SCOTTISH Borders Council (SBC) is encouraging residents to take time to prepare for winter now.

That is the key message of the national Ready for Winter campaign, which has been launched today.

The campaign is asking people to prepare themselves in the home, before a journey, in the workplace and in the wider community.

Scottish Government-commissioned research has found that almost nine out of ten car owners believe they are prepared for an emergency, largely because three-quarters carry an ice-scraper and de-icer.

In addition, seven per cent had experienced an extreme weather emergency in the past year, with higher levels in rural areas. Of these, two-fifths claimed they got together with neighbours to help them cope.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, SBC’s Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, said: “Scottish Borders Council is pleased to once again support the Ready for Winter campaign.

“It is vital everyone is prepared for every kind of severe weather that any season of the year can now throw at them – it takes more than just putting a de-icer and ice-scraper in your car.

“There are simple steps that residents, businesses and communities can take to reduce the risks, with plenty helpful advice available on the SBC and Ready for Winter websites.”