CROSS border concerns have been raised over possible plans by Scotland to take independent action over easing the Covid-19 lockdown.

Last week the country's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, mooted the possibility of closing the border.

A UK Government minister however said both administrations should act in "lockstep" after accusing her of issuing different guidance "for the sake of it".

City councillor Valerie Tarbitt, representing Longtown and the Border, said: "different guidance would be chaos it would make things very complicated in terms of health and the movement of people."

Councillor Sean Marshall, on Dumfries & Galloway Council, said: "Well I think they are practicing a bit of one-upmanship, it is very important for people who live close to the border for the Governments to have the same guidelines. We have to keep that border open."

He added many people work and food shop in Carlisle.

On Tuesday MP Alistair Jack, Scotland secretary, said: “We should meet the challenge together.

"Where there has been differences the Scottish Government has not made good decisions.

"It has failed to justify their decision to shut down all building sites apart from hospitals.South of the border the advice is to continue to go to work but only where it can be done safely.

"They have not explained why but we do know the decision is having a disastrous impact on Scottish industry."