Published: Tuesday, 9th March, 2010 12:12pm
Innerleithen ding dong
by David O'Leary
Comments (1) | 
Print | 
Email
A REAL ding-dong has taken place over Innerleithen's Memorial Hall clock.
The divisive matter has arisen after one local resident complained to the council about the clock's hourly peals throughout the night.
At Monday's night's community council meeting in the Memorial Hall, as the chimes of the contentious clock, which was donated to the town by William Muir in 1964, fittingly marked each hour; locals, community councillors and elected councillors made their views plainly known on the subject.
Also in attendance were, Ken Jones, of Scottish Borders Council's Environmental Services and, Susan Shaw, of its legal department.
They sat and heard as community council chairman, Ross McGinn, read aloud a host of emails all in favour in leaving the clock as it was.
Nearby B&B owner, Lesley Foster, of Chapel Street, also told the meeting: "I've never had a complaint from any of my guests regarding the clock. In fact, many have commented on how lucky we are to have such a nice tradition."
Scottish Borders Council's Director of Social Work and Innerleithen resident, Andrew Lowe, said: "The clock is a delight that marks the rhythmn of the day, I defend the right of anyone to complain but I wholeheartedly support the chimes remaining."
Councillors Herd, Garvie and Logan also took the same view with Councillor Herd commenting: "You shouldn't buy a house alongside a clock if you don't like the sound of it."
After hearing these and several other vehement protestations for the clocks chimes to remain, chairman Ross McGinn moved to declare that the status quo remain.
However, Ken Jones, of SBC, was of a different mind and said: "Legislation gives me no discretion to manoeuvre. If we say to the complainant that the status quo must remain then they would have a clear case against us and and a right to complain to the Government Ombusdman.
"It's our view that the clock should be silenced between the hours of midnight and 7am."
Susan Shaw then reaffirmed this, declaring that legally the council must be seen to act, whether it be one complaint or a hundred.
And that this would still be the case even if the complaint was withdrawn.
This then caused consternation amongst all those present, leading Councillor Garvie to ask for a report to be compiled for presentation to the next Tweeddale Area Committee.
He also stated that this meeting will be held in Innerleithen to allow locals to attend.
Speaking afterwards, community council chairman Ross McGinn said: "I'm taken aback by the council's legal position.
"There is an overwhelming desire in the town for the clock to be left as it is. This is a clear instance of the tail wagging the dog.
"It can take the council years to deal with noisy neighbours but they get one complaint in the face of 99% of the community and they jump on it like this."
A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council said: "Legal services are preparing a report on the Innerleithen bells issue and this will be presented to Tweeddale Area Committee. Following this, it is anticipated that there will be further discussion with the community council."
