Agenda item

Review Action Tracker.  (Copy attached.)

1.3         Action Tracker

Pinnaclehill Woodland

The Action Tracker had been circulated. With reference to paragraph 1.2 of the Minute of 30 November 2023, the Chairman advised that he had met with Charles Dundas, Chief Executive, Forest Trust who had been impressed with what was there and considered it a very good local amenity.  Considering the medium to long term of the Woodland, there could possibly be a management agreement and volunteers to undertake the maintenance.  An update would be sent once the Forest Trust had time to consider a proposal. 

 DECISION

AGREED to receive an update at the next meeting on the meeting with the Borders Forest Trust.

1.4       Pinnaclehill Orchard, Kelso

With reference to paragraph 3.3 of the Minute of 14 November 2024, the Principal Solicitor advised that a draft licence had been agreed with the Association to allow them to create an orchard at Pinnaclehill. It was further explained that a licence had been agreed rather than a lease as the residents were not looking for exclusive use and would put in benches to allow members of the public to access the area to enjoy what was being created. The area would not be fenced off and would be accessible to everyone. The Licence would be for a 10 year period with the option to extend on a year to year basis.  The Association were keen to sign the Licence as soon as possible and get planting.

1.5       Further discussion was required in terms of the funding previously agreed in principle for the Pinnaclehill Orchard, Kelso in the sum of £3,151.26, following an award of £2,256.56 from the Cheviot Neighbourhood Fund.  Following discussion, it was agreed that funding to a maximum of £895 be allocated for the Pinnacehill Orchard Project, to be draw down as required, following the outcome of funding applications applied for, but not yet confirmed. 

DECISION

AGREED:-

(a)          that funding to a maximum of £895, be available to the Pinnaclehill Orchard Association, to be drawn down when required, should funding applications be refused.

(b)          That authority be delegated to Officers to release the funding, once the outcome of the funding applications was known.

            Croft Park Toilets, Kelso

1.5       With reference to paragraph 4 of the Minute of 14 November 2023, the Principal Solicitor advised that a meeting had been held at the end of 2023 with Neil Hastie, Tricia Hill, Estates, Clare Malster, Participation to discuss the rugby club’s proposal regarding the toilets. Neil confirmed that the rugby club were keen to take on the toilets. Neil asked for a copy of the condition survey as he has concerned about the condition of the toilet block and this had been sent.  Access to the toilets had also been arranged.   The Rugby Club were looking to remodel the space to create a storage area and a small  kitchen area. It was proposed that the toilets would be available for public use and training days.  There was some discussion about the Rugby club taking a 20 year lease, which would require public consultation.  Mr Hastie confirmed that the Club would be looking for funding and Clare confirmed that her team could support them with their search for funding.  It was agreed that the Rugby Club would develop a Business Plan to be submitted for consideration as soon as possible. Mr Hastie also enquired about obtaining a larger storage container at the park, which would require planning permission and it was agreed to await further information from Mr Hastie.

DECISION

AGREED to receive an update from Mr Hastie with regards to the Croft Park Toilets.