Agenda item

A facilitated discussion on the subject in order to put forward a set of initial outcome(s) for Eildon - further information on local data and statistics

The Chairman referred to the main item on the agenda – discussion around the theme ‘Our Quality of Life’ - and introduced the key speakers who each gave a brief summary of the work, relevant to the theme, being carried out by their organisation/section.

3.1       Inspector Tony Hodges highlighted the commitment of Police Scotland as identified in the Local Police Plan 2017-20 for Scottish Borders. Following a consultation process there were seven Local Police Priorities identified which linked to the themes within the Scottish Borders Community Plan:- domestic abuse; road safety; violent crime; anti-social behaviour; drugs and alcohol misuse; protecting people (including child protection); and acquisitive crime (incorporating rural crime, doorstep crime, housebreakings and thefts). Police had strong links to the Council’s Safer Communities team with proactive campaigns such as Drivewise Borders and Crucial Crew.   Inspector Hodges also drew attention to the recent launch of the new seven-strong Community Action Policing Team, partly funded by an investment of £282,000 from Scottish Borders Council, who would provide a dedicated community resource which would specifically target issues such as anti-social behaviour and on-street parking. 

3.2       Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager, Michael Jaffray, made reference to the Local Fire and Rescue Plan for the Scottish Borders which was included in the paperwork provided on the tables. In particular he drew attention to the focus on helping people feel safer in their homes and on the roads.  The service would work with local communities to improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and to build community resilience against extreme weather events such as flooding.  Action Plans were being developed to address key priority areas in the Scottish Borders.  Mr Jaffray referred in particular to the aim to reduce unwanted fire alarm signals, where there was no fire but an automated fire alarm system was activated.  This currently accounted for over 65% of emergency response activity across the Scottish Borders. Mr Jaffray concluded by emphasising that the service wanted to work closely with communities and would welcome comments from local residents.

3.3       Museum, Galleries and Archives Manager, Fiona Colton, provided information about the services managed by Live Borders relating to archives, art and live theatre.  There were three museums and galleries within the Eildon area.  Live Borders were keen to have input from young people in respect of heritage culture and worked closely with schools. Current work with communities was diverse and included input to the Great Tapestry project, tourism partnerships, programmes with young parents and babies, and provision of reminiscence resources to those suffering from dementia. Ms Colton added that the service produced over 50 exhibits and over 30 events each year and she was keen to hear from any organisation wishing to be involved.

3.4       Norrie Tait, from Scottish Borders Council, was in attendance to talk about the work of the Community Learning and Development Service and in particular the work being carried out with 11 – 25 year olds.  There were 3 Learning Communities in the Eildon area based around the secondary schools.  The development of the learning communities enabled all key stakeholders to plan and work together to ensure improved outcomes for children and young people.  Work was being carried out in schools and in particular with looked after and accommodated children and young people who may be failing to reach their full potential.  Mr Tait referred to the need for social spaces for young people and in particular suggestions made at the previous Eildon Area Partnership meeting that High Schools could open up to provide community spaces.  He confirmed that the schools do this to an extent but this needs to be explored in more detail.  There were youth clubs in the main towns within Eildon but these were generally attended by younger age groups.  He asked those present to contact the team if assistance was needed to develop ideas for young people within the community.  Mr Tait concluded with information about a Music Festival which was being planned, with the help of young people, to take place in August of this year.

3.5       Following the introductory talks, officers joined Elected Members, partners and members of the public at their tables for a discussion of the main issues relating to “Our Quality of Life” in the Eildon Area.  A pack of information was provided at each table to aid the discussion as were post-it notes to record the emerging points.  Following this first discussion period and a short break each group returned to their tables where they were asked by the Chairman to focus on prioritising the key issues raised and to discuss and identify ways of taking these forward within the Eildon area.  A summary of the output of the discussions is provided as an appendix to this minute.