Update on the Galashiels Inner Relief Road Project
Tuesday, November 7 2006
The Council is reminding the public of several issues in connection with the road proposal
Scottish Borders Council is aware of the recent media coverage in relation to the Galashiels Inner Relief Road. As a result, it is appropriate to address certain inaccuracies and remind the public of several issues in connection with the road proposal.
The Council began planning for an inner relief road in Galashiels in 2000 when it was included in the Local Transport Strategy. The scheme was needed to ease existing traffic congestion within the town centre and to provide a more direct access route to the Waverley Railway project. A secondary benefit, in terms of improvements to the town centre, was identified.
Public exhibitions were held in 2003 to explain the principles behind the scheme and to illustrate the different stages of the project. 1500 people attended a similar exhibition in September 2005. At this exhibition, the road proposals clearly highlighted the other private developments which were being planned, including Asda, Tesco and the Lochcarron site.
Councillor David Parker, Leader of Scottish Borders Council says, "Whilst the Galashiels Inner Relief Road has been designed to take account of these developments, the Council reaffirms that the main reason why the Project is being undertaken is to provide a means of getting through the town without having to use the existing central road network. The project has been designed to provide more direct access to the Waverley Railway and associated transport connections, as well as to improve the environment of the town centre. While we must plan and control these other developments in a coordinated manner, it must be stressed that the Galashiels Inner Relief Road is not just being built to provide access to Asda and Tesco superstores."
To progress the project further, land out with the Council’s control is required. The Project Team has been trying to secure control of this land, by negotiation and where necessary by compulsory purchase. Both the voluntary and compulsory procedures raise complex questions which at present are being constructively addressed.
Councillor Parker continues, "The Council does recognise the situation which the businesses in Albert Place are in. This is being actively considered as part of each of the foregoing procedures and those affected will be advised of progress."
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