Published: Friday, 12th June, 2009 12:20pm

No cash available to fix accident blackspot

AN improvement scheme is in place for Leadburn junction - but there"s no cash to implement it.

In the past decade three motorists have lost their lives on this stretch of road, and dozens of other drivers and passengers have had lucky escapes.

Only last month, Steven Parry from Peebles, was rushed to the Western General Hospital following a smash at the accident blackspot.

His mother Anne and niece and nephew, Charley and Archie, were also in the vehicle as the family returned from a day out at Ocean Terminal in Edinburgh.

A £900,000 upgrade was planned for the junction and initial studies were completed on the site.

But Midlothian Council took the blackspot from its priority programme last year after government funding, filtered through regional transport organisation SEStran, dried up.

Midlothian Council has said that due to improvement works already carried out at the site, Leadburn junction is no longer, 'featured highly on our cluster site" - a priority list the council has in relation to the number and severity of accidents on roads in its area.

A council spokesperson added: 'A roundabout at this location remains a desire of the council as it is accepted that the design of the junction does cause concern for drivers.

'Unfortunately in the current economic climate we are unable to progress with the construction of the roundabout as we have been unable to identify a budget for the work. We do, however, have a scheme which is basically designed and could be implemented fairly quickly if funds were identified.'

Tweeddale MP David Mundell says the council"s latest response simply 'isn"t good enough".

He said: 'The significant works needed at this site are very long overdue - there have been a number of accidents and near-misses over the years. I am disappointed that it is no longer even on the waiting list and I will continue to lobby Midlothian Council and the Scottish Government on this issue.'