Innerleithen householders are being told to get their strimmers out.

The town’s community council was warned that unless householders start cutting their own verges many roadside areas will become unkempt and overgrown.

And the chairman hopes that green-fingered residents will rally round.

Paul Faris said: “I do not see why people who live in Wells Brae for instance could not cut verges when they are doing their garden.” Scottish Borders Council needs to make £450,000 in savings from 2015 in its Neighbourhood Operations budget. Tweeddale has been chosen for the pilot study of where savings might be made.

And a plan of action will need to be drawn up before verge grasses grow too high.

Councillor Stuart Bell said: “Council officer Jason Hedley wants feedback as soon as possible to identify any possible savings.” Some of the options which SBC are looking at include cutting back on the frequency of maintenance and grass cutting, examining high cost areas such as the formal flower beds by Princes Street and possibly stopping grass cutting at Vale of Leithen football ground.

Recently community councillors Neil Andrew and Mr Faris attended a meeting with Mr Hedley and were told that Vale of Leithen’s Victoria Park is owned by SBC with an option, but not an obligation within the lease, for grass cutting.

Community Trust chairman Ross McGinn pointed out that the High street hanging baskets were already looked after by the community at a considerable saving to the council.

It was agreed that members of the community council would contact Mr Hedley to discuss taking the proposals forward.