Esh Border Construction has started building a new cafe and bridge as part of a £3.64 million regeneration project in the Scottish Borders.

The Wilton Lodge Park Regeneration scheme, which is due to be completed in April 2018, is being funded by the council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Esh has reached an agreement with Wickstead, the developer of a new play-park, so both contractors will share access and facilities to allow the play-park works to begin early in October.

In addition, Esh is working alongside Malcolm Construction, who is delivering the Hawick 3G pitch in Volunteer Park, so as to install the new bridge as smoothly as possible.

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Completed project works so far include the upgraded waterfall walk and education area adjacent to Hawick Museum, while improvements have been carried out to footways, lighting and signage.

Preparatory works have also been completed around the fountain, which has included the removal of a number of trees and shrubs in order to restore the original setting for the feature and open up views to and from the museum.

Landscape work is to take place later this year and in early 2017, as well as the complete refurbishment of the fountain.

Cllr David Paterson said: "This is a fantastic project which will result in a major improvement to Wilton Lodge Park, making it an even better place for local people and visitors to spend time and enjoy themselves.

"I am delighted that we will finish some of the works ahead of schedule, especially the play-park, which will be a fantastic facility for children in our town and will attract visitors to Hawick as it will be one of the biggest and best in the south of Scotland."

(LM/MH)