CONCERNS have been voiced over whether cycling events are using ‘common good’ land in Peebles free of charge.

Chairman of the town’s community council Les Turnbull said he had been asked about the use of Tweed Green.

He said he wrote to the chairman of the Common Good Fund, Robin Tatler, to ask him what the charging arrangements are.

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At a recent community council meeting, he said: “I am aware that the shows, for example, pay a rent for using Victoria Park.

“And, I’m also aware that some food vendors may need to pay a daily fee for using other aspects of common good property, for example, Kingsmeadows car park.

“So I would like to know what the arrangements are for the use of Tweed Green.”

Councillor Tatler said he was awaiting an answer from Scottish Borders Council officers.

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He added: “There are a lot of events that we hold across common good property. So, for example, the Park Run, Three Bridges Race the Highland Show, Beltane, and the Wood Fair. My recollection is that we generally only get asked when it’s something out of the ordinary.

“We don’t generally get consulted about the fees, and I don’t think there are really substantial fees charged for any use of common good land.”

Mr Turnbull said that the events mentioned are all charitable organisations.

He explained: “The difference, of course, is things like the Beltane, the Highland games etc, these are all local events which are not profit-making.

“They are just run by committees, and any money they make is ploughed back into the following year’s event. Whereas cycling events are a commercial enterprise and that’s where the concern arises.”

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Councillor Tatler replied: “I’m not sure they make a huge amount of money, to be quite honest. You’d have to look at their accounts to see how well they actually do.

“They do depend to a huge extent on volunteers for these events.”

It was said that cycling events increase footfall which boosts Peebles businesses.

Councillor Eric Small added: “I think we have to look at it in the round.

“It’s bringing people into Peebles and revenue to the shops after COVID closures. Peebles gains more out of it than anybody; that’s my feeling.”