A PROPERTY in a Borders village had to be evacuated after flooding caused “distress and disruption” to people in the area.

Newcastleton, which was badly affected by flooding last year, was hit again on Tuesday night (February 23).

A Scottish Borders Council (SBC) spokesperson said one property had to be evacuated after the Liddel Water burst its banks following heavy rainfall.

The water affected 23 properties across four streets (Union Street, Hermitage Street, South Liddesdale Street and George Street), according to the council.

Rob Dickson, executive director at SBC, said: "Newcastleton was severely impacted by flooding this time last year and this latest incident has unfortunately caused more distress and disruption to people in the village.

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“We realise how difficult this will be and are working closely with local residents to offer as much support and assistance as we can.

"We have worked closely to plan and respond to the flooding issues with partners including Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, as well as the local Resilient Communities Group, and are now doing all we can to aid the recovery effort.

“We are liaising closely with local housing associations in terms of any impact to their properties.

“Council staff have been deployed to tidy up streets and footpaths in the village. This has involved JCBs and street-sweepers carrying out a range of duties including road sweeping, cleaning gullies and minor road repairs.

“Skips have been provided for residents to remove damaged electrical items and general waste from their properties.

“Can I once again thank resilient community groups from across the Borders and our partners in the emergency services for their assistance during the severe weather.”

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The council confirmed that both the B6357 and B6399 into Newcastleton had to close on Tuesday night due to flooding.

According to a council statement issued at 8.23pm last night (February 24), the B6399 between Hawick and Newcastleton remains closed at Whiteropefoot.

Meanwhile, the D39/3 Kershopefoot Road, south of Newcastleton, is closed on approach to the bridge (just off the B6357).

Hawick also saw some flooding on Tuesday night, SBC says, after the Slitrig Water burst its banks.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has a flood warning currently in place for the Borders due to the high water levels in some rivers.

However, no further disruption is expected, according to SEPA.