Supporting our Economy
On 4 October Councillor Stuart Bell was live on Facebook and Twitter between 6-7pm for a question and answer session relating to supporting our economy and encouraging inward investment. Below are the questions, and answers, that were discussed.
You asked
Can you tell me please are the council going to try and get these shops filled in Galashiels? Myself I have a business from home and I cannot afford a shop and Business Gateway are no help. Is there any way that we can think about pop up shops again?
We said
It would be advisable to contact Energise Galashiels to find out what initiatives they have ongoing or planned.
You asked
Why does the council not help in this problem of the empty shops? Do you help the shops and what do you do?
We said
Depending on the size of the business there may well be some rates relief that is available, however as we do not own the properties there is a limit to what we can do. Small retailers can also seek help from BGateway Borders.
Business Gateway Borders said
Please feel free to contact us during office hours on 01835 825600.
We said
Taking forward the comments from last week's Q and A, the Tapestry will create 17 full time jobs, but the benefit is much greater than that. The Tapestry could add £880k per annum to the Borders' economy. This will make this a more attractive place to live and visit.
You asked
Let's have the Tapestry of Scotland housed within the museum in Wilton Lodge Park. Surely a better place than a post office in Galashiels; surely considerably cheaper than building a new venue and surely infinitely preferable to doing nothing.
We said
The Tapestry has to be easily accessible from the Borders Railway, which limits us to Galashiels or Tweedbank. Whilst the Tweedbank option looks to be less expensive, we are trying very hard to see if we can make Galashiels work as a destination for the Tapestry as it will regenerate the town centre.
You asked
Have you got funds set aside in your 5 year budget plan for the loan you will have to get to fund any building for the Tapestry?
We said
The funds are allocated in the Capital programme.
You asked
Why are parking fine tickets in Peebles double the price of other towns in the Borders?
We said
We will be discussing Assets and Infrastructure including car parking charges and fines on 1 November with Councillor Gordon Edgar. We will add your comment to be included in that session. Thanks.
You asked
Bring Jed up to date and spend some money on the place Gala and Hawick seem to get a lot more. Allow more shops in the town help produce more jobs and keep the young ones in the town give them some work.
We said
We've just agreed a Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme bid to Historic Environment Scotland for over £1.3m which if successful should improve frontages and key buildings in Jedburgh. We recognise the high level of shop vacancies in Jedburgh and it is one of our priority towns for regeneration.
You asked
When will council be expanding childcare? At the moment ages three and over get 16 hours a week and this is supposed to rise by 2020? Will this be a phased process increasing every year or suddenly in 2020 we will get 30 hours?
We said
We will be focusing on Attainment and Achievement on 28 October with Councillor Sandy Aitchison and we will add your comments to that session.
You asked
Thanks I appreciate that but your missing the point that decent childcare provision is absolutely vital for a thriving economy! I know this is set nationally but the sooner policy makers make this link the better. Too many woman could be back to work contributing to the economy but can't due to the cost of childcare. Thanks.
We said
We agree with your comments that this is really important. Our Education budget Q and A session will be able to answer your question about the childcare provision between now and 2020. More information is available on Scottish Government website.
You asked
Improving transport across the Borders would probably be a massive boost for the economy. Need to get our train line going to Carlisle and open the Reston station again as priorities (imo). Need to keep pressure on Govt for funding to support this.
We said
We agree, and have identified more money for Reston station and are part funding an initial study of a Tweedbank to Carlisle line via Hawick.
You asked
Why did you see fit to deny a temporary rates relief in Hawick, given that you have since singled out the town as a priority for economic regeneration?
We said
83 per cent of businesses on the High Street already receive some form of rates relief. We considered a local relief scheme was not the best way to tackle the problems which Hawick High Street faces. We've agreed to target larger vacant premises to help the owners divide them into smaller, more viable units. For more information see our latest news on support for Hawick High Street.