ALTERNATIVE plans have been put in place for this year’s Melrose Festival after Scottish Borders Council introduced a ban on horseboxes.

Last year, the Border Telegraph revealed that vehicles would be prevented from entering The Triangle - the strip of grassland next to the Greenyards - which is the traditional starting place for the Melrosians’ rideout.

Melrose and District Community Council heard the local authority made the decision after spending £80,000 on repairs to drainage, although the fairground, which visits the town during festival week, will still be allowed to set up in the Triangle - on the understanding that they will be billed for any damage.

It had been feared that the only rideout of the Melrose Festival - a week long series of events to celebrate the town’s history - may be forced to find a new parking place outwith the town.

But, following talks with the local authority, a compromise has been reached.

Scottish Borders Council Leader David Parker said: “We have identified that part of the primary school playground, along with some other parking areas on the approach to the primary school will be the alternative location for the horse boxes.

“We are going to trial that this year and see how it works, and plans are in place to do that. SBC will be responsible for sweeping and cleaning the areas after the ride out and we have agreed this with the Festival and the primary school.

“The advantage of this location is that it is still close to the Triangle and it provides good quality hard standing for the vehicles.

“We will see how it works this year, and then determine whether we can continue with this arrangement or look at something different, but SBC is confident that it will work well and we will certainly help the Festival committee with the arrangements.” This year’s Melrose Festival will be led by Melrosian Donald Crawford. And, at 7.30pm in the Corn Exchange on Friday, May 1, the announcement of this year’s Queen and Court will be made. All very welcome.