ENGINEERS say it is unlikely that suicide prevention nets will be installed at Galafoot Bridge.

But they are looking at raising the height of the barriers on both sides of the A6091 structure.

As reported by the Border Telegraph last week local mum Georgie Brown has launched an online petition to increase safety measures.

And at a meeting of Galashiels Community Council on Wednesday, engineers said preventative measures are being considered.

Scott Gallagher from Amey, which is responsible for the upkeep of the bridge, said: "We are looking at increasing the height of the parapets on the bridge.

"We are working with a number of organisations such as Transport Scotland, the NHS and Samaritans to find a suitable solution.

"There have been calls for safety netting on the bridge and it has been something we have considered.

"However, the difficulty with netting is, how do the emergency services teams remove someone if they get stuck?

"I cannot say anything with too much confidence at the moment, but preventing people from climbing up the parapets is the most important thing.

"Therefore, extending the barriers is one of our options. I think it might be the more feasible option. The parapets are currently 1.2 meters high, but we could extend them up to 1.8 meters."

As well as the online petition launched by Ms Brown; last month fellow Borderer Allison Langford wrote to MP John Lamont to ask him to fight to increase safety measures after her nephew took his own life.

In a letter responding to Ms Langford, the member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk said: "I have been in regular correspondence with Transport Scotland asking if measures can be taken at Galafoot Bridge to prevent further such incidents.

"Following your email, I have again contacted Transport Scotland urging them to review safety issues at the bridge.

"I have also asked Police Scotland and NHS Borders for their input on this matter."

Amey has 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.

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