Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has confirmed that work on the Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme is already making significant progress. Work on the £31.4m project commenced in June.

Investigation and trial hole work has been undertaken at the Bridge Street (Bannerfield) Footbridge in the area and the local authority has said this phase is ahead of schedule. The work has included clearing vegetation, as well as determining the exact location of the underground services that converge on either bank and cross the river on the existing footbridge. The services include gas pipes, sewerage pipes, water mains and power cables. As work is now ahead of schedule, it has been announced that the bridge crossing will no longer be closed permanently. It is proposed that the crossing will re-open on most days, but will close if any works adjacent to the structure would compromise the safety of the public or the workers.

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Welcoming the progress being made, Conor Price, Project Manager, said: "The river crossing is the first major works activity of the Scheme but has been dependent on low river levels. Thankfully the current dry summer has ensured that this activity is now on the verge of being completed ahead of programme and under budget."

Councillor Gordon Edgar, Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, commented: "While it is inevitable that there will be disruption for residents and businesses with a £31.4m infrastructure project, there should be spin-off benefits, such as trade from workers on the scheme. The Council will continue to work with the local community as the Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme progresses."

Upon completion, the Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme will remove 595 properties, located in the Bannerfield, Philiphaugh and Riverside areas of the town, from the national flood risk register. The works aim to provide protection from the effects of flooding from the Ettrick and Yarrow waters, as well as Long Philip Burn and Shaw Burn.

(JP/IT)