SIR, The headline on the Border Telegraph front page last week, did not reflect the very sensible discussion that took place at the Galashiels Community Council.

The word “ghastly”, used by Community Councillor Claire Howden, was referring to the wall colour of stonework and in no way was she referring to Galashiels as being “ghastly” as inferred by your headline.

I brought the very important matter to the Community Council for their guidance and views on the colour of the stonework because, once this wall is built, it will be in place for a very long time. There is no doubt the stonework is an attractive colour but is it in the right place? There are, of course, other sandstone buildings in Gala. Indeed the wall immediately adjacent to the new wall is soot and grime covered sandstone which, I understand, will be cleaned.

The debate reflected many views, probably reflecting the many conflicting views of Gala people themselves. Councillor Kenney was correct in saying that he was “pleased to see the concrete wall getting covered up”. This was something that the planning authority at the council insisted upon. I think I stated at the meeting that the concrete brutality of many of the small bridges up the Gala Water Valley are ugly structures that will not get covered by any stonework and indeed I have been approached about the small bridge down at Glenfield and its concrete walls.

These are emotional issues for the people of Gala and they do matter to many people who live, work and pass through Gala, which is why it was necessary to get the view of the community council. Community Councillors sit on their council because they do care about Galashiels. It is such a pity that this headline appeared the day after a very important, well attended meeting held by Councillor Bill White in his attempts to “Re-energise Gala” which I know the “Telegraph” will do all it can to support.

Such headlines do nothing to help his mission nor that of the many people involved.

The A7 entrance to Gala from Stow is not pretty. The Bristol Mill is an eyesore to which the “Energise Gala” team may find a solution. I sincerely hope so!

It will be good to get all these works completed and then we can get some stability in Gala to allow it to thrive in the future – whatever the wall colour may be!

I am, etc.

Councillor Sandy Aitchison Galashiels and District Scottish Borders Council