IT was only reopened at the end of last year after being given a major makeover at taxpayers’ expense.

But community councillors heard local residents were left “shocked” this week when a power company began digging up the Square in Kelso.

Kelso Community Council heard several test pits were dug as workers tried to find a fault which plunged the town centre into darkness.

Provost John Bassett, who Chaired the meeting, said: “They just dug the holes and left them. Scottish Borders Council is as shocked as we are because they didn’t find out about it until 20 minutes before they dug the hole.

“It is a fault and council officers know about it, they are quite upset about it but they are going to make sure it is put back.” A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council said: “We have asked Scottish Power to ensure the excavations are reinstated to a high standard, using the same materials and grout used in the original streetworks.”