Council 'terminate lease' at Boleside
Ally McGilvray • Published 14 Feb 2012 08:21
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FEARS have been voiced that fences could be built at one of the best known beauty spots in the Borders to keep visitors out.
And now, community councillors heard, a protest walk could be organised at Boleside to campaign against the move.
It follows the revelation that Scottish Borders Council will end its lease of the popular picnic area on the banks of the River Tweed in Galashiels at the end of March after owners Laggan Estates apparently insisted on a series of "impractical and unaffordable" new conditions.
Local residents spoke out against the decision at Galashiels and Langlee Community Council meeting on Wednesday night.
Former Scottish Borders Council Leader Drew Tulley said: "The residents down there are very, very angry. It's been a public amenity for just over 100 years and we need something done, we need someone fighting for us."
Community councillors, who bemoaned the lack of public consultation, offered to act as mediators between Scottish Borders Council and Laggan Estates in the hope of finding a resolution this week after local Councillor Sandy Aitchison claimed there had not been any "meaningful negotiations".
Kenneth Windram, vice-chairman of the community council, said: "Why was there no consultation with Gala Councillors or the community council on this issue? They (the council) never seen to want to consult with us on anything. There is never consultation, it is all done in a wee huddle. What's going on down there? It's riduculous."
And Bill White, chairman of the community council, agreed. He added: "I'm disappointed they (the council) didn't communicate something like this to the community a long time ago."
The meeting heard that landlord wished the council to discourage swimming in the river - one of the best salmon rivers in the world and a hot spot for visitors during the summer - to protect the local fishing trade which generates millions of pounds for the local economy.
But the local authority pointed out it could not deny the public access to the ground under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which gives the public rights of access to the ground for horse riding, cycling and walking.
A spokesman for Scottish Borders Council told the Border Telegraph: "The Council has terminated the let and is reinstating the property as it is required to do under the terms of the lease.
"This includes removal of the park furniture, the two WC's and the two parking spaces."
But he added: "The landlord though has confirmed that it has no objection to the Braw Lads ride out."
No-one from Laggan Estates was willing to be quoted on record.
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 14 Feb 12
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