A GALASHIELS representative has called for the council to “learn lessons” from a housing estate in the town.

There have been reports of ongoing problems at Melrose Gait with vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

During a the most recent full meeting of Scottish Borders Council (SBC), plans for 55 new affordable homes at Tweedbank were discussed.

Tweeddale East councillor Stuart Bell, of the SNP, told the meeting that building infrastructure for the future residents of the development would be important.

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Speaking after Mr Bell, Galashiels councillor Harry Scott said: “I support councillor Bell’s comments on putting infrastructure in before any houses.

“Can we learn lessons from Melrose Gait which is turning into one of the most soulless housing estates we have.”

The independent representative added: “Can we make sure developers are forced to put in community assets – a community centre, play parks, sports fields and even a shop – before they’re allowed to put in their houses. Developers have millions of capital behind them so let’s not take any excuses.”

Kelso councillor Simon Mountford, of the Conservatives, said the Tweedbank development was “hugely exciting”.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a best in class mixed-use development in the heart of the Borders,” he said, adding that he hopes work will start by the end of the year.

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In 2018, the council purchased the Lowood Estate for £9.6 million as an integral part of its plans to expand Tweedbank. The council anticipates that it will secure occupation of Lowood House in April next year.

During the meeting, Mr Bell asked when council taxpayers will see a “return” on the Lowood investment.

He asked how long it would take to develop the site “to the extent that the council will get back all or substantial amounts of the purchase price that council taxpayers paid”.

SBC’s chief financial officer David Robertson said: “Clearly, COVID has impacted significantly in terms of the development timescales for Lowood but the council’s intent remains sound and officers are working to deliver that vision as quickly as we can.”

Mr Robertson also told the meeting that costs of the development have increased “marginally”.