BYPASS ROUTE march
Cllr. Vicky Davidson and David Murphy selkirk by-pass project manager discuss the plans.
WHEN it comes to the delivery of a Selkirk bypass, it would appear that hell hath no fury like local politicians scorned.
This Sunday, supporters of a solution to the town’s chronic through-traffic problems – exemplified by articulated lorries swinging into High Street from Tower Street and Ettrick Terrace – will walk the route which, they hope, will one day relieve such pressures.
The event has been organised by Selkirkshire Liberal Democrat councillor Vicky Davidson, and among those taking part will be former party leader and Selkirk resident David Steel.
“We want to up the ante and let the Scottish Government know just how important this project is to Selkirk which, like Lauder, is the only Borders town which has a trunk road passing through it’s centre and no alternative route for heavy traffic,” said Councillor Davidson.
At Thursday’s meeting of Scottish Borders Council, she will seek support for the following motion: “SBC calls on the Scottish Government and the trunk road authority [Transport Scotland] to review the case for the Selkirk bypass on grounds of public safety and wellbeing. Further, the council urges the Scottish Government to work with SBC in a more proactive approach to deliver the much-needed bypass for the centre of the town.”
The move follows confirmation, reported last week, from Scottish transport minister Keith Brown that while the bypass scheme – estimated to cost £39million – had been considered as part of his government’s strategic transport projects review (STPR), it was concluded it would “not have a significant impact on the objective for the transport corridor of a continuing reduction in accident rates”.
Local SNP councillor Kenneth Gunn said he remained “totally committed” to the project. He has asked Scottish infrastructure and investment minister Alex Neil to meet him in the town “to see for himself … what we have to suffer in Selkirk”.
Although a bypass was first mooted 60 years ago, Councillor Davidson believes many Souters are still unaware of the proposed route.
Sunday’s walk, led by SBC’s head of roads engineering Robert Young, will leave Ladylands garage at 1.45pm and proceed via the Pot Loch to the A7. It will finish at where a free bus will be available to take people back into town. Wellies are advisable.
Pilgrim, page 4
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Weather for Selkirk
Thursday 24 May 2012
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Temperature: 10 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
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