THE public are being consulted on plans for the Jim Clark Rally to return in May this year.

Scottish Borders Council and its partners have been in talks with event organisers and have now received all the relevant plans and documents.

However, in order to approve the plans, the local authority must consider the potential impacts of the event – both positive and negative – on communities and businesses.

As part of this a public consultation has been launched.

Councillor Euan Jardine, SBC’s executive member for wellbeing, sport and culture, said: “In considering the event plans, the Council must assess the impact of the proposed event on local communities and the economy, and ensure that the views of the local community are taken into account.

“Whilst the organisers themselves are consulting with those along the route, we have again taken the decision to run our own consultation to gather the views of those with an interest in the event, especially those residents who could be impacted by road closures.”

The organisers of the event are directly consulting with residents and businesses along the proposed routes, however the council's consultation seeks the views of anyone interested in the event.

Maps of the proposed stages and timings can be found in the consultation.

The online consultation, which closes on March 9, can be accessed at: scotborders.citizenspace.com or www.scotborders.gov.uk/consultations