Dirtpot Corner improvements agreed

David O'Leary • Published 23 Dec 2011 09:30 0 Comments

SPEED signs are to be installed at the notorious Dirtpot Corner.

The known local blackspot was the main casualty of SBC's reduced capital spending programme in February, when a proposed £4.7million alignment scheme was dropped.

But last week following a meeting with the council's roads department, councillor Gavin Logan was successful in agreeing new signage at the site.

Following this a spokesman for SBC said: "We are in the process of developing a local safety scheme for Dirtpot Corner on the A72. This will include enhanced signing and lining - which it is hoped will increase drivers' awareness of the sharp bend and localised reduction in carriageway width.

"Elected ward members have been involved in discussions with the local community and council officers, and are supportive of this approach."

The matter is still however subject to the agreement of Innerleithen Community Council, who have fought long and hard for improvements at the site.

Councillor Logan said: "It has taken a long time to get to this stage and I hope that the community council and the roads department have a satisfactory meeting and that the new agreed signs will be erected early next year. I am confident that we will then see a reduction accidents at this black spot."

Lothian and Borders Police are also at present carrying out an in-depth analysis of the A72 between Galashiels and Peebles with special attention given to all black spots.

This review follows the death of motorcyclist David Arnott, who was involved in a collision with a Peugeot 206 at the corner, in August.

And more recently a motorcyclist suffered an open fracture to his right leg following a crash at the same spot on Monday, October 3.

The motorcyclist collided with a black Vauxhall Astra on the first right-hand bend leaving Innerleithen.

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 23 Dec 11

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