Roadworks mean lengthy diversions

HGVs will not be allowed along the A7 in Langholm

One of the main roads between England and Scotland will be closed for 10 days over the next fortnight.

The closure of the A7 in the centre of Langholm for vital repairs is set to cause disruption and delays for both travellers and townspeople.

Road maintenance company Amey will tackle repairs at two locations in the town for five days at a time.

For through travellers, diversions will be signposted from Hawick in the north and Longtown in the south.

The diversion route, on B-roads, will add considerably to the journey.

It will be difficult but these jobs have to be done and they have to be done fairly quickly Cllr Denis Male

Langholm will be inaccessible to any large vehicles, affecting deliveries to and from local businesses.

Dumfries and Galloway Council is laying on transport which will ferry bus passengers to the diversion route several miles outside the town.

School buses will be allowed in but children will be dropped off outside the cordon and walked to school from there.

Amey spokesman Jim Gilmour said it was "virtually impossible" to do the works without sealing the road off.

"It is absolutely necessary, unfortunately," he said.

He said he recognised the impact on the community but added that the width of the road in the town meant lengthy diversions were necessary.

'Quietest time'

Local councillor Denis Male said he felt the work was being carried out at the best time possible.

"It will be difficult but one thing I have got to say is this could have been done in the summer as it used to be," he said.

"It is through talking to Amey and Transport Scotland that we have come to what is probably the quietest time of the year to do this work.

"It will be difficult but these jobs have to be done and they have to be done fairly quickly."