SCOTTISH Borders Council has approved budget plans which sees significant investment in roads, bridges, schools and other projects.

A five year revenue plan of £1.3bn was agreed on Thursday as well as a ten year, £322m capital plan.

Council leader David Parker said: “This budget protects frontline services and will see investment in many areas, from additional investment of over £15.6m for works to roads and bridges to £1.4m to upgrade adult services facilities.

“Substantial funding for our schools, public halls and sports pitches will benefit people right across the Scottish Borders, while £0.8m of investment for Eyemouth is among over £7.1m of funding over the next three years for economic regeneration in our towns."

Following the news last week that SBC will receive an additional £3.7m from Scottish Government, it was agreed at today’s meeting that £1.4m of that will be used to boost the roads and bridges budget.

This adds to the £14.2m additional funding that was already in the budget plans.

The remaining funding will increase the play areas and skate parks budget, the Localities Bid Fund and enhance tourism signage across the region. Further investment will be given to the Corporate Transformation programme and support for Live Borders.

Councillor Parker added: “We welcome the additional funding from the Scottish Government and have thought very hard about where we think this one-off investment would be best used to ensure it benefits the whole of the Borders.

“The plans that were agreed will give Borderers reassurance that we continue to invest appropriately in areas of need, with the roads and bridges budget continuing to see a welcome boost.”