Wednesday March 11th 2026
Tides Reach Youth Centre, Eyemouth
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Troublemakers and drug-takers are to be fenced off from access to a vital Borders youth project.
A six-feet fence is to be installed outside of the Tides Reach Youth Centre in Eyemouth after Police Scotland highlighted the area as an anti-social hotspot.
Scottish Borders Council has approved the boundary fencing at the centre, which is operated by the Connect Berwickshire Youth Project.
The timber fence will be erected around the western side of the premises, enclosing a narrow footpath to the side of the building, at the foot of the steep bank up to Fort Road.
The timber fence would be close-boarded and painted in a muted green.
The move follows concerns raised by Police Scotland.
A report with the application stated: “Tides Reach Youth Centre is used regularly by young people, staff, and volunteers.
“The side area of the building has become vulnerable to misuse outside of operating hours.
“This has included broken glass, discarded drug paraphernalia, indecent waste and fly tipping, with items being dumped from the hill or accessed via the side of the building.
“The proposed fencing aims to secure the site, improve safety, and help prevent ongoing misuse, while contributing positively to the appearance and management of the area.”
In a submission in support of the fencing, PC Luke Cameron states: “The building where Connect reside has been a hotspot for anti-social behaviour for a number of years, with groups of youths and young adults utilising the side vennel to drink, take drugs and congregate.
“They have also been known to use the vennel to access the roof of the swimming pool, which is incredibly unsafe.
“A fence and restricted access to this area would make the site a much safer place for the young people who visit it and the staff.”
In his report approving the application, Paul Duncan, SBC planning officer, states: “The proposed fence would improve safety and security at the premises and the proposals have received the endorsement of Police Scotland. The principle of this is supported.”
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