FURTHER calls have been made for safety improvements on a stretch of road where there has been a spate of crashes.

Members of Innerleithen Community Council were told a serious accident would occur unless something was done about the A72 on the western side of the town.

“There have been eight accidents in the last three months - and that’s only the ones that have been reported,” said concerned resident Ian Stewart.

“We really need something to be done before something serious happens. This issue was raised at the last community council meeting but we don’t seem to be any further forward.” One of the problems is that motorists appear to be caught out by the unusual kerb-line of the road.

But community council vice chairman Jim Calder said: “People come out of the town and just put their foot down.” Mr Stewart added: “We have been told road regulations won’t allow a 30mph limit but even a 40mph limit would make a difference.” Innerleithen Community Council heard Road Policing Officers are continuing to patrol the main arterial routes within the Borders area monitoring the speed of traffic.

On September 18, a road traffic accident occurred near Dirt Pot Corner involving two vehicles - with one leaving the road, overturning and landing in a field.

Tweeddale councillor Stuart Bell promised to take up the issue with Scottish Border Council’s Safer Communities Partnership which is looking at safety issues along the length of the A72.

In the meantime community councillor George Brown is pressing for a “reduce speed now” sign.