Fresh bid to boost Galashiels town centre

A fresh attempt is to be made to boost the economy of a Borders town by making businesses pay a levy towards improvement work.

A previous effort in Galashiels six years ago failed to secure the necessary support.

Now another ballot is to be held on the creation of a Business Improvement District (BID) in the town.

A proposed date of 20 November this year has been set for businesses to vote on whether it should go ahead this time.

The BID initiative – backed by the Scottish government – is aimed at supporting economic growth in a town or commercial district.

It is normally led by the private sector and can help generating additional revenue to help boost visitors and extra footfall.

There are currently more than 30 BIDs operating in Scotland with one of them in the Borders in the Tweed Valley.

The last time a vote was held in Galashiels the majority of businesses voted in favour – 105 to 42.

However, the outcome is decided by overall rateable value of the premises involved and that was more than 60% against the plans.

There are about 350 eligible properties in the proposed Galashiels BID area.

The steering group behind the project estimates it could provide nearly £170,000-a-year.

If successful, the money generated could be used towards developing events and attractions, supporting businesses and boosting the town as a tourist destination.

Scottish Borders Council would have to put about £8,500-a-year into the scheme as it has some properties in the area involved.

It is being asked to support the process and note the date earmarked for the ballot to take place.