GALASHIELS councillors voted in at the most recent election have been asked to give their commitment to protecting a “treasured” green space.

Proposals for a road through Gala Policies on the Balmoral Avenue side were floated in 2021 as part of the council’s public consultation over its Local Development Plan.

In a section on the Hollybush area, it said it was attempting to determine the site’s longer-term use.

The idea faced stern opposition, with all four Galashiels councillors at the time – Andy Anderson, Sandy Aitchison, Euan Jardine and Harry Scott – publishing a joint message against it.

Only Euan Jardine, who is now Scottish Borders Council’s (SBC) leader, remains as an elected member for the town following last year’s local government elections.

Galashiels community councillor Jane Mele said a road would “destroy the Policies”, which she said was a “treasured space”.

“If SBC decides to put any affordable, social or posh houses there, I want some confirmation that the councillors would be on our side,” she said.

Fay Sinclair and Neil Mackinnon gave their backing to protecting the Policies.

Ms Sinclair said: “I don’t think that’s the right place for a road at all.”

Galashiels councillor Hannah Steel was not at the meeting.

Community councillor Bill White said that the site would have to be considered in the future as Galashiels expands.

“I don’t think it should be thrown out completely,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ms Mele said that Gala Policies Group – a community-run organisation that aims to “support, maintain, manage and improve” the area – recently held its first litter pick of the year and collected 25kg or rubbish.