A TWEEDDALE councillor has accused the local authority of trying to take the controversial Great Tapestry project out of the public domain.

Gavin Logan, the Conservative councillor for Tweeddale East, believes Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker is set to go back on a promise for a public meeting to update communities about the £3.5m purpose-built facility at Tweedbank.

Councillor Parker has said he is waiting for the outcome of the 4,300-signature petition opposing the plan before arranging a date for the event.

But Councillor Logan said: “My understanding is that the council has rejected Brian McCrow’s petition because it is not in the correct format.

“There is now no reason why Councillor Parker cannot come to Peebles and give the public the opportunity to at least question him on this universally unpopular project. It does seem that there is a determination by the council to close down this highly emotive issue.” Peebles community council chairman Alasdair Stewart confirmed that a date is still to be scheduled for an event.

“David Parker organised a public meeting but he is waiting the outcome of the petition,” he said. “It will be a joint meeting between Innerleithen and Peebles.” The original plan was for a public event at the end of next month. The idea was for a roadshow and presentation followed by Councillor Parker taking questions.