ACTION is needed to stop Channel Street being used as a ‘rat run’ by drivers, according to a Galashiels councillor.

Community leaders are looking at ways of improving the town to make it more attractive to visitors – ahead of the opening of the new Great Tapestry of Scotland centre.

And at a meeting of the town’s community council last week, Sandy Aitchison (Ind) said “discussions are set to take place” on the issue of traffic.

He added: “This is something that has angered me for a number of years now.

“Channel Street has been used as a rat run to stop drivers having to go all the way around. I do not see the need.

“We will be having meetings with the council’s road people to decide what the best option is. You can not expect to have a piazza and have cars or DPD vans driving through. A discussion will take place.”

Mr Aitchison also said that coaches ferrying visitors to the new Great Tapestry of Scotland centre would be able to use Sime Place as a drop-off area and then head to the long stay car park at Currie Road.