RESIDENTS in Newcastleton now have access to a local fuelling station after an eight-year absence.

The Newcastleton Community Fuel Project was officially opened just in time for the busy Easter getaway last Thursday (March 29) by three local schoolchildren, with 70 pupils from the local primary school lending their support.

The community and project supporters were also out in force to mark this exciting milestone.

As the first privately owned petrol station to open in the Scottish Borders for more than 25 years, the opening is a hugely significant event for Newcastleton, which will benefit the whole community.

With more than 90 per cent of households in the village and surrounding area owning a car, the majority of local people and businesses are totally reliant on a car as a means of transport and to access vital local services.

In addition to bringing back fuel to the village, the Community Fuel Project will create jobs, stop thousands of unnecessary car journeys and for every litre of fuel that is sold in Newcastleton, the community will receive one penny back, money which can be invested back into local initiatives.

After locals were asked if price would influence how much fuel local people might buy at the village pumps, one third said that price would be a factor but over two thirds said that price would make no difference citing no need to travel, convenience and saving time and money as the real benefit.

There is currently a choice of unleaded, diesel, but from May, electric charging points as well as air and water services will be added.

Chair of the Newcastleton and District Community Trust, Steve Hartley said: “We might only be a small place, but what we lack in size, we more than make up for with vision, energy and a strong community that works together to achieve great things.

“For locals and visitors alike, we hope that everyone considers re-fuelling their vehicle here. Not only is it a great opportunity to re-discover our vibrant little village, you are also supporting our local community in a way which benefits every single person who lives in this special corner of the Scottish Borders.

“The Community Fuel Project has always been about more than just fuel, it is about investing in our future and our young people. To have the fuel site officially opened by our children, with the whole school in support is just fuel-tastic. Their words not mine.”

The Big Lottery Fund awarded £320,000 from its community assets fund towards the £450,000 project.