THE future of the Borders Deaf and Hard of Hearing Network will be discussed today (Thursday) after it was forced to leave its premises in Galashiels.

The support group, founded 10 years ago, is one of several charities affected by the news that The Hive, which owns the converted mill building at Low Buckholmside, has gone into liquidation.

And tenants have been given until the end of this month to get out.

The network, which has a large stock of information material and equipment and holds regular drop in sessions, has been in the building since August, 2013.

On June 24, the tenants received a letter from joint liquidator Bill Cleghorn informing them that the directors of The Hive – formerly known as Gala Day Services – had made the decision on May 28 to place the charitable company into liquidation.

“After due consideration, the liquidators have reached a decision to close the premises as soon as possible,” wrote Mr Cleghorn.

On June 30, joint liquidator Emma Porter met tenants in Galashiels and confirmed they should leave the building by the end of July.

“We’ve already gone,” network secretary Jean Proudfoot told the Border Telegraph this week. “There seemed little point in hanging about when this decision had already been made so all our stuff is currently in storage.” She revealed that she had called an extraordinary general meeting for (Thursday).

“We’ve a lot to discuss including the need to urgently find a new home,” said Mrs Proudfoot.

“It’s all very disappointing, not least because the directors of The Hive have known since May about the liquidation but decided, for whatever reason, not to share that information with the tenants.” Also facing imminent homelessness is the Borders Independent Advocacy Service (BIAS) which employs eight advisers, deals with over 400 clients a year and has been at The Hive for the past eight years.

“It’s a nightmare prospect,” said BIAS manager Karen Palmer. “We merged our Galashiels and Kelso services to come here and we have many vulnerable and disabled clients for whom the groundfloor premises have been ideal.

“I’ve told the liquidators it will be impossible to find a new home by the end of this month and we have requested an extension.” Mr Cleghorn said: “We are currently exploring all options, but the main issue is that the value of the company [The Hive] is entirely tied up in the building.” Other tenants affected by the liquidation include the Elder Voice, which is soon to be disbanded, and the befriending service Interest Link. Two full-time members of The Hive staff along with a cleaner have been made redundant. Our requests for an explanation have gone unanswered.