The Community Council did not meet this month and took the traditional summer break – and what a summer it has been so far, with glorious sunshine! Beautiful although the sunshine was, the lack of rain until the end of the month obviously caused some issues for gardeners, so my thanks again to everyone involved in tending to the plants around the town centre.
Although we did not have our usual monthly meeting, we did offer a drop-in session at Hike & Bike Hub on Wednesday 15 July – and thanks to those that came along. The main issue raised was about anti-social driving behaviour in the Currie Road area. Those concerns were raised with the local policing team, who will give the area extra attention when they can. Anti-social driving behaviour is not acceptable, and I would encourage anyone witnessing such behaviour to report it to the local police, providing as much information as possible. You can report incidents by calling 101 or by using the police contact form, available here – Contact Us form | Police Scotland We will offer future drop in sessions at different locations around the town.
Tour-de-France July 2027 – Planning is now starting for what we can, and will, do in Galashiels to make the most of this fantastic opportunity! If you have any ideas for how you can join in and celebrate what is going to be a HUGE event, please do get in touch with me via our email address.
The suggestion which came to us last month from a local resident about tidying up some of the street furniture in Market Square looks like it will be progressed by the Unpaid Work Team thanks to the involvement of Cllr Fay Sinclair.
I’m also pleased to report that following the walk round the town centre last month with BID for Galashiels and Scottish Borders Council, twelve of the thirteen issues identified will be the subject of further inspection by the Roads or Operations teams in Scottish Borders Council to assess what additional actions may be needed. The other issue was to do with privately owned business premises, which Scottish Borders Council have no control over.
I have recently become aware of concerns in the Balmoral area about the management of some of the trees in the Policies, specifically trees bordering Balmoral Avenue. These concerns have been flagged to Scottish Borders Council.
Finally, I was delighted to be part of a group who met with our local MSP, Calum Kerr, on 24 July. Along with representatives from BID for Galashiels and Energise Galashiels Trust, we discussed a wide range of topics including concerns, challenges and opportunities for the town.
If you would like more information about what we are doing as your Community Council, or if you have an issue with which you think that we might be able to help, please get in touch by emailing galacommunitycouncil@gmail.com
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 5th August, 6.30pm in the Burgh Chambers.
Angela Crow
