POLITICIANS from across the political divide in the Borders have met with representatives of First Bus in an attempt to salvage vital bus routes in the region.

As many as 11 loss making bus services, including transport to Borders College and Town service routes in the region are under threat -and could cease as early as August 14.

The services earmarked for removal are the 8, 9, 61, 67, 68, 73, 75, 76, 77, 90 and 397. The X95 would operate what currently amounts to a Sunday service during the week for the Galashiels to Edinburgh part of the route.

Local SNP politicians Christine Grahame, Paul Wheelhouuse and Calum Kerr met with Paul McGowan from the First Group at the Scottish Parliament on Friday.

Ms Grahame -who also raised the issue with Transport Minister Humza Yousaf in Parliment that morning said: “I am particularly interested in funding which might be provided from local sources such as Common Good and Windfarm funding to support local services such as the Peebles Town service and other funds to support College bus services. 

“The Transport Minister has said he will meet with the Education Minister to talk about how these cuts could affect college students and places and will get back to me following these discussions. 

“These are just preliminary thoughts but I would ask people to get in touch with me if they have other ideas.”

Mr Wheelhouse said: “We had a constructive discussion with First and the dialogue will continue as we explore all options and funding streams to support retention and improve patronage on these key services and to protect, where possible, jobs at First Buses, maintain access to further and higher education, and to maintain footfall on our high streets."

Westminster representative Calum Kerr said: This was a very constructive meeting and I am hopeful that dialogue with all those who could be affected by these cuts to services will see a positive outcome. 

  “In working together we, along with communities and businesses can hopefully find measures to save essential services and local jobs.” 

Conservative politicians John Lamont and Rachel Hamilton also met with representatives from First Group. After their meeting, Mr Lamont called on SBC to rethink its plans to cut bus funding and to do all it can to support First Group, particularly by providing clarity over the compulsory purchase of Galashiels bus station.

He said: "While the popularity of the Borders rail has been welcomed by the council, it has undoubtedly affected our local bus services. The more profitable routes are no longer making enough money to subsidise others.

 “While these services may not be that well used, in rural areas they are vital for some, particularly pensioners and those who can’t drive. First Group’s position has been made more difficult by the SNP led council’s decision to slash the bus budget by £400,000 and uncertainty over the amount of money the council will pay them for the compulsory purchase of Galashiels bus station.

 “The council needs to rethink its plans to cut bus funding and work closely with operators like First Group to ensure we have a properly integrated transport system in the Borders which fits people’s needs.”

Rachael Hamilton MSP said: “Although it is good news that the Borders Railway has increased passenger numbers, it appears to be at the detriment of bus services.

 “Without integrated transport link residents and businesses in the central Borders will miss out and the potential of the Borders railway will not be realised.”