Kelso Community Council Minute

MINUTE of the MEETING of Kelso Community Council held in Kelso Town Hall on Tuesday, 10th March, 2009, at 7.00 p.m.

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

IN ATTENDANCE George Young, Secretary

Police Matters

Inspector Simpson submitted his apologies but he forwarded to the meeting the following statement:

“Since the last meeting on 10th February there have been 28 crimes recorded, 23 of which have been detected giving a solvency figure of 82.1%. There have been no significant incidents to report on.

The biggest concern at the moment is the boy/girl racer problems at The Knowes and Mayfield area. A residents meeting was held which was chaired by MSP John Lamont and Provost Riddell and Councillor Nicol were in attendance. A number of issues were discussed and ideas to bring a long-term sustainable solution is actively being sought. The police officers are well aware of the issues and giving the area lots of attention issuing ASBO warnings and on the spot fines for offences found. This however is only a short term solution.”

Council Nicol stated that a Committee had been formed and the Community Policemen were to assess the general situation. A further meeting was fixed for 1st April at 6pm in Abbey Row. Provost Riddell stated that CCTV had been discussed in the past and is going to explored again but she understood that on the last occasion it was considered one camera would not cover the entire area and foliage and lighting were also problems. The local residents had put forward various suggestions including a gateway into The Knowes and speed bumps.

Minute

The Minute of the Meeting held on Tuesday 10th February 2009, was approved on the proposal of Councillor Robeson, seconded by Councillor Scott.

Matters Arising

a) Kelso Townscape Heritage Meeting
Councillors Scott, D Weatherston and Nicol had been in attendance. Councillor Scott reported that the meeting had been well attended. The plan for “Future Kelso” was used as a basis for workshops which were run by Council Officials. Part of the process for obtaining a grant was that such a meeting should be organised which was able to prioritise suggestions and create a wish list to take forward to the next part of the process. The Councillors were pleased to see such a large turnout at the meeting. Councillor D Weatherston stated that he had noted that many of the people who attended the meeting were newer residents in the town. It was felt that this was an encouraging feature.

Councillor Nicol stated that he was still to receive feedback from the meeting. He went on to say that it would be 2 years before the town would see things happening.

b) Scottish Water
A letter had been sent to Scottish Water regarding the problems at Broomlea but a response was awaited.

Consideration of Plans
The Council considered the following plans:

a) From CWP Scotland for the erection of 18 dwellinghouses and change of use of allotments to garden ground at Shedden Park Road, Kelso. The Council expressed its concern about the access into the site from Abbotsford Grove. They also wondered whether the public open spaces would be tarmac or grass and who would be responsible for the maintenance of them if they were grass.
b) From W Blair for internal alterations to 3b Woodmarket, Kelso – The Council had no objections.
c) From Michael Gallico for internal and external alterations to 7 Maxwellheugh Terrace. The Council felt that the plans did not give clear indication of the nature of the external alterations and they felt that the officials should ensure that the external work was suitable for a listed building. They also felt that there should be reassurance that the alterations did not encroach on neighbouring properties.

The Secretary reported that he had received a letter from The Director of Planning regarding the extension to the existing shop and erection of a shop with flat over at 18 Horsemarket, Kelso. The Area Committee had considered the application and agreed that it be approved subject to 7 conditions.

Correspondence

1. From Ettrick & Yarrow Community Council regarding a mobile phone petition. Ettrick & Yarrow Community Council had become very concerned that such large areas of the community are out of reach of mobile phone connections. They were looking for support from other Community Councils. The Council agreed that this was a problem and members of the Community Council did sign the Petition.

2. A newsletter had been received from Scotways together with a subscription renewal. It was agreed that the Council would continue to support this organisation by the payment of a subscription.

3. The February newsletter from “The Bridge” had been received.

4. A letter had been received from R T Allan, Honorary Secretary of the Kelso Laddies Association inviting members of the Community Council to meet the 2009 Kelso Laddie when he is declared on Friday 17th April 2009. The Laddie will be introduced within the Town Hall at 7pm and thereafter to the public at 7.30pm.

5. A letter had been received from John Lamont MSP regarding the money which had been allocated towards a town centre regeneration fund. A letter of reply had been sent to Mr Lamont asking that Kelso should be nominated and how an application could be framed. A further letter had been received from Mr Lamont stating that he would let the Council know exactly the application mechanism when this is announced by the Scottish Government.

