Emergency repair works are to be carried out on the damaged Mercat Cross in Galashiels.

As a result, the Scottish Borders Council has said that a three-way traffic light system will be in place. The lights, which are temporary, will be situated at the junction between Scott Crescent, Elm Row and Church street. They have been erected in order to allow scaffolding to be constructed at the landmark.

The Mercat Cross was damaged in an accident last month and the local authority has been working to resolve the issue.

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In a statement, a spokesperson for the Council said: "We apologise for the disruption caused by these emergency works.

"The current position is that the Council has assessed the damage to the Mercat Cross, obtained estimated costs for re-instatement from a local specialist building contractor and is in negotiation with the van driver's insurance company to agree the insurance claim.

"Meanwhile the building contractor has been instructed to undertake the re-instatement works and provided there are no unforeseen issues, it is anticipated the works would be completed in time for the Braw Lads' Gathering at the end of June.

"In order to undertake the re-instatement works safely, it is likely that traffic lights will be needed again for its duration. Unfortunately this cannot be avoided and we apologise in advance for any disruption these works will cause."

(JP/MH)