Action group launch plan to improve Borders roads

left to right, John Scott, former member of the A7 Action Group standing in for joint chairman David Mundell MP, joint vice-chairman Councillor Denis Male, principal of the Group Majorie McCreadie, joint chairman Calum Kerr MP and joint vice chairman Councillor Gordon Edga help launch the new A7 Action Group plan at Hawick Town Hall on Friday 23 October.

The document, entitled A7 Action Plan – 2015 Onwards, includes a series of potential projects following consultation with nine community councils along the route.

Amongst the proposals is a suggested bypass around Selkirk and key improvements to the Selkirk market place.

It also suggests that road markings are refreshed in Galashiels and the road between Halkburn road end and The Whin Cottage be straightened and widened amongst other proposals around the Borders.

John Ross Scott, member of the A7 Action Group, said in his speech at the launch held at Hawick Town Hall Friday October 23: “It is a nonsense that after over 40 years a Selkirk Bypass does not yet feature in the Government’s long-term transport improvement programme.”

The group, founded in 1990 aims to secure improvements along the 93 mile route from Carlisle to Edinburgh.

This week as the plan was revealed a car left the road two miles south of the Heriot junction and crashed into a wall. The driver was airlifted to hospital with leg injuries.

The road is notorious throughout the Borders, due to the numerous accidents that have taken place on it over the years, including the death of Marion Fair from Selkirk in December 2014.