WALKERBURN has cemented its position as one of the pioneers of a project aimed at helping the community in times of emergency.

Seventy people from the village have already signed up as volunteers for the Resilient Communities Plan launched by Scottish Borders Council.

And, at a recent meeting , residents gathered to further progress the initiative by recruiting more volunteers and compiling a list of those in the community most at risk in an emergency Kevin Sewell, an emergency planning officer with Scottish Borders Council, said: “SBC is leading the whole of the UK in this and we are trying to say to communities now to take it to the next level.” Several of the 67 community councils in SBC have shown no interest in joining the project while some of the larger towns are struggling to find the volunteers to set it up.

Mr Sewell told residents at the meeting: “Walkerburn will take over as one of the leaders of the initiative - you have a great set up here.” Iain Weir, the local resilient communities co-ordinator, said: “It is important that we try to develop this further and that we act as a hub for the community.” Quoting Aristotle, Mr Sewell said: “The one thing we should expect is the unexpected.

“It is important to note that a resilient community is not in any way a method by which a local authority or an emergency service may reduce its response or service to our community, it is intended to support and enhance the response.

“It is about Walkerburn as a community being able to help themselves until further assistance arrives. We know that emergencies happen and these can be severe weather, floods, fires, or major incidents involving transport. For instance if there was a full scale hurricane, the Borders would be the last in line for help. If there was a major black-out the Borders would take three or four weeks to come back on - smaller places are always the last as it costs less.” Some of the benefits for a Resilient Community include: Free first aid training; Insurance for volunteers; Priority information about weather and other accidents; Equipment; Enhanced community involvement; and Greater chance of recovery as a result of working together.

Discussions also took place at the meeting over what the village should do for its first emergency training exercise.