GALASHIELS residents have voiced their concerns after a series of fires in Church Square have left them worried for their safety.

Locals say that on “four or five” occasions in the last few weeks, rubbish and recycling bins have been set on fire, prompting people to complain to the council.

One resident said: “We have seen bins and rubbish set on fire about four or five times over the last few weeks.

“There is no fence left in the household waste area in Church Square. Not only that but buildings have been damaged, the walls are black.

“We and other people have complained to the council and the Scottish Borders Housing Association, but nothing is being done about it,” she added.

“People in the area just want to see someone take some responsibility for what is happening, but everyone is passing the buck.

“Neighbours have phoned the council and they have said they don’t deal with it, as did the SBHA, so it’s just going backwards and forwards.

“People are also using the area for fly-tipping and I’m really worried for the safety of children who are going past it. People are embarrassed by it.”

Police say they were requested to attended on Tuesday, July 19, by the fire service and said that a bin had been set on fire which was against a fence, causing damage to it and other bins.

A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council told the Border Telegraph: “We continue to work closely with Scottish Borders Housing Association – who own the flats and land at Church Square – regarding the presentation of general and recycling waste for our collection crews.

“We are aware of two incidents in recent weeks which have seen blue lidded recycling bins and bags of recycling set on fire.

“The Council’s recycling advisers have been in contact with SBHA about these incidents, and will work with them on this issue.”

The SBHA urged anyone who has any information, or sees anything untoward, to contact the police immediately.

A spokesperson said: “Residential areas of Galashiels have had vandalism through attempts to set fire to bins and we’d encourage residents to contact the police if they have any information, or witness anything untoward.

“Our housing officers have been working with Scottish Borders Council to improve security and prevent fly-tipping occurring on land which is owned by SBHA.

“Staff carried out a door to door at the Church Square area of Galashiels and are working with our tenants to solve any issues.

“We encourage our tenants to meet with us on estate walkabouts to tell us how they feel we can improve their community and also work together to prevent vandalism or fly-tipping.”