Elizabeth Ward has no public noticeboard, and Committee is asked to consider where it would be appropriate to site such a noticeboard, including the possibility of a jointly provided noticeboard at the William Elder Building.
2.0
Recommendations
2.1
To determine how best to provide a public noticeboard for Elizabeth Ward.
3.0
Report
3.1
In October 2005 public noticeboards were provided in each Ward in Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth, except for Elizabeth Ward. This was because streetscape works were planned for Castlegate and it was decided to wait until these had been completed before deciding upon a style and location for a public noticeboard in this area. In the meantime, it was intended that part of the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) noticeboard on the Somerfield supermarket building should be used by Town Committee to display Council and community notices.
3.2
However, it has not proved practical to use the TIC noticeboard and increasing numbers of events in the area mean that there is no longer space for Town Committee’s use. In addition, funding has not been forthcoming for the Castlegate works and it no longer seems sensible to wait for completion of the works before providing a noticeboard in Elizabeth Ward.
3.3
One suggestion is that Town Committee provide a noticeboard at the William Elder Building, jointly with the Berwick-upon-Tweed Development Trust. Such a noticeboard would be bigger than those provided in other Wards (1800 x 1200 mm), and part of it would be used by the Development Trust and for community notices, whilst part would be used for Council notices. The noticeboard would be inside the William Elder Building, and would be placed in the window to the left of the door, where many people already come to read community information. The reverse of the board would be a magnetic white board, which could be used to display additional information or notices.
The cost of such a noticeboard would be £230.90, including delivery. It would remain the property of Town Committee, and could be passed on to the Town Council once that body is established. It could also be removed and put in an alternative location at some future date if required.
3.4
If Members would like to suggest any alternative locations for a noticeboard they could be considered by the Committee at its meeting. The cost of purchasing and erecting a freestanding noticeboard such as those in Edward, Seton, Shielfield and Spittal Wards would be approximately £725, and such a sum was ring-fenced in the budget by the previous Town Committee.
4.0
Implications
4.1
Comments from the Council’s Section 151 Officer
No comments.
4.2
Comments from the Council’s Monitoring Officer
4.3
Comments from the Head of Paid Service
None directly arising from this report.
4.4
Local Agenda 21
None arising from this report.
4.5
Equality
A public noticeboard in Elizabeth Ward will mean that residents and visitors in this Ward will have the same access to Council and community information as those in other Town Wards.
