BAND bosses in Peebles are demanding light is shone on the current Burgh Hall black-out.

Officials from Peebles Burgh Silver Band should be enthusiastically preparing for their annual Christmas Concert.

But concerns are growing over the condition of the run-down community hall - especially a current lack of lights on the stage.

Despite efforts to get assurances and answers, officials this week resorted to writing to the chief executive of Scottish Borders, Tracey Logan, to urge action.

Band chairman Colin Napier said: "We have repeatedly asked Scottish Borders Council employees why the hall is being left to deteriorate.

"To date we have not received a satisfactory answer.

"Our major concern is not the curtains on the stage or the state of the kitchen, but more the state the electrics on the stage.

"How can we expect to hold concerts when we can't even have a light bulb switched on?

"It appears the light-switch control panel is permanently locked and unusable on safety grounds."

The Burgh Hall along with other parts of the Chambers Institution was built in 1859.

William Chambers bequeathed the buildings to the Provost, magistrates and councillors of Peebles to act as trustees for the people of the town.

A major extension, funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, was added some 50 years later.

Scottish Borders Council previously attempted to create a charitable trust to take over the Grade A listed building.

But legal problems stalled the plans and the local authority reverted back to sole control again of the town's assets in 2015.

Although the Chambers Institution Trust, made up of the six Tweeddale councillors, continues take the lead on developments within the buildings, day-to-day operations have more recently been handed over to leisure trust, Live Borders.

Peebles Burgh Silver Band holds three concerts in the historic hall each year as well as its four fundraising coffee mornings.

But, with their Christmas Concert looming on Friday, December 13, officials are wanting assurances.

Mr Napier added: "Apart from being unable to read music on stage this is a health and safety issue if our members trip coming on or off the stage."

We contacted Live Borders about the deteriorating condition of the Burgh Hall but nobody responded ahead of our deadline.

Scottish Borders Council did come back to us - but they refused to offer any assurances over repairs.

A spokesperson said: "We will be happy to discuss any issues with the Burgh Hall with the Silver Band.

"Any changes to the hall would need to be discussed with Live Borders and the Chambers Institution Trust.

"A recent inspection of the Burgh Hall confirmed there is no danger presented by the electrical unit.

"There is an issue with the portable lighting control unit which is affecting the stage lighting."