PLANS to turn former social work offices in Selkirk into an activity centre to combat loneliness and offer training opportunities have taken a step forward.

Organisers have already expressed an interest in buying the Chapel Street offices from Scottish Borders Council for a fixed price of £55,000.

And now Selkirk Regeneration Company, who are behind the plans, have employed a consultancy firm to carry out the required feasibility study.

Andrew Ward from Selkirk Regeneration Company told us: “We are hoping to create the Selkirk Activity Centre at 14 Chapel Street, possibly including a community shed and other learning and educational opportunities involving practical skills for everyone.

“The idea is to create a facility where people can learn a new skill, where goods can be recycled or repaired, and where people can get practical work experience.”

Over the coming weeks Creetown Initiative will consult with people in the town to see what they feel is required from the activity centre.

Selkirk Regeneration Company also hope the consultation exercise will allow them to build up evidence for the need to create the centre.

Mr Ward added: “This project is not the answer to every challenge Selkirk faces, but it can be a start and a step forward.

“The site is ideal for a small-scale skills and educational training facility and the potential is that the centre will generate income from the goods and services that could be delivered from the site.

“It is crucial that the project is self-funding.”

Funding applications for the project have already been submitted with Age Concern Scotland, Aviva Awards, the Robertson Trust and both the Co-op and Sainsbury's community awards schemes.