SELKIRK'S recycling centre is set to close for the next three months as flood defence works continue nearby

The closure is due to come into force on Monday, February 8 to allow for a new diversion road to run through the site.

And it will remain closed for at least 16 weeks.

Councillor David Paterson, spokesman for Environmental Services, told the Border Telegraph: “Our waste team, as well as the Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme staff, are conscious of the inconvenience the temporary closure of the town’s Community Recycling Centre will cause.

“However, it has been made to ensure traffic can still access businesses and homes along Dunsdale Haugh later in the year, which we know is vital to townsfolk.

“Selkirk CRC will reopen but during the temporary closure Souters are encouraged to continue to recycle by using one of the council’s other six community recycling centres, which all offer a full range of services and are open seven days a week.”

Dunsdale Road will close to all traffic during the summer to allow for new culverts to be installed as part of the £31.4 million flood defence scheme.

And the new diversion will be used.

Previous closures on the road led to HGVs and other heavy traffic being diverted through the town centre to reach the industrial estate.

Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar added: “The Community Recycling Centre closure will impact on Selkirk residents but it is worth reiterating that the Flood Protection Scheme will provide long-term protection to almost 600 properties in Selkirk against a major flood event.”

During the recycling centre closure, the layout of the facility will be reconfigured.

And all current facilities offered at the site will remain when it re-opens in the summer.

The nearest alternative community recycling centres are at Hawick or Galashiels.