Updates on the Earlston Flood Study and plans for affordable housing in the village will be discussed at a public meeting this month.

The meeting on Tuesday 12 December at 7pm in Earlston Church Hall is being hosted by Scottish Borders Council (SBC), in conjunction with Earlston Community Council.

The event will be split into two sections, with SBC’s Flood and Coastal Management Team firstly providing further details on the initial findings of its study and the future study programme.

Eildon Housing Association will also provide a presentation outlining their initial plans to deliver affordable homes on the former Earlston High School site, which has the capacity for up to 55 new homes.

A question and answer session will follow each presentation, with the meeting chaired by Leaderdale and Melrose Councillor Kevin Drum. All Earlston residents are welcome to attend.

In a joint statement, Leaderdale and Melrose Councillors David Parker, Tom Miers and Kevin Drum, said: “There are lots of exciting projects underway in Earlston at the moment, and to support those projects a variety of different engagement events and public meetings have been held and will be held in the months ahead.

“This public meeting on the flood study and Eildon’s plans are taking place at an early stage in order to get the views of the public and to raise greater awareness of the ongoing work that is taking place.

“Ultimately, the flood study could lead to improvement works in the Earlston area and the plans by Eildon to deliver new affordable homes, albeit at an early stage, are very exciting.

“We hope that as many Earlston residents as possible will attend.”

Sheila Gibb, chair of Earlston Community Council, added: “The flooding study and the housing proposals by Eildon are just some of the things taking place in Earlston just now.

“In recent months there has been lots of public engagement on the Earlston community plan and that work is ongoing and I have been very encouraged by the feedback and participation of Earlston residents.

“This public meeting is an important one - flooding has been a big issue for some residents and it will be good to have a better understanding of all the issues.

“The Community Council is looking forward to welcoming residents on 12 December.”