This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Borders Common Ridings road closures
30/07/2003
The Executive has pledged to consult with the police,
local authorities and event organisers - including those
involved in the Borders Common Ridings - following concerns
over local road closures at the time of the festivals.
Transport Minister Nicol Stephen yesterday (Tues) met
with MSPs Euan Robson and Jeremy Purvis to hear their
concerns about proposals to formalise the procedure for
handling road closures involving local events.
Mr Stephen said:
"My aim is to protect local ridings and festivals,
recognising their cultural and tourism importance, as well
as their significance to local communities.
"I recognise that the issues raised in Dumfries &
Galloway have implications for other parts of Scotland and
that is why I want to consult with the police, the local
authorities and event organisers. In the meantime I want to
make it clear that the Scottish Executive is not imposing
any change in the current arrangements for Scottish Borders
- or any other part of Scotland."
Draft guidance to event organisers was prepared for use
in the Dumfries and Galloway area following discussions
with police who had concerns about the existing informal
road closure arrangements.