FEARS have been voiced that tragedy could strike in the Borders - unless action is taken to fix a “dangerous” wall.

Community councillors first raised concerns over the crumbling state of the wall along the Melrose Road in Langlee more than two years ago.

However, it has continued to deteriorate as Scottish Borders Council and Waverley Housing Association squabble over ownership of the structure.

Community councillor Judith Cleghorn said: “It’s over two years since we brought it up. It’s a beautiful wall but it’s deteriorating badly. Are we just going to sit by and watch this wall fall down?

“This wall is part of Gala and I really don’t want it to fall down. Apart from the safety aspect, it shouldn’t take two years to sort out.” Galashiels councillor John Mitchell revealed he believes the wall belongs to Waverley.

Ms Cleghorn pointed out the housing association have agreed to pay for repairs - if the local authority can prove they own it. She said: “We’re getting more traffic along that road now with Winston Road closed.” And community councillors John McLaren added: “I don’t think it’s good enough that we walk away from it.” Earlier this month, a 12-year-old girl was killed after a wall inside the building of Liberton High School in Edinburgh collapsed and landed on top of her.

And Galashiels and Langlee Community Council warned of a similar tragedy happening in the Borders. Community councillor Murray Dickson said: “It beggars belief when we see what happened at Liberton High School.

“Someone should be saying to themselves, hang on, this could kill, let’s get this fixed.”