A GALASHIELS councillor has warned that traffic in the town centre will come to a stand still when the railway returns to the region later this year.

Bill White made the comments at this month’s meeting of Galashiels Community Council as members discussed concerns over driving on Ladhope Vale.

He explained that concerns over traffic driving over the mini roundabout would ease when the Transport Interchange opened as traffic would be slowed by a new pedestrian crossing over the A7 which links the town’s new bus and train station.

Former community council vice-chairman Kenneth Windram, speaking from the public gallery, said: “People are still driving over the roundabout and last week there was a crash, with one car going into the back of another.

“It’s dangerous. There was supposed to be an expert set of lights at top end (of Ladhope Vale) to control the flow of traffic.” The public meeting heard there seemed to be a fault with the traffic lights at the Bridge Place junction with Ladhope Vale - although Scottish Borders Council this week insisted it was not aware of any.

But members, who were told that some drivers were still confused by the new road layout, called for improved signage.

Community councillor Tom Ingoldsby said: “It’s a disaster. People in left lane are stopping when they don’t have to. I just think it’s a waste of space. It’s an accident waiting to happen and has been from the start.” Community councillor Graham Hansen claimed traffic flowed better when the one-way system was in operation.

But Councillor White, who represents Galashiels and District on Scottish Borders Council, said: “Once the train comes they will all be at a standstill because of the lights at the Transport Interchange.” The local authority confirmed no faults had been reported.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “The traffic lights on Ladhope Vale are part-time signals controlled from the set at High Street/Island Street junction and should be at green unless there is a build up of traffic up at Bridge Place.

“If this is the case, the Ladhope Vale lights will switch to red to keep the mini roundabout at Bridge Place/Ladhope Vale clear of the congestion and allow the traffic to flow in other directions.”