Stichill residents are finally getting their chance to meet council officials and tell them what they want in the way of new play park equipment.
Scottish Borders Council this week announced it is to hold an open night to discuss the development of the long-awaited new play area.
The event is in the village hall at 7pm on Wednesday, with the council saying it is keen to hear views on the scheme, priced at £25,000.
Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for neighbourhood services, Councillor David Paterson, said the preferred location is also up for discussion.
“This play area will be a popular facility for families for years to come and it is important villagers and those from the surrounding area make their thoughts known to the council.”
But many villagers will be adopting a “believe it when they see it” attitude, after waiting since early last summer and the opening of a new Eildon Housing development for any sign of a new play park.
Eildon did not need to contribute towards play equipment since it was building only eight affordable homes.
But this caused concern as the existing antiquated play facility was no longer adequate for children already in the village.
However, Eildon agreed to level a piece of ground for a kick-about area and funding for a bigger play park was to be “looked at”.
Speaking this week, a delighted local Scottish Borders councillor Tom Weatherston told us: “I’m sure this project will benefit the whole community, with a new play area for younger and older children and a grassed area for community use if needed.”
He added that if villagers and officials could agree for the new play equipment to be sited on the grassed area behind the hall, it could also possibly mean extra much-needed parking at the hall.