Assets and Resources
Assets and Resources Q and A session with Councillor Gordon Edgar
On 1 November Councillor Gordon Edgar was live on Facebook and Twitter between 6-7pm for a question and answer session relating to Assets and Resources. Below are the questions, and answers, that were discussed.
You asked
Regarding the new lighting, I was going in to Morrisons in Hawick last night in the dark and I really struggled to see if there were any people going to cross at the two pedestrian crossings due to the poor lighting, could lights be made brighter at crossings, health and safety, I feel it is an accident waiting to happen.
We said
Thanks for your observation. We will pass this on to our lighting manager and get back to you ASAP with their response.
On further investigation, the lighting causing concern is the property of Morrisons.
You asked
Jedburgh road in Kelso, from the ambulance station to the petrol station roundabout is the worst state road in Kelso. Has been raised many times at our community council meetings, but nothing ever scheduled for it.
We said
This road is on our list of identified roads in need of treatment. We will consider and prioritise this along with all of the other sections which are currently identified.
You asked
Can you tell me when the work on Mansfield Road will be finished? If it is going to go on for much longer can you recommend where to buy ear defenders?
We said
These major works are being carried out by Scottish Water. It may be worth checking exact details with them.
You asked
What decision was taken today about the removal of road side banners please?
We said
No decision was made today as Councillors have requested further information before deciding the way forward.
You asked
How do you decide the main routes you salt?
We said
The roads which we salt first are identified as part of a risk based process using a range of key criteria and also involved consultation with our colleagues in the Police.
You asked
What happened to the so called closure of Mansfield Road Hawick the day please?
We said
The closure was reduced to two days - Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 November - apologies for the sign not being changed.
You asked
If you are looking to save money could you reduce the number of council properties you have?
We said
We are currently undertaking a property rationalisation programme and has already made significant progress in reducing the size of its estate.
You asked
There is new lighting on a number of streets in Galashiels – is this project actually saving any money?
We said
Yes, this is part of the programme which is being rolled out across the Borders area. It has been so successful that we have been asked to look at whether we extend it or use the money on other areas of energy efficiency.
Questions received after the session was closed
You asked
Given the repairs happening on the A7 at present what guarantees are there that the 'patching' work will be sustainable given that it is being done just prior to winter when water ingress then hard freezing will be an issue?
Several areas of patching completed near us (on a D class road!) is falling apart after three months of reasonable weather.
Can road markings/line painting which is so worn it’s not visible be reapplied? Specifically A72. Winter driving and safety will be improved with proper road markings.
Given that I have reported some road defects as far back as February, attended community council meetings, spoken and emailed a councillor, contacted yourselves via your online reports form, mentioned it on this page several times and spoken in person to your roadworkers who failed to fix one of the defects through inattention - can you tell me how difficult it is for a member of the public to get simple repairs completed?
Can we look at getting signage put up at Thirlestane Terrace warning people about kids playing and speed limits? We have lots of kids in this area and alot of drivers come shooting around the corner without thought. Also the wasted space that is grassed areas and uneven slabbed areas in the street. Can we not remove them and make more parking spaces?
Is it true that on the Carter Bar you only clear the snow up to the Border?
Please could you make Priorsford pedestrian bridge over the Tweed at Peebles high priority in the winter The bridge is treacherous in the winter it's non slip surface is lethal and is not gritted enough and not early enough thank you.
All questions have been passed on and will be answered on social media and updated on this page.