Initial work has begun on the new Kingsland Primary School in Peebles.

The first phase will involve the construction of a new combined footpath and cyclepath linking Kirkland Street and Wemyss Place to Haylodge car park. This is expected to take eight weeks to complete and is being undertaken by J R Gladstone & Sons, Bonnyrigg.

Other work to follow will include improvements to Haylodge Car Park, upgrading of the existing access road into the school site and the installation of a number of road safety measures on the A72.


These works will put in place the essential infrastructure ahead of the school's planned opening in November 2009.

Councillor Catriona Bhatia, Executive member for Education, said: "I'm delighted to see the works beginning as part of the new school development. The school will provide state-of-the-art facilities for our children, enhancing education through a new, modern, purpose-built school.

"The initial works will ensure improved safety for local children travelling to and from the site and will also offer wider community benefit for people wishing to get to and from Haylodge Park form the north side of the town."

(GK/JM)