Lauder health centre bid could face 'people's poll'
A "people's poll" could be carried out in a Borders village to decide the fate of a planned health centre.
The plans for Lauder have been hampered by the discovery that a site to be sold to NHS Borders was not owned by Scottish Borders Council.
It emerged that the area involved was part of "common good" land which belongs to the community.
Legal discussions are now ongoing but it is likely the ultimate say will be given to local residents.
The proposals have generated significant opposition in the village.
Lauder currently has two health centres but NHS Borders said they were not adequate for a growing community.
Scottish Borders Council approved the plans for a new facility last year but they have now hit a further obstacle.
It appears likely a poll of local opinion may be used to decide the fate of the proposals, which are part of a £7m overhaul of health services in the region.