Kelso Community Council Minute

MINUTE of the MEETING of Kelso Community Council held in Kelso Town Hall on Tuesday, 11th November, 2008, at 7.00 p.m.

PRESENT Provost Riddell; Councillors Scott, Brotherston, Cook, Bassett, Little, Dawson, D Weatherston and Miller; Scottish Borders Councillors T Weatherston, Hutton and Nicol

IN ATTENDANCE George Young, Secretary

Police Matters

Inspector Simpson was in attendance. In connection with the visit to the Control Centre Inspector Simpson asked for suitable times for such a visit. It was felt that Wednesday afternoons would be most suitable. He will inform the Secretary of the possible dates and the Secretary will circulate the Councillors.

Since his last visit to the Council at the September meeting 101 crimes have been committed of which 85 were detected. He stated that the problem household in Abbotseat had now been removed with the police working closely in conjunction with the registered Social Landlord. There had been a theft at The North Lodge at Floors and this had been connected with a further theft in Lauder. He made the observation that there were an increasing number of thefts in rural areas. A report had been made about the person who has placed various posters at the bus shelter and other places in the town. There had been the theft of a works van in Spylaw Road. The van had been recovered at Easter Softlaw. Inspector Simpson did point out that the van had been left by the driver both unoccupied and with the keys in the ignition. He stated that there were also a number of forged notes in circulation. These were not of a particularly good quality and he was following up a particular line of enquiry.

There had been three serious incidents in the period under consideration ie a fatal motor accident on the Sprouston Road, an unexplained death in Abbotseat and a serious assault in the Ednam Road area of the town which had resulted in serious injuries. Various lines of enquiry were being undertaken but it is felt that the incident concerned rival groups of individuals.

Inspector Simpson had had a meeting with the taxi drivers regarding the formation of a taxi rank and he felt that things will move forward in this area. He also informed the meeting that the traffic warden had been in attendance at the Farmers Market and had spoken to traders about various parking issues.

Councillor Nicol wondered if there was more criminal activity in the town than five years ago. Inspector Simpson felt that criminal activity would be at a lower level but he did warn the Council that more criminal activity might arise in an economic recession. In such circumstances housebreaking and theft from construction sites may show an increase.

Provost Riddell congratulated Inspector Simpson and his force for the excellent work which they were doing in the town which meant that the community felt much safer. Inspector Simpson was asked if many of the crimes which were committed were done by travelling criminals. He stated that the larger crimes were on a more professional basis but there is greater use of intelligence from other forces as a source of information.

Minute

The Minute of the meeting held on Tuesday 14th October 2008, was approved on the proposal of Councillor Miller, seconded by Councillor Little.

Matters Arising

a) Postal Service
Councillor Brotherston asked what was happening with the postal service in Kelso as deliveries were now erratic and sometimes much later. Councillor Little stated that there was a substantial number of part time workers being utilised by the Post Office. They did not start work until 8am. Regular postmen now start at 6.15am instead of 5am. He did however say that pick-ups at the post boxes should be at the same times. Councillor Little encouraged everyone who had complaints to inform the Post Office direct.

b) Digital Changeover
Councillor Bassett had observed that most people requiring assistance with the changeover to digital were being charged £15 by James Stewart & Son for a home visit notwithstanding the fact that they may originally have bought the equipment from Stewarts. Councillor Bassett thought that it was inappropriate for pensioners to be charged for the service of changing over a bought appliance. Councillor Miller did however make the point that Stewarts when asked for guidance referred him to a telephone helpline number which had given good advice.

Consideration of Plans

The Council considered the following plans:

a) From Mrs Joanne Ayling Limited for new signage at 3a Abbey Court, Kelso – the Council had no objections.
b) From Mrs L Nimmo for alteration to form three flats at 18/19 The Square, Kelso. The Council were aware that this was a retrospective application. The Council had misgivings about such an application because of the fact that it would be difficult to request a change to the work which had already been done. The Secretary was asked to communicate the Council’s concerns about this, in particular that the standards set out for planning were strictly observed in such instances. In this case reassurance would be required that the windows were not PVC rather than wood in a conservation area.

