CONCERNS have been raised over a supermarket’s plans to open a new store in Melrose.

The Co-operative has resubmitted plans to redevelop the former petrol station at St Dunstans.

It confirmed it is also driving ahead with plans to relocate its store in Earlston to the former filling station site on the A68.

But community councillors in Melrose have raised some concerns over access to the new store there.

Community councillor Graham Barker said: “All my concerns were road traffic, with the sightlines from St Dunstan’s to High Street.

“I’m not in favour of cars driving over the pavement or reversing back onto the road.It’s a busy bit of road round there, especially at school time.” And he added: “The original plan says some of the planting is going to be retained which I think is ridiculous. It should be at a lower level to improve sightlines.” While generally supporting the planning application, Melrose and District Community Council also raised concerns over the loss of on street parking and questions were raised over the future of the Co-op’s current High Street store.

Provost Willliam Windram said: “It already looks better without the pumps.” A spokesperson for the Co-operative Food said: “We have been in constant dialogue with the planners regarding our proposed new store in Melrose and we are delighted that the car parking has now been resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.

“When our proposed new store in Earlston opens in the autumn our existing store will close and all the staff will transfer to the new premises.

“As the new store will be bigger and will incorporate a petrol filling station we envisage that we will also create between five and ten new jobs.”