STEVE Revell has been unveiled as the town centre co-ordinator of Galashiels.

After taking over the £34,000 a year role last week, Mr Revell was in the town on Monday night to meet members of the Energise Galashiels pressure group.

Both the new appointee and that voluntary organisation are committed to ensuring that Galashiels can take full economic advantage of the Borders Railway which opens in September next year after a break of 46 years.

Based at Newtown, Mr Revell’s 35-hour-a-week post is for a fixed period of two years.

According to Scottish Borders Council, which is underwriting the appointment, he has worked in local government for two decades in the field of regeneration and economic development.

He has been involved in rural communities in Northumberland and Cumbria and has direct experience of a new rail link having worked in Nottinghamshire after the opening of the famous Robin Hood line.

“I’m excited to take on this post at an important time for Galashiels,” Mr Revell told the Border Telegraph.

“Local businesspeople and residents have taken the initiative and created their own group to look at town centre improvements and I look forward to working with them, along with others, to deliver their vision.

“I will also be working with the council’s economic development team and hope that by working in partnership, the council and the community can make a real difference to Galashiels town centre.”