Agenda and minutes

1.0      WELCOME

1.2      The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

            DECISION

            NOTED.

Consider the Minute of the Meeting held on 21 June 2017.  (Copy attached.)

2.0       MINUTE

2.1       There had been circulated copies of the Minute of the Meeting of the Cheviot Locality Committee of 21 June 2017.

            DECISION

            AGREED to approve the Minute for signature by the Chairman.

Update by Service Director Neighbourhood Services.

3.0       UPDATE ON LOCALITIES 

3.1       The Service Director – Customer & Communities was present at the meeting to update the Committee on the emerging Agenda from the Community Empowerment Act.  It was explained that Communities and Organisations could get more involved in shaping services and Scottish Borders Council was looking at Communities being the key in taking the Agenda forward.  There would be development and engagement with Communities in partnership with SBC, Police Scotland, NHS Borders, Scottish Enterprise, Fire and Rescue Services.  Locality Committees are seen as being key to this but not in the form they are at the moment.  Discussions are ongoing on how to improve them and the proposed name of the Committee is likely to be ‘Cheviot Area Partnership’ and a report would be presented to Council later in the month, any decision taken would be reviewed and monitored as the Agenda evolved.

3.2       A Devolved Localities Bid Fund of £0.5m had been put in place and would be divided between the 5 Partnership areas and the report on 28 September 2017 will detail how this will work, the proposal being that projects which would be key to Community Bids would be submitted to an assessment panel for criteria checking and if successful, the public would vote on-line, in Libraries etc.  As this is a new venture it would be evaluated on an ongoing basis and looking at ways to enhance the Area Partnership and get members of the public involved by looking at the Agenda Structure and allowing the public to decide on items for the Agenda.  In response to a question about engaging with the Clubs in the area, Mrs Craig advised that was the challenge each area faced as one size did not fit all.  Some concern was raised about on-line voting and Mrs Craig advised that the most popular system seemed to be holding events and getting people to come along and vote,  all comments would be taken on board and taken into considered when finalising proposals.  The Council would work with unsuccessful groups to try and find other sources of funding. 

            DECISION   

NOTED.

Presentation by Charles Johnston, SBC Principal Officer – Plans and Research.  (Copy attached.)

4.0       LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN MAIN ISSUES REPORT

  4.1       With reference to paragraph 6 of the Minute of 1 February 2017, Mr Johnston’s presentation related to the preparation of a new Local Development Plan (LDP).  He confirmed the Council was commencing work on the new Local Development Plan and the timeline for preparing the new LDP which was on a 5 year cycle.  He summarised the timeline for the production of the Plan and highlighted that the first stage, the Main Issues Report (MIR), would be prepared by spring 2018.    The MIR was a front runner to the LDP which in essence sought to identify a range of issues which the LDP should address.  The MIR, which would be sent out for public consultation, identified preferred sites for houses as well as alternatives.  It also proposed where planning policies could be updated, removed or merged.  The MIR sought public opinion on a range of matters such as the main aims of the LDP, proposals for allocation of employment sites, housing policy, retail policy, regeneration issues, green space protection and climate change issues.  Community engagement would be carried out through a series of          exhibitions and workshops with community groups as follows:-

•       Eyemouth                      Thursday,  21^st Sept             Eyemouth Community Centre

•       Kelso                             Tuesday, 26^th Sept               Kelso Town Hall

•       Galashiels                      Wednesday, 27^th Sept        Tesco foyer (afternoon) / Trans                                                                            

                                                                                                       Interchange (evening)

•       Peebles                         Thursday, 28^th                       Hawick Heritage Hub           

•       Duns                              Thursday, 5^th Oct                 Duns Council Chamber

•       Selkirk                            Tuesday, 10^th Oct                1 Tower St (afternoon),

                                                Comm. Connections, Back Row (evening)

•       Newtown St Boswells    Thursday, 12^th Oct               Council Chamber (Workshop only    

                                                                                                        2 – 4 pm)

4.2       In response to a question regarding the size of advertising Boards on empty properties within town centres, Mr Johnston advised that was a matter for the Enforcement team.  The matter of town centre properties being converted into flats and not providing parking spaces was raised and Mr Scott, Senior Roads Planning Officer advised that it would depended on whether it was a conversion or a new build, but is was certainly something which would be taken into consideration.  Other matter which were raised included capacity and effect on existing infrastructure and seeking developer contributions towards residential homes and care for older people.    

            DECISION

            NOTED.

Consider report by Service Director Assets and Infrastructure.  (Copy attached.)

