TENANTS of one of the earliest examples of sheltered housing in Scotland have united in a bid to secure improvements to their picturesque Galashiels estate.

The Lucy Sanderson Residents Association (LSRA), registered last week with Scottish Borders Council, has been set up to represent the interests of those living in the array of 27 stone-built cottages, nestled between Tweed Terrace and the A7.

Best known for its landmark clock tower, its well-used community hall and its “village green”, the complex, which is B-listed by Historic Environment Scotland, began life in the early 1930s with the construction of eight pairs of semi-detached cottages - to house retired local millworkers - along with a matron’s quarters and a four-ward sick bay.

The development reflected the philanthropic bequest of Lucy Sanderson’s husband James, of woollen manufacturers R & A Sanderson, who died in 1925.

The legacy was enhanced in 1949 when Isa Hayward, a distinguished botanist and a member of the Sanderson dynasty, left the residue of her estate to provide additional cottage homes on the site. This was finally achieved in 1960 with the conversion of the matron’s house and sick bay into 11 residential units.

Today, the listed complex, run by a charitable trust and factored by a local firm of solicitors, is no longer confined to retired millworkers although the bulk of its tenants are elderly.

“We have three residents aged over 95 who still live alone and many other old folk who really enjoy the peace and tranquility,” said retired bus driver Jack Scott, chairman of the LSRA.

“However, some of the cottages are showing the inevitable signs of age and we’ve had several comments about damp. Concerns have also been raised about the adequacy of ground and hedge maintenance and the need for refurbishment of the hall.

“The tenants are really looking to our new association to represent them and to ensure that these and potential future problems can be addressed through discussion and consensus.

“We all want the homes here to be enjoyed for many generations to come.”

Councillor Bill White (Galashiels & District) welcomed the formation of the LSRA.

“I was approached earlier this year by some of the tenants and was very impressed with their commitment to the small community they cherish so much,” said Mr White.

“I know from experience that the Langlee Residents Association has done much to promote the interests of everyone living in Langlee and that such bodies can be eligible for grants to bring about improvements.

“I’m sure the new association will have a long and successful future.”

Mr Scott said he hoped to arrange an early meeting with the trustees/factors to discuss “issues of mutual interest”.