Agenda and minutes

The Chairman, Councillor Marshall, welcomed Members, officers, community councillor representatives and the public to the first meeting of the new Teviot and Liddesdale Area Locality Committee. 

Councillor McAteer, seconded by Councillor Turnbull moved that Councillor Richards be appointed as Vice-Chairman and this was unanimously agreed.

            DECISION

            AGREED that Councillor Richards be appointed as Vice-Chairman of the Teviot and Liddesdale Area Locality Committee.

Minute of the meeting of the Teviot and Liddesdale Area Forum of 21 March 2017 to be approved.  (Copy attached).

There had been circulated copies of the Minute of the meeting held on 21 March 2017.

DECISION

AGREED to approve the Minute of the Meeting held on 21 March 2017. 

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

With reference to paragraph 7 of the Minute of 21 March 2017, there had been circulated a report by Service Director Neighbourhood Services seeking approval for the following new Neighbourhood Small Schemes from the Locality Committee: felling of three conifer trees at the rear of Wilton Hill Terrace, Hawick; repair of existing handrail and replacement of missing handrail at Bright Street, Hawick; grass cutting at the Moat, Hawick in June and August.

DECISION

AGREED contributions towards:-

(i)         Felling of 3 conifer trees at the rear of Wilton Hill Terrace, Hawick      £410

(ii)        Repair of existing handrail and replacement of missing handrail at

            Bright Street, Hawick; and                                                                          £850

(iii)       Grass cutting at the Moat, Hawick                                                            £600

To note the grant of £2,000.00 to the Hawick Welcome Fund Initiative for 2017/18 from Hawick and Hermitage budget (Paragraph 7.2 of Minute of 17.11.15 refers).

With reference to paragraph 7.2 of the Minute of 17 November 2015 Members were asked to note the grant of £2,000 to the Hawick Welcome Fund Initiative for 2017/18 from the Hawick and Hermitage budget. 

DECISION

NOTED the grant of £2,000 to the Hawick Welcome Fund Initiative.

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

There had been circulated a report from Inspector Carol Wood, Police Scotland, updating the Teviot and Liddesdale Area Locality Committee on performance activities and issues in the area.  The Ward Plan priorities for Teviot and Liddesdale were highlighted as Drug Dealing and Misuse, Road Safety, Violent Crime and Antisocial Behaviour.  In summary, with regard to the Drug Dealing and Misuse priority, Inspector Wood advised that during May, four separate males had been charged with possession of a controlled substance after being searched by officers.  The males were aged 16-29 and were all from the Hawick area.  Also in May, Police were called to a dispute in Earl Street, Hawick.  A male was searched and found in possession of a controlled substance and also an uncapped needle. The male was charged with possession as well as culpable and reckless conduct.

5.2       In terms of the Road Safety priority, Community Officers continued to give attention to areas where they had received complaints of speeding and inconsiderate driving.  In certain circumstances, motor vehicles could be seized by Police where there was evidence that the vehicle was being driven carelessly or off road.  It was essential that complaints about driving behaviour were notified to the police via 101 at the time.    Vehicles continued to receive parking tickets and drivers were warned for parking longer than they should or breaching yellow line restrictions throughout the town.  During May officers in Denholm observed a caravan being towed with no lights to the rear.  Officers stopped the vehicle and found that the 19 year old driver and his passenger did not have the correct driving authorisation for towing a vehicle.  Both were charged with various driving offences.  There was also an incident at the Sandbed roundabout, when a man crashed his vehicle into the barrier.  He was found to be driving without insurance and charged accordingly.  Also in May, officers were called to a domestic disturbance at Eildon Road, Hawick, where the perpetrator had made off in his vehicle.  Officers located the male and he was subsequently arrested for failing a breath test.  He was charged with drink driving as well as breach of the peace.   There were also a number of road checks carried out during the month, resulting in fixed penalty tickets being issued for speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt and one vehicle being seized under antisocial behaviour legislation.               Inspector Wood highlighted the Drivewise Project which had been well received by those participating.  The Young Persons’ and Older Peoples’ Driving programmes continued, there was no cost to those participating and community councils were encouraged to promote the programme across their areas.  Further information was available at www.drivewiseborders.co.uk/index.html

5.3       In respect of the Violent Crime priority, there was one serious assault reported in Hawick during May.   A 14 year old male had been assaulted in the Burnfoot area by four youths aged 13 and 14.  The youths were charged with assault and have been reported through the youth justice system.  Also in May, a male  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

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

There had been circulated a report from Station Manager Russell Bell, Hawick Fire Station, presenting service delivery activity in the Teviot and Liddesdale Area for the month of June 2017.  In summary, the report detailed that during the period of the report there had been two house fires (one accidental and one chimney); two other fires (one vehicle and one shop); seven special service occurrences (three medical responder, one flooding, two animal collisions, one animal rescue); and 15 unwanted fire alarm signals (domestic and industrial).   Mr Bell advised that Hawick Whole-time crews had completed their water based, swift water rescue training and now all staff were trained to enter the water and a proportional number had also been trained as boat operators. The station had also received a dedicated, fully kitted van with towing trailer and boat to allow full deployment to a water rescue incident.  Hawick Station now had a ‘live status’ which meant that the crew could be mobilised to any part of the UK if requested.  The high volume pump was still located at Hawick, as training had not been completed at Dundee, its final destination.    The extended trial period for the out of hospital cardiac arrest service continued.   A report had been passed to SFRS Strategic Leadership Team with recommendations that the trial continued, a decision was awaited

6.2         Mr Bell further advised that the 5 Watch Duty System had now been introduced.  A buffer number of three staff had been retained at Hawick Fire Station in recognition of future retirements.   Mr Bell referred to the ongoing activity within the area including: working with Borders College to provide road safety awareness training; Driving Into the Future – an initiative aimed at educating new/potential drivers; Home Fire Safety Visits, Firesharp and Crucial Crew.   It was noted that unwanted fire alarm signals were being addressed by a phased intervention which would identify premises producing ‘false alarms’.  The Fire Service would provide guidance on how to reduce a reoccurrence and could also evoke legislation if occurrences failed to reduce in number.       

