Kelso Community Council Minute

MINUTE of the MEETING of Kelso Community Council held in Kelso Town Hall on Tuesday, 14th April, 2009, at 7.00 p.m.

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

IN ATTENDANCE George Young, Secretary

Police Matters

Inspector Simpson was in attendance. Provost Riddell stated that there had been complaints about youngsters in the Queens Croft/Cappers Court area jumping on the roofs of garden sheds. Inspector Simpson said he was aware of the issues as were the Community Wardens. It was hoped that names could be obtained and then parents would be approached to get their support in dealing with the matter.

Councillor Little stated that there was a group of youngsters drinking in the Hendersyde Drive area near the gas station. Inspector Simpson stated that he would take action. He went on to say that it would be appreciated if the police could be informed of any problems such as this at the time they were taking place.

Councillor Weatherston stated that there were complaints about the speed of traffic on the Coldstream Road near the Riverside Drive area. It was originally hoped that a 30 mile speed limit could be extended to cover the area but the authorities had been against it. It is understood that the Technical Services Department are going to advise Councillors of the process and the matter would be put on the Agenda for the next meeting of the Area Committee ie imposing a 40 mile per hour limit. The next Area Committee meeting is on 20th May.

Inspector Simpson reported that there were 50 crimes committed since the last meeting, 43 of which had been detected. There had been a break-in to a garage in Bowmont Street around 17th/18th March. Police enquiries were proceeding. There had also been a complaint about bogus workmen charging extortionate rates for work and that one vulnerable resident had parted with a cheque for £8,000. Fortunately this had been stopped. Further enquiries were being made in this direction. There had also been an incident of a window being broken on 21st March. On a weekend early in April there had been an incident of a person trying to get himself arrested. Following an incident with a brick he was arrested. There were still ongoing issues with regard to boy and girl racers.

Inspector Simpson went on to say that a colleague was coming from Edinburgh to consider the parking signs in the central area of Kelso. There had been ongoing concerns about the inadequacy of the signs which have been reinforced with a large number of complaints. It was hoped that more appropriate signage would be made available thereafter. Inspector Simpson went on to say that he expected Kelso to be very busy over the summer which would stretch some of his resources. It was understood that there would be an event every weekend at Springwood Park. Kelso Racecourse were also expanding their operations.

Inspector Simpson thanked Provost Riddell for all her help and support over the years and he felt that the relationship between the Community Council and the Police was very healthy and hoped that this would continue with her successor.

Master Compostor Scheme

David Scott-Aiton gave a very interesting talk on the scheme which was being developed in the Borders. He stated that on average one quarter of a tonne of household waste per household could be dealt with by home composting. The scheme was a joint venture between BCCF, WRAP, CRNS, The Scottish Government, SBC and ASK. The scheme was set up to encourage individuals of all ages to consider composting. It was aimed to set up a local support network of home compostors and Kelso was one of the target areas. David was going around to make people aware of the fact that support was available for people interested in composting. He pointed out that although green bins did go some way, they only cater for garden waste not household waste. He was looking for volunteers to devote possibly 2 to 3 hours per month to promote composting. This was a voluntary project with no pay for the volunteers.

David circulated a variety of explanatory notes regarding the project and who could be contacted.

Provost Riddell thanked David for his very interesting presentation. Members were asked to complete feedback forms.

Minute

The Minute of the Meeting held on Tuesday 10th March 2009, was approved on the proposal of Councillor Robeson, seconded by Councillor Brotherston subject to an adjustment in paragraph three of the Provost’s Report on page 5 which should read that “Kelso Library was developing a project including the preservation of certain of the Kelso papers” rather than “laminating”.

Matters Arising

a) Knowes/Boy Racers
Councillors Nicol and Weatherston had attended a meeting with various local residents. Inspector Simpson had been in attendance and had given an update on the proposals to introduce a mobile CCTV unit with notices about its existence for public display. The Council had discounted various suggestions which had been proposed ie speed bumps, concrete blocks/planters strategically placed which were discounted because accidents would be caused with people reversing. Chains across the entrances were also felt to be totally impractical and would cause great inconvenience to bonifida users of the car park.

