In January, Ron was informed that the minibus service which had been running from Kielder to Hawick on Wednesdays and Saturdays for several years had been withdrawn. This left residents in the Saughtree, Riccarton, Steele Road areas in particular without a link. He had several meetings with those responsible within the council for promoting bus services to press for a replacement service, and arrangements have now been made with Peter Hogg of Jedburgh to provide demand responsive transport between Saughtree and Hawick on Fridays only commencing 6 June. Passengers will have to contact Peter Hogg by telephoning 01835 863755 the day before to request the transport operates. DRT is possibly more commonly referred to as a ‘taxi bus’ service.

The service will leave Saughtree at approximately 11.15 to Hawick arrive 11.55. Return transport will leave from Hawick Mart Street at 13.50.

A leaflet will be produced showing the above information.

A response sent by those council officers to John Lamont MP who recently queried the situation states: ”We have been actively supported …. by Councillor Ron Smith who has provided valuable information at a time when information is at a premium”.

This has been a good outcome, but the service will only succeed if it is used. Please help by spreading news of it.