COMMUTERS in the Borders have been dealt a blow with the news that First Bus could be set to pull the majority of its bus services in the region.


Under new proposals, town services in Hawick, Galashiels, Peebles and Melose would be removed completely, whilst the X95 would be reduced to an hourly service between Galashiels to Edinburgh.


The services under threat are the 8, 9, 61, 67, 68, 73, 75, 76, 77, 90 and 397. The X95 would operate what currently amounts to a Sunday service during the week for the Galashiels to Edinburgh section of the route. 


Should the plans get the go-ahead, the 8, 9, 61, 67, 68, 73, 75, 76, 77, 90 and 397 services would cease from August 14.


When contacted by the Border Telegraph, a spokesperson for First Bus said:


“It's important to note this remains a proposal and a period of consultation will now take place. We are speaking to Scottish Borders Council and other organisations in the region to work out the best approach to the challenges we currently face.”


A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “First Scotland East informed the Council this week of its proposals as part of an overall review of its South East of Scotland operations. We will be considering these proposals during the four week consultation period First are required to undertake with the Council.


“Anyone who wishes to make their views known on the proposals should contact First directly.


“The Council will be consulting separately on its subsidised bus services later this summer.”