“URGENT repairs” are under way after a gas leak was found in Galashiels, according to officials.

Five properties were evacuated following the discovery at the junction of Duke Street and King Street on Saturday (September 21).

Engineers from Scottish Gas Networks (SGN) have since repaired a pipe.

But SGN spokesperson Dan Brown said it remained unsafe for residents to return to their houses.

“We’ve been carrying out urgent repairs to our gas network since the early hours of Saturday, following the discovery of a leak at the junction of Duke Street and King Street,” he said.

“Five nearby properties were evacuated for safety. Our engineers have since identified and repaired an affected pipe. However, there are additional readings in close proximity and it’s unsafe for evacuated residents to return to their properties at this time.

“Temporary traffic lights remain in operation around our site to maintain everyone’s safety and manage traffic flow while this essential work is completed.”