PLANS have been tabled to slash bus services in parts of the Borders.

The proposals for the Eildon, Cheviot and Berwickshire areas from Scottish Borders Council include axing several money-losing routes as well as reducing timetables on others.

If the local authority plans are accepted, the Kelso-Stichill-Earlston 66 service will be withdrawn from April, as will the Service 85 route between Kelso and Greenlaw, the Kelso-Berwick Service 87 on Wednesdays, and the Wednesday only Service 710 between Coldstream and Kelso.

The Borders Reiver, service 964, between St Boswells, Bowden, Darnick and Gattonside will operate on a reduced timetable from April.

Both the weekend morning Service 61 between Galashiels and Earlston, and the Saturday evening Service 61 on the same route will remain under review until September.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, spokesman for road and infrastructure, said: “Despite the low level of use on these bus services, the council understand they can be seen as vital links for some communities.

“This is why we have proposed alternative services where possible which reflect the current passenger usage, and are keen to support community-led transport projects, which have been a key theme of our conversations with communities since summer 2019.

“We have already held positive discussions with three Berwickshire communities about the launch of a community operated demand responsive taxi service, which has successfully worked in other areas of the Borders and Scotland.

“Anyone who would like to comment on the proposals, or would like to discuss an idea for a community transport project, please get in touch with the council.”

Planned cuts to services in the Teviot area are currently being finalised.

Comments to PLACEtransport@scotborders.gov.uk will be accepted until February 13.