FRESH calls have been made for a long-term solution at a flooding blackspot on the A701 north of Broughton.

A stretch of the officially designated scenic route linking the M74 and Edinburgh has repeatedly suffered damage after heavy rain in the Mount Bog area.

Flooding again caused traffic disruption after recent adverse weather.

And Scottish Borders Council has introduced single-lane operation using temporary traffic lights ahead of works being carried out.

Tweeddale MP David Mundell has welcomed plans by the local authority to complete repairs as soon as water levels in the vicinity fully subside.

He said: "I appreciate this stretch of road is built on bogland which presents additional challenges in bad weather

"However, this is an important route nationally and disruption on this stretch during, and after, bad weather has caused great inconvenience to my constituents who use this road regularly together with commercial and tourism-related traffic.

"I would urge the local authority to also explore a long-term engineering solution to reduce the risk of future damage and disruption on this stretch of road."

Mr Mundell plans to make representations to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon asking her to deliver on pledges of emergency support made during her visit to the Borders in the wake of recent serious flooding.

He added: "While the A701 is part of the council roads network, it is strategically very important nationally and I believe would merit Scottish Government assistance to reduce the ongoing risk of flooding at locations such as Mount Bog."