West Linton shop defence

Published 25 Jun 2010 11:54 0 Comments

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TWEEDDALE councillors have defended their village after it topped a recent survey of empty shops.

West Linton was named in a list of Borders towns and villages with high levels of empty outlets.

And it sat at the top of the council survey along with Hawick and Galashiels.

But local member Neil Calvert hit out at the inclusion of the Peeblesshire village where he lives.

Councillor Calvert said: "I did my own survey and found all 11 shops, the bank, restaurant, the hotel and garage were occupied.

"I'm not sure when this survey was carried out but I feel it is out of date."

Members of the council's economic development team surveyed every high street in the Borders as plans are drawn up to enhance all town and village centres.

They found of the 1456 retail units available in the region, 144 were empty.

But Councillor Willie Archibald hit out at West Linton's inclusion in the list.

He stated: "For the 30 years I have lived there West Linton has enjoyed 100 per cent occupancy. There is a queue to get into West Linton's outlets.

"I believe this survey was carried out when one shop was briefly between owners."

Yesterday's meeting agreed to plough ahead with plans to market all towns and large villages in the area on an individual basis.

As well as enticing local groups to decorate empty shop windows planning bosses also want better signage.

Councillor Vicky Davidson, executive member for business, said: "It is important that we make town centres as attractive as possible for visitors and the people who live there.

"There is an increase in empty shops and that is something that needs addressed.

This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 25 Jun 10

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