Agenda item

Quarterly update report by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.  (Copy attached.)

9.1       There had been circulated copies of a report by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) informing the Forum of SFRS activity since 2 June 2016.  The report explained that there had been 4 occurrences of fires in houses/buildings which had resulted in 1 casualty; 4 open fire incidents with no casualties; 16 Special Service incidents giving rise to 19 casualties, one of which was fatal; and 20 non-deliberate unwanted fire alarm signals.  Station Manager Matt Acton went on to inform Members of activity which had occurred and which was currently taking place in Berwickshire and the measures being taken to address issues identified within the area.  Other work being progressed in Berwickshire, as reported in the Minute of 2 June 2016, continued and further updates would be provided in due course.  The summer Thematic Action Plan was now underway, the focus of which was wildfire; rubbish and refuse fires; and outdoor safety.  Ward Plans for Berwickshire were available to the public on the SFRS website.  The report also provided an update on the recruitment and retention of firefighters and it was noted that vacancies for Retained Duty Firefighters currently existed in Duns, Eyemouth and Coldstream.  In response of a number of questions, Station Manager Acton confirmed that there was no cut off age for volunteers and that officers within a fire station would be able to advise on burning goods and any potential pollution resulting from such activity.  It was also noted that there were By-Laws in place which SEPA could enforce.

9.2       There was concern within the local community in relation to road safety on A1 at Grantshouse, particularly following the fatal road traffic incident in August.  Discussion followed in relation to the appropriateness of a 60mph speed restriction on that stretch of road and the distance between speed cameras.  Comment was also made in respect of the diversions put in place following an accident and it was noted that the lack of local knowledge of the area sometimes resulted in large, heavy vehicles using narrow roads making negotiating bends etc extremely problematic.  Reports had been received of timber transportation trucks using a private driveway to reverse.  Ways in which the situation might be alleviated were suggested, including the implementation of average speed cameras; the use of ghost islands; and reporting any inappropriate use of private driveways to the sub-contractor.  The Forum noted that it had been 12 months since Mr George Henry, Road Safety Manager at Transport Scotland gave a presentation on the A1 Junction Review and it was agreed that the Chairman would contact Mr Henry to ascertain what follow-up work was still required.  It was further agreed that Inspector Scott be informed of local concerns in respect of road diversions from A1 following road traffic incidents.  The Chairman thanked Station Manager Acton for his attendance.

DECISION

(a)        NOTED the report.

(b)       AGREED that:-

            (i)         following A1 Junction Review presented to the Berwickshire Area Forum in September 2015, the Chairman would contact Mr Henry to ascertain what follow-up work was still required; and

            (ii)        the Chairman would contact Inspector Scott to appraise him of local concerns in relation to diversions from A1 following road traffic incidents.