PEEBLES is among a set of Borders towns which could see CCTV and Wi-Fi upgrades.

The council currently operates 70 public space cameras, with two mobile units utilised by Police Scotland.

But many of the systems are approaching the point of disrepair and are also operating on outdated technology.

Now major investment is being considered to reflect concerns around public safety and traffic management.

A council report from Jen Holland, Scottish Borders Council’s (SBC) director of strategic commissioning and partnerships, says: “The broad option that members are being asked to consider is a comprehensive Borders-wide digital CCTV and town centre Wi-Fi programme in the seven towns in which SBC currently operate CCTV systems.

“There are smaller-scale variations that can be explored by SBC, some of which may result in loss of economies of scale and less widespread benefits.

“There is also an increasingly urgent need to address the pressing upgrade requirements on the seven systems currently operated by SBC.”

The towns included in the report are: Peebles, Duns, Hawick, Galashiels, Kelso, Eyemouth and Melrose.

Selkirk has established its own CCTV model which SBC does not operate.

There is no current town centre Wi-Fi provision available in any Borders towns.

Wi-Fi networks offer local authorities the opportunity to gather valuable data on foot traffic, visitor demographics and usage patterns.

This can inform decision-making processes, helping SBC allocate resources more effectively and plan infrastructure improvements.

When councillors meet on Thursday (September 28) they will consider the report on the potential provision of both public space CCTV and town centre Wi-Fi, in addition to other options.

Rough cost estimates to implement CCTV and Wi-Fi across the seven towns are either £1.3m or £3m, according to SBC papers.

The issue of CCTV cameras in Peebles has been raised at a number of community council meetings.

Last year business owners were sounded out about the possibility of installing cameras in their premises to deter criminals in the centre of the town.