DAY centres for the elderly across the Borders are set for the chop.

But the axe-wielding bosses are refusing to say where and when the closures will happen.

Dozens of the region's oldest and most infirm rely on the local-authority run centres for care, company and meals.

But a major ongoing review into how day service provision is delivered in the region has concluded that the centres are no longer required.

A phased approach to the changes has begun with staff and service-users being told of the planned cuts across the Berwickshire, Cheviot and Tweeddale areas.

Among the centres operated by Scottish Borders Council's arms-length organisation SB Cares are Oakview Day Centre in Galashiels, the Deanfield Day Centre in Hawick, Jedburgh Day Centre, Saltgreens in Eyemouth and Kelso Day Centre.

One carer from Kelso told us: "This is disgusting.

"For many of the old people who use the day centre this is the only contact they will have with.

"This is a major blow for a lot of people - they are taking away a vital service and coming up with some half-hearted alternative."

It is understood that each service user will be issued with an individual link worker to provide care in their own home.

But, according to current carers, no link workers have yet been appointed.

Unison, who represent many of the staff within the day centres, believe all day centres could close in the move towards a 'community-based' service.

And they fear the loss of jobs could have a knock-on effect.

A spokeswoman for Unison said: "Unison is concerned that this decision not only affects the staff working in the day centres but that it also affects other services within the council, such as passenger transport.

"This will put added pressures on family members caring for their loved ones at home as it removes the current respite care they receive in the centres.

"Some staff have been spoken to already and made aware of the changes and the impact it has on their jobs - as we understand it, they will be given notice and enter into a redeployment process.

"If no suitable jobs are found elsewhere in the council, though, after the notice period finishes those staff will be made redundant

"Unison will continue to challenge SBC on all decisions which may lead to job losses and support their members where needed."

The Social Care Partnership has been looking at restructuring the way care is delivered.

In a Transformation Programme, which began last year and includes the Re-imagining Day Services Review, they highlight how the number of Borderers over the age of 65 will increase by 65 percent over the next 14 years.

And the planned day centre closures is just the start to the changes.

Scottish Borders Council declined to discuss the details of the cuts.

A spokesperson said: "It is envisaged that some existing day centre provision will be decommissioned however we are not in a position to provide any detail on this at the current time.

"Engagement with clients and their families started last week.

"A period of discussion will continue over the coming months to develop a fuller understanding and agreement on what alternatives will meet people’s social and respite needs.”