THE debate surrounding the location of the new Galashiels Academy campus has become “toxic”, according to a Scottish Borders Council member.

On Wednesday last week (May 5), the town's community council discussed the options on where the school should be built.

At the meeting, SBC member Euan Jardine, who represents Galashiels, said he has received abuse online about the proposed location for the school on Scott Park, adding that people are “scared to talk” about the development.

“It’s getting more and more toxic,” said Mr Jardine, of the Conservatives. “This is becoming like Brexit or the independence referendum. This is about Gala getting a new school. People are scared and worried to say their opinion. It shouldn’t be toxic – the community should be rallying together.”

Five options were put forward by the council in terms of where the new campus could be built. Option 3, to build the school on the existing site and a portion of Scott Park, is the council’s preferred choice.

All members of Galashiels Community Council backed Option 3 at the meeting.

Stuart Gordon, a civil engineer and Save Scott Park campaigner, said he was “disappointed” with the verdict of the community councillors.

An informal consultation was launched by SBC in March, closing on April 26.

At a full meeting of SBC today (May 13), councillors backed Option 3.