TWEEDDALE West candidates standing in May’s local elections were grilled by constituents at a hustings event this week.

Hosted by Peebles Community Council in the Burgh Hall on Wednesday, six of the eight candidates standing answered the questions and discussed what they would do for the local community if elected. 

Heather Anderson (SNP); John Anderson (Conservative);  Kris Chapman (Lib Dem); Tommy Davidson (Independent); Catriona Hamilton (Scottish Greens); and Michael Needham (Independent) provided prepared answers on three questions. Two candidates, Julia Reid (Labour) and Eric Small (Conservative), did not attend.

The three questions put to candidates were:

  • If a matter arises where you are being asked to vote your ‘party’ line but it would adversely affect your constituents what would you do?
  • What are your views about the future of March Street Mill?
  • Post-Brexit, how would you support local businesses which depend on working within the EU? ​

Other questions from the floor included topics on; SBC budgeting, supporting local businesses, the police, sustainable transport and windfarms.

The meeting was chaired by Rev Calum Macdougall, and the sound system was provided by John Swanson.

Hustings for the Tweeddale East ward will take place in the Burgh Hall on Thursday, April 20, between 7 to 9pm.