THE pressing need to improve the outward appearance of shops in Galashiels has been acknowledged by Scottish Borders Council.

And although the cash-strapped council no longer operates a shopfront improvement grant scheme across the region, it is set to make a special case for the town.

A council spokesperson told the Border Telegraph this week: “As part of the Galashiels town centre regeneration project, empty properties and shopfronts have been identified as an issue.

“It is thus our intention to implement a property enhancement grant scheme focusing on priority buildings in the town centre of Galashiels.

“Once in post, the town centre co-ordinator will take this forward as a priority initiative.” That job, underwritten for two years by the council, is due to be filled in December.

Meanwhile, the creation of a voluntary task force to help transform the town before the trains start running next September has taken a step closer.

It follows a recent public meeting, hosted by local councillor Bill White, to discuss how the town can fully exploit the economic, amenity and cultural opportunites which the Borders Railway offers.

A key plank of this manifesto is the enhancement of the town centre experience for visitors alighting at the new £5million transport interchange.

Around 130 people, representing a myriad of community and business interests, attended the meeting and 57, with various skill sets, later filled in forms, indicating their willingness to get involved.

Councillor White said this week that he had considered these expressions of interest with the help of retired businessman Mike Gray, who addressed the meeting, and accountant Sheila Robertson, the pair having expressed disquiet about the desolate retail landsape of Douglas Bridge and Channel Street several months ago.

“Mike and Sheila convinced me to organise and chair the meeting and I’m so glad I did,” said Mr White this week.

“The attendance and enthusiasm were outstanding and we must not lose that impetus.” Mr White said the potential members of the task force, with the provisional working title Gala 2020, would be contacted by the end of this week and would meet for the first time on November 4.

“For it to be effective, it cannot be too unwieldy so we are talking about perhaps eight to 10 people who can each take charge of achieving specific objectives, although it is essential that some groups, including the community council and the inner relief road group, are represented,” said Mr White.

“We need to create a sounding board or hub for all the businesses, organisations and interest groups in the town and to identify goals including staging arts and music events, filling empty shops, using new technology for promotion and marketing, facilitating co-operation among businesses and, importantly, involving our young people.” Mr White said he was prepared to chair the group for at least six months until roles had been delegated and the new town centre co-ordinator was fully bedded in.