Two months on from the launch of an online survey, and two-thirds of the way through public engagement events, more views continue to be sought
The views continue to be sought to shape the future of sport, leisure and cultural services and facilities in the Scottish Borders,
The ongoing community engagement and consultation activities being undertaken jointly by Live Borders and Scottish Borders Council follow the review of services undertaken by consultants Integratis, and are capturing feedback and ideas from the public, service users and other key stakeholders, ahead of a report to Council, expected in October.
Key dates
To date, more than 1400 responses have been submitted to the online survey and up to 150 people have attended individual drop-in events across the area. These events continue from 11 August:
- 11 August – Number 8 Club, Newcastleton; 4pm-7pm
- 12 August – Burgh Hall, Peebles; 2pm-7pm
- 13 August – Victoria Halls, Selkirk; 2pm-7pm
- 14 August – Hawick Town Hall; 2pm-7pm
- 18 August – Innerleithen Memorial Hall; 3pm-8pm
- 20 August – Graham Institute, West Linton; 4pm-7pm
A series of invite-only focus groups events with key community stakeholders, such as community councils, town teams and community centre management committees will start shortly.
Details of all public events can be found on our website where there is also a link to the online survey, which closes on 31 August. Comment cards are also available in all Live Borders venues to enable customers to provide feedback.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Deputy Leader
“With the focus group meetings starting and our final drop-in events just a couple of weeks away, we are moving into the latter stages of the current engagement process.
“Every comment and idea is being captured and will be considered when we begin the process of identifying all possible options for the future of local sport, leisure and cultural services and facilities. I’m sure that those attending the events to date have realised that we are genuinely listening and it really is essential that if you want your voice heard you complete the survey or attend one of the remaining events.
“No decisions have been taken, but all councillors will have some very difficult choices to make in October as change is essential to achieving financial sustainability.
“It is very likely that more conversations will be needed with communities and community groups, especially where a Common Good property is involved or where there is interest in a community asset transfer, so although the Council meeting in October may mark the end of the current process, it will be the start of a new journey.”
Bill Douglas, Chair of Live Borders’ Board of Trustees
“The number of people we’ve heard from so far has been good and builds upon the feedback received from 6,500 people in 2023. Every voice and every suggestion counts, so I’d encourage anyone interested to make their views known through the ongoing process.
“Live Borders needs to adapt its services to changing community needs and demands, as well as manage the very significant financial pressures we face, particularly in relation to the large number of properties we operate from. This process, and the information being gathered, will support that.”
The drive for operational and service delivery changes is compelled by demographic changes and shifts in community needs, which have resulted in declining user numbers at some facilities. In addition, aging, energy-inefficient facilities and increasing costs require the properties services operate from to be considered too.