A sign of the times in Melrose
Ally McGilvray • Published 1 Nov 2011 08:30
11 Comments
A CHARITY could be forced to remove the colours of its national logo from the front of its shop in the Borders after a community councillor claimed it was "unsuitable" for a conservation area.
Val Miller spoke out following the opening of Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland's new branch in the town's Market Square.
She claimed the colours of the charity's national logo did not fit in with the rest of the town centre in Melrose which is protected under planning laws.
Speaking at the Melrose and District Community Council meeting in the Ormiston Institute on Wednesday night, Mrs Miller said: "I know it is the colour of their logo but I don't think it's appropriate for a conservation area. It's a very vivid pink and purple.
"If Burts Hotel painted their building pink and purple there would be an outcry."
Not everyone agreed, however. Community councillor Robin Chisholm welcomed the charity to Melrose following a series of shop closures.
Mr Chisholm said: "I think it's better than the black and yellow that was there originally." And he added: "Personally, I would rather see that (colour scheme) than an empty shop."
Community councillors questioned whether the charity had received planning permission from Scottish Borders Council. It followed concerns that other town centre businesses may not have applied for the appropriate permissions before redecorating their properties in the past.
Provost William Windram said: "If people are following the correct planning procedures then there's not a lot we can do."
Council chiefs said they had granted the charity permission to use its logos colours in its shopfront but confirmed it would investigate the concerns raised.
A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council said: "We will look into this and if the shop owner is in breach of the planning consent, which was granted in August, we will pursue this further."
Meanwhile, community councillors have raised concerns over the number of advertising signs littering the pavement in Melrose amid fears it may stop shoppers in mobility scooters in their tracks.
Community councillor Val Miller said: "I know people have got to advertise their business but I don't think it adds to the ambience of the town."
The community council heard some businesses had more than one advertising board outside their business and others were leaving them out overnight.
Provost William Windram, chairman of the community council, said: "They shouldn't be blocking the pavement."
The community council asked for clarification on the planning guidelines. But community councillor Robin Chisholm urged caution. He said it was just a sign of the times.
Mr Chisholm said: "I don't think we should be doing anything to upset anyone's business just now. This is people's livelihoods we are talking about. If there is a problem we should leave people to report them when they arise."
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 01 Nov 11
Have your say. Post a comment on this article.
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Sense
Unregistered User
Nov 1, 12:30
Report commentIt's great to see someone occupying shops, particularly in the smaller villages and backwaters such as Melrose. Instead of hampering the efforts to keep life in these out of the way places, the community should be supporting them.
Recommend?
Yes 37
No 0
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hazelkaye
226 posts
Nov 1, 18:18
Report commentMadness - some jobsworth getting their 'high horse'!
What about that sky blue fishmonger's shop or the bright yellow "Ship Inn" pub?
The charity shop's dark blue is actually the least 'offensive' of the three pictured!
Also, that blue "priority over oncoming traffic" sign (and on the WRONG side of the road) must also 'contravene' the conservation area's regulations!
Recommend? Yes 38
No 0
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Bigbadbroon
Unregistered User
Nov 2, 16:20
Report commentLets be honest Mrs Millar doesn't like the fact that it is a charity shop and it has nothing to do with the colour! It's her inappropriate and misplaced snobbery that gives Melrose a bad name and should have no place in our town. We have too many pompous people peddling some misplaced notion that they are an elite! Makes me furious...maybe the colour scheme doesn't match her flower bulbs she has ordered for Melrose in Bloom this season.
Melrose is not the Cotswolds, it's a small working town that should embrace all the business investment it can...at least Robin Chisholm seems to get that. Provost Willie, tell her to get on her bike!
Recommend? Yes 45
No 0
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******
Nov 7, 18:46
Report commentThis comment has been removed by a moderator
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hazelkaye
226 posts
Nov 11, 20:00
Report commentIndeed "Mrs Goodie Two Shoes" has ending up with two left feet (after putting both of them RIGHT in it)! Tee! Hee! Silly Clogg!
Recommend? Yes 10
No 0
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Caroline
Unregistered User
Nov 23, 15:01
Report commentVery superficial and shallow!!!!Does she even know what these charity shops do to help people a world away from her lifestyle!!!
Recommend? Yes 7
No 0
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Grace
Unregistered User
Nov 23, 17:31
Report commentCompared to some charity shops which can often stick out a bit like a sore thumb, I think this one looks pretty nice. if anything, it will probably attract more business. Funnily enough this is the same woman who was opposed to the crematorium just outside of the town. Stop putting Melrose on a pedastal. welcome a change once in a while. keep going the way you are mrs millar and we'll soon be turning into beamish.
Recommend? Yes 8
No 0
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anon
Unregistered User
Nov 23, 17:43
Report commentThe solution to this problem seems quite simple to me. As an elected representative, simply not voting for her would be a lesson in how not to act in such a shallow and small minded manner.
Recommend? Yes 6
No 0
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Unknown
Unregistered User
Nov 24, 21:44
Report commentLinda Snell would be proud of you Mrs Millar!
Recommend? Yes 1
No 0
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Daibhi O Cathain
Unregistered User
Dec 3, 19:31
Report commentFind something really worthwhile to get your knickers in a twist about, Val.
Recommend? Yes 6
No 0
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ThomasM
Unregistered User
Dec 28, 11:29
Report commentThis is just a nonsense. Quite why the councillor is taking issue at what is clearly a rather demure paint scheme, I cannot fathom. Evidently an arbiter of taste, I should like to see the decor in her home to mark it out of 10. If the councillor had any sense, she might realise that brand livery (even for charities) is important for consistency and identity. If the exterior had been painted glow-in-the-dark yellow and lit up like the Empire State Building, she might have a point. Quite clearly this is another example of chronic yocalism and plain manking and moaning. Get a perspective, councillor.
Recommend? Yes 4
No 0
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wull
Unregistered User
Mar 1, 19:44
Report commentnothing wrong with the colours of the shops ms millar, or would you prefer to paint the square black and grey and call everbody mr chubblywarner or mr grayson,[ from harry enfield ms millar] get a colourful life...ps. my local is the ship inn, and i like the colours, its easy to find while pissed....
Recommend? Yes 0
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