EMERGENCY bus route cover has been put in place after a Borders coach firm crashed.

Scottish Borders Council took steps to ensure 'essential services' were able to continue after Munro's of Jedburgh announced they were ceasing trading last Wednesday night with immediate effect.

The Border Telegraph can reveal that the council was given just over 30 hours' notice that the Jed firm had gone to the wall and would be unable to run its contracted services.

A council spokesman told us: "We first learned that Munro's were intending to cease trading just before 4pm on Tuesday, July 2.

"We immediately engaged with other operators to secure cover for the routes and avoid any disruption.

"Our transport staff had to work very quickly to ensure these services continued.

"We received good support both from Munro's and other local operators during this process. We announced the cover arrangements for the routes as soon as we were in a position to do so whilst also respecting the wishes of Munro's and their staff."

The company - which was formed in the mid 1960s - had a fleet of 40 vehicles.

It is believed 32 jobs have been lost.

They were due to hand over many of their routes on August 12 due to a re-tendering process but the sudden move meant temporary arrangements have had to be made between now and then to provide cover.

The remaining services will continue to run until a permanent contract can be agreed.

Borders MSP John Lamont admitted he was concerned by the development. He said: "It is a great shame to hear that Munro's of Jedburgh has ceased operating, and it immediately throws doubt over the future of their employees. At short notice they have been left without a job while many will still have to provide for their families.

"That is why the top priority now must be to ensure that they are provided with adequate support to make sure as many of them as possible can quickly get back into employment."

Mr Lamont welcomed the move by the council to put replacement providers in place adding: "It's important that these now run smoothly, and I would urge local residents to immediately report any problems that occur."

The company ran 10 services under contract to the council and they are now being covered by temporary providers.

They are (with new provider in brackets): some journeys on Service 20, Hawick - Jedburgh - Kelso (Peter Hogg/First/Perryman's); Service 21, Jedburgh town service infrequent journeys (Peter Hogg), Service 51/52, Jedburgh/Kelso to Edinburgh (First), Service 54, Galashiels ASDA to Meigle Street (First), Service 61, Galashiels - Earlston - Lauder (First), Service 68, Jedburgh to Galashiels (Perryman's), Service 74, Galashiels ASDA to Netherdale (First), Service 80, Kelso Town Service (SBC), Service 81, Kelso to Morebattle/Yetholm (Perryman's), Service 83, Kelso to Sprouston (SBC).

Service 131, Jedburgh to Newcastle, was delivered on behalf of Northumberland County Council and they are organising replacement provision.

A short statement on the Munro's of Jedburgh website expressed its thanks to all its 'loyal customers' over the years.