Problem junction a growing issue

Borders General Hospital junction with the A6091 (Melrose bypass)

Tweeddale MP David Mundell has shown his support for Scottish Borders Council and NHS Borders who are demanding action at a notorious accident blackspot.

The junction from Borders General Hospital to the Melrose bypass has seen seven accidents occur since previous improvements were made in 2011.

Now campaigners are calling on Scottish Government Transport Minister Derek Mackay to take further action to allay road users’ concerns and Mr Mundell has backed their calls.

Commenting this week, Mr Mundell said: “There are very real concerns from locals at this junction which has been a long standing issue and I welcome the calls for action from the council and from the NHS.

“I have also written to Derek Mackay demanding decisive action at this hospital which is used by many of my constituents as it is wrong that a junction near a region’s hospital is prone to so many accidents.

“I hope the minister listens seriously to the concerns raised and addresses this as a matter of urgency.”

NHS Borders chairman John Raine and Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker wrote to the Minister of Transport last week.

The letter explained that since improvements were made to the junction in 2011, there have been seven accidents involving injuries, as well as a number of minor accidents.

Leader David Parker said: “At the time minor tweaks were made but these have clearly not worked and something more substantial has to be done. A great many people have made representations to me about the unacceptable nature of the junction.”