ROADS in the Borders are the worst in Scotland when it comes to repairs, new research has shown.

Maintaining Scotland’s Roads, a report produced by Audit Scotland, has revealed that roads in the region have deteriorated more than in any other area since 2011.

The findings show the quality of roads maintained by Scottish Borders Council have decreased by nine per cent, the biggest drop across the whole of Scotland.

The revelation comes just months after the Peeblesshire News reported that a pensioner from Wales described the region’s roads as the worst she had ever seen, after suffering two punctures from potholes whilst visiting Peeblesshire.

And in April, the authority was forced to pay out £100,000 in damages to a cyclist who was seriously injured on the A701 approaching Broughton.

Responding to this latest report, Tweeddale West Councillor Keith Cockburn, who is chairman of A72 Action sub-committee told us: “In the Borders we have a very good railway line and have got very good stretches of highway, like the A1. The problem is that we are not as well supplied with routes in the central Borders. The roads can’t take as much traffic and have suffered because of a lack of investment,” he added.

“We do have problems with employment and low average wages in the region and we don’t want to lose anymore business. The transport infrastructure is very important and we need it to be in great condition so people can use it. It’s our bread and butter.

“It’s not an easy task for the council and they are doing their best. It’s not easy when you’ve lots of councillors all fighting for the same pot of money.

“It’s certainly not beyond us to seek further investment, but it’s Holyrood that are making cuts to local authorities and it’s the councillors who are having to explain to the taxpayers what is happening with the money.”

Scottish Borders Council told the Peeblesshire News it was committed to investing in the region’s roads.

“While the council continues to be faced with ongoing financial challenges, our current budgets still outline considerable investment across of a wide range of key services, including roads.

“The 2016/17 capital plan, announced in February 2016, includes a commitment over the next 10 years to invest £69.6million in roads and bridges, an increase of £36.3m since 2012/13.

“The 2016/17 budget also included increased spending on roads of £500,000 per year over the next five years, a 14 per cent increase per annum on the previous revenue budget. This represented an additional £2.5m investment over the five years of the budget plan.

“The council continues to adopt an asset management approach to its road network, and wherever possible maximises budgets by identifying alternative road treatment options which prolong the life of the road.”

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