Asda says it wants to work with local businesses in Galashiels

Asda has opened the doors on its �20m store in the town and rival Tesco is due to complete its expanded premises within the next two weeks.

Council leader David Parker said it confirmed the town's role as the "retail capital" of the region.

Local traders have said it is important the role of smaller shops continues to be recognised in the area.

Mr Parker said the Asda store - which has created about 350 full and part-time posts - was a boost for the Borders.

It is good news for the supermarkets and good news for the local shops David Parker Council leader

"Asda coming here no doubt proves that Galashiels now is the retail capital of the region," he said.

"Gone are the days when Borderers need to go to Edinburgh, Carlisle and Newcastle to do their shopping."

He said that would have a major financial impact for all shops in the town.

Trade captured

"About �35m a year leaks out of the Borders economy in retail trade," said Mr Parker.

"That's good news if we can capture the majority of that spending and keep it in the region.

"It is good news for the supermarkets and good news for the local shops."

Store manager Jane MacDonald said Asda was keen to work with other shops in the town.

It is our job to make sure that the rest of the town is well catered for David Houston Galashiels Chamber of Trade

"We are not the big, bad giants," she said.

Galashiels Chamber of Trade chairman David Houston said it was important to keep a wide choice of shops.

"We need to realise that there is more in the town than an Asda, Tesco and a Marks & Spencer and whatever appears," he said.

"It is our job to make sure that the rest of the town is well catered for."

Local trader Phil Macari agreed that it was important to have a good range of shops in different locations.

'Future developments'

"I am all for it - any development is good for the town," he said.

"I think future developments hopefully will come back up the top of the town and keep the town going.

"We have to have a town centre - that is the danger."

Bill White, who heads Galashiels and Langlee Community Council, said competition between the big stores could only be good for customers.