However, it required an additional council contribution and the authority baulked at the escalating costs and the project ultimately collapsed.

BBC: Dumfries Theatre Royal survival fund package allocated

In recent weeks, the price of carbon has crashed further after the European Parliament baulked at a commission proposal to overhaul the market.

BBC: Environment correspondent, BBC News

They agreed to cuts in the minimum wage and the firing of public sector workers but two of the leaders baulked at cuts to pensions.

BBC: Greece euro crisis: Most dangerous moment