A BID to convert an office building in the Borders into a church-backed community centre aimed at tackling poverty and promoting positive mental health has been withdrawn.

Scottish Borders Council had received a planning application from Hope Church Borders to change the use of the Newtown St Boswells building at Plainfeld into a public meeting room and “gathering hall”.

The building is owned by David and Meriel Anderson and it is their wish that the building is developed for the benefit of the local community.

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The aim was to host a toddlers group, Sunday church gatherings, a youth group, a drop-in community befriending space and debt advice services.

In the original application submission, Philip Anderson, of Hope Church Borders, says: “These services to the local community will support the council’s aims to promote positive mental health, tackle poverty, create safe areas for young people within local communities and provide leisure facilities that are accessible and affordable.”

No-one from Hope Church was available for comment.