5.0       REQUEST FOR APPROVAL FOR THE STOPPING-UP OF A SECTION OF ROAD FROM THE COUNCILS LIST OF PUBLIC ROADS

5.1       There had been circulated copies of a report by the Service Director – Assets & Infrastructure seeking approval for the stopping-up of part of the D148/4 Samieston and Upper Samieston road.  The report explained that the Council had been asked by the land owner if a section of the aforementioned road could be stopped-up and removed from the Council’s List of Public Roads.  Following discussions with the various interested parties, it was proposed to stop-up the section of road shown on the plan attached to the report and remove from the Council’s List of Public Roads as requested.  Mr Scott, Senior Roads Planning Officer who was in attendance to present the report, advised that the proposal was still in the consultation period, although no comments had been received to date.

            DECISION

AGREED the stopping-up of part of the D148/4 Samieston and Upper Samieston road, as shown on the plan attached to the report, and delegated authority to confirm the order subject to there being no substantive representations made against the proposal.

Consider report by Service Director Assets & Infrastructure seeking approval for the proposed new Neighbourhood Small Schemes. (copy attached.)

6.0       NEIGHBOURHOOD SMALL SCHEMES UPDATE

6.1       With reference to paragraph 5 of the Minute of 21 June 2017, there had been circulated copies of a report by the Service Director Assets and Infrastructure which sought approval from the Locality Committee for the proposed new neighbourhood Small Schemes.  The Area Neighbourhood Manager advised that the allocated budget (£34,702) for small schemes was available through Neighbourhood Services for the Cheviot Area in 2017/18.  Approval of the schemes detailed below would result in a budget of £27,076 for future schemes.   In addition, a budget of £34,099 was available for Quality of Life Schemes in the Cheviot Area in 2017/18.  Approval of the schemes detailed below would result in a remaining budget of £15,246 in the Kelso and District Ward and £9,743 in the Jedburgh and District Ward for future schemes.  It had previously been agreed that this budget would be split equally between Kelso and District and Jedburgh and District Wards.   

DECISION

(a)    APPROVED the following new Neighbourhood Small Schemes:-

            (i)    Erect rabbit proof netting around Castlewood Cemetery, Jedburgh                                                                                                                                                         £2,630

(ii)   Supply and erect street name plate at Howdenburn

Court, Jedburgh                                                                       £   260

      (iii)  Supply and install defibrillator signs within existing kiosk at   

             Clintmains Village                                                                     £   160

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

           (i)    Financial contribution towards tree maintenance Works at Howden

                  Crescent, Jedburgh                                                                   £   865 

      (ii)   Removal of trees within woodland strip to rear of The Linn, Kelso

                                                                                                                  £  825

(c)        AGREED to delegate authority to the Service Director for Assets and Infrastructure  to allocate funds for Quality of Life schemes in 2017/18 out with the scheduled Locality Committees when work was considered time critical, subject to approval by all Ward Members.

Consider an update for the local Police Inspector detailing ongoing work and initiatives in the Cheviot area.  (Copy attached.)

6.0       POLICE FORCE OF SCOTLAND – UPDATE FOR ‘J’ DIVISION

6.1       Inspector Wood was present at the meeting to update the Cheviot Locality Committee on performance, activities and issues across the Ward for the period 1 June 2017 to 31 August 2017.  During the reporting period, Inspector Wood advised that five persons had been charged with possessing a controlled substance.  Four of these related to the town of Jedburgh and one St Boswells.  Additionally one male was reported for possession with intent to supply a controlled substance in St Boswells.  Two of the above persons were reported following the executive of drugs search warrants at their home addresses.  The Police would remain visible in the community to develop intelligence on people who deal in and use controlled drugs.  Work with partners, combining education and enforcement strategies would continue together with intelligence received from the public in relation to drug matters whether that is persons being in possession or persons dealing drugs.  Completely anonymous information can be left on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  In terms of Road Safety, a number of road checks had been carried out and a number of drivers have been charged with various road traffic offences following incidents or accidents over the last three months notably: A thirty–two year old male charged with a drink driving offence following an incident on 2^nd of June in Jedburgh.  On the 9th of July a twenty-nine year old male was cautioned and charged with failing to have a valid driving licence, no MOT and no insurance following reported driving behaviour which culminated in two accidents. Additionally he has been charged with offences relating to providing identity details.  A forty-nine year old male was charged with failing to possess a valid licence or MOT whilst driving in Jedburgh on 13^th July and His vehicle was seized.  A John Deere tractor with a towed red trailer damaged two cars in Jedburgh on 27^th of July. The male driver failed to stop and enquiries to date have not traced him.  Also during the reporting period one driver had been issued a fixed penalty notice for driving whilst using a mobile phone and two further notices were issued for speeding offences.  In terms of Anti-Social Behaviour, A number of individuals had been charged with causing a breach of the peace.  These incidents were isolated and there was no pattern to them.  It was further reported that Rural Crime thefts of fuel had been reported from HGV operators whilst the vehicles had been parked and secure within industrial estates in the locality. Locked fuel caps had been forced in these cases.  Two incidents of the theft of phone cable had been reported where persons had cut underground cables at maintenance access points.  Two four foot gates forming a ‘kissing gate’ on a SBC maintained countryside walk were stolen on 20^th July and following a series of presentations of counterfeit currency in the area a twenty-four year old male was charged  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Consider update detailing ongoing work and initiatives in the Cheviot Area.  (Copy attached.)

