Border Telegraph | News | `Look at what is bred in Langlee`

Monday, 6th October, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 11th January, 2006 10:33

`Look at what is bred in Langlee`

By Border Telegraph Newsroom

A SELKIRK councillor’s slur on Langlee has sparked a furious reaction in Galashiels.

Bob Kerr compared a planned housing development on the outskirts of his own town as a new Langlee during a community council meeting this week.

And went on to blast the Galashiels estate. He told the meeting: “Just look at Langlee – look what is bred there. Selkirk does not want or need another Langlee.

“These plans are for a housing scheme standing out on its own, and won’t provide any benefits for Selkirk.”

Berand Homes is hoping to build 150 flats in a field adjacent to the A72, Selkirk-to-Peebles road.

Neighbours in the Linglie Road area of Selkirk, as well as local officials, have gained support in their opposition to the bid.

But Kerr’s comments on Monday have been met by an angry backlash.

Leader of Scottish Borders Council David Parker, who represents lower Langlee, said: “This is outrageous. Langlee is a wonderful place to live with a thriving community spirit – just ask the residents.

“There was a perception many years ago that Langlee wasn’t the best place to live, but that is in the past. There is a lot of pride in Langlee these days.

“This community councillor should be very careful with his remarks.”

Langlee was built in stages over a fifteen-year period – from the late 1950s to the early 1970s – and around 3,500 people now call it home.

As well as a successful primary school, the estate also boasts its own church, popular pub and active community centre.

Former Galashiels councillor Drew Tulley was quick to defend the estate. He told the Border Telegraph: “Many of the people living in Langlee are the third generation to grow up there. I know an awful lot of them who would never move.

“There are a lot worse places to live that Langlee.

“It is wrong to criticise a community like Langlee. Yes, it may have had its problems, but they are the same problems that you get in every community, including Selkirk.”

The row over the Selkirk development has rumbled on for almost a year with various applications being put forward.

And a special meeting is being held at Philiphaugh Community School on January 23 for local residents to see the revised plans.

Local councillor Vicky Davidson was at Monday’s meeting. She told us: “The comments were certainly out of order, and don’t do the community council any favours.

“There are a lot of people both for and against this application, and they want to express their opinions.”

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