Published: Wednesday, 21st November, 2007 12:30
Bookies clear council hurdle
By Caitlin Smith
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CONTROVERSIAL plans to open a bookmakers in Selkirk’s main conservation area have been given the go-ahead.
Councillors voted by a head to turn the former Post Office building on Market Place into a betting outlet.
Some local councillors argued it was inappropriate to have the Morrisons branch in the historic setting of the Market Place, which forms the background to the Selkirk Common Riding celebrations.
Speaking during the recent Eildon Area Committee meeting, Councillor Vicky Davidson said: “I think a bookies in the middle of a conservation area is completely the wrong thing to do.
“There is already a bookies round the corner, so it’s not even as if a new business is coming into town.
“How can you justify putting a betting shop alongside the likes of the A-listed Walter Scott monument, the courthouse and the Original Selkirk Bannock?” In a plea to assembled representatives to vote against the plans, she added: “The Casting of the Colours takes place directly in front of this building and I’m sure Standard Bearers don’t want their special day tarred by a bookies in the background.
“This development would actually have an adverse effect on our conservation area.” Councillor Kenneth Gunn and Councillor John Paton-Day both voted against the proposals.
Councillor Gunn said: “Work is ongoing to tidy up the area at the bottom of Fleshmarket Steps so we can increase tourist numbers in the town.
“Placing a bookies next door does not seem to be a very good way of attracting tourists to the area.” But Councillor Carolyn Riddell-Carre came forward in support as it would mean an empty building was occupied.
“Here is somebody wanting to make use of an empty building and following the alterations, I think the plans show the bookies will look as good as a bookies can be,” she said.
She was seconded by Council Leader David Parker: “This is making use of vacant building, and as long as the aesthetics are right, I don’t think we should get hung up about it being a bookies.
“At the moment, the building is by no means a credit to Selkirk and something needs to be done about this.” It was Galashiels councillor and Committee Chair, Fiona Lackenby, who used her casting vote to give plans the goahead.
Bob Kerr, Chairman of Selkirk and District Community Council told the Border Telegraph he was not surprised the application had been given approval.
He said: “The view of better having something rather than nothing has once again prevailed.
“To place a bookmakers between two listed buildings, especially Scott’s Court House, is in our opinion sheer folly.
“When agencies are trying to promote tourism in the Borders, for those travelling south through Selkirk, the first impression that they will see is that of a bookmakers shop.
“With this application being approved in its present form, the chance to put some character features back into this building has been lost.” ? Do you think councillors were right in giving plans for a bookies the go-ahead in Selkirk’s Market Square? Have your say by registering and commenting using the link below!
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