Petition drives home concerns over safety in Selkirk’s Kirk Wynd

The small blue sign hanging on the lamp-post advertises the area as a “shared space” for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

But there have been concerns over the design of the mixed zone area in Selkirk’s Kirk Wynd since a 71-year-old man suffered a broken leg in a collision with a car five years ago.

It had been hoped the lowered pavements and crossings would promote better interactions between those on foot and those behind the wheel.

But they have led to complaints over the speed of the traffic and vehicles parked on walking routes.

Denis Roberts, who works in the General Store, wants to see speed bumps installed to slow motorists down. He believes a raised walk way between the Market Place and Halliwell’s Close would also help protect pedestrians from passing traffic.

He has collected 100 signatures on a petition calling for improvements, which he hopes will be discussed at a future meeting of Scottish Borders Council’s Scrutiny and Petitions Committee.

Mr Roberts told Greatest Hits Radio: “It was prompted by pedestrians coming out of the Post Office or Halliwell’s Close having to jump back to avoid being hit

“A gentleman was crossing here, right at the bottom of the Kirk Wynd, and a car hit him and broke his leg – and he’s still not fully recovered from it.

“I’d like to see something to reduce the speed of the traffic – either sleeping policemen, or something, to make drivers aware that there are pedestrians on this area.

“I volunteer in one of the shops so I see it quite regularly. Throughout the day it’s quite busy, because it’s a cut-through to the A7, and people are using it as a rat run.”

And he added: “Somebody will get injured seriously one day (if no action is taken), it’s going to happen.”

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The narrow road boasts a mixture of homes and businesses, and is close to the town’s main car park, which provides access to a number of local visitor attractions. It is also home to Royal Mail’s local delivery office, and the Auld Kirk, where William Wallace was proclaimed “Guardian of Scotland” in 1298.

Scottish Borders Council says the average speed of traffic using the shared space area is less than the 20mph limit.

It agrees the junction layout is unusual but pointed out the design is necessary to allow vehicles to manoeuvre.

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Local councillor Leagh Douglas hopes the presentation of the petition will help raise awareness of the issues and slow drivers down.

She said: “At the end of the day, Denis is here day in, day out, and he is seeing – unfortunately – some motorists are not adhering to speed limits. And if we can do anything to make people stop and slow down, then hopefully we can stop any further accidents happening.”

Meanwhile, BEAR Scotland’s revealed it’s considering installing traffic lights on the A7 at Tower Street, as part of proposals which could see the introduction of a new one-way system.

The development’s being welcomed by local councillor Caroline Cochrane. She added: “The position of the actual traffic lights in the High Street has for some time been considered to be in the wrong place, so it’s great to hear a new pedestrian crossing is being looked at.”

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