It was highlighted at the meeting that there was ongoing education schemes at the schools about road safety and that a young drivers event was being promoted in late summer aimed specifically at boy racers. There was also a scheme taking groups of youngsters to Knockhill Racing Circuit. It was pointed out that some of the local residents had been disappointed with the response regarding the preventative suggestions but were happy that the CCTV scheme was being introduced. The police were also going to ensure a large presence in the area. Councillor Little wondered who paid for the CCTV system. Councillor Nicol stated that the system did not involve continuous monitoring but took the form of a video which could be replayed.

b) Scottish Water – Kelso Waste Water Treatment Works
The Secretary had received a response regarding the complaint made by the Council to Scottish Water. The response stated that a visit had been made to the treatment plant on 18th February with the specific intention of checking the odours. They did not find any unpleasant odours coming from the plant. The letter went on to describe how the plant did operate and how odours were dealt with. Scottish Water did say that most common cause, when an odour complaint is received, is when tankers remove the primary sludge from the plant or if there is spillage. According to their records no complaints regarding odours from the plant had been received since August 2008. Scottish Water concluded by saying that order to thoroughly investigate complaints from the public they do need specific times of incidents should be reported as and when they occur and they ask local residents to contact on the customer helpline when obnoxious odours are detected.

c) Homecoming
Provost Riddell stated that she had collected a specimen flag from Councillor Bassett. The Kelso Laddies Association were delighted with the replica which was on display and they decided to acquire a replica of the Burgh Flag. This would be at a cost of £200 and would be delivered within three weeks. The flag was slightly smaller than the original. Provost Riddell thanked Councillor Bassett for his help in dealing with this matter.

Consideration of Plans
The Council considered the following plans:

a) From Co-op Travel for new signage at 43 The Square, Kelso - the Council had not objections.
b) From Jessica Osbourne for the reinstatement of a doorway to the rear of the property at Oscars Wine Bar, 35/37 Horsemarket – the Council had no objections.
c) From The Art House for the change of use from residential to retail/art gallery at 22 Bridge Street, Kelso – the Council had no objections.
d) From Mr & Mrs Tony Vipond for the change of use, alterations and extension to form shop on ground floor and four flats above (extension to previous consent) at Tweedside Tackle, 36/38 Bridge Street, Kelso – the Council had no objections.

Correspondence

1. A note of the meeting of the Kelso Area Pathways and Kelso Community Woodlands joint meeting on 24th March 2009 had been received.

2. A press release from Scottish Borders Council regarding improvements for Kelso Town Centre had been received. This stated that cash from the 2009/10 budget had been set aside for a town centre traffic management project for Kelso. £85,000 had been allocated within the year to advance the primary design of the project. It was noted that the Council will be working with local community groups to agree the final layout of the scheme and complete the preliminary design of the scheme.

3. A communication had been received from the Ace Centre at the Ice Rink stating that an open day will be held on Monday 20th April between 11am and 3pm. Councillor Scott stated that she would be in attendance.

4. A model scheme for the establishment of Community Councils in Scotland and a model constitution had been received. Scottish Borders Council had indicated that their review of the local scheme in 2006/07 indicated that what was happening in the Borders to be good practice and in line with the recommendations coming forward. The Secretary stated that the scheme currently adopted for Kelso was more comprehensive than the model scheme.

5. A letter had been received from the Scottish Women’s Convention stating that a roadshow event would be held in the Abbotsford Arms Hotel in Galashiels on Friday 15th May 2009 focusing on rural issues.

6. A letter had been received from the Scottish Government stating that a public event with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & Environment and the Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution will be held on Wednesday 29th April at Jedburgh Town Hall between 7pm and 8pm.

7. A letter had been received from “Healthy Working Lives” promoting a “Workplace Smoking Cessation Compaign”.

8. A newsletter of the Scottish Borders Elder Voice for April 2009 had been received.

9. A letter had been received from Selkirk Community Council regarding some difficulties which they were having with Scottish Borders Council defining what constitutes common good assets. It was felt that as Kelso had no common good assets other than their investments they could not really comment.

10. An invitation to renew the membership of the Association of Scottish Community Councils had been received. It was agreed that Kelso Community Council would re-join.

