CONCERNS about road safety in a Borders town need to be taken “more seriously”, according to an MP for the region.

The A7 action group has been campaigning for a number of years to install a Selkirk bypass to take large vehicles away from the town.

Following reports of a man being hit by a lorry while walking on the pavement in the town, political figures have called on the Scottish Government to address the concerns.

However, a Transport Scotland spokesperson said it is “not possible” to make decisions on specific sections of the A7 until an appraisal has been completed.

The A7 runs through the centre of the town.

READ MORE: Borders man admits threatening or abusive behaviour towards 17-year-old girl

Supporters of a bypass believe it would help with traffic congestion in Selkirk, as well as improving the town centre environment.

On the recently reported incident, Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP John Lamont said: “These accidents are avoidable, and I would urge the Scottish Government to think again about its priorities with regards to road infrastructure.

“I have supported calls for action to be taken on this issue before. However, there is nothing to suggest that it is being treated with any urgency by the Scottish Government.”

The Conservative representative added: “People in Selkirk have already voiced their concerns about the traffic situation in the town. It is time that their concerns are taken more seriously by the Scottish Government.”

READ MORE: Work starts on four-floor apartment complex on site of former Borders church

Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP Rachael Hamilton, also of the Conservatives, said: “It is really worrying that accidents continue to be caused here whilst the SNP government are sitting on their hands over fixing the problem.

“The A7 action group have been vocal in their calls for a bypass around Selkirk’s town centre. This view is mirrored by members of the community in Selkirk. I am disappointed that, despite several warnings, the government here in Scotland is choosing to prioritise other projects over this.”

Responding to the comments, a Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “The Borders Transport Corridors Study, published in March 2019, emphasised the importance of a connected, safe, resilient, and high quality strategic transport network for the Scottish Borders.

“Amongst its 21 recommendations were two options for targeted and safety related road improvements on the A7.

READ MORE: Background reports ordered into Borders man who admitted motoring offences

“These options included a possible bypass of Selkirk, localised widening, improved overtaking opportunities and a package of measures to improve road safety, these interventions are currently being appraised within Phase 2 of the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2).

“Until the appraisal process is completed, it is not possible to make individual decisions on improving specific sections of the A7, including a Selkirk bypass.”

The STPR2 is expected to conclude this winter, with publication of recommendations for investment. This will then be followed by the “appropriate statutory consultation period”.

Transport Scotland says it is aware of the incident on October 8 and that it will be included in BEAR Scotland’s annual safety review of the nation’s trunk roads.