A DANGEROUS one-way system in Selkirk could come to an end later this year.

The controversial road regulations towards the bottom of the town were introduced more than two years ago due to fears over a crumbling wall.

Despite increased signage motorists have continued to drive through the system the wrong way.

And there have been several reports of collisions.

Scottish Borders Council and the owners of the Glen Hotel have contested ownership and responsibility of the crumbling wall on Yarrow Terrace for more than five years.

But this week it has emerged that an agreement has been reached between the parties.

Trials on anchor repairs to the wall will take place this month, and if they are successful the wall should be repaired before the end of the year.

Selkirkshire Councillor Michelle Ballantyne said: “The wall is being tested and the solution will be agreed once this is done. If the anchor system provides the stability required it will be a much more cost effective solution than taking the entire wall down and rebuilding it.

“The hotel owners and Scottish Borders Council are working closely together.” The legal stand-off between the local authority the Glen Hotel over ownership began in 2010.

The deteriorating condition of the wall on led to a one-way system around Yarrow Terrace, Buccleuch Road and Mill Street being introduced in March, 2013.

But sat-navs failed to recognise the new road system and it also created several rat runs down narrow residential streets nearby.

Former newspaper editor Atholl Innes, who lives on Yarrow Terrace, blasted: “We have had to put up with this for almost six years.

“There are still cars coming up Yarrow Terrace the wrong way this week.” Roads officials had looked at making the one-way system permanent with new road markings, improved junctions and a Traffic Regulation Order - but the £220,000 bill was prohibitive.

Structural engineers have been testing the garden ground behind the wall for signs of pressure or movement.

And their findings have led to the anchor system being tested.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson told us: “The results of ground investigations have been received and a ground anchor system trial will be undertaken to establish if this could provide an appropriate solution.

“Should the test prove successful a full design solution will be worked up, scheduled and costed.

“The council continues to liaise closely with the hotel owners and all parties are keen to progress matters as quickly as possible.”