Supporting our Communities
On 28 September Councillors Jim Brown, Vicky Davidson and Donald Moffat were live on Facebook and Twitter between 6pm-7pm for a question and answer session relating to Supporting our Communities. Below are the questions and answers that were discussed.
You asked
Grass area opposite Howdenburn Primary School Jed, who does it belong to? Also who is responsible for tree maintenance on same area as trees are hitting of the gable end of my property and over hanging my back garden and blocking light from upstairs windows. This matter has been the bane of my life for nearly 25 years now as every time I ask no one can answer. Please can someone cut the trees back before there is serious damage to property!! Thank you in advance.
We said
If you haven't already you may want to contact Neighbourhood services team online. Alternatively you may want to discuss with your local Councillor - Jim Brown.
You asked
I commend the new initiative on dog fouling and believe that employing a private company, paid on results, is very much a step in the right direction. Can we please be kept up to date with results e.g. number of fines issued in each area. Thanks.
We said
Thanks for your comments. We'll be keeping the public up to date with this initiative and how it is progressing.
You asked
The cemetery in Peebles looks awful after grass has been cut by the Council, because the trimmings are left to rot instead of being removed. Any chance you could ensure grass is picked up after it's cut, please?
We said
We recognise that this is a subject which we get a lot of feedback on. We no longer collect grass cuttings anywhere in common with other local authorities. However, in particularly prominent areas we use machinery which minimises the cosmetic impact of grass cuttings. Sadly, cemeteries are not an area deemed to be within that category.
You asked
This is also the case in all public areas in Eyemouth yet Galashiels and further in western Borders all the public grassed areas are well kept with no cuttings left about. Is there any plans for more frequent grass cutting in Eyemouth? We are either knee deep in grass or mounds of brown clumps of grass after it has been cut. Maybe if the cutting crew had some supervision it would help.
We said
We'll raise this with the Neighbourhood Manager for Berwickshire, who attends the Area Forum meetings, where these matters can be raised, and also regularly takes part in walkabouts around the town. We'll also take this query to our Environment Q and A on 21 November.
You asked
When is the wall at the Glen Hotel being fixed and traffic returning to normal? The diversion has been in place long enough and the delay in resolving this issue is disgusting
We said
We're making good progress and resolution is imminent. Work will start soon.
You asked
Selkirk is being run down from the toll which is a mess the Ettrick Terrace is dangerous to walk up the pavement for overhanging bushes trees weeds, Charlies Brae the fence is falling to bits, the Co-op trap steps are terrible, the back of the Old Kirk yard down the Longdykes is a mess the metal fence needs repaired and the trees cut back.
We said
The metal fence at Longdykes has been costed for replacement and is in progress. Local councillors are also concerned about the Toll banking and this entrance to the town and officers are going to take a look at the issue with the trees. Thanks for your comments.
You asked
This is a disgrace (Toll banking), seeing this coming into Selkirk, it should be bright with flowers welcoming visitors.
We said
Selkirk Councillors would like to see a project developed here as the planting has not taken as well as was expected. What we need is a plan that everyone can get behind so we can explore funding opportunities. The Bridge in Galashiels could support the community to develop a project for the land.
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 have a Q and A on the Economy next Tuesday and will put this comment to the relevant Councillor then.
You asked
The guys that cut the grass in Jedburgh area get them to sharpen their cutters so the machines actually cut the grass or send them packing.
We said
We will be discussing grass cutting in our Environment budget Q and A on 21 November. We will add your comment in then.
You asked
Is there any funding for resident associations to improve their community?
We said
There may be a number of funding options available for constituted groups. Please contact the relevant team for more information. They can also advise on other options that may be available. Contact the Council’s Community Grants Co-ordinator.
You asked
Can you sort the lack of parking at the top of Hartrigge crescent in Jed?
We said
Thanks for your question. We will be discussing Assets and Resources on 1 November and will submit your comment then. However, in the meantime you may want to contact SBHA directly about parking issues.
You asked
Is the feasibility study due to commence of extending the railway only to Hawick?
We said
The Campaign for Borders Rail are working on the feasibility study between Galashiels via Hawick to Carlisle. Original study in 1990s was to open from Hawick to Carlisle for timber trade initially (to make it viable) not primarily the passenger trade.
You asked
Sort out the proper signage that is needed for the HGV's that are getting stuck at Hornshole. Fix the numerous issues at Hornshole itself.
We said
We'll be dealing with Assets and Resources at our Q and A on November 1, and we'll put your point to the relevant Councillors then. Thanks for getting in touch.
You asked
Are there any plans for the council to go to monthly bin collections?
We said
Councillor Parker answered this query at our Q and A on the 22 - "The Council has not decided what changes will be made to kerbside collections. The Scottish Government is working with local authorities to try and standardise kerbside collection across the whole of Scotland so it is very likely that changes will be made in the future. At present, the Council is looking at different collection models and a decision on which one to progress with will probably be made in 2017-18."
You asked
Each question raised could be seen as a community issue yet those that have asked have been redirected to another discussion. Perhaps you could supply a definition of 'supporting communities' so people know what questions will be addressed!
We said
We have been sending out posts prior to this Q and A to explain Communities. For more information, see our Dialogue tool which explains exactly what "Supporting our Communities" means.
You asked
Bin the tapestry
We said
The tapestry discussion will come under Economy. We will be discussing budget for Economy on 4 October, next Tuesday but will add your comment to that session. Thanks for getting in touch.
You asked
If the business case scrutiny stands up we should welcome the tapestry. The most important thing to me is the number of jobs it will bring to the Borders which I think was 12 FTEs.
You asked
I'd just like to commend your staff at your Eshiels recycling depot. They are really helpful and always cheery, and are a real credit to SBC.
We said
Thanks for your comment Gillian, our Service Director for this area is here tonight and is delighted with this feedback.
You asked
Let's talk about your road network...I'm not interested in your generic responses..had them already.. Since the incident on Saturday I've had numerous messages saying I won't be reimbursed for my loses...POT HOLES.. So far my bill...new alloy Wheel..new tyre...recovery from duns to Berwick and then Berwick to Livingston...hire car whilst car is in the garage being investigated for suspension damage. All caused by a pot hole on your road network...so my question.. who do I send the invoices to?
We said
This question came in after our Q&A session closed yesterday evening and is a very specific question not related to the budget Q and A session on Supporting our Communities. If you wish to make a complaint about one of our services, complete our online complaint form.
You asked
How much does SBConnect cost to print and deliver and would it not be cheaper to publish an online version instead?
We said
Thanks for your question. The total cost to design, print and distribute SBConnect is on average, £12k per issue (13p per copy). It is delivered to every household in the Borders and remains a valuable method of communication for Scottish Borders Council. It is also available online via SB Connect. We have a statutory duty to publish performance information relating to Council Services and SBConnect plays a key role in this by providing information throughout the year and avoids the added cost of producing a separate publication. We also must ensure information is accessible to all residents – including those who do not have internet access. We are always reviewing the publication however and will put your views forward as part of the budget consultation.
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
Thanks for getting in touch. We will be focusing on Economy on Tuesday 4 October between 6pm-7pm and will include your question in that discussion.