New Peebles bridge planned

A Peebles resident says one of the proposed locations for the second road bridge will disrupt his home, and mean his neighbours house will have to be demolished.

One of the favoured options between the A72 and Cavalry Park cuts past Andrew Starks front door.

He said: "To get onto the main road, the first thing is, it is going to be above our house, it will probably destroy a neighbouring house there to get the road in, so all in all it seems someone has just drawn a line, and just wants to get onto the main road."

Residents in Peebles are divided on plans for a second road bridge in Peebles.

Scottish Borders Council are asking the public to consider three options for the location of the bridge.

All of the options join the A72 to Cavalry Industrial Park.

Business people at the industrial park say there are a number of problems with each of the options.

One of the main issues is that the road will pass close to a nursery school on the park.

Gillian Graham, a local business woman, said: "My concern is the 3 bridges proposed run right past the nursery which is here and, or, opposite the primary school, and ideally I would like to see traffic diverted away from the area".

Not building a second road bridge in Peebles will be hold back any future development in the town, according to the Scottish Borders Council.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, who is in charge of roads and infrastructure, said:

Scottish Borders Council say a second road bridge for Peebles is essential for the town's future prosperity.

The local authority say the the town's only road bridge will be at full capacity by 2020.

Councillors warn that future development will be "held back" if a new bridge isn't built.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, who is in charge of roads and infrastructure, said any future development of Peebles will be held back without the bridge.