A ROW has erupted over what to call the region’s new rail line, community councillors heard this week.

It has emerged there is still some dispute over whether it should be named the Borders Railway or the Waverley Line - after the original line which was closed in 1969.

It follows a debate over whether to call the terminus Tweedbank or Tweedbank Abbotsford.

Speaking at this month’s meeting of Galashiels Community Council, Councillor John Mitchell, who represents the area on Scottish Borders Council, said: “It will be the Waverley Line when it goes to Hawick and Carlisle.” However, community council chairman, Ian Purvis, pointed out the new line to Tweedbank, which takes its name after the Waverley Novels by Sir Walter Scott and is due to be completed in around 12 months time, should make the most of its connections to his former home at nearby Abbotsford House, now a world class visitor attraction.

Meanwhile, rail contractor BAM has agreed to fund a “party” for residents in Langlee when the first track is laid in the area at the turn of the year.

Community councillor Judith Cleghorn welcomed the announcement this week. She said: “Langlee has really suffered quite a lot with the closure of the Black Path and Winston Road.” Vegetation management works for the Borders Railway are now underway along the route.

Prior to the works starting, Network Rail carried out an ecological survey to ensure that any protected species or nesting birds were identified to help minimise disruption to the local habitat.

The works will see the removal of some trees and bushes, followed by the installation of line-side fencing, to enable a safe corridor for the trains to run through once operational in September 2015. The line-side fencing is designed to prevent trespassers onto the tracks.

Hugh Wark, project director, Network Rail, told the Border Telegraph: “The vegetation works are essential to enable the new railway line to operate safely.” Line-side vegetation can often obscure signals, get blown onto the tracks, or be dangerous to our track maintenance teams. The removal of flora therefore helps to minimise these risks.

“We are committed to protecting the local habitat and, where possible, logs and branches will either be left to create a safe habitat for wildlife or chipped and spread evenly at the side of the track. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to nearby residents while these essential works are underway.”