A branch of Wetherspoon’s will open its doors in Peebles on July 22, it has been announced.

The popular cut-price pub, which is to be located on the site of the historic Cross Keys Hotel in Northgate, is expected to create up to 40 jobs.

And Tweeddale East councillor Stuart Bell, who is Executive Member for Economic Development, has welcomed the news.

He said: “This is a welcome development in a lovely street where the site has long been an eye sore.

“The opening of Whetherspoon’s with its courtyard will eliminate the eye sore and will provide another welcome opportunity in terms of achieving a full occupation of the High Street.

“It is great that the pub is opening in summer as that is when the tourists come.” The now defunct Cross Keys, a 350-year-old coaching inn, has long attracted criticism from locals for spoiling the look of the town and putting off visitors.

Wetherspoon’s chief executive, John Hutson, hopes that not only will the new venture solve the problem, but that it will also encourage other investors to consider Peebles.

He said: “We are looking forward to opening our new pub in Peebles.

“We are confident that it will prove popular with people of all ages and be a great asset to the town. We also believe that the pub opening will act as a catalyst for further investment in the town.”