TWEEDBANK is planning to celebrate the return of the region’s railway by staging a street party.

The Big Tweedbank Railway Party is planned for Sunday, September 27, from 1pm to 4pm - three weeks after the new line opens.

It will be held in the community centre and on the field at Essenside Drive and have an Olden Days fancy dress theme.

Various stalls, bands and vintage vehicles are being organised and it, is hoped, to hold a railway exhibition and model railway the same day, as well as involving local groups including Borders Youth Theatre in the entertainment.

Scottish Borders Council Leader David Parker made the announcement in his regular newsletter to residents in Tweedbank.

He also confirmed that work is planned to correct the new path on Red Bridge, which links Langlee and Tweedbank, just weeks after it was constructed by rail contractors BAM, following complaints that it was prone to flooding.

Councillor Parker said: “Thankfully, in the very near future, these puddles will vanish and work is planned to reshape and tar the bridge and improve drainage.” The Leaderdale and Melrose councillor also pointed out more trees would be removed along the route of the Black Path as landscaping continues around the new train terminus.

“When the railway station becomes operational it will be possible to access the Black Path from the new station and you will be able to walk directly from the station on the Black Path to teh Lowood Bridge bus stop. In the coming weeks, scrub and tree felling works will take place on this stretch of the footpath.

“The works will involve the removal of a number of trees to open up the path, particularly at the section nearest the Pensions Agency. The tree belt will be kept intact and the works will not be noticeable from outwith the Black Path itself.

“The landscaping in this area has now become overgrown and there are a number of community safety concerns so works need to take place to open up the path and reduce the amount of tree coverage.

“Plans to street light this section of the Black Path are also now being considered and, if costs allow, it is hoped that this section will have street lighting by the winter.”