THE A7 Action Group has marked 25 years since its inception with a new plan for one of the Borders’ main roads.

The group, made up of community representatives, MPs and councillors, was founded in 1990 with the aim of securing improvements along the 93 mile route which stretches from Carlisle to Edinburgh.

Three years later, the Scottish Office agreed to carry out £12.5million worth of upgrades over a 10 year period on the A7, all of which were completed.

Twenty five years on, a new document entitled A7 Action Plan – 2015 Onwards has been launched, which includes a series of actions and potential projects put together following consultation with nine community councils along the route.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, who is joint chairman of the group, said: “A quarter of a century since its inception, the A7 Action Group should be very proud of its achievements, challenging a number of different governments during its 25 years and striving to achieve its objectives.

“This new plan will aim to enhance road safety as well as maintain and improve the quality of life for communities and individuals dependent on the road.

“This is an exciting time for our area with the opening of the new Borders Railway and it is hoped the A7 can also contribute to the economic development of the region.”