Calls for suicide prevention nets to be installed on Galashiels bridge

Many local people have taken their lives in recent years by jumping from Galafoot Bridge into the Tweed below.

Although the Samaritans installed signs on either side of the A6091 structure several years ago the trend has continued.

Now local mum Georgie Brown wants netting and other preventative measures to be attached to the bridge.

Her Change.org petition was launched this week.

Georgie states: "There have been many people lose their lives to suicide for many different reasons.

"I feel if there was a form of safety net or more safety measures put on the bridge it might give people a chance.

"They would need to think more about what they were about to do and maybe, just maybe, it would change their frame of mind.

"This could save many lives."

Although the petition, which has already attracted support, is intended for Scottish Borders Council once it reaches the required number of signatures, the local authority doesn't have responsibility for Galafoot Bridge.

Staff at Scottish Borders Council confirmed they have been made aware of the petition.

A spokesman told us: "We will attempt to get in touch with the person who started the petition to let them know the bridge is the responsibility of Transport Scotland and Amey."

Representatives from Amey have now been told about the petition.

The contractors have just started a second phase of repairs and improvements on Galafoot Bridge this week.

And over the next 12 weeks it will be closed to all east-bound traffic with diversions in place.

We did attempt to contact Amey but they hadn't responded by the time we went to press.

The petition can be found at www.change.org

The Samaritans offer a free 24-hour confidential helpline service.

Anyone can contact Samaritans for FREE any time from any phone on 116 123. This number won’t show up on your phone bill.

Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.