Politicians' voices added to bypass campaign

Borders politicians have joined the renewed call for a Selkirk bypass, after a retired doctor was knocked over by a lorry which mounted a pavement in the town.

As reported last week, Dr Lindsay Neil, a prominent campaigner for a bypass to take heavy goods vehicles away from the town centre for pedestrians’ safety, was lucky to only sustain minor injuries in the incident.

Conservatives John Lamont MP and Rachael Hamilton MSP have now joined the call for action.

The proposals for a bypass are supported by the A7 action group, have been so far shelved by the Scottish Government.

Mr Lamont said: “I am saddened to hear of Dr Neil’s accident, and I have written to him to wish him a speedy recovery.

"These accidents are avoidable, and I would urge the Scottish Government to think again about its priorities with regards to road infrastructure.

“I have supported calls for action to be taken on this issue before. However, there is nothing to suggest that it is being treated with any urgency by the Scottish Government.

“People in Selkirk have already voiced their concerns about the traffic situation in the town. It is time that their concerns are taken more seriously by the Scottish Government.”

And Mrs Hamilton added: “The A7 action group have been vocal in their calls for a bypass and this view is mirrored by members of the community in Selkirk. I am disappointed that, despite several warnings, the government here in Scotland is choosing to prioritise other projects over this.”