6. A letter had been received from the Licensing Board stating that an application had been received from The Black Swan Hotel setting out the licensed hours being applied for.

7. A letter had been received from the Head of Planning and Building Standards inviting members to a forthcoming Planning and Building Standards forum on Wednesday 25th March at 5.30pm in the Council Chambers at Newtown St Boswells. D Weatherston agreed to attend.

8. A letter had been received from SB Local intimating that they had a budget of £56,000 for small schemes in the Cheviot area in the forthcoming financial year 2009/10 and asking the Community Council to forward details to request any small schemes for the area. These small schemes are over and above the day-to-day works undertaken by the Rapid Reaction Squads. Provost Riddell stated although it would not come under this category she was concerned about the stage of the bus shelter in The Square which had not been cleaned. The Secretary was instructed to write to the local area manager.

9. A letter had been received from The Southern Uplands Partnership setting out the work which it undertook and inviting the Community Council to take up membership. The membership was free.

10. A letter had been received from the Area Offices Manager at Scottish Borders Council enclosing a copy of the “frequently asked questions fact sheet” about Common Good Funds. Councillor Dawson asked what the state of the Kelso Common Good Fund was. Councillor Nicol felt that taking capital and revenue together it stood at approximately £126,000.

11. A letter had been received from Scottish Borders Council stating that Community Councils should be registered under the Data Protection Act. There was a fee of £35 but this would be met by Scottish Borders Council. It was agreed that the Secretary should take responsibility for this.

12. A letter had been received from Scottish Borders Council regarding the Scottish Government Central Heating programme and advising that Scottish Gas had been provided with additional funding to provide more central heating systems to those at risk of living in fuel poverty. The letter set out the various groups who were entitled to the installation of a new central heating system. This related to various categories of people over 60 years and principally those in receipt of a guarantee element of personal credit. Councillor Brotherston stated that a system had been installed in her house which had been done very efficiently and would recommend those able to apply for it to do so.

13. A copy of the Scottish Borders Community Network Newsletter had been received.

14. A letter had been received from Kelso Area Pathways setting out the Minute of the Meeting on 27th January 2009. The next meeting of the Kelso Paths Group would take place on 24th March.

15. A letter had been received from Claire Malster, Community Engagement Officer inviting members to participate in a review group re funding to Community Councils. A nomination form for any Councillor interested was available from the Secretary.

Secretary’s Report

The Secretary reported that the Council was due to be re-elected every four years and that an election was due this May. The Secretary pointed out that the first action was to appoint a Returning Officer who should not be an elected member of the Community Council or a candidate in the election. It was agreed that the Secretary should undertake this role. This role had to be confirmed by the Head of Corporate Administration.

The Secretary then went over the various arrangements which would be required. It as pointed out that no person is entitled to nominate more than one candidate. It is felt that the process for electing a community councillor would have to start in early April to fulfil an election date in mid May. It was pointed out that the election could either be by ballot box or by post but as post would be very expensive it was felt that ballot box would be the most appropriate method should a vote be necessary.

Area Committee Report

Councillor Nicol stated that there was very little relating to Kelso at the Area Committee. Planning Applications for Jedburgh had been considered. It was pointed out that the meeting which was in Jedburgh did not have any members of the public attending.

Scottish Borders Council Report

Councillor T Weatherston reported that included in the Budget for 2009/10 was the construction of a recycling centre in Spylaw Road.

Councillor T Weatherston also stated that there had been a very negative article in a National Newspaper regarding Kelso High School which had involved the interviewing of some pupils regarding problems concerning the fabric of the building. He assured the Community Council that all three Councillors were aware of problems at Kelso High School and were working together to attain improvements.

Councillor Scott raised the issue of Home Care Services in Kelso. Provost Riddell understood that the Home Care Service currently provided by Nightingales in Kelso was being allocated to a firm in Airdrie which would involve various staffing issues in Kelso. Councillor Scott asked if the Council was going for the best value. Councillor Hutton stated that he understood that the tendering process for Home Care Services was complete with 60% being assessed on quality and 40% on cost. He understood that letters were going out that day to interested parties. It was understood that the transfer of undertaking will ensure that employees will be transferred at the same type of terms that they were currently getting. Councillor T Weatherston pointed out that Councils must advertise nationally and they do get tender applications from companies from a wide range. All three Councillors were aware that a large number of employees of the current provider were very upset and they were expecting a number of representations in this respect.

