COUNCIL chiefs will meet with police this week to discuss whether any improvements should be made to the road around Leadburn junction.

Last week the Peeblesshire News reported that 68-year-old Peebles woman Irene Robson was killed along with a 41-year-old man when they crashed on the A6094 between Leadburn and Howgate on Sunday, October 2.

Campaigners have been calling for improvements at the notorious blackspot for over a decade to put an end to the road fatalities.

And Scottish Borders Council and Midlothian Council have been working together to find a solution. Now Midlothian Council say bosses will meet officers to see what can be done in the coming week.

A Midlothian Council spokesperson told the Peeblesshire News: “We are meeting with Police Scotland this week to discuss the accident and to establish whether any road infrastructure improvements should be considered.”

Although the accident did not happen on the junction itself, the stretch of road has a history of serious crashes and several deaths.

In 2005 a motorist was killed when he lost control at the junction and crashed into the historic Leadburn Inn.

Then five years later, a silver Landrover Discovery crashed through a fence at the same spot.

An 87-year-old woman was also killed in the same year.

In 2012, Lisa Anne Laurie was also killed after her black Renault Clio careered into a field from the road. Ambulance crews fought to save her but the 19-year-old, from Innerleithen was pronounced dead at the scene.

The series of fatalities led to improvements being made at the junction and in 2012 the speed limit was reduced from 60mph to 40mph.

A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council said: “Improvements around Leadburn junction were made in 2012 including a reduced speed limit from 60 to 40mph and surfacing improvements. 

“However there are no specific plans in place at the moment for that area from Scottish Borders Council. The fatal accident last week took place on the Midlothian side and was further up from the junction. We work closely with Midlothian Council to ensure the roads are safe.”