A NATIONAL charity is hoping to demolish a Galashiels eyesore and replace it with care apartments.

Carr Gomm currently provides supported accommodation for 16 clients in the Galashiels area.

And now the charity has now applied for permission to demolish a building on Island Street and replace it with six one-bedroom purpose-built flats.

Carr Gomm service manager Rhona McGilp stated: "The service is commissioned by NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Council to provide support to five individuals in the core setting as well as a further flat for the staff base, which also accommodates the sleepover provision for the service.

"As the service also provides an additional cluster service, where we support 11 individuals in the local community that require to be located within a 10 minute walking distance of the core, the location has to be within central Galashiels."

The charity hopes to demolish the empty building at 33-35 Island Street.

In its place they want to create five support flats with a further apartment for the on-duty carer.

A spokesman for Carr Gomm added: "There will be a mix of ground and upper floor accommodation designed around the needs of the clients allowing all abilities to access services.

"This is a carefully considered and purposeful solution designed to meet the clients' needs thus enabling long term support for rehabilitation and supported living in the community.

"The properties will centre around a communal social garden and courtyard encouraging outdoor pursuits and healthy living."

Carr Gomm have been providing supported living services across Scotland for over a decade.

The planning application for Island Street will be considered over the coming months by Scottish Borders Council.