MORE than £3.5 million of government cash is to be pumped into Hawick over the next 12 months in a bid to create new jobs.

But a lack of detail has angered the town's member at Holyrood.

The Scottish government agreed to fund £3.625 million on business infrastructure projects.

Scottish Borders Council, who tabled the proposals, formally announced the decision this week.

A spokesperson said: “A significant amount of work has been undertaken by officers in conjunction with the Scottish government, Scottish Enterprise and elected members to prepare the project proposals and we are delighted that the Scottish government has now released the funding for the immediate development of a number of key sites.

“The funding from the Scottish government came with a specific focus in terms of its use, which has meant that some projects suggested by the local community were not suitable.

“However, we remain committed to the wider Hawick Action Plan and to working with a range of partners, including key organisations in the town, to revitalise its economy and drive further inward investment and tourism.”

The local authority has refused to announce details of the sites which will be developed with the cash due to them being 'commercially sensitive'.

The lack of specifics within the local authority report has angered MSP John Lamont.

He said: “This extra funding was announced more than six months ago yet it has taken until the day before it had to be allocated for the SNP led council to hurriedly spend it.

"Today’s announcement can only be described as a damp squib for businesses.

“Back in September, I called for the £3.6m investment to be used wisely and for Scottish Borders Council to be bold in its plans. More feasibility studies and some ‘secret’ offices are hardly the ambitious plans Hawick needed.

“What Hawick’s High Street really needs is a co-ordinated plan like the creation of an enterprise zone to attract businesses and investment.

"Put simply, setting up an enterprise zone would send out a clear message that Hawick is open for business. Since being set up in 2012, the UK Government’s Enterprise Zones have created nearly 24,000 jobs and attracted over £2.4bn in private sector investment.”