Saucy students request Borders bordello

A COMMUNITY group has been left scarlet-faced after youngsters called for a red-light district to be created in a Borders town.

Selkirk Regeneration Group (SRG) had high hopes when they canvassed teenagers on how the community could be improved. However, the survey backfired when sixth-formers suggested that the opening of a brothel would liven up the town.

SRG had hoped the pupils from Selkirk High School would use the exercise to express their views productively on proposals for a community wind farm. But instead they called for the opening of fast-food outlets, a discount fashion store and a bordello.

Unimpressed SRG chairman Dr Lindsay Neil said: "The sixth formers were asked what they would like to see developed in Selkirk and came back with an Astroturf playing field, a sports centre, a cinema, a Primark store, a Kentucky Fried Chicken and a brothel.

"It's fair to say the latter is not a project the regeneration group will be taking on board.

Neil added: "They also voted against a wind farm, which was a disappointing outcome and demonstrates that more must be done to get the message across."

A public vote in Selkirk has given the backing for a community wind farm although it has become a controversial issue as it involves land used for the town's annual Common Riding celebrations.

More than 300 residents voted in favour of investigating the possibility of erecting six turbines in the town, while 262 people voted against.

It has been claimed Selkirk could net an annual income of 4.5m after the wind farm had operated for 12 years and all loans had been paid off.

Those behind the plan also say it would supply electricity to about 10,000 homes in the surrounding area.

SRG is now looking to carry on with the project and, despite the embarrassing results of their survey, are now looking for additional funding to quiz more residents.

Neil said: "We hope we will make a case that will attract the funding we need to get these surveys done."

But Councillor Kenneth Gunn, who represents Selkirkshire on Scottish Borders Council, believes it is time to call a halt to the wind farm proposals and the lengthy consultation programme which surrounds them.

He said: "The sums for the windfarm do not add up and with less than 10 per cent of the town actually voting in the ballot, there is no mandate to go any further. Enough time and money has already been spent doing something which was not in the remit of the SRG.

The Royal Burgh is best known for rugby and its historic Common Riding event.