THE Borders Party this week announced that former Peebles Community Council chair David Pye will contest the forthcoming Tweeddale West by-election.

The seat was vacated last month by Conservative Nathaniel Buckingham.

Mr Pye failed to gain a seat at last year's local authority election - but the Borders Party has been buoyed by its recent success at the Melrose and Leaderdale by-election.

Leader of the Borders Party, Francis Pringle, made the announcement earlier this week. She told the Peeblesshire News: "We are delighted to announce that we have selected David Pye to stand again in this ward.

"David and his family live and work in Peebles and know the area well. He is well known, having chaired both the Eddleston and Peebles Community Councils, and involvement with many other community groups.

"His commitment and love of the area would make him an excellent councillor to represent the people of Tweeddale West.

"After the tremendous support we received when our candidate Iain Gillespie was elected in the Leaderdale and Melrose by-election, I look forward to working with David in Tweeddale West."

Having moved to Peeblesshire 22 years ago David and his wife, Gillian, initially lived in Eddleston before moving into Peebles.

He has run his own business in Peebles for the past 10 years, and is also very aware of the challenges that local businesses face.

Mr Pye said "Support for The Borders Party comes from across the political spectrum, from people who choose to put the Borders first at council elections.

"I am standing as an independent candidate for The Borders Party as it was founded to restore the independent tradition in local government - and I believe that the Borders are best served by those putting the area's needs before party politics."

Outwith Peebles, Mr Pye has served as a Board Member with the Border's largest social landlord, SBHA, for the last seven years. David added: "In Tweeddale West, I recognise that we are all reliant upon a robust road and bridge network to connect communities.

"I believe it is critical that more is done to maintain this basic infrastructure and the other essential services we all benefit from on a day-to day basis.

"In Peebles I firmly believe that a whole Town Plan must be developed to ensure the town's future success. I fully support the efforts that Peebles Community Trust, in conjunction with other organisations, are making to bring this to fruition."

Mr Pye's campaign will kick off tomorrow at Peebles Agricultural Show.

The Conservative Party has already announced businessman Kevin Cockburn as its candidate with former minister Nancy Norman standing for the Liberal Democrats.

The Tweeddale West by-election takes place on Thursday, October 10.