Crematorium 'could hurt tourism'

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A petition is to be launched against plans to build the first crematorium in the Scottish Borders.

Some Melrose residents fear that building the facility on the slopes of the Eildon Hills - part of a National Scenic Area - could damage tourism.

About 100 people have already lodged objections to the plans by Bristol-based Westerleigh Group.

At present there is no crematorium in the region, with the nearest one about 30 miles away in Edinburgh.

Developers believe the proposed site, next to Wairds Cemetery in Melrose, is "central for the whole area".

However, opponents are to launch a petition on Friday claiming the plans would discourage visitors and cause traffic problems.

The petition campaign is being led by Melrose resident Ogilvie Dickson.

'Totally wrong'

He said he accepted there was a need for a crematorium in the Borders, with mourners currently having to travel to either Edinburgh or Newcastle.

He insisted the location was totally wrong, saying it should not be in the foothills of a National Scenic Area.

However, Adrian Britton, a director at Westerleigh, said the building would be almost invisible, except from the top of the Eildons.

He said he had been looking for a suitable site in the Borders since 1992.

Westerleigh's application is likely to be considered by members of Scottish Borders Council's planning and building control committee on 9 November.