TRINITY Church in Galashiels is on the move as specialist contractors move in to remove asbestos from under the floor of the sanctuary and the hall corridor.

The minister, the Rev. Elspeth Harley, and the congregation will meet in the Focus Centre as from next Sunday, September 14, at the usual; time of 11.15 a.m.

And one joint service is to be held in the Old Parish and St Paul’s Church, now also linked with St John’s, on September 28 at 11.30 a.m.

The service will be conducted by the Locum minister, the Rev Jim Wallace, and the Rev Harley.

The Rev Harley, who took over the charges of Caddonfoot linked with Trinity, at the end of January, said: “We have brought in specialists, after an expert survey, in order to get all the necessary work carried out and totally reinstate the building. We are moving out of the church until that work is completed.” She added: “I am looking forward to moving to, and worshipping in, the Focus Centre and am very grateful to them for allowing us to use the premises. The facilities appear to be excellent and there is also parking available.

“It will be a different atmosphere and we hope that it will be just as meaningful and enjoyable.” The Rev Harley said that her first eight months in the Borders had flown past. “People are very friendly and I enjoyed living and being the minister here.” Bookings for the halls, which are currently closed, will be resumed in January.

The weekly church Public Notices in the Border Telegraph will also contain information on the changes.