Midlothian Council should take action to upgrade the notorious Leadburn Junction by building the promised roundabout or transfer the ground they own to Scottish Borders Council so they can take over the responsibility, according to local MP David Mundell. Local Councillor a Keith Cockburn and Council Opposition Group Leader Michelle Ballantyne joined Mr Mundell in renewing calls for action at the junction on the A703 at the Leadburn Inn which is the site of almost daily minor accidents and that has seen fatal collisions in the past. Cllr Ballantyne has written again to Midlothian Council demanding action.
Cllr Ballantyne said:-
"Despite Leadburn being the subject of accident reviews and some improvements it remains a highly dangerous junction due to the layout and the speed at which vehicles approach. I believe that it is essential that more is done to improve safety there and I hope Midlothian Council will look at this issue again."
David Mundell MP said:-
" The problem is that whilst the people most affected by the poor layout of the junction are in Tweeddale and the Borders, the junction itself is in Midlothian and that Council have shown little interest recently in improving the situation. I hope they will listen to our pleas this time, but if not, I believe they should consider transferring the land they once bought there to build a roundabout, to Scottish Borders Council and allow them to take the lead on tackling the dangers local road users face every day at this junction."
Cllr Keith Cockburn said:-
"We don't want to have to see another serious accident at the junction before action is taken. Everyone agrees something needs to be done and it's time now for action and for Midlothian Council to accept their responsibilities and deliver the much needed roundabout."