PLANS have been lodged for Scottish Borders Council to take over a closed pub in Selkirk.

The local authority want to turn the former Cross Keys into a town-centre hub.

The council is in the process of purchasing the property in an effort to enhance the neighbouring Sir Walter Scott’s Court House.

In the short term the building will also help promote the town’s current regeneration initiatives.

Lawrence Robertson, director of Selkirk Regeneration Company, said: “We can do great things when we work together.

“This shows how Selkirk people and organisations working with our Council can turn a dreary problem into a bright asset for the town.” The new hub, which will be run by the Selkirk Regeneration Company with assistance from Selkirk CARS, will provide the opportunity for window displays on the various initiatives to keep the public informed with the progress of the projects.

The facility will also provide a central location for community talks, exhibitions and presentations related to the developments.

Colin Gilmour, SBC’s Selkirk CARS Project Officer, said: “Having a town centre location from which to promote Selkirk CARS and the other regeneration activities is ideal in terms of engaging with the public and encouraging them to understand what is being undertaken and how they can get involved.”