02/07/2008

Borders housing market top of the agenda as experts meet to discuss downturn

The state of the Borders housing market will be the focus of detailed examination on Friday (4th July) as a cross section of housing experts from across the region meet in St. Boswells to discuss how best to support the sector. Chairing the event will be Christine Grahame MSP who said the discussions will provide a rare opportunity for local building firms and related professionals to determine how best to support the market in the very difficult trading months ahead. Ms Grahame said:

“This will be an opportunity for professionals and local construction firms in the region to come together and discuss how best the sector can be supported and to reverse the current downturn in the market.

“None of those attending are under any illusions that the challenge ahead will be a difficult one and that external market forces are having a real impact locally on the housing market and construction industry in the Borders.

“The impact of a depressed housing market has ramifications across all areas of social and employment life in the Borders and impacts on local traders and the ability of people to move around easily.

“I intend to report in detail the outcome of the meeting back to the Cabinet Secretary and establish what specific, focused support the Scottish Government can offer to assist this vital economic sector in the region in the months and years ahead.”

Amongst those in the housing industry attending are representatives from Homes for Scotland, the Scottish Business Federation, Tweed Homes, M&J Ballantyne, J.S. Crawford. Borders Solicitors Property Centre will also be represented including Cullen Kilshaw, Ian Smith & Partners, Hasting and Co., Stormonth and Darling WS. Representatives from Eildon Housing and Scottish Borders Council will also be attending to share their views.

SNP It’s time.....