EX SOLDIERS in Selkirk are set launch an offensive on one of the town's eyesores.

Since the demolition of the iconic St Mary's Church 12 years ago the site on Ettrick Terrace has become a blot on the landscape.

Despite plans to develop the land for housing it has remained a unsightly wasteland.

But, following months of negotiations, permission and funding has been secured to turn part of the site into a memorial garden.

Selkirk Ex Soldiers Association will take the lead in the project.

Chairman David Deacon told the Border Telegraph: "We are now in the process of drawing up detailed plans to present to the owners of the site.

"There is a lot of positive things going on in Selkirk just now and we want to keep that momentum going by tidying up the area across from the War Memorial.

"The Ex Soldiers already look after the War Memorial so we can easily maintain the garden as well."

The proposals for the site will see current fencing moved back by two metres to allow for screening to be planted.

Decorative planting will also take place in newly created gardens and a commemorative bench installed.

Mr Deacon added: "The memorial bench will be dedicated to the 1004 people of Selkirk who came back from World War One.

"We will design the garden so that all materials, including the bench, can be uplifted and used somewhere else in the town when the site is to be developed.

"The plans already have support and we are thankful to local councillor Michelle Ballantyne who has helped source funding for the project."

The Ex Soldiers Association hope to begin work within the next two months.

And they hope to host an opening ceremony before the town's Common Riding in June.