A SEVEN-MONTH regeneration project to transform Selkirk town centre will begin later this month.

Improvements will be made to Market Place as part of the £450,000 Selkirk Streetscape Scheme and work will begin on Monday, August 21 and will run until Saturday, March 21.

The plans include safer and improved areas for bus passengers to board, better seating and pavement surfaces, improved pedestrian crossings and provision to allow Market Place to be used for events and markets.

During the works, temporary bus stops will be used on the adjacent A7 road instead of the Market Place stop, and there will be times when parking in the Market Place is affected.

Signage will also be in place to advise members of the public that businesses in the local area remain open as usual.

The Streetscape Scheme has been finalised after consultation with the Selkirk Stakeholder Group, made up of representatives from organisations across the town, as well as members of the public during a drop-in session in September 2016.

And council bosses will visit local traders in the coming weeks to give further details on the works.

In a joint statement, Selkirkshire councillors Michelle Ballantyne, Gordon Edgar and Elaine Thornton-Nicol said: "The Selkirk Streetscape Scheme has involved considerable consultation with the Stakeholder Group which includes 15 different organisations from the town.

"We believe the scheme will greatly enhance the town centre for local people and visitors, while retaining the important historical character of Selkirk.

"While the works take place, we would encourage local people and visitors to continue to come to Selkirk and support our local shops.

"We are sure Souters will be pleased with the final outcome and look forward to Market Place becoming a real asset for the Royal Burgh for years to come."

The council is funding the Streetscape works with Selkirk Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme providing part-funding for the scheme.

The Selkirk Stakeholder Group is made up of representatives from: Chamber of Trade, Community Council, Regeneration Company, Police Scotland, The Ex-Standard Bearers Association, Corporation of Weavers, Colonial Society, Incorporation of Hammermen, Selkirk Common Riding Trust, Live Borders, Selkirk CARS, Scott’s Selkirk, Amey, Bus operators, local churches and Selkirkshire Councillors.