MSP HIGHLIGHTS EROSION OF LOCAL ROAD

Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, today visited the B6367 road which has suffered severe erosion due to heavy vehicles. The road, near to the A7 junction, is under constant usage as part of the creation of the Borders Railway and the damage can be seen at either side of the road as large vehicles have been required to drive near the verge in order to pass each other.

BAM Nuttall, who have been commissioned to undertake the initial stage of construction of the Borders Railway line, have implemented a one-way system to reduce the erosion.

Colin Beattie said: ‘This issue was highlighted to me by local residents, and I thought it best to see the damage for myself. Quite clearly the erosion is extensive. I empathise strongly with the residents.

‘I appreciate the efforts BAM Nuttall are making to reduce any future damage; certainly, the implementation of a one-way system will help with this. These roads were never built to withstand such constant, heavy usage.

‘The Borders Railway will clearly bring substantial benefits to Midlothian and beyond. However, it’s important that its legacy does not include issues such as this. To this end I have been working with BAM, Network Rail and the Scottish Government to establish where the funding will come from to fix these roads, and to seek reassurances that local people will not have to suffer any longer than absolutely necessary.’