THE gauntlet has been thrown down to the residents and businesses of Galashiels to create and get behind a 'winning team’ to transform the town before the first trains run next September.

And that challenge appeared to be eagerly and willingly accepted last Tuesday night when around 130 people answered the call of local councillor Bill White and attended an open meeting in the Volunteer Hall. Mr White, who said he was “flabbergasted and delighted” at the turnout, described the railway as “a fantastic opportunity” for the town, its businesses and its people.

But he cautioned: “Scottish Borders Council can only do so much – if we are to succeed in regenerating the town, making it vibrant, filling empty shops and becoming an attractive visitor destination, it will be down to you.” Those attending were asked to fill in forms, outlining skill sets, personal availability and spheres of interest. These are due to be collated by the end of next week. Mr White hopes that a focused task force cum steering group – possibly called the Energise Gala Network - which will represent the myriad of interests in the town, including the many and varied existing organisations, will soon emerge.

A key role for the group will be to liaise with the new Galashiels Town Centre Co-ordinator, a two-year post created by SBC.

The meeting heard that a preferred candidate for the £35,000-a-year job had been selected and was due to start work in mid-December.

Mr White acknowledged that much had been done to improve the potential of the town amid the disruption wrought by the inner relief road works and the railway construction.

He highlighted the achievements of the local stakeholders group which had met every two months since 2005, particularly in delivering the new streetscape features of Market Square, Cornmill Square (the Fountain) and the pedestrianised area of Channel Street outside the former Post Office.

“It’s really up to individuals and business to make use of these spaces for markets, entertainment and other community purposes,” said Mr White, adding that sponsored seating would soon grace Cornmill Square.” He also commended the £5.3million transport interchange, owned and controlled by the council, which would be completed in Stirling Street next year and boast a café and touch-screen visitor facilities as well as servicing rail and bus traffic.

“The interchange has been designed to steer passengers into the town centre via Douglas Bridge,” said Mr White.

“The trouble is that, as things stands, we would be leading people into a disaster zone.” That set the tone for an impassioned presentation from retired local businessman Mike Gray who said he had been “horrified” to count 14 'for sale’ signs in Douglas Bridge and Channel Street.

Although a member of the Netherdale The Next Generation group which had delivered the 3G Arena project, Mr Gray made it clear he was not representing any organisation.

“I’m just deeply concerned about our town centre and willing to try and help improve it,” he said.

Mr Gray highlighted the current dearth of events which could attract people and the “almost non-existent” marketing profile of the town.

He cited a recent four-page autumn feature on the Scottish Borders in a national newspaper in which Galashiels warranted not a single mention.

“We need a vision of what our community wants Gala to be and that is a seriously big question that needs debate and discussion and we need to think about what may be required to fuse and focus the enthusiasm that already exists here into a winning team. To do so, we need a plan…a plan is essential if funding is to be attracted from government agencies and other bodies.

“A plan can assess whether we should establish some form of charitable town centre trust or community interest company and it can allow us to lever in experts with legal, accounting, marketing and technical skills.

“Other Border towns are ahead of us. Other Scottish towns are ahead of use. A robust plan is essential if Gala is to be taken seriously.” And he stressed that any new network must take account of young people and technological innovation.

“We must engage and learn from the young folk who live in Galashiels and those who are here studying at college and university.

“Imagine the potential of creating a platform where innovation can play a key part in the future of our Galashiels.” What are your thoughts? Email: editorial@bordertelegraph.com