NEW year-round parking charges could be introduced in Melrose amid fears a lack of spaces is forcing potential visitors to bypass the popular tourist destination.

Scottish Borders Council already charges motorists for parking at the Abbey car park between April and October each year.

But, when it is free over the winter months, community councillors heard local residents and shopkeepers are blocking the town centre bays by parking in them all day.

The announcement follows concerns that some tourists are already bypassing Melrose to visit nearby Abbotsford House - a world-class visitor attraction which boasts free parking.

Melrose and District Community Council gave Scottish Borders Council its support to consult local businesses on the proposals. And, if successful, they could be driven forward in October 2015, just weeks after the first passenger trains in more than 40 years are due to return to the region with the opening of the new rail line between Edinburgh and the Borders.

Melrose Provost William Windram said: “Anything which can be done which could encourage visitors to stay should be welcomed.

“Parking is becoming an increasing problem now that the public know the traffic wardens are gone.

“The concern is when it (Abbey Road car park) is free, it is filled up with people who park there all day so when visitors come in they can’t get parked.” Local authority leader David Parker, who represents Melrose and Leaderdale on Scottish Borders Council, revealed he will return to the community council with the results of the consultation before a decision is made.

However, he explained it was too late to introduce it this year.

Councillor Parker said: “It’s not something we would be able to bring in until next October.” But he added: “We can undo it so we could put it in place for next winter and if it has an adverse effect it could be taken away.”