SCOTTISH Borders Council (SBC) has been accused of ‘short-changing’ taxpayers after the local authority admitted defeat in its collection of food waste.

The council issued a statement on Friday (May 19) saying the majority of Galashiels food waste collections would not be completed by the week’s end due to “ongoing disruptions in relation to vehicle breakdowns”.

A spokesperson added: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and want to assure householders that we are working hard to minimise disruptions.

“Householders are advised to place excess food waste in their general waste bin and regularly check our website and social media for up-to-date service information.”

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The announcement came after SBC was forced to cancel more food waste collections in Peebles last week because of a shortage of vehicles.

And it follows on from a number of recent SBC food waste collection routes being impacted by vehicle breakdowns which resulted in missed collections in some areas.

Those issues largely affected the Galashiels and Tweedbank areas but also some parts of Peebles too.

The latest announcement has provoked an angry reaction on social media.

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One council taxpayer thought it was part of a general pattern of poor council service, referencing the closure of public conveniences, among other issues, saying: “Can’t get a pee in Gala, can’t get cemeteries' grass cut, can’t plant Bank Street Gardens, now you can’t pick up waste because of a poor maintenance regime and no back up plan.

“It’s time SBC stopped short-changing the taxpayers of Galashiels and start getting the basics right.”

Another responder added: “Your previous guidance was to leave it for the next collection. Now we are told to put our festering rotting fly-blown food in the next residual waste collection.

“For the residents of Tweed Road in Galashiels that is not until May 31 – 26 days since it was originally put out to be collected. How much of a public health hazard is that?”