MEMBERS of Earlston community council were told this week that the town's High Street will experience very little disruption when competitors in the Jim Clark Rally pass through in May.

At the meeting of the community council on Wednesday, Frances Renton, PR manager for the rally told the group that only a 'blue route' will run through the town centre, with a 'red route' stage based at Scott's View.

She said: "As regards to Earlston, there will be a stage at Scott's View.

"There's a slight change to the start of the stage route, as it will now start at the hairpin at Redpath.

"There were issues with the two LPG tanks on the original start but the new start eliminates any issues."

The stage beginning at Redpath will be a red route, meaning the chosen roads will be closed between the start and Maidenhall. Whereas the blue route being taken through Earlston means drivers will still have to adhere to the set rules of the road, including the speed limit.

Frances confirmed that any drivers found speeding would be subject to any charges or fines given by the police and the rally.

Organisers of the rally also reassured members of the council with the promise of an official presence along the link road to monitor drivers in case they don't adhere to the set conditions.

Although there won't be any spectator spaces available in Earlston, there are plans to organise space for spectators at the Scott's View stage.

Concerns regarding the reopening of roads and communication with locals in Redpath were also raised.

Frances added: "The red route will reopen at 5.07pm on rally day.

"Homes in Redpath have already had letters dropped to them as well as our team knocking on doors to talk with them.

"Road sections being used will be given maps and all the information for the rally, but we have to wait until after the consultation."

The Jim Clark Rally 2020 consultation will be open until Sunday, March 8 and gives local communities the opportunity to share their views, positive or negative, about the proposed routes and what impacts, if any, the event will have on the area.

To complete the consultation survey, visit https://scotborders.citizenspace.com/assets-and-infrastructure/jim-clark-rally-2020/ all documents detailing routes and the current timetable for events can also be found at www.scotborders.gov.uk/jimclarkrally