Scottish Borders Council has teamed up with Waverley Housing to create a joint 'masterplan' for regenerating Upper Langlee in Galashiels.

Along with input from Scottish Borders Housing Association and Eildon Housing, the initiative will focus on Beech Avenue, Hawthorn Road, Larch Grove and Laurel Grove to guide preparation of a comprehensive and fully costed feasibility study on regenerating the area, including creating new housing.

Ark Consultancy has been appointed to lead on the work, which is due to start this month. Final reports will be considered by the local authority an Board of Waverley Housing in mid-2018, with the view to creating an action plan going forward.

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Consultation exercises will be held with local residents, community groups and other stakeholders, seeking their views on future options for the area.

Cllr Mark Rowley saidL "Upper Langlee is an important residential area and it is important that we consider what needs to be done to improve the area, as part of the wider regeneration of Galashiels.

"This masterplanning project is an opportunity for the Council and Waverley Housing to work closely together with local residents and community groups such as Langlee Residents' Association to ensure that a shared vision for the area is developed, agreed and taken forward by all parties."

Margaret Ross, Chief Executive of Waverley Housing, said: "We have been working closely with the Council to progress this project and are very pleased to see that the first steps towards presenting possible options for the future of the area have commenced. There is now a real sense of purpose with all parties pulling together to work up proposals to achieve a better future for the area."

(LM/MH)