VOLUNTEERS at a Peebles-based foodbank fear they will “have nowhere to go” if their home is sold.

Peeblesshire Foodbank raised concerns after reports that negotiations were taking place with parties interested in the Cavalry Park site, which is currently on the market.

But an agent marketing the property on behalf of Premier Sipps – the landlord of 1 Silverbirch Studios – said that the base was “far from” being sold.

Scottish Borders Council said it would step in to help the foodbank find new premises, should its current home be lost.

Tweeddale East councillor Marshall Douglas, of the SNP, told the Peeblesshire News that council officials were “fairly confident” a new premises could be found.

He said: “I have taken up the case of the Peeblesshire Foodbank with the chief executive and the director of buildings and infrastructure.

“We’re fairly confident that the council will be able to find them premises at one of our buildings within Peebles.

“The council have contacted the foodbank and have asked them for details of all their requirements – the size of the building and timescale involved.

“Hopefully we’ll manage to get something sorted for them.”

Fiona Dalgleish, manager of Peeblesshire Foodbank, said she asked the public for support in finding a new location after receiving a phone call earlier this week informing her that a potential buyer had registered an interest in the property.

She said: “We knew it was going to be sold, but we have nowhere to go.

“Over Christmas it’s pandemonium, and in January it’s very busy too as money has all been spent on Christmas.

“The phone call on Monday [November 21] put me in a proper fear for how we sustain our service.

“It’s urgent we find something.”

The spokesperson on behalf of Premier Sipps added: “The landlord is aware of the sensitivities about the site.

“The landlord has been very supportive of the foodbank during its tenancy.

“We are wanting to work with the foodbank to support them with whatever happens with the sale.

“We are far from selling the building.

“There is no intention to serve notice on the foodbank.”