Hawick: Camper van plan mooted for Common Haugh (1 Viewer)

[scotjimland]

Hawick News :

Camper van plan mooted for Common Haugh

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Published on Fri Feb 18 07:20:25 GMT 2011

LOCAL councillors have been asked to consider allowing camper vans to park overnight in the Common Haugh during the tourist season.

The proposal has been mooted by Hawick Welcome Host chairman Jack Yallop, in a bid to attract more visitors and boost the local economy.

Speaking at a meeting of Teviot and Liddesdale Area Committee this week, he stated: “Every year we have people say they’re staying in Melrose or Kelso because they can park up in the town and come here for a short visit, but I think they could be staying here and spending their money, and going elsewhere for a short visit.”

The suggestion is for camper vans only – not caravans – to go in an area between the disabled parking and school bus zone being a suitable site – which could hold up to ten vehicles and be marked out wth paint.

Mr Yallop stressed it would not be an official site, but was ideally situated with water and toilets nearby – with a proposal for a deposit being given for a key. He added: “They are in the town and will get a lovely view, yet can easily walk and spend money.”

Although fears were raised about policing such a move, local members have lent their backing to the proposal and it was agreed to await further information from SBC’S community venues manager.

 

[lorger]

Nice to see a few councils are starting to think about this and for a few pounds to paint bays it could bring in a much needed revenue to a lovely small town.

Gerry

 

[scotjimland]

Update

Camper van site for Common Haugh


Published on Saturday 14 April 2012 09:25

A HAWICK councillor has demanded that a camper van site in a town car park is not enclosed.

Ron Smith made the comments as Scottish Borders Council’s planning committee backed the introduction of a 330-square metre space in the Common Haugh car park from April to September. The site will host six vans in a pilot scheme by Hawick Welcome initiative, with its members introducing the visitors to businesses and places of interest in the town.

And if successful, it is hoped full-time employment could be created in 2014.

Mr Smith said: “I am very supportive of this seasonal facility, but I am concerned that it could be enclosed. I ask that bollards or other objects do not enclose the site.”

Planning officials said that fresh paint will be put down to mark out the new camper van site.

Asked if the scheme would have any impact on Hawick market which takes place on Saturdays in the car park, planning committee chairman Jock Houston added: “Camper vans cannot stay on Friday nights into Saturday morning, so it won’t affect the market.”

The facility will also be closed during the two weeks of the Common Riding celebrations.

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