A PROPOSED revolution in the provision of sporting facilities in Peebles has received a timely boost.

On Tuesday night (July 12) members of Peebles Common Good Fund agreed funding of £5,782 towards a feasibility fund aimed at developing plans for a much-needed overhaul of the town’s sporting facilities.

Proposals include the relocation of Peebles Rovers FC from Whitestone Park to purpose-built accommodation at Violet Bank, with a running track also part of the plans.

Improved changing facilities and equipment storage are also proposed at Whitestone Park itself, alongside potential improvement to changing facilities at Gytes Leisure Centre.

ClubSport Tweeddale – working under the umbrella of ClubSport Borders – is pushing ahead with the sporting revolution.

And Edinburgh-based Turner and Townsend – the company delivering a new Peebles High School – has been chosen as the preferred architects for the sporting project.

Five Peebles sports clubs have contributed £500 each to show their commitment to the project, with the £2,500 matched by ClubSport Tweeddale.

Project spokesperson Adrian Lucas told Common Good Fund members: “We are basically looking for money for a feasibility study to develop a strong plan that can go to consultation to bring the sports facilities right across Peebles into this century and beyond.

“This is long overdue for Peebles.

“I think we have rumbled along with what we have got and it really is time for an expanding town like Peebles to have some state-of-the-art facilities and this is to get us on first base. The next stage would be to go for a levelling up bid.”

Common Good Fund chairman Robin Tatler, a Tweeddale East councillor, said: “Congratulations on all the work you have done so far. It has been a phenomenal achievement in getting all the sporting clubs to work together on this and put aside their own individual requirements and work towards a common aim and I have no hesitation in supporting this funding.”