THE use of Selkirk caravan park by travellers has again sparked debate at Selkirk Community Council.

At the meeting of the community council on Monday (October 12), Scottish Borders Council member Gordon Edgar was asked why two families from the travelling community were still at the caravan park as the swimming pool is due to reopen on October 26.

Mr Edgar said the caravan park is a "designated facility" for the travelling community during the pandemic according to Scottish Government guidance.

He said: "There are two families there and they are applying for housing.

"I hope they are given the houses."

Other members of the community council and public raised further concerns that two caravans are stood on the grass pitch where their "dogs get let out" and are "running wild over the pitch".

Mr Edgar said that the two caravans which were based on the grass had been asked to move to the hard-standing pitches next to the leisure centre.

On behalf of Selkirk Youth Rugby Club, Alan Wheelans, said: "I hear what we're saying about moving them off the grass but if they let their dogs out willy nilly anyway, I can't sign that [risk assessment] off.

"The simple answer is, we can't use that pitch."

Selkirk Youth Rugby Club are due to celebrate their centenary season this year, and although they could access the pitch at Philiphaugh or at the High School, neither can provide the necessary facilities for the club.

Community council chairman Alistair Pattullo said the debate had thrown up "more questions than answers".

The next meeting of Selkirk Community Council will be held on November 9.