Agenda item

Consider application from Selkirk and District Community Council for contribution towards a project (copy to follow).

3.1       Selkirk Community Council

There had been circulated copies of an application from Selkirk Community Council for a grant of £5,000 as a contribution towards the cost of upgrading the footpath to Philiphaugh Sawmill to allow disabled access.  Councillor Edgar explained the background to this application.  The footpath, which was on Council owned land on the top of the new flood protection embankment, was partly tarred but had one section which had a surface of chips rather than tar.  The intention was to uplift the existing chips and resurface with an overlay of bitumen.  The work would be carried out by the contractors, RJ MacLeod, who had carried out the work on the Selkirk flood defences. It was noted that the estimated total cost of the upgrade would be £26,350 with £21,350 of that being provided by RJ MacLeod.  Members discussed the application and were unanimous in their support of the proposal.  It was agreed to approve in principle a grant of £5,000 but first to make a query about whether the balance required could be funded from the Scottish Borders Council Small Schemes budget as this would be the preferred funding source if eligible.

DECISION

AGREED to grant £5,000 to Selkirk Community Council, as the balance towards the cost of upgrading the footpath to Philipaugh Sawmill, if funding for this project cannot be allocated from the Small Schemes budget.

3.2      Live Borders

There had been circulated copies of an application from the Disability Sport Development Officer of Live Borders for a grant of £4,000 towards the total cost of £8,404 for a new swimming pool hoist for Selkirk Leisure Centre. Live Borders proposed to purchase an Arjo Neptune pool lift and swim chair.  This equipment would be used by those in the community who had a disability or required additional support when transferring from changing area into the pool.  Live Borders were contributing £2,400 from their budget. Before discussing this application Councillor Davidson confirmed that she was no longer a trustee for Live Borders.  Mr Yallop raised the appropriateness of the application given that Live Borders was in essence a commercial organisation.  However it was noted that Live Borders was in fact a charity.  In the ensuing discussion Members were keen to support the proposal.  The facility would allow even the severely disabled to access the pool and the installation of the hoist would benefit numerous families and community groups across the area.  It was pointed out that this would be an upgrade to the pool which would help to secure its future.  Reference was made to the annual capital grant from Scottish Borders Council to Live Borders and the Mr Yallop agreed to check their commitment and whether there was any slack in the capital allocation.  It was noted that ClubSport Ettrick and Lauderdale were also being asked to make a contribution.  Members suggested that consideration be given as to whether a contribution could be sourced from the Quality of Life budget.  After further discussion Members unanimously agreed that the Common Good Fund should support the proposal and to make up the balance required to purchase the hoist, up to a total of £6,000, after alternative sources of funding had been explored.

DECISION

AGREED to grant up to £6,000 to Live Borders to meet the balance required to purchase a new swimming pool hoist for Selkirk Swimming pool, after alternative sources of funding had been explored.