillor Turnbull, would investigate outwith the meeting and report back to the member of public concerned.

DECISION

NOTED

(a)        The current public space CCTV camera provision in Hawick after the installation of eight additional cameras during 2015; and 

(b)       That longer term, the Council was unlikely to be in a position to fund the installation and ongoing maintenance of public space CCTV systems.  However, in conjunction with the Police, the Council would be supportive of communities that wished to install and maintain systems at their costs. 

Consider report by Service Director Commercial Services (Copy attached).

There had been circulated copies of a report by Service Director Commercial Services proposing amendment of the existing speed limit in Hawick to take account of a recent region-wide Speed Limit Review.  In 2015, a Speed Limit Review was carried out throughout the Scottish Borders region by officers from the Council and the Police.  The review was carried out in accordance with the Government guidance and the resulting recommendations reduced speeds on parts of the network currently covered by the National Speed Limit.  A total of 11 lengths of road were agreed to be recommended to be subject to adjusted statutory speed limit.  One of these sites was in the Teviot and Liddesdale Area, at Wilton Park Road, Hawick.  The section of road in question was currently subject to the National Speed Limited.

DECISION

AGREED the amendment to the Scottish Borders Council (The Borders Regional Council) (Restricted Roads) Order 1985 to allow extension of the existing 30mph speed limit on the DH183/3 Wilton Park Road in Hawick, as shown detailed in Appendix A to the report and the extract from the relevant Draft Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) .

Under Section 50B(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the Forum was of the opinion that the item dealt with in the following paragraph should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency, in view of the need to keep Members informed.

Mr Scott Castle, Park Regeneration Manager, was in attendance at the meeting, to give an update on Wilton Lodge Park.  Mr Castle explained that unfortunately procurement had taking longer than expected.  This meant that the timing of the works would now take place throughout the summer, with the café being ready to fit at the latter part of the summer.  He highlighted that a contractor was in place and would be appointed within the next two weeks.  The project would definitely be delivered, but later than originally anticipated.   Once the tenant for the café had been appointed, it would be their decision as to the opening date of the café but it might be in the spring of 2017.   The works, including the café, bridge and play park would be completed by January/February 2017.   The Forum expressed disappointment at the delay and asked if an interim facility could be set up at the band site for the summer months.   Mr Castle confirmed that the band site had power and water, if there was someone who wished to operate a temporary facility he would try to progress.  The Forum requested that the plans for the Wilton Lodge Park be displayed at Hawick Town Hall and Mr Scott would arrange.

DECISION

NOTED the report.

Consider report by Service Director Neighbourhood Services. (Copy attached).

With reference to the paragraph 7of the Minute of 19 January 2016, there had been circulated copies of a report by Service Director Neighbourhood Services updating the Forum on previously approved Neighbourhood Small Schemes and Quality of Life Schemes.  The report sought approval for provision of parking signs within Hawick Town Centre and the installation of CCTV equipment within the Common Haugh Car Park.  Permission was also sought from the Quality of Life Scheme for provision of a timber constructed ramp at Silverbuthall, Hawick; a further contribution to Hawick Welcome Host Initiative and contribution towards an electronic sign at the Hub, Burnfoot.  Councillors McAteer and Marshall were thanked by a member of the public, for their assistance in delivering the ramp protect.

DECISION

(a)        AGREED the following new Neighbourhood Small Schemes for implementation:-

(i)     Provision of parking signs within Hawick Town Centre                 £1,400

(ii)    Installation of CCTV equipment within Common Haugh Car

Park, Hawick                                                                                          £7,900

 (b)      AGREED the following new Quality of Life Schemes for implementation:-

            (i)    Provision of timber constructed ramp at Silverbuthall, Hawick      £2,700

            (ii)   Contribution to Hawick Welcome Host Initiative                               £1,000

            (iii)  Contribution to the installation of an electronic sign at the Hub,

                   Burnfoot, Hawick.                                                                                  £3,000

(c)       AGREED to delegate authority to the Service Director Neighbourhood

            Services to allocate the remaining funds for the current financial year to

            Quality of Life and Neighbourhood Small Schemes, subject to consultation

            with, and approval by a majority of members of the Teviot and Liddesdale

            Area Forum through email. 

(d)       NOTED

(i)    The updates on previously approved Neighbourhood Small Schemes as detailed in Appendix A to the report; and

(ii)   The updates on previously approved Quality of Life Schemes as detailed in Appendix B to the report.

Consider update from the Chairman.

With reference to paragraph 12.1 of the Minute of 19 January 2016, the Chairman, Councillor Turnbull advised that Councillors had received a demonstration of a street cleaning machine.  The demonstration had taken place on the pavement at the side of Wetherspoons and had been impressive.  To purchase the machine would be £18k to £20k, a refurbished machine approximately £8k.  The other alternative was to hire the machine; a week’s hire would be £300.00.  The machine was supplied without an operator but the suppliers would train volunteers to operate the machine.  The machine would need to be used in the evenings when shops were closed.  The Forum commended the Chairman for his efforts in sourcing the machine and arranging the demonstration and it was agreed to hire the machine as and when necessary.

