COMMUNITY leaders in Galashiels are concerned there will be no land available for industry if a £10 million development gets the go-ahead in Tweedbank.

New Land Assets wants to build a 70-bed Premier Inn Hotel, petrol station and drive-thru coffee shop near the railway station.

The developers dropped plans for a budget supermarket at the site following concerns over the impact on the high streets in Galashiels and Melrose.

But Galashiels Community Councillor Drew Tulley, said the group should “stick to its guns” and oppose the application.

He told last Wednesday’s meeting: “There is no land available for development in the area.

“If a business wants to come to the area to build a factory, for example, there will be nowhere for them to go.

“We have already seen businesses deciding to go to places like Selkirk, because there is more space to offer there.

“This Borderlands deal that was signed made a big deal of attracting jobs to the area. But we will not be able to do that if we do not have the land to offer.”

New Land Assets say the Borders Gateway development would create up to 80 jobs if approved.

Local councillor Harry Scott (Ind) added: “I know the opinion on these proposals is mixed and I can see the two sides of the argument. But I see it as a company who wants to come to the Borders and invest their money here.

“Protectionism is not a reason for objection. Nobody owes anyone a living.

“I think we need to be optimistic about things. In five years time, I can see the Borders being a completely different place and it is exciting.

“It is a similar situation with the Tapestry. I was anti-Tapestry when that was proposed, but it is coming now, I accept it, and we have to try and make a success of it.”