Correspondence

1. A letter had been received from Scottish Borders Council informing the Community Council that an external meeting of the Public Petitions Committee of the Scottish Parliament will be held at 12.30 on 2nd December at Berwickshire High School. This will take the form of a public meeting and a list of the current petitions was given.

2. A Planning Aid Forum was to be held on Friday 5th December 2008 at Cosla offices in Rosebery House, Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh. The forum would last from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

3. The November Newsletter of “The Bridge” had been received. The meeting was also informed that the Annual General Meeting of The Bridge would be held on Thursday 13th November 2008 at 7.15pm at the Trinity Centre, High Cross Avenue, Melrose.

4. The Annual General Meeting of The Scottish Rights of Way & Access Society Limited would be held on 15th November at 2pm in the Forth Room of the Thistle Hotel, 117 Leith Street, Edinburgh.

5. A letter had been received from the Royal Society of Edinburgh which had recently published the Report of its independent enquiry into the future of Scotland’s hill and island areas. A public event will be held on 14th November from 12.30pm to 2pm in Ettrick Riverside, Dunsdale Road, Selkirk.

6. Notification had been received from the Army that military flying activity would be held in the Duns/Kelso/Jedburgh areas between 17th and 27th November. All exercise flying will be weather dependent and consequently the army are not able to forecast the exact timing of localised activity.

7. A letter had been received from Scottish Borders Council regarding the review of Common Good Funds which had been finalised at the last meeting of the full Council on 23rd October. Councillor Dawson asked for more details about the Common Good Fund and Councillor Nicol stated that he would obtain the relevant information for the next meeting. Councillor Dawson also asked if Common Good Funds were involved in the funds held with Iceland Bank. Councillor Nicol assured the Council that Common Good Funds were in a separate fund. Councillor Weatherston stated that at a recent Council meeting he and Councillor Nicol had proposed that a member of the public be included in the Common Good Fund Committees of the relevant towns but this had not been approved by the Council as a whole.

8. A letter had been received from Scottish Borders Council, Technical Services Department, informing the meeting of a road closure on the B6397 Charterhouse Crossroads to Windy Corner for the week beginning 24th November. The alternative route would be to use the A699 Kelso – St Boswells road.

9. A letter had been received from Scottish Gas together with a similar letter from Councillor Nicol stating that additional funding was to be invested in the Scottish Government Central Heating Programme to provide more central heating systems to those at risk of living in fuel poverty. The various categories of potential recipients were outlined and Councillor Nicol urged the Councillors to make the assistance available widely known. He understood that up to £3,000 worth of work would be free while a grant of up to £5,000 spent on more sophisticated system was available.

10. A letter had been received from the Area Service Officer of Scottish Borders Council informing the Council that the contents of the letter which the Council had sent regarding the naming of streets at Broomlands had been passed to M & J Ballantyne.

11. Copies of the Notices of Applications for licensed premised lodged by applicants in the Kelso area have been received. The Secretary read out the various licensed establishments seeking renewal of their applications.

12. A letter had been received from The Director of Planning and Economic Development enclosing the consultative draft amendment to the Scottish Borders Local Plan for 2008. The Secretary highlighted the amendments which included the possible designation of housing land between Kelso Racecourse and Queens House as well as further land on the Ednam Road in Hendersyde Estate. There was also an extension of industrial land at Pinnaclehill. Councillor Weatherston stated that Kelso Racecourse was concerned that the land designated for housing included the existing car park. Provost Riddell stated that she and the Secretary had also noted this and the Secretary was asked to write to Scottish Borders Council expressing the Council’s concerns about this.

13. An Autumn Newsletter from SEPA had been received.

Area Committee Report

As there had been no Area Committee since the last meeting there was nothing to report.

