PLANS have been unveiled by garage bosses to move the current petrol station and car showroom in St Boswells.

And if the Border Motor Group's proposals are give the green light up to 20 jobs will be created by the expansion.

The Group, which owns both the Toyota Centre and Lawrie's Garage in the village, wants to develop a greenfield site just along the A68.

Initial plans to redevelop the Lawrie's site were abandoned last year due to the age of the buildings and constraints of the site.

Fresh proposals have now been brought forward which will see the creation of a new facility on farmland adjacent to the current Toyota Centre.

A spokesman for the Border Motor Group told us: "In recent years Lawrie's has grown considerably through its representation of the Volkswagen, Skoda and Seat brands and now sells in excess of 1,000 pre-owned cars per year alongside its service and repair facility which handles over 7,000 vehicle visits per annum.

"In addition to being selected as Volkswagen’s number one Approved Used Car Centre in 2016 the business has also won a number of national awards in recognition of its success.

"However, the existing facility no longer meets the exacting standards set by the company’s brand partners and therefore puts at risk the long term future of the business.

"Plans to re-develop the current site were abandoned due to the costs of upgrading the aged building and the overall impact on the sustainability of the site.

"Additionally the fuel station on the current site no longer complies with accepted standards and will eventually close if not relocated, resulting in less choice for local motorists."

Between them Lawrie's and Border Toyota currently employ 80 workers.

It is expected that a further 20 jobs will be created if the move is approved by Scottish Borders Council.

The company also believes the new site will create safer access onto the trunk road.

The spokesman added: "Plans for the new development will ensure vastly improved access and exit onto the A68 compared to existing arrangements for the Group’s facilities in the St Boswells area and in particular resolve the current issues with vehicle transporter incursion onto the trunk road during loading and unloading activity."

Border Motor Group opened its first business in St Boswells 26 years ago.

It acquired Lawrie's Garage in 1999.

If the garage move is approved by planners, the Border Motor Group intends to demolish the current Lawrie's garage and showroom to make it available for housing.

The planning application will be considered by the local authority over the coming months.