DIGGERS moved in to Galashiels as work continued on plans to return passenger rail services to the Borders for the first time in more than 40 years.

Transport Scotland confirmed it was embarking on an extensive tree felling project to make way for the new line between Tweedbank and Edinburgh.

Sections of the black path, between Langlee and the town centre, were fenced off and signs were erected to inform the public of the ongoing works.

However, despite only two consortia now bidding for the £295 million construction contract, the national transport agency, which is responsible for overseeing the Borders Rail Project, insisted plans to reopen the rail link remained on track.

Welcoming the announcement this week, Lorne Anton, chair of the Campaign for Borders Rail, said: "This is a very welcome sign that progress is being made towards connecting the Borders once again to the National Rail Network.

"The Campaign for Borders Rail is also confident that the reopened route, between Tweedbank and Edinburgh, will prove every bit as successful as other reopenings in Scotland and across the United Kingdom." Last year, three organisations - BAM, IMCD and New Borders Railway - were selected to submit tenders for the project. However, in November, American firm Fluor, part of the New Borders Railway group, announced it was no longer seeking to be part of the project.

At the time, Transport Scotland said it hoped to hear from New Borders Railway on a "potential replacement".

But at this month's meeting of Tweedbank Community Council, Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker confirmed only two consortiums were now bidding for the project which is due to be completed in 2014.

A spokesman for Transport Scotland said: "Utilities work continue on the Borders Railway with localised devegetation taking place at Heriot, Stow and Glenfield Road East, Galashiels. These works are necessary to protect and divert clean and waste water utility services on the future line of the railway. "The Black path will be diverted at Glenfield for approximately 14 weeks care of a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO), with signed diversions in place.

"Further work on a waste water diversion at Wheatlands Road, Galashiels is due to start soon. These works are being carried out by Farrans (Construction) Ltd for Scottish Water, on behalf of Scottish Borders Council."