Published: Friday, 30th July, 2010 9:30am

Leadburn improvements on the way

by David O'Leary

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IMPROVEMENTS are finally set to be made at the deadly Leadburn Junction.

Better signage will be installed this year while improved lighting and upgraded kerbing are currently being costed by Midlothian Council for inclusion in future works.

The work, though welcome, still falls some way short of the roundabout motorists have long clamoured for.

Over the past decade four drivers have lost their lives around the Leadburn junction - where the A701, A703 and A6094 meet - and numerous other near misses and smashes have also been reported.

Back in 2006, a £900,000 roundabout reached the planning stage following a crash which saw the nearby Inn burned down. Initial studies were completed however money to fund the project never materialised and the plans were shelved.

This week Midlothian Council member Russell Imrie, announced the upcoming work.

He said: "This work is currently being programmed and further details will be publicised when they are available.

"Replacement of some damaged and stolen direction signs is scheduled for this financial year. The replacement of the remaining signs, upgrade of the street lighting to more energy efficient units and slight modifications to the kerbline plus some other maintenance issues have also been identified and are currently being costed for inclusion in future works programmes."

Local MSP Jeremy Purvis said: "This is at least a long-awaited step in the right direction. Signage and lighting are two concerns of nearby Howgate and Lamancha residents, who use the junction regularly, which I passed on to Midlothian Council following meetings in the local community.

"However the Scottish Government still refuses to change its position on funding a roundabout which is regrettable."