AN open meeting is to be held in Galashiels this Tuesday in order to prepare the town centre for the re-introduction of the railway next year.

Businesses and campaign groups, as well as members of the public, are urged to attend so that a co-ordinated approach can be made to tackling improvements.

Councillor Bill White, who represents Galashiels on Scottish Borders Council, is hosting the meeting and is looking to set up a task force to develop a plan for the town.

The newly-formed Energise Galashiels group will be represented and they are also urging as many organisations to attend so they can be part of this pro-active process.

Tuesday's meeting in the Volunteer Hall starts at 6.30pm.

Meanwhile, Scottish Borders Council has confirmed it hopes to have a new Town Centre Co-ordinator in post in Galashiels before the end of the year.

A spokesperson foe local authority said: “The Council can confirm that the level of interest in the Galashiels Town Centre Co-ordinator post has been very positive.

“Interviews have taken place and a preferred candidate has now been identified. The Council will now progress the recruitment process and hope to have the preferred candidate in post by mid-December.”