A pathway is to be restored in Hawick after two housing associations agreed to fund the work.

Originally, Councillors on the Teviot and Liddesdale Area Forum approved funding of £1,596 for the works, but Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBFA) and Waverly Housing have now agreed to fund the project.

The work will see a footway at Waverley Walk upgraded and will be undertaken under the Scottish Borders Council's Unpaid Work scheme, which is managed by Criminal Justice.

Councillor David Paterson, Executive Member for Environmental Services, explained: "The Neighbourhood Small Schemes budget for Teviot and Liddesdale is relatively small and is used for projects which would not otherwise take place due to other priorities.

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"This generous contribution from both housing associations will allow money to be put back in the Small Schemes budget and used to help fund another local project for the benefit of the Teviot and Liddesdale area."

Julia Mulloy, Chief Executive of SBFA, added: "This project complements the work Waverley Housing and ourselves are doing to regenerate the Stonefield area of Hawick and it is clearly of benefit to the people living in our current and future homes there.

"Hopefully, by sharing the cost, the money for this path that would have come from Small Schemes budget can benefit other communities in the area."

Margaret Ross, Waverley Chief Executive, commented: "This is another example of how working in partnership can benefit our local communities, and I'm sure it will be greatly appreciated by all who use the path in the future."

(JP/MH)