RESIDENTS from a Galashiels street have collected hundreds of signatures on a petition calling for their busy school road to be made safer.

As previously reported by the Border Telegraph, locals on Langlee Drive are calling for speed restrictions along the road, amid fears that a child could be killed if nothing is done.

Earlier this summer, locals Albert Cruickshank, Claire Baillie and Elspeth Johnston started a campaign for speed bumps and better signage along the road which is used by parents to drop their children off at Langlee Primary School.

And last week, the group presented their petition to MP John Lamont (Cons) who will raise the issue with Scottish Borders Council.

The local authority has previously suggested motorists drive at an average of less than 20mph on the road.

The petition was made available to sign at several local premises’ and has attracted more than 350 signatures.

Mr Lamont said: “I understand that measures have been taken around the school in particular but I’d expect the council to take residents’ concerns seriously, particularly as so many people have signed the petition.

“Residents’ experience suggests that the council’s speed survey may not be painting a full picture, so I’d urge them to look again at this road.

“However, motorists also need to take some responsibility and problems such as irresponsible parking and speeding are all too common around a number of schools in the Borders.

“As well as speed reducing measures, this type of poor driving needs to stop.”

Langlee Drive resident, Elspeth Johnston added: “Because of the one-way traffic, drivers know that no cars are coming the other way, so many are just speeding round the corner.

“I’m disabled so there’s been a few times I’ve got out my car and nearly been knocked down by the traffic coming round.

“This is the main road to Langlee Primary School and the children run out between the cars and the traffic is going along there at some speed. The council have a duty of care to all residents and we just think they need to act before an accident happens.”