They talk the talk, but.... (Scottish Borders Council)

Member Name: pixwix

Product:	Scottish Borders Council
Date:	08/10/08 (60 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The countryside is pretty...

Disadvantages: Don't try stepping on any of it...

I've lived in a dozen local authority areas in the UK. At present, I'm in the Scottish Borders, held here by family, financial circumstance, and medical disability. I can't say with any authority that the Scottish Borders Council is the worst in the UK - I can certainly say it's the worst I have ever come across.

Ineffective, endlessly delaying, infinitely self-justifying and unashamedly self-righteous - like so many councils they have long forgotten the meaning of the phrase 'public servant'. Their services - especially 'caring services' - are notable mostly for their lack, and when it comes to being disabled, they're not part of the answer, they're part of the problem.

I'm retired and disabled, and not long ago had to struggle up a stepladder (is that even legal?!!) to dump garden waste in a council skip while a bone idle council employee stood with his hands in his pockets telling me where to put it. There have recently been strikes by council workers - frankly it's hard to tell the difference.

Thinking of moving to the Scottish Borders? Depends on whether or not you have money. If you haven't - forget it - this is a third-world country in everything but name - you can't even get dental treatment here (and I mean - at all!!!). If you have money (and the right handshake) by all means move here - you'll find you can do pretty much as you like.

A late addendum:
Having to drive to Edinburgh recently, I encountered another major problem in the Borders that I should have mentioned above - their roads! Main roads through the area aren't bad (if you allow for speed-mad drivers who think the area is a permanent rally course) - but minor roads are a nightmare of eroded edges, potholes and widespread lack of maintenance and adequate signage. Not to mention the aforesaid lunatic drivers who become not just a nuisance but potentially lethal on narrow country roads - we're talking a major cause of accidents around here. If you have to pass through the Borders - stick to the major roads - you'll save no time trying to take the shortest distance but you may save your sanity.

Summary: The Borders is a pretty place - but you'd better not need help...