Paul Kelly

London, United Kingdom

Local Democracy Reporter at Border Telegraph

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Articles

Bid to tackle empty homes issue in Borders set to be bolstered by new officer

3 days ago | bordertelegraph.com | Paul Kelly

Empty homes represent a wasted resource in the Borders which can also cause significant problems for neighbours and surrounding communities. It is recognised that working pro-actively with owners to bring homes back into use can be time consuming and complex. In May 2024, the Scottish Government declared a national housing emergency, with the First Minister recognising that investment in housing needs to be a fundamental part of delivering a “fairer Scotland”.
Borders brewery aims to tap in to longer opening hours after initial rejection

4 days ago | bordertelegraph.com | Paul Kelly

Photo: abruellmann/Pixabay AN APPEAL is being launched after time was called on a cycle-friendly brewery’s hopes of tapping into longer opening hours. Durty Brewing Tap Room sells a variety of craft ales at 4 Traquair Road in Innerleithen. Inspired by the trails and landscape of the Borders, the brewery was founded by Paul McGreal and Gordon Donald. Its ‘life-affirming beers’ include ‘Angry Sheep’, ‘Escape Route’, ‘Repeat Offender’. ‘Helter Skelter’ and ‘End of the World’.
Solar park bid in Borders not opposed despite 'clutter' claims

4 days ago | bordertelegraph.com | Paul Kelly

Tweeddale East councillor Marshall Douglas. Photo: Scottish Borders Council COUNCILLORS have reluctantly agreed not to object to a large solar park on stunning moorland in the Borders despite acceptance that it adds to the landscape’s “incongruous man-made clutter” . Fred Olsen Renewables applied to the government’s energy consents unit for permission to put up about 55,000 panels near the Crystal Rig wind farm – about four miles (6km) from the village of Cranshaws.
Recognition for Ukrainians who have overcome language barrier in Borders

5 days ago | bordertelegraph.com | Paul Kelly

ESOL Learners Yuriy Shostak, Svitlana Norel, Yuliia Bielska with Tweeddale councillors Julie Pirone and Robin Tatler, and Jean Dobbing. Image: SBC UKRAINIANS and other nationalities who have overcome language barriers after settling in the Borders have received deserved recognition. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) adult learners have been congratulated at an event organised by Scottish Borders Council and Borders College.
Live Borders secures vital government support to introduce improved booking system

5 days ago | bordertelegraph.com | Paul Kelly

A Live Borders sign. Photo: SBC AN UNDER-PRESSURE charitable trust that provides sports, leisure and cultural services in the Borders has booked vital government support which will help members. Live Borders has recently introduced an enhanced membership booking and payment system, thanks to the help of a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda.
Number of affordable homes delivered in Borders falls short of target

5 days ago | bordertelegraph.com | Paul Kelly

Image: Schluesseldienst/Pixabay A TARGET for the provision of affordable new homes in the Borders has not been met, senior councillors will be told next week. Members of Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Committee are to be given an update on the local authority’s strategic housing investment plan (SHIP). The annual target for affordable homes is 141. But for the last financial year, a total of 88 homes were actually delivered.
Selkirk primary school to be mothballed for another year

6 days ago | bordertelegraph.com | Paul Kelly

St Joseph's will not reopen for the next academic year COUNCILLORS have endorsed the continued mothballing of a Borders school for a further year. St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Selkirk closed in June last year following a significant drop in the school roll. It has a capacity for 50 pupils but numbers had fallen consistently over recent years. When closure was endorsed, it was projected that the school would soon have zero pupils.
Apology issued as Borders councillors agree fresh approach to nursery proposals

6 days ago | bordertelegraph.com | Paul Kelly

A special meeting took place today AN apology was issued in the chamber of Scottish Borders Council today for the distress caused to parents over controversial nursery mothballing proposals – as councillors agreed a fresh approach. Widespread community outrage was expressed over moves to mothball several rural nurseries across the region due to low enrolment numbers. The council’s Executive Committee decided last month to progress with a consultation over the potential closures.
Bid for new battery storage facility near Borders village is tabled

1 week ago | bordertelegraph.com | Paul Kelly

PLANS for a new battery energy storage system (BESS) near a Borders village have been tabled. A request for an environmental assessment from Green Switch Energy has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council for the proposed facility north east of Sawmill Cottage at Gattonside. The plant would be capable of generating up to 42 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
Continued progress at Borders nursery where 'serious concerns' were raised

1 week ago | bordertelegraph.com | Paul Kelly

Stock nursery image. Photo: Unsplash/BBC Creative PROGRESS continues to be made at a Borders nursery where “serious concerns” were raised following an inspection last year. The Care Inspectorate called for action at Seashells Nursery, Eyemouth, to improve the environment to “ensure that it is safe, clean and welcoming for all children” after an unannounced visit in March last year.