COPS are to step up patrols around a former Galashiels hotel.

It comes after reports of youths climbing on the roof of the derelict Abbotsford Arms.
The hotel closed its doors in 2015.

And local policeman James Harrison said the building was “an accident waiting to happen”.

Speaking at last week’s meeting of Galashiels Community Council, he said: “There has been recent reports of youths climbing on the roof of the former hotel.

“We are going to put some pressure on the owners to try and get the situation resolved and I will also be speaking to the antisocial behaviour unit.

“At the moment it is an eyesore and it is an accident waiting to happen.”