11. A letter had been received from the Chief Executive’s Department advising that the level of annual grant for 2009/10 for Kelso Community Council will be £1,365.

12. A copy of the Scottish Borders Community Council network newsletter had been received.

13. A letter had been received from Daren Silcock, S B Local Manager East, in respect of the Community Council’s observations about the state of the bus shelter in The Square. The letter stated that the S B Local squad was instructed to immediately clean the shelter and arrangements had been made for it to be added to the list of shelters to be maintained for future cleaning.

14. Notice had been received regarding the temporary road closure detail in the centre of Kelso for St James’s Fair in September 2009.

15. A letter had been received from Scottish Borders Council stating that the kerbside collections of garden waste will start from Monday 30th March.

16. A letter had been received from “The Bridge” regarding the annual membership renewal. The cost of renewal was £10 and it was agreed that membership should be renewed.

17. A letter had been received from the Cultural Services Manager of Scottish Borders Council stating that from 16th March 2009 to coincide with the introduction of a new library management system, Scottish Borders Council will be updating their records and reregistering all library members to make sure that the borrower information on the system is up to date and correct.

18. A schedule had been received from Kelso Library regarding the costs which will be required for improving the Kelso Archive.

19. A letter had been received from the Community Engagement Officer stating that the Scottish Borders Community Council Network Seminar on 3rd October 2009 will be on Town Centre Regeneration and the role of Community Councils. Given all the work that is being taken forward by Future Kelso a request was being made for someone from the Community Council or Future Kelso to be prepared to attend and give an informal presentation about the work that was currently going on in Kelso.

20. A letter had been received from the Kelso Registrar stating that to improve the service to the public it had been decided to introduce an appointment system at Kelso Registration Office. The new system was scheduled to start on Monday 13th April. Appointment could be made in advance by phoning the Registration Office or the contact centre in Woodmarket. It was pointed out that the local undertakers were making their clients aware of the new system.

Secretary’s Report

The Secretary stated that a public notice will appear in the Southern Reporter inviting nominations for the 2009 Community Council Election. The closing date for nominations will be Thursday 30th April 2009 with the last date for withdrawals being Thursday 7th May. If an election is required this will be held on Thursday 21st May and the Tait Hall has been provisionally booked for this purpose. The Secretary pointed out that he had highlighted in the notes that no person shall be entitled to nominate more than one candidate. He also stated that the up-to-date Electoral Register will be available at his offices.

Area Committee Report

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

Scottish Borders Council Report

The Secretary read out a copy of a letter which Tesco had sent to Sainsburys offering to purchase the land which Sainsbury currently own adjacent to the Keltek site and which would be required for any supermarket development. Sainsburys are considering their response. Community Councillors felt that conflicting information was being sent out by the various supermarket firms. Councillor Robeson felt that council officials could crumble under the pressure they will be getting put under by the supermarkets, particularly Tesco. Councillor Weatherston said that although there was an agreed price for the Keltek land, the offer was subject to Tesco satisfying various other conditions and they had four months to meet the various conditions laid down by the Council. Councillor Robeson felt that the ongoing problems caused by the supermarket firms must be costing Scottish Borders Council considerable amounts of money. Councillor Hutton stated that the Council is having to tread very carefully. Councillor Weatherston felt that the actions pursued by Tesco were similar to those employed in other parts of the country.

Councillor Nicol stated that he felt that the community was let down by the lack of public information coming from Scottish Borders Council and he asked officers to prepare public information to give to the public to consider. It was pointed out that Sainsbury now have full planning permission.

Councillor Weatherston stated that the planning application in connection with the Abbotsford Road allotments had been passed back to the developer because the style of houses was considered to be unsuitable. They have been asked to come back with fresh plans although the principal of having a mixed development of allotments and houses was accepted by the council. It was pointed out to the meeting that the site itself was in particularly poor state.

With regard to the changes in Home Care Services Councillor Nicol had talked to David Robb the officer in charge regarding the issues surrounding the Home Care Services following the Panarama Programme which had cast Home Care Services in other areas of Scotland in a very poor light. It was understood that Choices one of the company’s who were taking over the services in the Scottish Borders had taken over the firm in South Lanarkshire which was heavily criticised. They had committed themselves to improve the services which were being offered in South Lanarkshire. It was pointed out that when tenders were being considered 60% was weighted on quality of service and 40% on price. It was felt that judgement can only be made on the services once the new providers start the services and consequently no judgement can be made at this time.

