Dirtpot assurances for forthcoming spending plan

Graham Ford • Published 27 Jan 2012 09:30 0 Comments

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ASSURANCES have been given that Dirtpot Corner won't be swerved again when it comes to funding.

The accident blackspot on the A72 near Innerleithen was moved off a scheme of improvement projects following budget cuts last year.

Work has been ongoing this week to investigate the stability of the slopes above the carriage way.

Tweeddale East councillor Gavin Logan asked the portfolio holder for roads, Jim Fullarton, at yesterday's (Thursday) full council meeting: "I am pleased to note in a recent Council press release that work is about to start stabilising the banking at Dirtpot Corner.

"Can you reassure us that the long term aim of the Scottish Borders Council is to realign the roadway at this corner and such an aspiration will not get lost in the mists of time?"

Councillor Fullarton gave his assurances. He said: "The A72 forms the principal east-west Link between Tweeddale and the central Borders, and is one of the Council's strategically important road links.

"Dirtpot Corner is a section of road that has poor alignment and constrained carriageway width, which makes two HGV's meeting on the corner a difficult manoeuvre.

"As Councillor Logan has mentioned the Council is investing in stabilising the slope to reduce the risk of slope slippage and closure of the road. Any realignment scheme is difficult given the operational and environmental constraints, and will be expensive.

"The realignment scheme will be included in the Council's draft 10 year Capital Financial Plan which will be presented to Council on February 9."

This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 27 Jan 12

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