SELKIRK Recycling Centre is set to reopen on Monday, July 25.

The Riverside facility has been closed since February, to allow for a diversion route, so the Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme could be extended through the former site.

Level Crossing Road has been extended through the former plot so homes and businesses can still be accessed while a section of Dunsdale Haugh road is closed to install a new culvert.

Councillor David Paterson, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Environmental Services, said: “I am delighted Selkirk Recycling Centre has re-opened after a lengthy closure period.

“We realise the closure has caused an inconvenience to people of Selkirk but it was vital to ensure homes and businesses in the Riverside area of the town were not adversely impacted.

“Recycling centres play an important role in supporting the Council’s kerbside waste and recycling collection services. For example, Selkirk Recycling Centre helped to divert 832 tonnes of waste from landfill in 2015. This ensured the Council saved over £65,000 in landfill tax," he added.

Coun Paterson also urged residents to use the site and said help would be offered to those who need it.

“I would encourage local people to come along and use the facility, even if you have not previously.

 “The Council has staff who will be happy to assist you. In addition, an information leaflet is available at the site and on SBC’s website to give you further advice.”

Selkirk Recycling Centre is open from 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 11am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme will provide long-term protection to almost 600 properties in Selkirk against major flood events. The main construction work on the £31.4million project is still in line to be completed by December this year.

More information on Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme is available at www.selkirkfloodscheme.com.