WORK has started on easing the persistent flooding issues in Earlston.

Knee-high water regularly collects on a stretch of the A6015 - Earlston to Greenlaw road - close to the entrance to the High School.

And on occasions, including earlier this month, the flooding forces the road to be completely closed.

Engineers from Scottish Borders Council have carried out studies into the causes of the rapid rise in water levels.

And they have identified issues with an adjacent burn, a drainage pipe and also a grille.

A spokesman for Scottish Borders Council explained: "The small burn which flows under the High School junction, which then flows out of bank and onto the road, has been identified as the main issue.

"Investigations showed there was a low point in the bank of the burn close to the High School road junction.

"As a result, temporary measures to plug this low point and vegetation clearance in the burn have been carried out.

"The burn will continue to be monitored prior to a formal reinstatement being carried out."

Roads workers have also cleared out all nearby road gullies.

And a CCTV inspection of drainage pipes discovered some blockages.

Work is now underway to replace the grille, which often blocks, with a new design, and plans are being prepared for attempting to unblock the pipes.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, who is the Executive member for roads, told us: “These works which will aim to reduce the likelihood of flooding in this area, for the benefit of local residents and road users.

“The A6105 is a vital cross-country route for the Scottish Borders and we want it to remain open for our communities to use.”

Plans are also being put in place for advanced diversion signs to reduce delays in case of any future closures.

Notes to Editors

Images of the work carried out at the local burn so far is available at SBC’s Flickr page.