Chamber of Trade

There were no report regarding the Chamber of Trade.

Future Kelso

Councillor Nicol stated that he was organising a meeting of Future Kelso for 2nd April in the High School. He went on to inform the meeting that the Bowmont Hall legal agreement seems to be in place. He understood that there were discussions with the proprietors of the former Roxy Cinema re the back access.

He went on to say that he was considering a new project which would include the applications for Heritage Lottery Funding for improvements to Shedden Park to the “Your Heritage” Fund. He had received useful documentation from Robert Young about the historical aspects of Shedden Park. He had also been in touch with Council Officers regarding use of part of the Keepers Lodge for toilet facilities. Councillor Hutton stated that he felt that he should be kept informed regarding any developments on Shedden Park as he was also working for improvements to Shedden Park. He felt that all Councillors should be working together in this respect.

Provost’s Report

Provost Riddell stated that as part of the ‘Homecoming’ Celebrations there would be a “Riding of the Marches” in Edinburgh. It was understood that the Border Principals would be taking part including the Kelso Laddie, his Right and Left Hand man and four other representatives from the town. One problem was that Kelso Principals did not have a flag and she wondered what Councillors would feel about using the Burgh Standard. It was felt that this was a major responsibility for the Principal. Councillor Bassett stated that flags were being made for the St James Fair by a group in Afghanistan at a cost of approximately £45 each. It takes 3 – 4 weeks to manufacture and is about two-thirds the size of the existing flag. It was felt that this should be pursued and Councillor Bassett agreed to provide a flag for the Provost to take to the next Kelso Laddie’s meeting.

Provost Riddell also stated that she had been approached by the Tourist Board to see if the Council could empty the window which they utilise to display town awards. This is also understood to be part of the ‘Homecoming’. Provost Riddell stated that she was not sure where they would store the various items if this request was granted. The Council felt that the awards should not be removed and that the Tourist Board did have adequate window space for displays.

Provost Riddell also stated that the Community Council held approximately £1,120 in a fund which were described as the ‘Archive Fund’. A group including “Kelso Connections” and Kelso Library were developing a project including the laminating of certain of the Kelso papers and undertaking publishing projects. As it was felt that the money had been raised for archive purposes this was a very useful project and it was being suggested that the fund be donated to Kelso Library for the printing of catalogues. It was agreed that the balance in the Archive Fund should now be made available to Kelso Library.

Provost Riddell stated that in the Southern Reporter it was reported that the sports area at Tweedbank was being resurfaced but that it would not be suitable for all sports to play on. It was felt that the surface would not be suitable for hockey and she felt that such a project should be capable of being used by all sports and being accessible from all parts of the region. Councillor Nicol will raise this with Councillor Parker when he meets with him next.

Provost Riddell pointed out that there were various rusted road signs lying in the shrub area at Pipewell Place. There was also graffiti on the fence at Eschie Court. The local authority councillors would look into this matter.

Provost Riddell also stated that she had been approached by Harvey Oliver, Chairman of Jedburgh Community Council, regarding the proposals for the creation of a crematorium at Melrose. Mr Oliver felt that the best site for such a crematorium would be Kelso as it would not only cover the Borders it could also cover North Northumberland. It was pointed out that the proposed Melrose development was being promoted by a private developer who was looking at it as a business venture and who felt that the Melrose site was a viable proposition. As it was a private developer it was not up to the Council to dictate where the development should be placed. Councillor Scott asked if a provision for a crematorium had been included in the Local Plan. Councillor Hutton felt that there was no such provision.

Councillor Hutton also stated that Scottish Borders Council were arranging for a 30 minute slot at the Royal Highland Show titled “Return to the Ridings” on Sunday 28th June at 2pm in the main ring. It was understood that the various principals from Border Towns would be invited.

Provost Riddell stated that she had been invited to a lunch by the Digital Project Organisation as a thank you for the assistance in the changeover to digital television.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of Kelso Community Council will be held in Kelso Town Hall on Tuesday, 14th April 2009 at 7.00 p.m.