TRUNK ROAD VISION . . . A7 Action Group members, left to right, John Ross Scott, Annandale East and Eskdale councillor Denis Male, secretary Marjorie McCreadie, Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP Calum Kerr and Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar launch the new action plan
Members of the A7 Action Group launched their new action plan, which is a ten-year vision for the key route running from Edinburgh to Carlisle.
One of their primary aims is to upgrade the section between Skipper’s Bridge and Auchenrivock, just south of Langholm, and they are now lobbing to meet with government ministers.
Secretary Marjorie McCreadie, who is a founder member, said: “You will never legislate for bad drivers but we can do something to make things better.
“Back in 1991 the Scottish Office came forward with a ten-year plan for the A7 which had short, medium and long-term projects – all of which have long since been completed.
“We are prepared to do the same again and our work is not done by a long chalk; the past is the past and we are now looking very much to the future with this brand-new action plan.”
It is hoped that any improvement works, which would be funded by the Scottish Government, will enhance road safety and improve the environmental aspects of the A7 corridor.
Welcoming the new action plan, vice chairman and Annandale East and Eskdale
councillor Denis Male said: “I am delighted that finally we have another action plan in place as the last plan finished with Auchenrivock.
“It has taken us 18 months with a lot of hard work by the community councils along the road and we hope Dumfries and Galloway Council will sign up to the plan alongside Scottish Borders Council.”
Mr Male, who has also sat on the committee for 25 years, added: “I will also be asking Annandale and Eskdale Area Committee and the council’s economy, environment and infrastructure committee to give it their full support so we can push on to further develop the A7.
“We need to carry on until the A7 is recognised as the major trunk road it is and is treated accordingly.”
