Scottish Borders Council agrees £6m savings moves

Councillors in the Borders have agreed proposals to save about £6m from the authority's spending.

The cutbacks come in the light of the public spending squeeze affecting all levels of government.

Further reductions will have to be found in years to come despite the measures agreed.

Staff levels will be cut across the departments in Scottish Borders Council and a range of services will be withdrawn under the plans.

Tourist information centres, a shop-local campaign and bus services are among the areas facing change.

The council also agreed increasing charges for a range of services, including the cost of a burial lair in local cemeteries.

It will rise from £284 to £450 under the proposals.

However, councillors rejected a suggestion that they should scrap the lunches they are given following meetings.