Agenda item

Copies of applications attached from:-

3.1       Ettrick Forest Bowling Club

There had been circulated copies of an application for financial assistance on behalf of Ettrick Forest Bowling Club.  The applicant, who recently took over as Treasurer, explained that the Green Bowling Club had a huge community spirit with both young and older members but that there were significant financial challenges with monthly running costs of £829.  The Club was currently trying to get back into a better financial position by fundraising and looking for sponsors.  Funding was desperately needed for equipment, namely outside score boards, new jacks, mats and benches.  The total cost and grant requested was £1,344.67.  It was noted that this equipment, once replaced, should last 15 to 20 years.  Members were supportive of the application but expressed some concerns about the long term financial sustainability of the Bowling Club, from the information  provided.  They noted that efforts were being made to put the Club back on a sound financial footing but also noted that the accounts that accompanied the application were for the year ended 31 December 2017.  They queried whether there were audited accounts available for 2018.  After discussion there was agreement in principle to grant the full sum requested, but that this should be subject to provision of satisfactory accounts for the year ending 31 December 2018 and also a Business Plan setting out projected income and expenditure, to give assurance of the Club’s financial sustainability and longevity.

            DECISION

            AGREED:-

(a)          in principle to grant the total sum requested, of £1,344.67, to Ettrick Forest Bowling Club;

(b)          that this grant be subject to the provision of satisfactory audited accounts for year ended 31 December 2018 and a Business Plan indicating future financial management; and

(c)          that, consideration of the information requested and the decision to authorise payment be delegated to the Chief Financial Officer in consultation with the Chairman.

3.2       Selkirk Silver Band

There had been circulated copies of an application for financial assistance on behalf of Selkirk Silver Band.  The Band provided musical entertainment at many functions and events associated with Selkirk Common Riding and at other engagements including Lauder Common Riding, Royal Company of Archers Parade, Selkirk 7s, Scott’s Selkirk and entertainment around the town on New Year’s Day.  The Band was looking into travelling to Plattling in 2020 which was Selkirk’s twin town in Bavaria, Germany. A total of £2,344 was requested towards the cost of music stands (£450), stand banners (£1,420) and Band Ties (£474). It was explained that the Band organised various fundraising activities on an ongoing basis and received donations and collections at various concerts and events.  The Band, along with other local groups, received a legacy in 2018 which was noted in the accounts.  This money was being ring fenced for urgent work required on the band hall, including for roof repairs and soundproof flooring.  The balance of the legacy would be kept for any future emergencies that may arise. Members discussed the application and, after taking into account previous grants to the Silver Band from the Common Good Fund including a grant of £1500 during the current financial year, they agreed to give a grant of £500 as a contribution towards the cost of the equipment.

            DECISION

            AGREED to grant £500 to Selkirk Silver Band.

3.3       Selkirk Regeneration Company

There had been circulated copies of an application for financial assistance on behalf of Selkirk Regeneration Company (SRC).  It was explained that SRC was a community-based non-profit company whose purpose was to initiate and administer projects which would benefit the people and environment of Selkirk and surrounding area.  Membership was open to any resident in the TD7 area who supported the aims of the Company; currently there were 84 members, who elected a board of Trustee/Directors.  The Company was currently working towards the renovation of the former derelict shop at 5 Tower Street, which was owned on behalf of the people of Selkirk, for conversion into a community resource.  Details were given of work carried out so far and the funding sources, including an Award for All grant in addition to SRC own reserves.    An application had also been made to the Climate Challenge Fund for staffing and running costs for the building as a community energy advice centre and hub.  Full plans had been drawn up for the renovation of the front and rear of the premises. The next stage was to obtain full planning and listed building approval and building warrants and then to seek grant funding for the capital costs to implement these plans.  The immediate requirement was therefore for a grant of £1,131 to cover the planning application fee £401 and related professional fees of £730.  After discussion Members agreed to grant the sum of £1,131 as requested for the immediate needs and agreed in principle to a future grant of £7,640 towards the capital costs, subject to the necessary planning permission being obtained and confirmation that other funding was in place to cover the total cost of the project

            DECISION

            AGREED:-

(a)          to grant £1,131 to Selkirk Generation Company to cover the planning application fee and associated professional fees for the project to renovate the former derelict shop at 5 Tower Street; and

(b)       in principle to a future grant of £7,640 towards the capital cost of the project subject to the necessary planning permission being obtained and confirmation that other funding was in place.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Councillor Penman declared an interest in the following item of business in terms of Section 5 of the Councillors Code of Conduct and left the Chamber during the discussion.

3.4       Selkirk Means Business (Selkirk BIDS)

There had been circulated copies of an application for financial assistance on behalf of Selkirk Means Business (BIDS).  Selkirk BIDS represented levy paying businesses within the town centre and was the first Business Improvement District in the Borders.  The organisation was in place to both develop the trading environment and encourage increased footfall and tourism within the town.  BIDS had delivered or were in the process of delivering 5 projects within the first year of existence.  The application was for £4,500 towards the formation of a Cycle Zone. There had already been raised £1000 towards the total cost of the project of £5,500.  A detailed proposal was submitted with the application which aimed at rejuvenating a well-used though somewhat neglected area of Selkirk town centre, on the paved area beside Mungo Park tree.  It was proposed to re-develop the area to create an inviting area for both local and visiting cyclists by means of a formal cycle park, including a specialist cycle repair station along with aesthetically appealing cycle racks accommodating 4-8 bicycles.  There would also be minimalist seating area and focused signage directing visitors from key receptor points to the new area.  It was also proposed to upgrade the appeal of the existing area by replacement of uneven paving and replacement of existing coping stone to the adjoining wall which surrounded the chestnut tree. Members were in support of the project and agreed to grant the amount requested of £4,500 subject to:-

·                     Selkirk BIDS accepting (or making provision for) the ongoing maintenance of the Cycle Zone, as Members noted that there was no provision for ongoing annual costs for maintenance in the project budget;

·                     that any consents necessary were obtained from Scottish Borders Council for the work to go ahead e.g. with - Road Safety, Planning, Economic Development.

DECISION

AGREED:-

(a)          to grant to Selkirk BIDS the full amount requested of £4,500 towards the Cycle Zone project subject to:-

(i)     Selkirk BIDS accepting responsibility for (or making provision for) the ongoing maintenance of the Cycle Zone; and

                       (ii)   confirmation being provided that all necessary consents had been obtained from Scottish Borders Council for the work to go ahead.

(b)          that, consideration of the information requested and the decision to authorise payment be delegated to the Chief Financial Officer in consultation with the Chairman.