That was the message during a presentation at Hawick Community Council this week, where it was also revealed that Teries currently have "quite concerning" shopping habits.

Martin Wanless, Scottish Borders Council's Plans and Research Manager, was delivering a short presentation of the Draft Plan for a retail, business and housing development at Commercial Road, when he announced the results of a retail capacity study for the town and the implications these have for redevelopment.

He said: "There is a long-standing problem in Hawick regarding retail, and following the study, which looks at how people buy items such as food, fashion and electrical goods, the results were quite concerning.
"There is a large outflow of spending from Hawick, and it is important that the council and the community looks positively at what can be achieved in Commercial Road."

In response to fears voiced over the type of retail development at the site, Mr Wanless said that Hawick people must ask themselves how often they travel to Galashiels to spend money.

He added: "It is all about towns providing the best offer they can in terms of retail." As the debate continued, former councillor Andrew Farquhar, speaking from the public seats, also urged the public to remain open-minded.

He said: "We have to be careful not to restrict the developer with demands. We shouldn't be dictating a wish list for the site until we know what the developer has in mind, so we should wait and see the plan."

This sentiment was echoed by community councillor Jim Little, who said: "Folk have said for years that everything goes to Gala, well we should grab the chance now and get something for Hawick."

However, a common concern at the meeting was whether a development would materialise, or whether Commercial Road's empty buildings would be left to languish by developers, such as the former Laings mill and Turnbulls.

Local trader Evelyn Sangster said: "For some people all they will see is a mess as they drive through Hawick and not stop. It will act like a derelict bypass."

But the meeting was informed that Borders College had been sold, and that the majority of Commercial Road is now under single ownership.

Mr Wanless then added: "There are no guarantees that developers will come forward, but we do know that a local developer is preparing plans.

And when asked if there had been any interest in commercial development, Mr Wanless replied: "Yes, I am aware of interests."
The public consultation period for the Draft Plan closes on June 11, and Teries are being urged to give SBC their feedback.

Councillor Stuart Marshall commented: "There is a real opportunity here, and I want to see the community get behind this. It is crucial, because Hawick needs jobs.

"We've got to send out the right signals and not frighten companies away."