AN experimental speed limit in a Selkirkshire hamlet is now a permanent fixture.

The 40mph restriction was implemented along a two-kilometre stretch of the A708 at Yarrow Feus – 10 miles west of Selkirk – in September last year.

It was introduced at the request of the police and Scottish Borders Council roads officials, despite resistance from Ettrick and Yarrow Community Council which claimed it had little or no public support.

But at last week’s meeting of SBC’s Eildon Area Forum, it was agreed to retain the restriction and its signage after hearing that speeds had, indeed, been cut.

Community council representative Margaret Crausaz said that “on balance”, the majority of villagers now appeared to favour the scheme.

However, she expressed disappointment that residents had not been more widely consulted for their views on how the speed limit had operated over the pilot period.

“There are some concerns about drivers accelerating out of the village, particularly around Yarrow School,” she claimed.

She suggested that these views should be taken on board and presented to the next meeting of the forum in November.

But Councillor Michelle Ballantyne (Con, Selkirkshire) felt there was enough evidence in report on the pilot to retain the scheme while allowing it to be tweaked at a future date.

That report, from SBC’s assistant roads engineer Robbie Yates, revealed that average speeds recorded at two of the three monitoring points had reduced by 10mph, although a “marginal increase” in speed was recorded at the third point at the eastern entrance to the village.