Tweeddale MP David Mundell has written to the Scottish Government's Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson and Midlothian Council to yet again call for improvement works at the Leadburn junction to go ahead.

This is a main road which has been the location of a number of fatal accidents ,which is on the boundary of his constituency, falling into the area covered by Midlothian Council. There have been calls made for a roundabout to be put in place where the main roads meet.

The MP has now had a response to his letter from the Scottish Government, but he is very unhappy at what it says.

Mr Mundell said: “I am very disappointed by the tone of this letter. Everybody understands that the Scottish Government can’t order Midlothian Council to do this but they must have some influence. Surely the Scottish Transport Minister has some influence on them and should be using that to encourage them to take action. I am sure local people will be very disappointed that the Scottish Government appears to be washing its hands of this serious problem.

“I welcome the fact, however, that although it is not its responsibility Scottish Borders Council is willing to take action and is entering into a dialogue with Midlothian and the Scottish Transport Minister should be backing them up - not backing off.’’