A LOCAL opticians has began work on a £200,000 expansion in Galashiels.

Work on the major refit at Specsavers Galashiels started this week to provide new facilities, more space and additional services to customers, as well as creating a number of new jobs.

The store expansion will see an extra test room added – fully kitted out with the latest clinical equipment for eye examination, new call centre capability and a fresh new look.

Stuart Forrester, store director of Specsavers Galashiels, said: "We’re a big part of the community here in Galashiels and it’s so important that our store reflects the fantastic service we offer customers across both optical and audiology.

"The team is committed to providing our customers with the best possible service and we hope that the investment in our new store will improve their experience and encourage more people to visit us regularly."

As well as making up to 90 more appointments available per week, the revamp will see customers being offered an extended range of Specsavers’ own and designer frames to choose from.

The store will also continue to offer Digital Precision Eyecare, a cutting-edge way of selecting and fitting customers’ glasses, using imaging software on tablet devices.

Disruption to customers will be kept to a minimum during the refurbishment.

The store will close at 5pm on Saturday, February 16and will re-open at 10am on Monday, February 18.

The grand unveiling of the completed new store is scheduled for March 2.