Does Selkirk need a bypass? You say yes

The ballot papers asking if Selkirk needs a bypass were counted this morning at the Southern Reporter and Wee Paper offices ... and the results are in.

And, as in the straw poll conducted last month by members of the Selkirk Regeneration Company in the town’s pop-up shop on Tower Street, it has resulted in an overwhelming vote for yes.

A total of 451 votes were cast, of which 373 (82.7%) said yes, 66 (14.6%) said no, while 12 (2.6%) papers were void.

The papers were counted by Mr Edgar and reporter Kevin Janiak, and verified by the papers’ Derek Forrest and member of the public Nik Wirsten.

Mr Edgar said: “I’m really pleased with the result, and the fact that the folk have come out in their numbers to make their feelings known is exactly what we wanted.

“The A7 Action Group willnow put these results to the minister fro transport Humza Yousaf and hopefully it will influence his decision as to whether we go forward with a bypass or not.

“I would like to thank the 451 people who came out, because it is down to them that we may be able to bring the bypass to fruition.”

Mr Edgar said the ballot complements the straw poll held in Selkirk last month.

He said: “While the straw poll was evidence that there was support for the bypass, this was a secret ballot and gives a better reflection of how people want to take the bypass forward.