Date set for inquiry that could lead to eyesore Jedburgh building finally being flattened

Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton in front of the town's scaffolding-clad building in the square.

The former ground-floor hair salon and upper-floor flats at the corner of 12 Market Place and 2 High Street have been covered in scaffolding for five years.

The council says the building has been allowed to deteriorate to such an extent that they had no choice but to apply for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to flatten it.

Officers have forged ahead with plans for the site, working alongside Eildon Housing Association on a social housing brief, despite calls in some quarters for the historic building to be saved.

Now the long-running saga is set for resolution after a date was set for a public inquiry on its future.

Scottish Borders Council and the objector to demolition will state their cases on Thursday, April 22, via webcast, due to lockdown measures.

Councillor Scott Hamilton, representing the Jedburgh & District ward, said: “This is a welcome advancement in getting ownership of this troublesome property. I am sure townsfolk and traders in Jedburgh will be relieved to see this latest step forward.

Borders MP John Lamont added: “Traders want their high street open and welcoming to shoppers.

"These dangerous buildings have blighted Jedburgh for far too long now. We want an outcome that will benefit the town.”