内容摘要：Claire Hoskins, the council's director of asset strategy said the scheme would "deliver much needed sheltered accommodation" and will ensure older adults could live independently at home for longer.

Claire Hoskins, the council's director of asset strategy said the scheme would "deliver much needed sheltered accommodation" and will ensure older adults could live independently at home for longer.

Mr Cashman said the RSPB will be considering how wildlife can use the "hedgerows, scrubby edges, woodland and cultivated ground" on the 120-hectare site.Small-scale livestock grazing will still take place to help maintain the grassland, the charity said.

A new permissive bridleway connecting the villages of Firsdown and Pitton by foot for the first time is expected to open in May.The public will be able to visit the site on special open days throughout the year.Councillor Dominic Muns said: "We're pleased to be working with the world-renowned RSPB on this project, and we share a common ambition and shared vision to allow an exemplar chalk grassland to establish."

Consultants have recommended closing a string of leisure, cultural and community sites across the Scottish Borders, including libraries and swimming pools.Integratis Consulting were brought in by the council to examine the future of the charity Live Borders, which runs certain facilities on the council's behalf.

The proposals, intended to map out a sustainable future for the charity, would also see more than 50 full-time jobs lost.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) leader Euan Jardine said no final decisions had been made and stressed that they were recommendations by consultants.Meanwhile a spokeswoman for the jail, which is run by French prison operator Sodexo, confirmed the investigation had been launched, "as with all deaths in custody".

She said the prison was unable to comment further while the probe takes place, but added that "our thoughts and condolences are with the family at this time".Mr Usher also passed on his condolences to O'Brien's family and friends.

A £100m development where more than 3,000 civil servants are to relocate remains ahead of schedule.Terracotta façades have been installed at the seven-storey office block in Blackpool, which forms part of the Talbot Gateway development.