Councillor Scott highlighted the fact that Scottish Borders Council must be aware that the Care Services are dealing with very vulnerable people. She also felt that the Care Commission had been inactive in dealing with the various issues.

Local Scottish Borders Councillors had taken up the issues with the Sports Area at Tweedbank and it is understood that this is being considered particularly in relation to the surfaces of the playing areas. Councillors had highlighted the concern about the lack of provision for hockey. Provost Riddell stated that it would appear that Peebles seem to be getting preference when it comes to sporting facilities.

Councillor Little stated that the pavement at Paddock Court needed attention as soil was spreading on to the pavement. Councillor Hutton will take this matter up.

Councillor Bassett stated that there had been a problem recently in Bowmont Street as service buses had been unable to get through because of the parking situation in the area of Kelso High School. He felt that residents cars were not allowing sufficient room for through traffic. Provost Riddell stated that there were also similar problems in Croft Road and Inchmyre. It was pointed out that the police were reluctant to make any changes in Bowmont Street as it was felt that the car parking ensured that through traffic proceeded at a much slower speed.

It was also pointed out that problems were arising in Woodmarket with cars parking in the areas which should be available for buses to pick up passengers.

Councillor Robeson stated that he noted that only the edges of the grass area at The Linn had been cut and the bulk of the grass had been left uncut. Councillor Weatherston stated that Waverley Housing were currently in consultation with residents. They were offering to have the grass cut if the residents were prepared to make a contribution of £27 per household. They do however require an 80% take up for them to take the matter forward.

Chamber of Trade

Provost Riddell had attended the AGM. Bruce Roberts the current chairman who was due to retire but had agreed to stay on for another year. The Chamber were hoping to get a website up and running. The hanging basket arrangements were being organised by Archie Hume. Provost Riddell stated that she had been co-opted onto the Floral Gateway Sub Committee along with Archie Hume. She stated that she will still require help from Community Councillors.

Future Kelso

Councillor Nicol reported that a meeting of Future Kelso had recently been held. An annual general meeting will be held on 28th May 2009 in the Tait Hall. On the agenda will be an update on the Bowmont Hall situation. He understood that there was also a new initiative called “Youth Kelso” which was a project for younger people. The main meeting will also outline the improvements planned for Shedden Park as well as details of plans for the improvements to the town centre.

Councillor Nicol also circulated copies of the draft Kelso Action Plan framework for 2009. The basis of this action plan came from a meeting which had been held previously in the Cross Keys Hotel.

Provost’s Report

Provost Riddell stated that she had attended a Girl Guide AGM at Ednam Village Hall. She was interested to note that there was a strong demand for membership of the various sections of the Guide Movement.

Provost Riddell reminded the meeting that Councillors were invited to the introduction of the 2009 Kelso Laddie.

She went on to inform the meeting that she had met two organisers of the Goldwings Organisation which was planning a rally on 27th –31st August. The plans were well advanced and it was expected that 22 countries would be represented at the event. This would be the third time Goldwings had visited Kelso.

Provost Riddell stated that she, the Secretary and Dr Grant Mooney had met two of the descendants of the first Provost of Kelso. They have presented to the town a punchbowl and salver which had been presented to the first Provost of Kelso by the townsfolk of Kelso. It was proposed that these items, which were in excellent condition, would be permanently displayed in the Town Hall and Provost Riddell stated that she would be discussing the funding and the arrangements for the mounting of these items with David Romanes.

Councillor Hutton stated that he had also welcomed the National Danish Gymnastic Team at Springwood Park who had put on excellent displays over a two day period.

Councillor Weatherston stated that Kelso Community Council do not get much press coverage. A reporter no longer attends the meeting. Provost Riddell stated that the Southern Report do occasionally contact her direct.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of Kelso Community Council will be held in Kelso Town Hall on Tuesday, 12th May 2009 at 7.15 p.m. This will be preceded by the Annual General Meeting of the Community Council.