A HAWICK councillor has demanded that a camper van site in a town car park is not enclosed.
Ron Smith made the comments as Scottish Borders Council’s planning committee backed the introduction of a 330-square metre space in the Common Haugh car park from April to September. The site will host six vans in a pilot scheme by Hawick Welcome initiative, with its members introducing the visitors to businesses and places of interest in the town.
And if successful, it is hoped full-time employment could be created in 2014.
Mr Smith said: “I am very supportive of this seasonal facility, but I am concerned that it could be enclosed. I ask that bollards or other objects do not enclose the site.”
Planning officials said that fresh paint will be put down to mark out the new camper van site.
Asked if the scheme would have any impact on Hawick market which takes place on Saturdays in the car park, planning committee chairman Jock Houston added: “Camper vans cannot stay on Friday nights into Saturday morning, so it won’t affect the market.”
The facility will also be closed during the two weeks of the Common Riding celebrations.