COUNCILLORS are set to rubber-stamp spending more than £700,000 on creating a new reception and canteen at their headquarters.

As part of the forthcoming year's budget proposals, £621,000 has been earmarked for the building with a further £115,000 to be spent on demolition of the old canteen.

The proposals are part of the planned 2020/21 capital spend.

A spokesman told us: "The existing staff canteen building at Scottish Borders Council headquarters, which also contains meeting rooms and storage, is life expired.

"The council is establishing a ‘grab and go’ facility as part of improvement works to the public reception area of the main headquarters building.

"This will enable the canteen building to be demolished, delivering savings in respect of rates, maintenance, lighting and heating.”