Agenda item

NSF recommendations to be presented by the Cheviot assessment panel on the following applications:

(i)          CFA000174 Kelso Football Club

(ii)       CFA000175 Abundant Borders

(iii)          CFA000182 Jedburgh Tourism Alliance

(iv)         CFA000183 Kelso in Bloom

(v)       CFA000184 St Boswells Village Hall

(vi)         CFA000186 St Boswells Christmas Lights Group

(vii)        CFA000187 Kelso Orchard Tennis Club

(viii)       CFA000188 Visit Kelso

(ix)         CFA000189 Morebattle Community Shop

(x)       CFA000190 Association South Scotland Entertainment Tent (ASSET)

Neighbourhood Support Fund

9.2    It was noted that, since the last meeting of the Panel, two young people, R. Flint and E. Chalmers had joined the panel and were supported by the Youth Engagement Worker (Pam Rigby).  There had been 10 applications received for the Cheviot Neighbourhood Support Fund totalling £43,791.77, which was an encouraging number.  There had been circulated copies of a report which provided a brief description of each application received and a recommendation on the sum to be awarded to each project.  As previously reported, projects with a mean score of 80+ in terms of their ability to deliver, clear evidence of need, potential impact, use of public money, innovation and sustainability and therefore would be recommended for approval and those were detailed below:-

9.3    Kelso Football Club

An application had been received from Kelso Football Club in the sum of £5,000 to upgrade their shower room which had fallen into a state of disrepair.  The Group hoped to attract more players and community sport with improved facilities.  The Panel were supportive of the project and recommended that £5,000 be awarded.  In addition, the panel suggested that the group look to address the cause of the issues, i.e., freezing pipes as noted in the application, which would lead to fewer repairs and renovation work in the future.

9.4     Abundant Borders

An application had been submitted by Abundant Borders in the sum of £3,593.00, to create raised bed planters and an outdoor cooking space within the Community Garden space in Kelso. The project continued their work to create a sustainable community food garden in Kelso town centre and was supported by Abundant Borders. The Panel were supportive of the project and recommended £3,593.00. 

9.5     Jedburgh Tourism Alliance

An application had been submitted by Jedburgh Tourism Alliance in the sum of £3,947 to update and print 30,000 copies of their Jedburgh leaflet and specifically distribute them out-with the town in designated tourism locations in Northumberland, East Lothian, and other Borders town in the promotion of Jedburgh. The project aimed to maximise opportunities to build local and regional economy as well as enhance the visitor experience. The Panel were supportive of the project and recommended that £3,947 be awarded.  In addition, the panel ask that the Group consider the environmental challenges in producing single-use paper leaflets and encourage the group to use recyclable papers and online publications where possible.

9.6     Kelso in Bloom

An application had been submitted by Kelso in Bloomin the sum of £4,500, to renew greenspace with a mix of bedding and perennial planting. This would allow more diversity planting, improve sustainability, reduce costs, and create year-round colour to the town. The Panel were supportive of the project and recommended that £3,947 be awarded.

9.7     St Boswells Village Hall

An application had been submitted by St Boswells Village Hall in the sum of £5,000 to support their ambitious 3-part ‘Greening’ Project.  The application was specifically for Part 1 – the installation of solar panels on the hall’s roof. The project would dramatically reduce their dependence on the national electricity grid and keep ongoing costs under control.  The Panel were supportive of the project and recommended that £5,000 be awarded and noted that the Application was currently ineligible, pending planning permission and conditions would be set prior to the release of funds.

9.8     St Boswells Christmas Lights Group

An application had been submitted by St Boswells Christmas Lights Group in partnership with the Village Week Committee in the sum of £5,000 to establish a village festive Christmas tree lighting-up event. The funding would support the installation of a permanent accessible power supply point which would enable temporary lights for festive occasions.  The Panel were supportive of the project and recommended that £3,947 be awarded. 

9.9     Kelso Orchard Tennis Club

An application had been submitted by Kelso Orchard Tennis Club in the sum of £4,000, to offer free tennis taster sessions to many junior players including toddlers aged 2 to 4 and juniors aged 5 to 18. These sessions could provide young people with the opportunity to exercise in a known environment and enjoy the many benefits that tennis had to offer in terms of physical and mental health.  The Panel were supportive of the project and recommended that £4,000 be awarded.  The panel noted that young players be encouraged to bring their own water bottles and that free refill to lower refreshment costs be offered to reduce environmental impact.

9.10   Visit Kelso

An application had been submitted by Visit Kelso in the sum of £3,761.30 to purchase in-house IT equipment such as a laptop, and printer. These items would support the group to grow, develop and reduce financial pressures on employing external help for existing work.  The panel raised queries on the necessity of Apple products due to their cost, as well as the requirement for branded pens. Information provided noted that the group predominately use Apple products, so an iPad was required to ensure their existing products linked. The branded pens were used as a marketing tool and were often given as gifts to such events such as their window dressing competition. The panel were happy with the information provided and support of the application and recommended that £3,761.30- be awarded.

          A further application had been received and had been discussed by the Assessment as follows:-

9.11   Morebattle Community Shop

An application had been received from Morebattle Community Shop in the sum of £4,940.00 to instal a retractable awning to the front of the shop, to provide essential sun screening and shelter for those waiting for the bus service.  The panel had expressed concerns with regard to the cost of the proposed awning and agreed to recommend approval of 50% of the request totalling £2,470 as a contribution to the cost.

The Panel had approached Passenger Transport with regard to the provision of Bus Shelters in Morebattle.  While Passenger Transport would support the request for Bus shelters in Morebattle, there were no plans or funding available, although elected members may have access to small scheme or other funding as their community requests.  It was likely that given the location of the village that “Heritage style” structures would be required. 

9.12   Association South Scotland Entertainment Tent (ASSET)

An application had been received from the Association South Scotland Entertainment Tent (ASSET) to support the purchase of items, training and marketing to initiate use of the community asset.  The Panel had sought clarification, with regard to some of the costs detailed in the application and in particular asset depreciation, catering aprons, catering gloves, catering tongs, napkins as the panel did not feel these were appropriate costs for the application.  The panel had also sought further information in terms of the insurance costs and whether public liability was included.  Although the project scored 80+, the panel did not feel some of the costs listed were suitable for the fund and therefore decided to recommend part-fund of the project in the sum of £3,500.

9.13   With reference to paragraph 8.4 of the Minute of 20 September 2023, it was reported that one application had been received and confirmation was awaited.  The outstanding posts had been marketed through SBC Comms and E. Husband had shared amongst contacts, as well as reaching out to local community members.

Remaining positions:-

-       Member of the Public (Jedburgh & District)

-       Community Councillor (Jedburgh & District)

-       Member of the Public (Kelso & District)

          DECISION

(a)          AGREED that the following sums be awarded to each of those listed:-

·                     Kelso Football Club - £5,000

·                     Abundant Borders - £3,593.00

·                     Jedburgh Tourism Alliance - £3,947.00

·                     Kelso in Bloom - £4,500.00

·                     St Boswells Village Hall - £5,000

·                     St Boswells Christmas Lights Group - £5,000

·                     Kelso Orchard Tennis Club - £4,000

·                     Visit Kelso - £3,761.30

·                     Morebattle Community Shop - £2,470

·                     Association South Scotland Entertainment Tent (ASSET) - £3,500

(b)          NOTED

(i)              that approval of the following Applications was subject to planning permission being granted:-

·         Morebattle Community Shop

·         St Boswells Village Hall

(ii)                The timetable for future meetings as follows:-