Scottish Borders Council has announced that work has started to improve flooding issues in Earlston.

East End in the village has been flooded on a number of occasions in recent months, the latest incident occurring in early October during heavy rainfall which forced the A6105 road to close.

Our officers have visited the site several times and spoken to local residents, with issues being identified with:

• Local burn

• A drainage pipe

• Grille

The small burn which flows under the High School junction and out of bank and onto the road has been identified as the main issue.

Investigations showed there was a low point in the bank of the burn close to the High School road junction.

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As a result, temporary measures to plug this low point and vegetation clearance in the burn have been carried out. The burn will continue to be monitored prior to a formal reinstatement being carried out.

The council has also inspected and cleared the road gullies in the area and undertaken a CCTV survey of associated drainage pipes, some of which are believed to be partially blocked. Measures are being explored to address this issue.

Designs are also being prepared to improve the local grille and the council will liaise with local residents in due course.

Finally, advanced diversion signs are being prepared to reduce delays for road users travelling along the A6105, which links the east and central Scottish Borders.

Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, Councillor Gordon Edgar, said: "These works which will aim to reduce the likelihood of flooding in this area, for the benefit of local residents and road users.

"The A6105 is a vital cross-country route for the Scottish Borders and we want it to remain open for our communities to use."

(MH/JG)