A BORDERS police commander has committed to his officers’ presence during Common Riding festivals next year.

During a meeting of Scottish Borders Council on Thursday (September 26) council leader Euan Jardine called for clarification on the issue.

He said: “A year ago I was sat at a meeting in Gala on the Common Riding festival and they put it to the police and the police said they would be removing the support for Common Riding festivals, then they back-tracked on that and said they would support.

“I would just like it confirmed that they will continue the ongoing support for our Common Riding festivals because it is key in our communities during the summer months.”

In response, the recently-appointed Local Area Commander Gregg Banks, for the Lothians and Borders, offered his commitment, saying: “The support is there. You’re going to have to take me at face value until you get used to me I guess, for those that don’t know me, but we recognise the value, the traditions that an area like the Scottish Borders holds and I recognise the value of us engaging in things that might not look like a policing matter.”