A U-TURN on the provision of CCTV coverage across the Borders will “right a wrong”, councillors have been told.

Moves to invest in the replacement of the 70-strong surveillance camera network across the region was ruled out by Scottish Borders Council’s (SBC) ruling administration four years ago, with the high cost implications cited as a reason.

The local authority’s policy at the time was to continue the upkeep of the cameras until they were beyond economic repair.

But on Thursday (September 28), members of the full council met to consider a report on the potential provision of both public space CCTV and town centre Wi-Fi in seven towns across the Borders – Galashiels, Melrose, Peebles, Kelso, Hawick, Eyemouth and Duns.

After the decision not to update the camera system was taken in 2019 some communities, including Selkirk and Newcastleton, took matters into their own hands, deciding to find funding to provide CCTV coverage.

Hawick & Denholm councillor Stuart Marshall believes the change of heart over CCTV was “righting a wrong”.

He said: “When the decision was taken a few years ago by this council to de-prioritise CCTV in our towns across the Scottish Borders, this was, in my opinion, placing cost savings ahead of community safety.

“There is no question that police numbers are reducing and budgets are stretched to their maximum. Therefore, we must do all that we can to support the police and at the same time reassure and protect our communities.

“In my opinion, it is now time to right a very obvious wrong and I am pleased that this new council, some 15 months into its term, now recognises and indeed recommends the reinstatement of CCTV in our key Borders towns.

“I know some communities have already seized this initiative and the people in Selkirk and Newcastleton and others deserve huge credit for their great efforts in already bringing such great initiatives to their own communities.

“Having CCTV in my community is a must.”

Many of the current systems are approaching the point of disrepair, and are also operating on outdated analogue technology which will not be available for use at the digital switch-over in 2025.

Now it is suggested that this existing policy approach be re-considered, and shifted towards upgrades to reflect such public concerns as parking, traffic management and public safety.

There is also no current town centre Wi-Fi provision available in any Borders towns.

Wi-Fi networks offer local authorities the opportunity to gather valuable data on foot traffic, visitor demographics and usage patterns.

This data can inform decision-making processes, helping SBC allocate resources more effectively and plan infrastructure improvements.

Tweeddale East councillor Robin Tatler admitted to having a “change of heart” on the issue.

He said: “I was very much a sceptic on CCTV when it was last discussed. What has changed is that the technology has advanced phenomenally, the costs have come down phenomenally and unfortunately the need for it has increased phenomenally as well.”

Selkirkshire councillor Caroline Cochrane welcomed the initiative but suggested Selkirk was being “penalised” for developing its own camera surveillance scheme.

She said: “Selkirk has once again been the victim of its own success. The new £30,000 system in Selkirk was funded by the Selkirk Business Improvement Development Scheme and Selkirk Common Good also made a substantial contribution of £10,000 to get the CCTV project over the finish line. That’s money that I’m sure could have been well spent on other projects if only we’d known this was coming back on the table.”

The outline proposal put forward by SBC officials is for the local authority’s current IT provider, Canada-based CGI, to install and run the scheme.

A full business case for the CCTV proposals is now to be drawn up.