Border Telegraph | News | Rural housing debate moves into Borders

Tuesday, 6th January, 2009

Published: Thursday, 28th August, 2008 12:30

Rural housing debate moves into Borders

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RURAL housing will be the focus when the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee holds its first-ever meeting in Melrose, at the Corn Exchange on Tuesday, 2 September.

Committee members will be in the town on an evidence-gathering visit as part of an ongoing inquiry into rural housing in Scotland. The day will be split into two separate information-gathering sessions.

In the morning Committee members will hold a formal meeting in the form of a ‘round table’ discussion with a panel of local stakeholders. This will be followed in the afternoon by an informal meeting with Borders community representatives to discuss the housing situation in their area.

Committee Convener Roseanna Cunningham MSP said: “The high cost of housing and the lack of affordable housing for local families is a crucial issue which can affect the balance and sustainability of communities in many parts of rural Scotland, including the Borders.

“While the issue is complex, the Committee inquiry aims to produce positive, practical suggestions that will benefit places such as Melrose.

“The Committee visit provides members with an opportunity to meet and hear from people dealing directly with rural housing issues in the Scottish Borders. Through our round table discussion we hope to gain a clear understanding of how well key stakeholders work together to deliver quality affordable housing in the Borders."

The Committee meeting with local stakeholders will begin at 10am in the Corn Exchange and conclude at about 1pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting. To book tickets please call the Scottish Parliament’s Visitor Services on 0131 348 5200.

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