COMMUNITY leaders in Selkirk have landed enough funding to hook a former fish shop.

And they are seeking vies on what to do with it.

The derelict premises on Tower Street have been empty for more than a decade.

And fears were growing over the condition of the building.

But members of Selkirk Regeneration Company have now negotiated a deal to take over the former retail outlet and convert it into a community hub.

Regeneration Company treasurer David Bethune told us: "After long and difficult negotiations with the absentee former owner Selkirk Regeneration Company now owns the former derelict fish shop at 5 Tower Street.

"Our aims are to encourage and initiate regeneration and new ideas in the town and our vision is for 5 Tower Street, along with the neighbouring shop at 1 Tower Street, is to developed them into a community hub in the centre of town."

The regeneration group has secured a small development grant from the Big Lottery to prepare an initial design.

And they are also developing a five-year plan on how best to use the neighbouring buildings for the community.

Exterior work on the former fish shop is also planned.

Mr Bethune added: "Our vision comprises a pop-up shop for use by local crafters, charities and small retail enterprises, a small information/exhibition centre where tourists and locals can access resources, and a convenient meeting space, training space and ancillary facilities which can be used by community organisations.

"We want to hear the views of anyone in the Selkirk community who has ideas about potential uses of the former fish shop, so that the design team can develop the plans accordingly."

A pop-up shop is being held at the neighbouring 1 Tower Street on Thursday (February 16) to allow for views to be expressed about the former fish shop.

Plans of the derelict building will be on display.

Ian King from the Regeneration Company added: "We have a design team in place to bring 5 Tower Street into community use.

"We hope that the whole Tower Street corner will become a community hub."