Published: Thursday, 19th June, 2008 12:00
Lauder health centre plans lack bite - claim
By Ally McGilvray
Comments (0)
Print Article
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a new health centre on a public park in Lauder have been branded “toothless” – after health chiefs admitted they do not include a dental surgery.
NHS Borders unveiled its blueprint for the state-of-the-art project, to replace the town’s two ageing doctor’s practices, at a public exhibition in the town’s hall last week.
It is part of a multi-million pound vision, which includes a new road layout, homes and a primary school, to develop and improve the look of Lauder – one of the oldest towns in Scotland – amid claims it has been neglected for more than 30 years.
However, with no dental provision on offer in the royal and ancient burgh, local residents have warned the plans for the new health centre will not stop the rot because they will still be forced to make round-trips of up to 30 miles to see a dentist in future.
Speaking to the Border Telegraph, one resident – who did not wish to be named – said: “These plans are toothless.
“What’s the point in building a brand new health centre if people are still forced to travel outwith the area to get vital (dental) treatment?”
And she added: “I don’t think it should be built on the public park until new sports facilities are built nearby.”
The health board revealed talks were ongoing with Scottish Borders Council over the proposed transfer of land at the children’s play area off Croft’s Road, Lauder, but insisted work on the site would not go ahead without the community’s support.
And, even then, not until new sports facilities, including a football pitch and changing rooms, had been built.
NHS Borders general manager Warwick Shaw said: “We have looked at various different potential sights around the town but none of them are suitable – they are either not available, too expensive or in the wrong place.”
Meanwhile, work is set to get underway on a new primary school next door in the summer and be completed by July 2009.
It has prompted planners to propose a new road layout to make the town centre safer for children.
The proposals include making Mid Row one way, in the direction of Market Place, where a new pedestrian crossing will be built, and creating 12 new parking spaces to curb congestion in the town, which straddles the A68 between Edinburgh and the Borders.
Up to 20 new homes, work units, and a new visitor centre are also planned for Burnmill, while improvements are planned at the town’s war memorial and cemetery – which some people who attended the exhibition claimed should be extended onto the golf course to accommodate the growing town, which has a population of more than 1200.
And, elsewhere, attempts are being made to form a traders association to add their voice to any projects in future.
Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker, a local councillor, said: “It’s going to be quite an exciting two or three years ahead in Lauder.
“There are a lot of projects on the go at the moment - probably more than any other town in the Borders - and they are all coming to fruition at the same time.”
However, the changes aren’t happening quick enough for some townsfolk.
Lauderdale Community Council chairman Graham Donald said: “Lauder is a grey dismal town but if we start doing these things it will make a difference to the way people feel about their community.
“The centre of the town just looks dirty and tired and yet it’s on a major route and the first settlement those travelling south come to in the Borders - and it’s the only one with 24-hour public toilets - and that’s why we have a huge campaign to improve the whole look of the area.”
But he added: “Lauder is a very happy town and if all these changes go ahead it will be a very content town because the discontent is through a lack of attention it has received over the last 30 years – which has left the town feeling ignored.”
amcgilvray@bordertelegraph.com
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Further Details
E.coli outbreak 'under control'