A PENSIONER this week revealed she fears her sister could die because of inconsiderate motorists in Galashiels.

She claimed an ambulance responding to a family emergency was delayed by vehicles parked in a turning area in the town’s Balnakiel Terrace.

However, community councillors heard the last person who complained about the problem had their car vandalised.

Speaking at this month’s meeting of Clovenfords and District Community Council, held in the village primary school on Monday night, the woman, who we have agreed not to name, said: “We were told if the ambulance was two minutes later she would have died.” Community councillors heard the complainer’s sister had suffered a perforated bowel.

However, an ambulance, responding to the 999 call, was forced to reverse up the street because of difficulties negotiating the parked cars and only succeeded at the second attempt.

The woman went on: “They (local residents) are frightened to complain about it because cars have been scratched so badly they have needed completely resprayed.” And her partner added: “If you have to send your car in for an £800 respray you are less likely to pick up the phone next time.” Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development, Councillor Stuart Bell, who represents Tweeddale East on the local authority and was in attendance at the meeting, agreed to investigate the woman’s concerns - even though it was outwith his ward.

But the woman added: “What can be done about a situation like that? I didn’t think anyone was allowed to park in a turning area. If there is a fire there is no way a fire engine can get up that road - it’s a potential death trap.”