PLANS to build a much-needed traffic island in Peebles are being brought forward by local authority engineers.

And they also intend to extend double-yellow no parking zones along further stretches of the Old Town.

Requests have regularly been made to Scottish Borders Council to provide a safe A72 crossing between the High Street and Haylodge.

Following studies by roads officers they have identified an area close to the junction of Young Street to locate an island.

But if the pedestrian refuge is built it will also mean double yellow lines being extended on both sides of the A72 from the junction to the road's bend at Castle Warehouse.

Engineer Philippa Gilhooly, who will present the plans to Tweeddale Area Forum next week, said: "On a number of occasions the council’s traffic and road safety section have received requests to look at additional crossing points on the A72, and in particular in the area of Peebles Old Town and Young Street.

"An assessment was carried out by officers to identify the most suitable type of crossing for this location based on pedestrian volumes, desire lines, existing infrastructure, turning requirements and impact on businesses and residents and a pedestrian refuge island was deemed the most appropriate."

Several campaigns for safer road crossings in the town have been launched by parent and elderly groups over the past decade.

And while new crossings and safety measures have been introduced in many other parts of Peebles, the Old Town has remained a concern for many.

If the island plans are accepted they will come a cost - with the loss of main street parking.

Ms Gilhooly added: "To allow large vehicles to safely negotiate a pedestrian refuge there would be a need to convert the existing single yellow lines to double yellow lines.

"These new no waiting and no loading at any time restrictions on both sides of the A72 would result in the loss of parking, loading and waiting outside the vet's, butcher's and Red Cross shop 24/7."

Members of the Tweeddale Area Forum will discuss the plans at their meeting in West Linton Primary School on Wednesday.

If the proposals are supported the local authority will have to begin the process of obtaining a Traffic Regulation Order in order to make the changes.