A HOUSING developer was ordered to abandon roadworks in Peebles after motorists suffered rush hour gridlock.

A contractor doing water main work on behalf of Miller Homes outside the Old Parish Church was forced to fill in a hole in the road and remove temporary traffic lights by Scottish Borders Council following “confusion” over the exact details of the work.

Drivers were forced to wait more than half an hour trying to cross Tweed Bridge. And businesses were also affected as queuing traffic blocked access to High Street parking spaces.

Local Councillor Keith Cockburn said: “There was a massive tailback of cars from Kittlegairy Estate trying to get over Tweed Bridge and I was stuck for ages.” A trader who did not want to give her name agreed and said: “It has been horrible travelling through Peebles, I was stuck for more than three quarters of an hour trying to get to Cavalry Park. I have been told the work was due to last two weeks so it will have to happen sometime.” A spokesman for SBC told the Peeblesshire News that the work was in preparation for homes planned to be built at Peebles Gait development which is on the north side of town just off the A703 Edinburgh Road.

The spokesman said: “We realise the roadworks, which were being carried out on behalf of Miller Homes, could have been co-ordinated better and apologise for any disruption caused. In light of the traffic problems in and around the town centre we asked the contractor to move from the site, and they’ve helpfully agreed.

“We will discuss the best way forward for any future works with the contractor to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum, and we will make sure any arrangements put in place are clearly communicated.” A spokesperson from Miller Homes said: “We are working together with Scottish Water to carry out essential upgrades to the existing network to facilitate a full mains water supply at our new development in Peebles.

“We are liaising with the Council to coordinate an appropriate time to conduct the works, and will endeavour to complete them with as little disruption to the local community as possible.”