Parker and pupils march into parade blunder

Published 26 Feb 2010 13:17 7 Comments

BUNGLING council bosses have been left red faced after breaking their own rules with a landmark parade.

Tight laws have been introduced across Scotland regarding parades and marches - with local authority's governing the issue of licences.

But Borders education chiefs forgot to obtain the required documents for this week's historic opening of the new Kingsland Primary School, where hundreds of pupils and staff marched through the town - led by the council's very own Pied Piper and leader, David Parker.

All unknowing that they were in breach of regulations.

The form, which groups such as the Beltane or St Ronan's festival committees must file, is available from the council licensing unit.

And it states that from April 1 2007, notification of all marches, parades and processions must be formally made to the relevant local authority and police.

Scottish Borders Council must also be given 28 days notice of any plans to hold a public procession. A council spokeperson confirmed that no licence had been requested or granted. And that the responsibility was Kingsland Primary's.

She did however concede that school were in the dark and that more needed to be done to alert the regions other schools to their responsibilities.

She said: "The school discussed the event with Police some time ago and all advice and instructions were followed.

"We are already looking at working with our team here at the Council to raise awareness about the various licenses, laws and approvals that are required for different events in schools."

Parade licences were introduced in an attempt to manage sectarian parades and controversial demonstrations throughout Scotland.

One local parent said: "It's typical of SBC isn't it, one rule for them and another for the rest of us.

"Surely with all the people down at Newtown, one of them could have found the time to fill in a form. I can only imagine how hard the council would come down on someone if they forgot."

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• 

  James Tristram
  Unregistered User
  Feb 27, 09:41
  Report comment

  Dear Sir/Madam,
  
  Once again, I am so grateful that I have not wasted a 50p buying this town's paper. Not only is your top story insulting to the memory of the old Kingsland, it shows the ungrateful nature of the town's paper.
  
  I wonder if the editor of the Peebleshire will care to come and explain to the children of this school why the local paper is uninterested at their joy and excitement about getting a new school. You choose to make your front page headline about a parade blunder rather than celebrate the gift of a new school. The children are also probably wondering why it has been said they were breaking regulations...you made reference to the Beltane in your report, how many people are apparently allowed to drink alcohol outside during the Beltane? I would be interested to learn of the regulations regarding this.
  
  In the paper, it was nice of you to give a double page spread to the opening of the new school. Perhaps the reason it is infested with so much inaccurate information is that there was no Peeblesshire reporter present on the day. Again, a further example of your paper's disinterest and incompetence to reflect events within the town of Peebles.
  
  I look forward to any responses you may have.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  James Tristram
  Unregistered User
  Feb 27, 09:46
  Report comment

  Dear Sir/Madam,
  
  Once again, I am so grateful that I have not wasted a 50p buying this town's paper. Not only is your top story insulting to the memory of the old Kingsland, it shows the ungrateful nature of the town's paper.
  
  I wonder if the editor of the Peebleshire will care to come and explain to the children of this school why the local paper is uninterested at their joy and excitement about getting a new school. You choose to make your front page headline about a parade blunder rather than celebrate the gift of a new school. The children are also probably wondering why it has been said they were breaking regulations...you made reference to the Beltane in your report, how many people are apparently allowed to drink alcohol outside during the Beltane? I would be interested to learn of the regulations regarding this.
  
  In the paper, it was nice of you to give a double page spread to the opening of the new school. Perhaps the reason it is infested with so much inaccurate information is that there was no Peeblesshire reporter present on the day. Again, a further example of your paper's disinterest and incompetence to reflect events within the town of Peebles.
  
  I look forward to any responses you may have.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  Hazelkaye
  Unregistered User
  Feb 27, 17:01
  Report comment

  Too many "pebbles" on the beach!
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  James Blonde
  Unregistered User
  Mar 1, 10:45
  Report comment

  You wont get a rersponse from the Peeblesshire on here... or in fact a letter printed in the paper! Think you need to Email them...
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  James Porter
  Unregistered User
  Mar 2, 21:22
  Report comment

  It comes as no surprise that your paper is seeking a new editor. The one currently in post is so far out of touch with the community they are meant to serve. To place a negative story about the new Kingsland school opening on the front page is at best crass, at worst, unforgiveable. I would imagine 300 families will no longer be interested in buying a paper that peddles in half truths and fabrications.
  
  Hopefully they will appoint someone who has an interest in promoting local achievements. Congratulations to the pupils and staff of Kingsland on their new school. It is certainly a place to celebrate.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  D Cornwall
  Unregistered User
  Mar 4, 14:42
  Report comment

  I can't believe the PN has stooped to new levels in order to try and make a 'dramatic' headline!!!!
  
  As a former pupil of Kingsland currently living overseas I was looking forward to reading the report online - I just can't believe what I have read!! Is this really what the paper thinks is newsworthy?!
  
  Good luck to all the staff and pupils who are fortunate enough to be part of this new chapter.....
  
  Good to see Mr D T Ward leading the parade!!!
  
  DC
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  James Blonde
  Unregistered User
  Mar 5, 12:42
  Report comment

  Ach they'll punish us for moaning by not publishing this weeks PN online!
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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