Tweeddale East Councillor Graham Garvie, Scottish Borders Council’s convener, spoke of his grave concerns at this month’s meeting of the Community Council.

He lives close to St Andrew’s cemetery and warned it was filling up fast.

Studies have revealed that Peebles will need another cemetery within the next decade.

But Councillor Garvie warned the looming crisis was closer than that.

Community council secretary Anne Snoddy said: “The council say there is definitely a need for a second cemetery and they reckon within the next 10 years at the present rate.” Councillor Garvie replied: “I’ve seen it (St Andrew’s cemetery) filling up rather rapidly and I am surprised that they are saying it will last 10 years - it looks more like five to me.” Some councils have discussed reusing old graves as the lack of burial space across the country intensifies.

Peebles community council vice-chairman Crick Carleton said: “Any proposals for another cemetery will have to be included in a local development plan.”