Residents are being invited to find out more information about the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme.

The Scheme, which already has preliminary approval, will defend more than 900 properties from a one in 75-year flood event.

It is expected the project will go before Councillors later this month for a final decision. If approved, the scheme will become operative in early 2018 and the local authority can take forward the works.

Local residents and businesses who would like to find out more about the working group, as well as potentially sign up to be involved in the development of the detailed design of key scheme features, are now being invited to attend a meeting in Hawick Town Hall from 6.30pm to 8.30pm later today, 13 December.

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The Community Vision Working Group will work with the project team to look at how the local landscape can be tailored to meet the needs of the community once the flood protection scheme is completed. The Group will initially focus on Common Haugh, Little Haugh, Mansfield Road, Duke Street, Weensland and Volunteer Park/Wilton Park area.

In addition, a Traffic Management Working Group will also be set up with key community stakeholders, focusing on minimising potential impact to traffic and pedestrians during the construction period.

Cllr Gordon Edgar said: "Many of Hawick Flood Protection Scheme’s project team have experience of working with the local community through the delivery of other projects within the Scottish Borders and further afield.

"The project team know how vital it is to engage with local residents and businesses during the design and delivery phase, which is why two working groups will be set up.

"The Hawick Flood Protection Scheme has already had significant support within the town, and we would ask anyone willing to be involved in the project to come along to the first Community Vision Working Group meeting, which is open to all."

(LM)