SCOTTISH Borders Council’s scrutiny committee could be asked to review the way the local authority consults with the public amid claims they are being ignored.

Peebles Community Council revealed it is considering the radical move after the area’s regional councillors announced they were progressing with controversial plans to build a 3G pitch in the town’s Victoria Park – despite more than 1900 residents signing a petition against the proposals.

It follows the decision by the council last month to build a new home for the Great Tapestry of Scotland in Tweedbank using public funds amid widespread opposition.

Addressing regional councillors at this month’s meeting of Peebles Community Council, community councillor Fiona Dalgleish, a member of the Save Victoria Park action group who walked out in disgust, said: “I’m gutted. I just feel that you have completely ignored the people of Peebles who you were voted to represent. Democracy doesn’t work in Peebles.”

As well as a petition, more than 200 people attended a specially convened public meeting to voice their concerns.

And now , with campaigners filling the public gallery at this month’s meeting, Peebles Community Council has unanimously agreed to add its objection to the plans.

Community councillor Anne Snoddy said: “The community council exists to represent the views of the people and the views that were represented to me were yes, they would like a 3G pitch – but not in Victoria Park.”

The Peeblesshire News revealed earlier this year that following a lengthy consultation Victoria Park had been selected as the preferred option for siting the synthetic surface in Peebles.

The announcement was confirmed by Tweeddale West Councillor Catriona Bhatia, who read a prepared joint statement on behalf of Scottish Borders Council at this month’s Community Council meeting.

Members heard several other sites, including the Gytes and Haylodge Park, had been ruled out due to either flood risk or size constraints.

Crick Carleton, chairman of the community council’s planning committee, added: “I’m against Victoria Park and think they (SBC) should revisit the High School site.”

Peebles Community Council heard that plans for a 3G pitch in Victoria Park are expected to be lodged with Scottish Borders Council on November 20 - before a business plan is submitted to the Common Good Fund which manages the land and a funding application is lodged with sportscotland.

The requirement of additional changing facilities, car parking and other infrastructure could mean the cost of the project almost doubles from £1.1 million to almost £1.7 million.

However, it is understood that changes will be made to the original plans to accommodate it, including adjusting the lay out so the parking and changing facilities are accommodated within council-owned land at Victoria Park Day Centre.

Community council chairman Robin Tatler said: “We have suggested the council doesn’t go any further than this as it’s a waste of resources. They should look at other locations or provide information on why alternative sites were rejected.”

Local residents branded the plans “ludicrous” and accused the four regional councillors in attendance - Catriona Bhatia, Keith Cockburn, Gavin Logan and Stewart Bell - of “arrogance”.

The Save Victoria Park action group revealed it is also considering taking legal action against the local authority.