BORDERS MSP Christine Grahame has met with members of the council’s criminal justice service to discuss a range of issues.
Ms Grahame, who also chairs the Scottish Parliament’s justice committee, met with group manager John Fyfe and team leader Sarah Henderson, who gave Ms Grahame an insight into their work and the challenges it faces.
Following the meeting, Ms Grahame said: “Criminal justice services in areas like my constituency are very different to those in the city and I have agreed to speak to the minister about funding distribution.
“In order to ensure people are attending appointments and are given the support they need often costs more in rural areas due to transport difficulties.
“It can also be difficult to support prisoners and their families to ensure re-offending doesn’t occur in areas like the Borders, again because of the rural nature of the area.
“Despite these difficulties the criminal justice team in the area are doing a fantastic job.”
An increasing number of young offenders have been referred to the service rather than appearing in court when a minor offence has been committed.