A HAIRDRESSING salon and a veterinary practice are seeking a sporting chance in a Borders village.

In 2021 Newcastleton and District Community Council successfully applied to Scottish Borders Council on behalf of Newcastleton Polysport for temporary planning permission to partially change the use of one room in the sports pavilion.

Over the last three years a hairdresser and a veterinary practice has operated from this space.

Both businesses are established and have become valuable assets to the village.

Income generated from rent goes towards running the sports facility – fitness gym, all weather pitch, sports coaching, changing facilities and toilets.

Now the community council has submitted a new application to SBC to make the change permanent.

Additionally, permission is sought for a visiting vet to have access to one small room for one hour a week.

In a submission with the application, Libby Kennedy, chair of Newcastleton Polysport, states: “In addition to keeping spending local, they reduce need to travel, 25 miles to Hawick, north, or Carlisle, south, contributing to the circular economy, and importantly alleviate the need to take animals to be treated elsewhere.

“Local services are significant for many living locally who do not have cars and rely on local transport operating to fixed timetables; transporting animals on public transport would cause significant hardship and anxiety for many.

“As a result of increased income new improved facilities have been provided increasing memberships resulting in a stronger financial position than it could have hoped to be prior to this change.”