A ‘COMMUNITY asset’ in West Linton could close in a matter of weeks unless a deal to save it is reached.

As part of a property review by Scottish Borders Council, the authority is seeking to transfer the ownership of the Village Centre, on Raemartin Square, to the local community.

The building also housed the Registrars Office, which is no longer used by SBC.

When it was last used three years ago, the office allowed the registration of births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships; plus child-naming; vow/commitment renewal and family history research.

The nearest registration office is around 14 miles away at the Chambers Institute on Peebles High Street.

The Village Centre is used by a number of community groups, including the Whipman Play Society, the community council, the local drama group, and the historical society, who also use it to store their archives.

Gavin Jefcoate from West Linton Community Council said: “It would be a shame to lose the Village Centre as it is an asset to the area and is used by a number of community groups.

“We [the community council] are looking into the asset transfer and have noted an interest with the council. It is early days as we are trying to prepare a case for taking this forward.

“The thought at the moment is to be able to accommodate local community groups whilst also looking at commercial rental of the spaces to local businesses. We have some interested parties in renting the spaces but would need to look at the feasibility long term.”

Tweeddale West councillor Heather Anderson (SNP) said: “I am in close contact with West Linton Community Council and if there is any community interest and support for transfer of this asset to the community I would strongly support it. This is a well-used and popular local facility.”

SBC said: “As part of [our] property review, the council is in discussions with the local community over potentially transferring the West Linton registrar office – which is not currently used by the council – to community use. However, no final decision has been taken.”

The next meeting of West Linton Community Council will take place at the Village Centre on Monday at 7.30pm.