CLIMATE activists in the Borders want tighter regulations over the removal of trees for developments.

As we reported earlier this month, the Scottish Borders branch of Extinction Rebellion hit out at the felling of trees at the Borders Gateway development site in Tweedbank.

They also planted 75 saplings on a belt of land between the site and the A6091.

Extinction Rebellion believe tighter restrictions should be implemented by Scottish Borders Council as well as other local authorities ahead of future planning decisions.

Francine Hardwick from Borders Extinction Rebellion told us: “Scottish Borders Council has a long running campaign urging the public to play #yourpart in delivering council services and developing vibrant communities. Clearly, SBC is not playing its part in this climate emergency. No wonder it refuses to declare one here in the Scottish Borders if carte blanche is to be handed out to new building on wooded sites.”

Borders Gateway developers New Land Assets declined to comment on Extinction Rebellion’s calls.

Scottish Borders Council believes it is taking climate change seriously.

A spokesman said: “The council agreed at the end of August that a first action for the Sustainable Development Committee will be to review the recent decisions and actions of the UK and Scottish Governments and local authorities around tackling climate change, with a view to making recommendations as to how Scottish Borders Council can play its part. The first meeting of the Sustainable Development Committee takes place on Friday, January 31.”