ROADS boss Gordon Edgar claims one-way systems will be a thing of the past in Selkirk.

And he puts the decision down to a lack of money.

A row over ownership of a crumbling wall on Yarrow Terrace had led to a six year stand-off between the owners of the Glen Hotel and Scottish Borders Council.

And for almost four year drivers have been forced to observe a one-way system around Yarrow Terrace, Buccleuch Road and Mill Street.

For some drivers and residents it was an inconvenience and a danger, but for many others it was welcome.

With work on the wall approaching completion calls are being made for the one-way system to be reinstated on a permanent basis.

But Councillor Edgar, who represents Selkirkshire, believes costs will prevent any new road layout.

He said: "There is no way that we will get a permanent one-way system within the next five years - there simply isn't the money.

"When the wall work is completed next month the roads will return to their original two-way systems."

A one-way system around Yarrow Terrace had been explored almost two decades ago in a bid to make the Etrrick Road junction safer.

And during the recent temporary traffic changes engineers from Scottish Borders Council carried out a full survey.

But they found the cost of new road markings, improved junctions and a Traffic Regulation Order would come to around £220,000.

Fellow Selkirkshire councillor Michelle Ballantyne doesn't believe there is a demand for the one-way system to be retained.

She told this week's meeting of Selkirk Community Council: "For every person who wants the one-way system there is one who doesn't."

Yarrow Terrace is due to return to two-way traffic at the start of April.