Better up '¨in space '¨than on '¨our roads

It’s probably an exaggeration to say they can be seen by astronauts high above in the International Space Station. But the spacemen are almost certainly enjoying a more comfortable ride than those using roads in the Borders – and admittedly in many other parts of Scotland.

Experts say that 46.3 per cent of our regional network is in need of repair. In the worst-roads-Scotland league table, that puts the Borders 28th out of 32.

That doesn’t make good reading.

And neither does the fact that up to £90million in capital spending alone will be needed over the coming five years to put take our roads to an acceptable standard.

Cash-pressed SBC will have to make harsh decisions when it sets its budget next week. Spending on roads is expected to be pegged . There is no easy solution. But it would be potty to carry on as they are doing. The situation will only get worse.