A BORDERS road is having a one-way system introduced – despite "significant" opposition. 

Scottish Borders Council has announced that Chiefswood Road, near Melrose, will shut this weekend so the summer-long trial scheme can begin on Monday (May 17).

Yet the plans were unpopular among Melrose residents when a public consultation was held, with 173 people being opposed – compared with 114 in favour.

The council’s executive member for infrastructure, travel and transport, Gordon Edgar, said: “I must stress that this [one-way] trial will be temporary, and that no permanent decisions have been made.”

Depending on how the trial goes, the council says, a permanent off-road pathway for walkers and cyclists might eventually be created alongside Chiefswood Road.

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A council spokesperson said: “While a significant percentage of respondents to the consultation would not wish for the trial to take place, the consultation also indicated that 47 per cent of the respondents would use the shared space if it were installed.

“On that basis, and following conversations with Melrose Community Council, the council will progress with a temporary trial of the one-way system over the course of the summer to further assess demand.

“The purpose of this trial will be to provide supporting evidence that could be used to support a funding bid for a permanent off-road path running alongside Chiefswood Road.

“The trial will see vehicle access permitted downhill only towards Borders General Hospital and a 30mph speed limit introduced.

“Temporary bollards will be installed for safety reasons to separate vehicles from the dedicated walking and cycling lane.

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“A two-way flow of traffic would be maintained between Fairways and Dingleton Hill and also from the Harleyburn House access to the junction with High Cross Avenue. Diverted vehicles will be redirected for an additional 2km through Melrose.

“The road will then revert back to a two-way street on or before September 30.

“Chiefswood Road will be closed on Saturday and Sunday (May 15 and 16) for works to be undertaken with the new one-way system commencing on Monday, May 17.”

The trial is part of the council’s Spaces for People programme, runs in partnership with Transport Scotland and Sustrans. The project aims to encourage more walking and cycling.

The full results of the consultation can be found here.