THE heavily subsidised staff canteen at Scottish Borders Council’s headquarters is set to close in April of next year.

A council spokesperson confirmed this week that all catering provision at Newtown is “under review”.

“The present canteen building is beyond economic repair and increasing revenue costs have meant the service has needed significant subsidy over the past five years,” said the spokesperson.

“As a result, the council is intending to close the staff canteen building in its current format from April, 2018.

“However, the council is aiming to provide staff with an alternative catering service at headquarters which meets the requirements of employees, but is also financially sustainable.

“Staff and other users of the canteen are currently taking part in a survey regarding their use of the catering service and what they would like going forward.

“Trade unions and catering staff are being fully consulted throughout this process.