DECISION

AGREED to the hire of the street cleaning machine at a cost of £300 per week, as and when required.

Update report by Police Inspector detailing ongoing work and initiatives in the Teviot and Liddesdale area. (Copy attached).

There had been circulated copies of a report by Inspector Carol Wood, Police Scotland.  The report highlighted that with regard to the Drug Dealing and Misuse priority, a number of stop and searches had been carried out in January. Of these, three individuals had been reported for possession of drugs.  The Road Safety priority showed that 17 road checks had been carried out in January.  Two conditional offers had been issued for speeding and two warnings for the anti-social use of a vehicle.  A male had also been arrested and charged with drink driving.  With regard to the Violent Crime priority a man had been charged with serious assault and held for appearance in court.  With regard to the to the Anti-Social Behaviour priority, two fixed penalty tickets had been issued. 

DECISION

NOTED. 

Update report by Russell Bell, Station Commander, detailing ongoing work and initiatives in the Teviot and Liddesdale Area. (Copy attached).

There had been circulated, copies of a report from Mr Russell Bell, Station Manager, Hawick Fire Station, updating the Forum on Scottish Fire and Rescue activity for the month of January 2016.  Mr Bell advised that there had been three house fire incidents. There had been 12 unwanted fire alarm signals and 18 special service incidents with six casualties.  Mr Bell highlighted the major flooding incident on 27 January.  Appliances had been mobilised from the surrounding area and had been active in water rescue and pumping out flooded properties.    Swift water rescue training continued and would enhance the local response to incidents involving flooding and life rescue.  The high volume pump would leave Hawick as the swift water rescue skillset was realised.   Mr Bell concluded by advising that the out of hospital cardiac arrest response trial had been successful and they had been called out twice in Hawick.

DECISION

NOTED.

Opportunity for members of the public to raise any issues not included on the agenda.

With reference to paragraph 8 of the Scottish Borders Council meeting of 11 February, a member of the public requested that Councillors state if they had voted for or against the Great Tapestry of Scotland project.  Councillors Turnbull, Marshall and McAteer intimated that they had voted against and Councillors Cranston and Paterson for.  There followed an acrimonious debate,  the outcome of which was that  the Leader of the Council, Councillor David Parker, be requested to attend a special meeting of the Forum to outline the business case for the Great Tapestry of Scotland. 

            A member of the public asked if the Council could advise on planning regulations for conversion of a former shop premises on the High Street to residential premises. The Chairman advised that he would investigate outwith the meeting and report back to the person concerned.

            With reference to paragraph 11.2 of the minute of 19 January, Mr Kerr, Southdean Community Council, advised that the Head of Energy Consents, Scottish Government, SBC officers and nine community Councils would meet to discuss, a date was awaited. 

            With reference to paragraph 4 of the minute of 19 January, Mr Grieve, Burnfoot Community Council asked if the letter had been received from Paul Wheelhouse MSP.  Councillor McAteer advised that the letter would be produced and a motion tabled at the Council meeting on the 24 February. 

DECISION

(a)  AGREED that the clerk invite the Leader of the Council to attend a Forum meeting to outline the business case for the Great Tapestry of Scotland project.

(b) NOTED the reports. 

COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEMBER

Mr W Roberts, Denholm Community Council, left the meeting during consideration of the above mentioned item.

Consider matters of interest to Community Councils.

Mrs Short, Hawick Community Council advised that they had a new community councillor, bringing the total membership to 15.

Mr Stevenson, Upper Teviotdale and Borthwick Water, advised that there was a constant flow of water at the dunk which was dangerous.  The white lining on the roads was also fading.  Councillor Paterson advised that he had written to Amey on a number of occasions and they were aware of the problem.

Mr Kerr, Southdean Community Council reported that they had also experienced flooding.  The Community Council were also in favour of a national park.  There were six wind farm planning applications pending at the moment.

Mr Grieve, Burnfoot Community Council, advised that he had attending a meeting with SBC’s Grants Coordinator to discuss funding for a community project.   Preparatory work had started for the annual Carnival.

Mr Griffiths, Hobkirk Community Council stated that there was concern that flooding incidents might be exacerbated by wind turbines.  He referred to the recent flooding incident and expressed disappointment at SBC’s refusal to deliver sandbags to the community as they had not signed up to the Resilient Community programme.

DECISION

NOTED the reports.

Under Section 50B(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the Forum was of the opinion that the item dealt with in the following paragraph should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency, in view of the need to make an early decision.

Councillor McAteer requested that a public meeting be arranged with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) regarding flooding in Hawick

DECISION

AGREED that the clerk liaise with SEPA regarding officers attending a future Area Forum meeting.

Tuesday, 15 March 2016 at 6.30 pm in Room 205, Tower Mill, Hawick.

The next meeting of the Teviot and Liddesdale Area Forum would be held on Tuesday, 15 March 2016 at 6.30 pm in Room 205, Tower Mil, Hawick.