IAN PURVIS has resigned as chairman of Galashiels community council.

Mr Purvis served on the council for thirteen years in total, originally as a councillor before taking on the role of chairman in 2012.

Vice Chair Rick Kenney said other councillors were surprised at the decision. Speaking to the Border Telegraph, he said: “We had a recent meeting and there was no inkling at that stage that he intended to quit. So this has come out of the blue.

“Whether he has other projects that require his attention or even if he has just decided to spend more time with his family, we wish him all the best.

“He was a big help with The Railway Partnership, he has been a regular attender of the Eildon Area Forum, the Galashiels Common Good Committee meetings, Budget meetings, and many more besides.

“As Vice Chair, I would like to go on record to thank Ian Purvis on behalf of the community council and I'm sure people across Galashiels would like to thank him for all his hard work and dedicatioon to improving the town.”

Mr Kenney has said he does not wish to be considered for the position at this stage, owing to other commitments. As well as being Vice Chair of the Community Council and Vice President for Judo Scotland, in the last 18 months he has also been elected current chairman of the Commonwealth Judo Association, which covers all of the 72 countries who participate in the sport.

“The timing isn't right for me,” he confirmed.

“ I didn't want to potentially step up being the chair and not giving that job the commitment and time that it deserves. In another year or so down the line, if the opportunity comes around again -and my personal situation gives me the time to do the job properly- then I would certainly look at it.”

Mr Kenney has agreed to take the role on on a temporary basis. An election to appoint a new chair will be held at tonight's Galshiels Community Council meeting in the Town Hall. “That will probably be until the end of the financial year, and we'll then have to decide on the longer term,” he said.

A shortage of community councillors at present is also a concern for the group, and Mr Kenney said a big focus for the council will be to attract new members. “We have some really committed volunteers, but we need to try to get the numbers up now so we can do even more as we are pretty stretched at the moment.

“The council help with the Events Group, we had a very successful walking festival in September, we're involved with Gala in Bloom, we help and provide funding for the Galaways Water group, and individual members of the council are involved with the Sports Council the Rotary Club and other local organisations.

“We would welcome members of the public to come along to any of our meetings and get a feel for what we are trying to do.”