A PETITION has been launched to put the brakes on calls by a Tweeddale MP to rename a notorious accident blackspot after a well-respected dignitary who died earlier this year.

Dirtpot Corner on the A72 re-opened last week following a £2.2 million project to widen the road.

But David Mundell’s fresh calls to have the commonly known Dirtpot renamed to Mollie’s Corner as a tribute to Walkerburn resident, Mollie McIntosh, who campaigned for improvements, has been met with distaste by many locals.

Residents in Peeblesshire feel there are “more fitting ways” to remember Mollie who was awarded an MBE for services to her community in 2009 and was named Tweeddale Citizen of the Year the year before.

Over 200 locals have signed a petition set up by Innerleithen resident Stuart Wilson to stop Mr Mundell’s request.

Locals protested on social media and left comments on the petition to be sent to Scottish Borders Council. The majority of Peeblesshire residents overwhelmingly said any memorial should be in Walkerburn, the village she lived in and loved dearly.

Mollie, who died close to her 100th birthday in spring, was known as “a favoured and beloved daughter of Walkerburn”.

The petition to halt the Tweeddale MP’s renaming plans has gathered momentum on Facebook community pages last week.

Stuart Wilson said: “I just felt, like the rest of the community, that this was not an appropriate way to remember Mollie by.

"There are far better ways to celebrate all that Mollie did for not only her hometown of Walkerburn but also Innerleithen and Traquair.

“Renaming the village hall, renaming a street in Walkerburn or even renaming the new cycle path between Innerleithen and Walkerburn have all been mentioned.

“I have been totally overwhelmed by the response to the petition.

"Mollie was a lovely lady who would do anything for her local community and the local community are in agreement that it is not a good way to remember Mollie by naming an accident blackspot after her. Hopefully common sense will prevail and Molly will be remembered in her hometown of Walkerburn.”

Walkerburn Public Hall Management Committee is already one step ahead and is planning to unveil a tribute to the community stalwart.

Mollie’s family travelled from Canada and met with members of the committee for a private lunch on what would have been her 100th birthday.

Win Pennel who is secretary of the committee told us of the proposal to honour Mollie’s legacy.

“We plan to redecorate the ante room and rename it the Mollie McIntosh Meeting Room. We told the family about what we would like to do and they are very happy with that.”