7.0         FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE UPDATE

7.1         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, Matt Acton which had been circulated.  The update referred to the ongoing prevention and protection activity described in the last report to the Locality Committee.  The report detailed that during the period of the report there had been 3 House Fires (2 x private and 1x Sheltered Housing); 4 Other Fires (3 x crop/grass and 1 x barbeque); Special Services 7 and 23 unwanted Fire Alarm Signals.  Activity which was ongoing within the Cheviot Ward area included Scottish Fire and Rescue Service staff in all local stations providing Home Fire Safety Visits all year round; The living safely in the home (LSITH) initiative continued in the Cheviot locality, with a number of referrals made by the SFRS to community partners and an evaluation of the trial was underway.  Crews from Kelso Fire Station were taking part in the Cheviot Youth Group Initiative to engage with the Youth Group at The Planet, Kelso.   The initiative involved a series of visits and discussions around life in the fire service and would include valuable safety messages, including fire safety in the home, bonfire night safety, water safety, amongst other topics.   It was also a great opportunity for the firefighters to become positive role models for the young people of Kelso.   Kelso crews recently attended the Mass Pipe Band and Family Day at Floors Castle, where they provided a demonstration of rescuing a casualty from a road traffic collision.  Watch Manager Garry Lees provided an informative running commentary of the rescue to the crowd.  The crews also delivered CPR training to the public at this well attended event. 

7.2         New ways to engage with the farming community were being investigated to provide advice and guidance regarding farm fire safety and security. Work had taken place in partnership with Police Scotland, the NFU, NFU Mutual and the Scottish Association of Young Farmers, where a number of positive engagement opportunities had been identified, including farm walk and talks, attending agricultural shows, markets and auctions, and engagement with young members of the farming community.

7.3         Road Safety Community Action Team (CAT) had delivered road safety awareness to secondary schools throughout the Scottish Borders with the support of the local whole time personnel from Galashiels and Hawick.  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. 

DECISION

NOTED the report.

8.0         ENGAGEMENT WITH NHS BORDERS

8.1         As there was no representative present from NHS Borders, there was no update given.

              DECISION

              NOTED.

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

9.0         OPEN QUESTIONS

9.1         There were no issues raised.

     DECISION

     NOTED.

Consider any matters raised by Community Councils.

10.0       COMMUNITY COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT

10.1       Community Councillor Weatherston requested that the amount of Hospitality received be increased in line with that allowed for SBC Elected Members’ 

DECISION

     AGREED that the Democratic Services Officer investigate.

10.2       Community Councillor Jarvis raised concerns with regard to an undesignated layby on the Sprouston to Kelso road which was being used for inappropriate behaviour and a dumping ground for large quantities of lager cans.  A litter bin was suggested, however Mr Finnie advised that placing a bin was more likely to encourage inappropriate use and the solution may be to remove the layby altogether.

              DECISION

              AGREED that Mr Finnie investigate this matter and report back to a future meeting.

The next meeting of the Cheviot Locality Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, *******

              DATE OF NEXT MEETING                    

11.1       The Chairman confirmed that the next meeting of the Cheviot Area Partnership was scheduled for Wednesday, 6 December 2017 in the New High School, Kelso.

DECISION

NOTED the date of the next meeting of the Cheviot Area Partnership and that the venue would be the new Kelso High School.

Before proceeding with the private business, the following motion should be approved:

“That under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the public be exclude from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the aforementioned Act.”

Private Business

     DECISION

AGREED under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the public from the meeting during consideration of the business detailed in the Appendix to this Minute on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 12  of part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Act.

SUMMARY OF PRIVATE BUSINESS

12.0        HIGH STREET, JEDBUGH

12.1        The Committee received an update form Mr Alan Gueldner on the progress of the work being undertaken on the High Street, Jedburgh.

The meeting concluded at 8.10 p.m.  

Update by Principal Officer, Enforcement, Environment and Infrastructure.