Concerns have been expressed that Kelso’s newly-revamped town centre works are being spoiled by inconsiderate and illegal parking of vehicles.
At last month’s meeting of Kelso Community Council, several members commented on the situation, including the issue of vehicles being parked in front of the town hall in the recently-refurbished public space area.
Provost John Bassett said pedestrians and vehicles were “not a good mix” and wants to see vehicles moved away from the public space at the town hall once they have unloaded for the regular farmers’ market and flea market events.
“I know this might upset some people, but the rules have to be the same for everyone,” said Provost Bassett. “I’m 100 per cent in favour of having markets, but the vehicles involved must be moved off the square. We have to put our foot down about this now.”
Scottish Borders Councillor Tom Weatherston said a number of people had commented that, after all the money had been spent on improvement works in The Square, it was a shame vehicles were still being badly parked.
“Allowing vehicles onto the public space creates a conflict with pedestrians and is a health and safety issue,” he said.
The community council agreed to take the issue up with SBC licensing officers in relation to vehicles involved with the setting up of the town’s various regular markets.
Speaking to The Southern this week, Mr Weatherston told us: “Safety issues have been highlighted. People feel now we have created an improved public space with new seating and artwork there should be no vehicles in this area except for occasional access to the town hall and weddings.
“No-one is trying to stop markets and other things happening in the space, as long as they use stalls and not vehicles to display their goods.”