MOTORISTS who have faced long tailbacks and delays coming in and out of Jedburgh are set to endure another nine months of the same, according to local Tory MSP John Lamont who has branded the situation “an ongoing fiasco”.

Following a landslip last May which damaged the busy A68 trunk road at Lintalee, two miles south of the town, the southbound carriageway has been closed and traffic lights have operated.

But what appeared to be a routine repair job turned out to be anything but and, more than 16 months on, the traffic controls remain in place.

Mr Lamont claims that last month he received a letter from Transport Scotland, which is responsible for the trunk network, indicating that the repairs could take another nine months to complete.

In exasperation, the MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, tabled a Parliamentary question, demanding an update from Scottish transport minister Keith Brown.

“Transport Scotland is committed to fully re-open the A68 as soon as possible,” replied Mr Brown. “Significant ground and environmental investigations have been undertaken to ensure a long-term solution is robust.

“Transport Scotland is working with the operating company to complete the design and undertake the remedial measures as soon as practicable.

“The patience of the local community is appreciated while a permanent solution is designed and implemented.” But Mr Lamont’s patience is running out.

“This is a serious inconvenience for road users, local communities and businesses,” said the MSP.

“In the Borders, our transport infrastructure is so important to residents and businesses alike which is why road closures are so damaging.

“I have urged the Scottish Government to intervene directly and I’m very disappointed the minister has refused to come to the rescue.

“His reply suggests a permanent solution has not yet been agreed and I’m concerned further problems may be discovered which could further extend the closure.

“The Scottish Government needs to intervene to end this ongoing fiasco”.