THE new community-wide voluntary organisation set up to ensure that Galashiels maximises the economic, social and cultural advantages of the Borders Railway is to apply for charitable status.

“We are in the process of setting up a trust company to achieve this,” revealed Councillor Bill White, interim chairman of Energise Galashiels.

The leaders of several cluster groups, each with areas of special responsibility, are due to meet on February 9 to discuss the change and exchange updates on progress.

Before that everyone who attended the public meeting last October and indicated a willingness to become involved is due to be contacted by these leaders over the next fortnight in a bid to harness the widest community sweep of talents.

Mr White told us: “It has been good to see new shops and restaurants opening in the town while recent work to brighten up Douglas Bridge, though a small improvement, shows what can be done. Other initiatives are planned for later in the year.” The cluster groups and leaders are as follows: Energise Hub (bringing together and sharing volunteer resources) – Helen Calder (fantooshevents@hotmail.com).

Looking Good (improving how the town centre looks) – Dave Armstrong.

Events (the coordination and development of new events) – Judith Cleghorn (mail@judithcleghorn.co.uk) and John Gray (john@telfer1.plus.com).

Enterprise Forum (bringing businesses in the town together) – Raymond Kerr (rjkerr@btopenworld.com) and Craig Murray (craig@alex-dalgetty.co.uk).

iG Innovation (linking with young people and encouraging their innovative ideas) – Alex Kemp (kemp.alexander@sky.com).

All About Gala (promoting and marketing the town and what goes on here) – Sheila Armstrong (sheila.armstrong@iss-shipping.com).

EG Projects (assisting with the development of major projects in the town) – Ranald Boydell (ranald.boydell@boydellarchitecture.com).

EG Plan (developing a robust plan for the period to 2020) – Sheila Robertson (sheila@gallrobertsonca.co.uk).

The Enterprise Galashiels leadership also includes key existing organisations via Ian Purvis (ianpurvis48@btinternet.com), chair of the community council, and David Houston (dhthouston@aol.com), a member of the joint public/Scottish Borders Council group for road and town centre improvements.