The Scottish Government has approved funding of £1.342 million for the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme.

The scheme was included on a list of 40 new flood protection projects published by the Government earlier this summer.

It will receive £29.2 million of the overall project costs from the Government, which currently stands at £36.4m.

The confirmation of Scottish Government support comes ahead of a public exhibition on 23 and 24 August at Hawick Town Hall, where members of the public will have the opportunity give their views.

-- Advertisement --

Councillor Gordon Edgar, Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, said: "It is hugely positive news for Hawick that the Scottish Government has provided the first tranche of funding for the town's Flood Protection Scheme, and included the project on its priority list.

"The next aim is to now get the scheme built and that is why the public exhibition this month remains so important.

"As the scheme is currently in its outline design phase, it is a lot easier for us to address any concerns now than if objections are brought up at a later stage, which could result in delays to the overall project."

(MH/CD)