Tweeddale MP David Mundell has welcomed plans by the Scottish Borders Council to increase spending on the region’s roads- but adds that improvements should have taken place long before now.
In Mr Mundell’s own constituency, four roads in Peebles have been earmarked for resurfacing works by the council; High Street, Rosetta Road, Connor Street and Southpark Drive.
Mr Mundell says the resurfacing works are a positive step which will bring benefits to locals and visitors to Peebles but he feels the region is still being short changed when it comes to road repair works.
Commenting David Mundell MP: “Peebles is a major town for tourists and the state of the roads in the town has been in a shocking state for far too long so an increase in spending from the council is welcome.
“However, the roads in Peebles and across the Borders have been deteriorating for far too long now and the council continues to be short changed by the Scottish Government who are cutting their budgets year on year.
“The rural roads in my constituency are in a disgraceful state and the Scottish Government continue to be focused on spending money on roads in the central belt and neglecting vital trunk routes in Tweeddale.
“Instead of focusing on their main aim of independence the Scottish Government would be better placed focusing on the day to day issues of fixing rural roads in order to help this region’s economy which is being damaged by crumbling roads.
“I hope the resurfacing works bring about a significant improvement on these roads in Peebles but the council require a lot more funding before they can be brought up to a fit and proper standard.”