A year after NHS Borders held a public exhibition to unveil plans for a replacement to the town’s two ageing medical practices, Scottish Borders Council agreed to petition the Court of Session to authorise the disposal of land which is part of Lauder’s Common Good assets.

The court action is necessary because the site – on part of the play and recreation ground off Crofts Road, close to the soon-to-open new school – was ceded to Lauder though its Royal Charter of 1502.

If the petition, which must be backed by letters of support from the wider community and NHS Borders, is successful, the land will be transferred, by sale or long lease, and subject to review by the District Valuer to ensure appropriate remuneration to the Common Good.

At a meeting of the Lauder Common Good Working Group, area offices manager Anne Isles said the new health centre would be of great benefit to townsfolk, and that the play area and pitches could be relocated to ensure no net loss to the community. Indeed, there would be a benefit because the Woodcot Pavilion, owned by SBC, would be demolished and the play area relocated there along with a new changing facility. The relocated pitches will also host the funfair at the Common Riding.

The new school, the community council and the football club all supported the proposal which was sanctioned by the full council on Thursday.