THE future of a Borders sports facility has been secured.

Live Borders has agreed to take over the management of the Teviotdale Indoor Bowling Centre in Hawick.

The centre, home to the Teviotdale Indoor Bowling Club, was previously leased by the old Roxburgh District Council to Walker Homes (Scotland) for a 35-year period in 1985. This has since expired.

Scottish Borders Council member Euan Jardine said: “I’m sure the centre will continue to grow from strength-to-strength and can help to develop future world champions like Julie Forrest, who only last month celebrated more success – winning the mixed pairs at the World Indoor Bowls Championships in Norfolk with partner Stewart Anderson.”

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The centre consists of a large bowling hall attached to the Teviotdale Leisure Centre on Mansfield Road.

The council’s executive committee has approved plans for the centre to be added to the facilities currently leased by the council to Live Borders.

This will see all maintenance duties and responsibilities passed to Live Borders.

But the bowling club will now sub-lease the hall from Live Borders, according to the council, meaning members will use the hall “as they have done for the last 35 years”.

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Live Borders chief executive Ewan Jackson said: “We are really pleased to confirm these new arrangements, which I’m sure will provide much needed security for the club and its members going forward.

“It also further demonstrates our commitment to services in Hawick.

“The centre is immediately being sub-leased to the bowling club who will continue to run this excellent facility, which I’m sure will continue to be well used once coronavirus restrictions are eased.”

Mr Jardine, the council’s executive member for wellbeing, sport and culture, said: “SBC, Live Borders and Teviotdale Indoor Bowling Club recognise the importance of the bowling centre as an important sporting and social facility not only for Hawick but for the wider Borders too.”