COMMUNITY leaders have reaffirmed their opposition to the building of a second road bridge in Peebles.

The new crossing has been included in the draft local development plan for the town.

A Scottish Government reporter will examine the plans before they are ratified next year. But Crick Carleton, the chairman of Peebles Community Council’s planning committee, said: “We will seek a report on the bridge proposal and its consequences.” The planning committee report presented to this month’s Peebles Community Council stated: “It is proposed to formally contest the inclusion of a second road bridge in Peebles Settlement Plan with in the local development plan.” The planners are against the bridge for the following reasons: ::It is not justified on the basis of traffic congestion - the only delays are for a short time during the morning rush hour and afternoon school run.

::It would bring with it significant development of housing to the south east of the settlement which is considered counter to the sustainable development of the town.

::This in turn would result in asymmetric development of the town and establishment of a southern economic suburb to the south east of the river remote from the existing town centre.

::The routings prioritised by Scottish Borders Council for such a bridge show little logic in their specific origin and insertion north and south of the river.