TWO former Borders hairdressing salons are to be converted into a dog grooming parlour and a hot food takeaway.

Scottish Borders Council has rubber-stamped a bid from Moira Wilson, of Curror Street in Selkirk, for the conversion of an ex-hairdressers at the town’s 55 to 57 High Street into Pawfection Dog Groomers.

Meanwhile, a separate application for the change of use of another former salon at 17 Stiring Street in Galashiels, to house the Mrs Potatohead Catering Company, has also received the green light.

A submission with the Pawfection Dog Groomers application says that since lockdown there had been a significant increase in dog ownership in Selkirk and that the proposed outlet would meet that demand.

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It adds: “The salon has been vacant for over two years and there is currently several established hairdressing salons in the town, therefore returning this site to a hairdressing salon might make it difficult for the new occupant to run a viable business, due to customer loyalty.

“The introduction of a new and different business would not only prove viable to the new occupant, but would also have a positive impact for the town, due to the increased footfall.

“It is proposed that once fully established, the business will be running from 9am to 8pm Monday to Thursday, in addition to reduced operating hours at the weekend.”