THREE Tweeddale Conservative council candidates have launched a petition to install a roundabout at the notorious Leadburn Junction.

Shona Haslam, who is bidding to win Tweeddale East, and the two candidates for Tweeddale West, Eric Small and John Anderson, have all teamed up to demand Midlothian Council improve the safety of the road.

In October, Peebles grandmother Irene Robson died near the black-spot when a car collided with hers and the trio hope the online petition will be a step to saving lives.

Ms Haslam, who sits on Peebles Community Council told us: “I am hoping this petition will lead to action from Midlothian Council once and for all and call on people across the area to make their voice heard.

“Over the years there has been far too many fatalities and serious accidents at the junction and I find it astonishing that Midlothian Council haven’t put in any major safety improvements.

“Repeated pleas from many local residents and representatives for improvements at Leadburn have fallen on deaf ears which is completely unacceptable.

“Installing a roundabout at Leadburn makes perfect sense to try and alleviate the threat of accidents which occur on an almost daily basis at the junction.

“If we can achieve as loud a voice as possible on this then hopefully Midlothian Council can find the money to vastly improve the junction.”

Tweeddale West candidate John Anderson added: “I have regularly seen the threat this junction poses for motorists and the devastating effect it has had on many families across Tweeddale.

“I believe a roundabout should be installed as a matter of urgency by Midlothian Council who are continually ignoring the wishes of those who have to travel on this route every day.

“Ensuring motorists feel safe while travelling at this junction is absolutely paramount for me and I am determined to get Midlothian Council to make Leadburn a safe route once and for all.”

The candidates are hoping to get as many signatures as possible and fellow Tweeddale West candidate Eric Small says there is strong support for the change.

He said: “As a member of West Linton Community Council for over 20 years, I am very frustrated with Midlothian Council that they haven’t made any improvements.

“With a strong community voice backing our petition, I hope that the long-standing issues at Leadburn Junction can be solved as quickly as possible.”

View the petition at: http://www.change.org/p/kenneth-lawrie-chief-executive-midlothian-council-midlothian-council-install-a-roundabout-at-leadburn-junction