6.3         Mr Bell went on to advise that the Spring season 2017 thematic plan was current, the aim of which was the reduction of: grass fires; woodland/forest fires; heathland/moorland fires; fires in derelict buildings; fires involving refuse/rubbish; raising awareness of business/commercial waste management and environmental responsibilities; encouraging operational personnel to support local community spring clean-up initiatives; and assisting Police Scotland identifying fire offenders and managing offending.

6.4         To conclude his report, Mr Bell referred to the recent tragic events at Grenfell Tower, London.  Mr Bell advised that there were three to four storey flats in the Teviot and Liddesdale area.  The Fire Service had inspected these premises and there were no concerns at the moment.  However, he warned against residents leaving goods in stairwells as this was a fire hazard.   

DECISION

NOTED.

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

In answer to a question, Mr Bell advised that the Fire and Rescue Service liaised with the Borders Water Rescue Team when necessary.   

DECISION

NOTED.

Consider matters of interest to Community Councils.

Mrs Knight, Burnfoot Community Council, reported that in May the community council had held a Cornet’s night at Burnfoot School which had been well attended.  The Burnfoot Carnival would take place on Saturday 8 July at Burnfoot School. There would be bands, shows, stalls and other entertainment, it was hoped that Councillors would be able to attend.   Mrs Knight also reported that the Community Council required a secretary.  Meetings were held on the last Tuesday of each month at Burnfoot School.  If anyone was interested in the position, they were asked to contact Burnfoot Community Council.  

8.2       Mr Griffiths, Hobkirk Community Council, advised that flood repair works had commenced at Bonchester Bridge and thanked Members and officers for their assistance.  With reference to paragraph 11.2 of the Minute of 21 March, the community council had been informed that burial plots at Hobkirk Churchyard were owned by the community not the Church.  The Council were investigating responsibility for maintenance and would respond to the community council.  Mr Griffiths referred to the Birneyknowe Windfarm application which had been rejected unanimously by Scottish Borders Council.  Banks Renewables, the applicants, were now appealing the decision in terms of economic benefit and visual amenity.  This meant that the community were now faced with a Public Inquiry and would be required to give evidence.  The community would require to be legally represented which could cost in the region of £10k to £20k.  To conclude his report, on a positive note, Mr Griffiths advised that the community were holding a party on 25 August to coincide with the Scarecrow Festival.  In answer to a question,  Mr Dunlop advised that the estimate for a notice board was still awaited. 

8.3       Mrs Elborn, Newcastleton Community Council, referred to their last meeting when it had been requested that Council officers addressed removal of the tarmac left at Douglas Square.  The tarmac had been removed the following day, the community council had photographic evidence if the Council required to pursue for fly tipping.   Mrs Elborn continued that following a meeting with the local Health Service the community council had been advised that the mobile dental service was to be removed from the primary school.  No communication had been received regarding the closure and the removal was of concern to the community.    It was noted that the community council requested that works to access roads and pathways at Ettleton Cemetery be resolved through the Small Scheme or Quality of Life Scheme before the onset of inclement weather. Mrs Elborn agreed to send Mr Dunlop details of the problem areas. Mrs Elborn advised that there was an ongoing problem with speeding timber transportation through the village and damage being caused to the roadside and verges. Police were carrying out speed checks but more were required.  The community council would be attending the Transport Feasibility meeting to ensure that freight transportation would be considered as part of the railway line extension. There was also the requirement for the road infrastructure to be investigated  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

Discussion on role and responsibilities

The Chairman, Councillor Marshall, referred to the change of name for the Committee.  He explained, that this was the first stage in the development of the Council’s new Locality Committees.  At this point in time, this was the only change.  A report would be presented to Council over the summer which would include proposals for developing arrangements.  Locality Plans would sit with Locality Committees, as would some additional budgeting responsibilities including a new Localities Bid Fund.  Guidance on this was currently being prepared and details would be provided to communities as soon as possible.  A review was being carried out over the summer as to the shape of the new Locality Committees and communities would have the opportunity to feed into this process.  The Chairman went on to advise that Scottish Government had allocated £500k to be spread across the five localities.  The Committee would decide how to allocate the money for which communities would be encouraged to bid to benefit their areas.  The Quality of Life and Small Schemes budget would not be affected.   The five Locality Committee Chairmen would attend a briefing in August which would include discussion on the parameters for the bidding process. 

9.2       There followed a discussion, it was noted that although the funding was welcomed there was a concern that communities might not have the necessary time or effort to drive forward projects.  The appointment of a development officer would be beneficial to maximise funding opportunities and provide advise.   A further update would be provided at the next meeting.

DECISION

NOTED the report. 

Tuesday, 15 August 2017 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 19 September 2017 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 14 November 2017 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 12 December 2017 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 16 January 2018 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 20 February 2018 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 20 March 2017 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 17 April 2018 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 15 May 2018 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 19 June 2018 at 6.30 pm.

All the meetings will be held in the Lesser Hall, Town Hall, Hawick.

The dates for future meetings of the Teviot and Liddesdale Area Forum were as follows:-

Tuesday, 15 August 2017 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 19 September 2017 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 14 November 2017 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 12 December 2017 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 16 January 2018 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 20 February 2018 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 20 March 2017 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 17 April 2018 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 15 May 2018 at 6.30 pm

Tuesday, 19 June 2018 at 6.30 pm.