Second lorry tragedy avoided

Community Councillor Kathleen Beaton told Monday’s meeting she saw “nearly another accident” when a lorry driver just avoided hitting two teenagers crossing the A7 in the Market Place, at a point known locally as the Fleece corner.

Last December, 84-year-old Marion Fair died after being struck by, and pinned under, a 12-wheeled articulated lorry while trying to cross at the same spot. The accident led to fresh calls for a Selkirk bypass.

Ms Beaton recalled: “Two high school girls were crossing the road. The lorry driver couldn’t see the girls because he was so high up. My husband pointed down, and the lorry driver stopped. These girls could have been run over.”

Scottish Borders Councillor Michelle Ballantyne said that over the next few months there would be a lot of lorries passing through for Selkirk’s Flood Protection Scheme. Ms Beaton countered: “But this happens all the time: you’ve got lorries coming from Gala and Hawick, and going to the valleys.”

Councillor Gordon Edgar, executive member for roads, later told the meeting the A7 Action Plan was being revisited, bringing forward the “major plans” for a Selkirk bypass.