Last week (Friday 19th March), local politicians John Lamont MP and Rachael Hamilton MSP hosted a variety of Jedburgh’s local businesses to discuss the recovery of the town centre from the pandemic and the other challenges which the town has faced.
This comes after a number of local businesses contacted both Mr Lamont and Mrs Hamilton to express concerns surrounding the Public Local Inquiry into the scaffold clad building on Jedburgh High Street.
Scottish Borders Council and the Objector are set to state their cases on 5th May 2021, considering the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) being pursued by the council.
The meeting provided an opportunity for businesses to voice their concerns and provide suggestions as the town seeks to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
Alongside the CPO, the discussion explored the Borderlands Growth Deal, the council’s wider plans for the future of the town and how to encourage domestic visitors to the Borders.
Both politicians will be pursuing these concerns with the Chief Executive of Scottish Borders Council.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“Meeting local businesses last week confirmed how important an issue the scaffolding on the High Street is.
“The town is filled with great shops and cafes and a solution for this eyesore will be crucial in reviving the town centre.
“Jedburgh is a fantastic place and we want to do everything possible to recover effectively from the pandemic and other challenges which the town has faced.
“It was a really productive session and I look forward to working with the council to find solutions going forward.”
John Lamont MP said:
“Traders want their high street to be open and welcoming to shoppers. The dangerous buildings have blighted Jedburgh for far too long now.
“This event provided a useful opportunity to listen to both new and existing local traders and discuss the future of the town, particularly as we recover from the pandemic.
“It is really important that local businesses are included in these discussions and we will be taking forward the key concerns raised to Scottish Borders Council.
“We all want to see an outcome that will benefit the town, and return it to its former glory.”
