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Work is to start on the first stage of a £3.6m project to help boost Hawick after economic setbacks.

It will see new industrial units created at the town's Galalaw Business Park.

It is being delivered through the Hawick Action Plan thanks to a funding package announced last year by the Scottish government.

The investment will also help to deliver a business incubator centre in the town and upgrade other facilities.

Feasibility studies will also be undertaken by Scottish Borders Council on other premises in Hawick to "inform future opportunities".

Mark Rowley, SBC's executive member for business and economic development, said the Galalaw work and other projects were an important step forward.

"This will provide the opportunity for existing businesses to expand and create new jobs, encourage new businesses into Hawick and generally act as a catalyst for further inward investment and property redevelopment in Hawick, boosting the local economy," he said.