As your community council we want to introduce ourselves and let you
know that we are here to represent your interests. Let us share with
you what our role is.
The Community Council is in being to ascertain, co-ordinate and express
to the Scottish Borders Council, as the Local Authority for this area,
and to the other public authorities, including the Scottish and UK
parliaments, the views of the community we represent in relation to
matters for which those authorities are responsible. Also we make
known within the community such information as may be received from
the Scottish Borders Council and other public authorities. We will
take such action in the interests of our community as appears to us
to be expedient and practicable. The Community Council is a statutory
body, is non-party in politics and non-discriminatory, and is made
up of twelve elected representatives who give of their time on a voluntary
basis and will represent all persons in its area.
One of our main and statutory functions is to comment to the planning
authority on planning applications within our area. This function
covers everything from the erection of signage to construction of
a new hotel or housing estate. As you can imagine this takes up a
significant amount of members time with the majority of applications
being dealt with by a sub group of members. Only controversial or
difficult applications are dealt with by the full membership. We are
also asked to respond to consultation documents on a wide range of
issues affecting our community. This could be water provision or even
rail or air transport services.
One area that the council has been involved in recently is to push
for more investment locally to improve the environment in which we
live and to encourage activity which will provide employment. Our
area is world famous for the high quality knitwear manufactured in
local mills. However this industry is in decline with many of the
major employers no longer in business. We are actively seeking to
encourage and promote tourist-related businesses to set up in the
area. The development of the hill walk to Pirn Hill Fort, one recent
example of a project where we were actively involved, now complements
the facilities at Robert Smails Print Works, St Ronans Wells and Traquair
House and are well worth a visit. Add to this the two golf courses
and Mountain Bike course within our area and there is much to attract
locals, tourists and provide employment. The community council area
lends itself to those interested in walking, whether by the river
or over the hills. We have been active in trying to develop walks,
paths and cycleways in the area in recent months and many interesting
projects are in the pipeline.
It is difficult to convey all that the community council is involved
in but if you have any issue that you feel we can assist with please
make it known to us. We are here to help. It may be that you have
skills that could benefit the community. We would be interested to
hear from you or see you at our monthly meetings.
If you need to make contact with the community council please telephone
the number below:
