A PETITION is seeking support for a new multi-use path between Walkerburn and Innerleithen.

Walkerburn residents will receive the petition shortly and are urged to support the plan.

Design work on the new path begins in April and Walkerburn Community Council claimed the more signatures gathered the better its chances of success with funding applications.

Scottish Borders Council has begun to approach landowners along the line of the path and it is hoped that formal agreements can be reached this year.

It is envisaged the route will follow the the existing footpath on the north side of the River Tweed, roughly parallel to the A72 - back from the river bank and safe from flood risk.

The path will be of the same pattern as the existing pathway between Peebles and Innerleithen which cost £1.1million and opened in 2013.

It will have a hard surface and will be suitable for use by walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

This path will be a level, dry, and direct route to Innerleithen and beyond, away from the traffic of the A72.

It will be of huge benefit to local residents but should also encourage more tourism in our area, and hopefully more jobs.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “We are currently discussing the potential route options for a new shared access path between Innerleithen and Walkerburn with the key landowners and representatives from the local communities.

“These discussions are still at an early stage. However, all going well, we would hope to make some progress over the next few months with a view to finalising a proposed route for the new path.” A PETITION is seeking support for a new multi-use path between Walkerburn and Innerleithen.

Walkerburn residents will receive the petition shortly and are urged to support the plan.

Design work on the new path begins in April and Walkerburn Community Council claimed the more signatures gathered the better its chances of success with funding applications.

Scottish Borders Council has begun to approach landowners along the line of the path and it is hoped that formal agreements can be reached this year.

It is envisaged the route will follow the the existing footpath on the north side of the River Tweed, roughly parallel to the A72 - back from the river bank and safe from flood risk.

The path will be of the same pattern as the existing pathway between Peebles and Innerleithen which cost £1.1million and opened in 2013.

It will have a hard surface and will be suitable for use by walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

This path will be a level, dry, and direct route to Innerleithen and beyond, away from the traffic of the A72.

It will be of huge benefit to local residents but should also encourage more tourism in our area, and hopefully more jobs.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “We are currently discussing the potential route options for a new shared access path between Innerleithen and Walkerburn with the key landowners and representatives from the local communities.

“These discussions are still at an early stage. However, all going well, we would hope to make some progress over the next few months with a view to finalising a proposed route for the new path.”