A DRIVE to stop motorists blocking car parking bays in Melrose seems to be working, community councillors were told this week.

Community cop, Philip Winning, revealed he had not ticketed anyone in the High Street for exceeding the parking limit in the past month.

He was addressing Melrose and District Community Council following concerns that visitors were bypassing the town because they couldn’t find a space to park with local residents accused of leaving their vehicles parked in the town centre all day.

PC Winning said: “Just before Christmas, I was going through a ticket book every time I was going through the town. But, from my experience, the situation seems to be improving.” The community cop revealed every local officer was now trained in the use of speed guns now and able to enforce the speed limit - except outside schools where there is only one sign indicating a 20mph limit.

Meanwhile, with the white road markings fading, fears were voiced that the Lowood Bridge was an accident waiting to happen.

Community councillor Dorothy Cameron said: “It’s so dangerous because the cars cut in if there is no white lines and lots of people use the bridge.” Councillor Jim Torrance, who represents Leaderdale and Melrose on Scottish Borders Council, admitted he was aware of the problem and had raised the concerns with the local authority’s roads department - but, so far, with no success.

“They keep giving me excuses,” he said. “Either the machine which paints the lines is broken or it’s not the right weather.” Meanwhile, fears have been voiced that a child could come to harm unless repairs are made to the Nutwood Bridge in Melrose.

Community councillors heard it was damaged following a collision with a vehicle but there is a question mark over who is responsible.

Provost William Windram said: “One side of the bridge has been damaged and may have to be replaced. It used to be covered in wood but now that’s all gone. It’s not a question of ownership, it’s who caused the damage?” Secretary Aziza Taylor added: “A child could fall through into the burn quite easily.” Scottish Borders Council confirmed it was aware of the current condition of the Nutwood bridge but insisted it is safe.

A local authority spokesperson said: “Some alterations have been made recently to the metal handrail on the upstream side of the bridge, however, the bridge is currently safe for pedestrians and limited light vehicular traffic to service the properties as was intended.” And they added: “The Council are currently taking this opportunity to investigate the classification of the route and any improvements/alterations which should be made to the upstream bridge parapet.”