Scottish Borders Council Report

Councillor Dawson asked what the situation was with regard to the former Neve premises which was being rented by an Iranian Company. It was understood that rents were being paid but no activity had taken place to date.

Councillor Dawson asked what was happening with regard to the supermarket development in Pinnaclehill. Councillor Nicol informed the meeting that bidding closes on 12th November but it may take some time to evaluate. The decision as to a successful applicant take into account four main criteria, ie price, delivery, community benefit and design and performance. It was felt that the exact process could be a considerable challenge to the Council as they will have to be very careful about the possibility of challenges to their decisions. Councillor Weatherston stated that after consulting with the Leader of the Council it was felt that a decision would be made before Christmas. Councillor Hutton did however point out that Tesco had tried to block the closing date for bids and had asked for a judicial review but this had been withdrawn at the last minute. Councillor Dawson was assured that the question of supermarket developments in Kelso would be included on the next agenda.

Councillor Nicol stated that he had been in discussions with Ian Hogg of Scottish Borders Council regarding the play area provision at Wallaceneuk. He stated that plans had been submitted by Crawfords but these had not been considered suitable. The Council had sent in note of its requirements for the three areas which were suggested as play areas. It was felt that the Council’s suggestions had not been well received by the developer. Councillor Miller asked about a path for walkers in the area but Provost Riddell stated that the Pathways Committee was encountering certain problems. Councillor D Weatherston asked if provision had been adequately made for a play area in the Hendersyde Development. Councillor Nicol stated that this may not have been the case but the Council have invoked the various planning criteria with regard to play areas only in the last two years.

Provost Riddell asked if it would be possible to replace a waste bin in The Square beside the bus shelter at the Royal Bank. The previous bin had been removed although a bin had been replaced at the corner of the Bank of Scotland. She felt that it was very desirable that a bin be placed beside the bus stop. Councillor Hutton will take this matter up. Councillor D Weatherston asked if Scottish Borders Council could consider putting metal ashtrays on wastelitter bins for disposal of cigarettes. He stated that Edinburgh Council had made such provision.

Provost Riddell supported by Councillor Miller stated that it would be advisable to put a dog bin in the lay by at Crown Point as many dog owners were now using the Anna as a dog exercise area. Councillor Miller asked if it would be possible to re-site bin closer to the entrance to the racecourse car park which was also being used more by dog owners.

Councillor Dawson asked if the Tait Hall had been booked for the St James’ Fair. Provost Riddell understood that the St James’ Fair Committee was looking at booking three different venues ie the Tait Hall, Kelso North Church and the Old Parish Church for events should the weather at St James’ Fair prevent outdoor activity.

Provost Riddell informed the meeting that Christmas lights on the streets of Kelso will be white this year and after consultation with Scottish Borders Council it was agreed that the Christmas tree lights will also be white.

Future Kelso

Councillor Nicol stated that the legal papers relating to the Bowmont Hall were being delayed as a result of pressure at Scottish Borders Council arising from the Tesco challenge to the supermarket dates. A visit had also been made to the town in connection with the THI bid.

Councillor Cook asked if work had been undertaken on Croft Park and he was informed that it had been done although it was conceded that Croft Park was being very heavily used currently. Councillor D Weatherston stated that it was unfortunate that Kelso Rugby Football Club was not in a position to be able to finance the reinstatement of its floodlights as a result of financial considerations.

Provost’s Report

Provost Riddell thanked those Councillors who had attended the War Memorial parade the previous Sunday. Provost Riddell had been invited to a function to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Ark Housing in the locality. This was to be held on 18th November between 11am and 1pm. It was understood that Provost Riddell and Councillor Scott would be in attendance.

Provost Riddell stated that she had received an invitation to the Christmas Art Exhibition on 29th November at the Art Gallery in Horsemarket. This was in aid of Queens House.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of Kelso Community Council will be held in Kelso Town Hall on Tuesday, 9th December 2008 at 7.00 p.m.