A MAJOR motoring services brand is set to close its only Borders branch this year.

Halfords's Galashiels branch at the Low Buckholmside industrial estate next to Sports Direct and TKMaxx has revealed that the location will close in September.

The announcement comes after news that Farmfoods, which is currently based in a unit at Bridge Street, will move into the premises currently occupied by the motoring and cycling services company.

A member of staff at Halfords Galashiels, who we have agreed to keep anonymous, said that the news of the closure came "out of the blue".

They said: "We are all pretty devastated.

"We got told out of the blue.

"We hoped the shop would move but we've all lost out jobs at short notice."

The closure of the Galashiels branch means there will be no Halfords store in the Borders, and the nearest retail location will be Halfords Straiton (near Loanhead).

A spokesperson for Halfords told the Border Telegraph: “We can confirm the Halfords store Galashiels is due to close in September 2023 and staff are aware of the closure. 

"Customers will still be able to purchase from Halfords.com. 

"We are working hard to support all of those affected."