FLOOD protection bosses in Selkirk claim they will plant as many as four trees for every one felled over the coming year.

There was widespread anger in the town last year when it was revealed that around 3,000 trees were being chopped down to make way for the defence walls and embankments along the River Ettrick.

But this week Connor Price, project manager of the Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme, claimed that more than 10,000 new trees will be planted in a bid to restore the riverside area to its former glory.

Mr Price said: "We are required to put back two trees for every one we have taken down, but I think that figure is closer to four or five trees for every one in our draft plan."

The 23-month construction phase of the £31 million scheme is on track to finish next November.

And a draft landscaping plan to help restore the riverside areas will be unveiled next week at a meeting in the town.

More than 30 different areas of landscaping have been identified for shrub, tree and grass planting - stretching from Philiphaugh estate to beyond the town's Recycling Centre.

And the project team want feedback from residents before the planting begins.

Mr Price added: "We want to engage with the people of Bannerfield next week over the proposed landscaping scheme for that area.

"I am certain there will be things we've missed and a few tweaks will be required."

The community liaison meeting will take place at Philiphaugh Community Centre on Wednesday, December 2 from 6.30pm.