Scottish Borders Council is working to stimulate the local economy and build a 'Bright Future for the Borders'.

The recently-announced budget for the local authority included a £2.4m package of investments to help support the Borders economy.

This capital will be directed in the following package of investments:

• £1.2m for property refurbishment (to protect/stimulate jobs)
• £0.8m for land/property acquisition (affordable housing and to stimulate jobs)
• £0.4m for road improvements (to protect/stimulate jobs)

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Around £0.8m will be directed to the acquisition of land and property. This investment will be directed at the creation of affordable housing and, as a result, the stimulation of jobs.

A sum of £0.4m has been included as part of the accelerated capital spend for the protection and stimulation of jobs through road improvements.

Depute Leader (Finance) Neil Calvert, said: "Scottish Borders Council has identified three key areas for investment through accelerated capital spend. These areas of activity have been selected to maximise the impact in stimulating the local Borders economy and most importantly are deliverable within 2009/10."

Councillor Vicky Davidson, Executive Member For Economic Development said: "Property refurbishment, land purchase, property acquisition and road improvements have been targeted by the Scottish Borders Council budget to help local businesses and local workers continue through the challenges presented by the current economic situation."

(GK/JM)