Agenda item

(a)         Donald Scott and Scott Learmonth, SBC’s Roads Asset Team - Roads update on   

  maintenance work, including Winter 2020/21

(b)          Clare Malster, Cheviot Community Assistance Hub  - Written update

(c)          Cheviot Community update - Opportunityto share updates from your community or     

           raise topics for future discussion

SECTION 2: LOCAL PRIORTIES 

            ROADS UPDATE ON MAINTENANCE WORK, INCLUDING WINTER 2020/21

            The Chairman introduced Roads Asset Team Leader, Donald Scott and Assistant Engineer, Scott Learmonth to update the Area Partnership on roads maintenance.  Mr Scott briefly outlined that Asset Management followed a strategic approach and the National Guidance and Road Asset Management Plan (RAMP), Annual Financial Review and planned work programme in association with Public Service Excellence (APSE) and Performance Measurement (National PI’s).  The types of Maintenance undertaken included planned maintenance - Carriageways (Resurfacing, Surface Dressing and Patching), Footways (Resurfacing, Slurry Sealing and Kerbing), Drainage (Improvement Works and New Schemes), Embankments (Stabilisation, Re-profiling and Erosion Repairs), Cattle Grids (Removal and Replacement), Street Furniture (Improvement and Replacement), Routine and Cyclic Maintenance, Reactive maintenance and winter maintenance.  In terms of gritting roads and footways, the Primary Road Network totalled 1154 km (39% of all roads) identified as primary routes for treatment and receive precautionary treatment.  Secondary Road Network totalled 472 km (16% of all roads) identified to receive treatment next when severe and prolonged winter conditions and resources allowed.  The Tertiary Road Network:  Remaining roads (including car parks) would only be treated when extended weather conditions persist and Primary Footway Network: Primary routes identified in larger towns and villages would receive post-treatment. All other routes are classed as Secondary routes.  The budget for 2021/22 was divided into Capital -just under £7 million, Revenue - just under £5 million and Winter was just under £3 million and External Funding (STTS/SWCR).  Mr Scott concluded his presentation with details of planned works to be carried out in the Cheviot Area.  Mr Scott and Mr Learmonth answered questions and the Chairman thanked him for his informative presentation.

7.0       CHEVIOT COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE HUB

Clare Malster, Locality Development Co-ordinator reported that the number of new referrals to Cheviot Community Assistance Hub had greatly reduced since the last meeting. However, it was stressed that the Hub was still operational and could be contacted through 0301 100 1800 or Covid-19Community@scotborders.gov.uk by anyone requiring support for themselves or someone they know.  iPads have been delivered to four Community Assistance Hub clients who were awarded devices through the Scottish Government’s Connecting Scotland Winter Support Package.  Cheviot Community Partners (Community organisations, Third Sector, SBC and NHS Borders) continued to meet on a weekly basis to share service updates and recently received a presentation from Dr Victoria Thomson about Transform Psychological Trauma and those present were asked for ideas on how all sectors could work together to embed the approach across all our organisations.

Partners are starting to meet clients face to face again but, depending on the organisation, this is restricted by numbers and need.  The meeting continued to be attended by a range of organisations with the shared experience and knowledge being a very valuable resource to identify solutions to problems and issues which were brought to the meeting.

8.0     CHEVIOT COMMUNITY UPDATE

8.1     Hazel Woodsell, Kelso Heritage reported that the Kelso Community Orchard was progressing well with the addition of raised beds, local schools becoming more involved, Guides had planted flowers in the raised beds and the Kelso Men’s shed was very supportive.

8.2     It was reported that the Kalewater Suspension Bridge had been closed due to there being more damage than initially thought.  A report on the bridge would be available in September.