11/07/2008

Landslide In Scotland To Cause Major Disruption

A landslide on a major route through southern Scotland is being assessed by transport bosses.

The A7 was closed south of Langholm on Thursday, as heavy rain caused the road to partially cave in causing the landslip.

Dumfries and Galloway Police say a 60-mile diversion is now in place and that the road may not open for some weeks.

The A7 is the town's main link to Cumbria and the Borders.

Representatives from Bear Scotland and the Scottish government agency Transport Scotland are meeting at the site.

A Bear Scotland spokeswoman said that "in the interests of safety, the road has been closed to both northbound and southbound traffic".

A Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary spokesman said: "It is thought the road will be shut for some weeks, rather than days".

It is understood that the foundation of the road "came away" and "caused the debris to come down".

Local councillor Denis Male said it will be an "absolute disaster" for business.

He said "I don't think it is going to be an easy repair job" and said it could "mean major problems for our business community".

Bear Scotland's South East Director John Murphy told BBC Radio Scotland that: "these things inevitably happen, particularly on rural roads where there is no formal engineering drainage system".

Transport Scotland said "every effort" was be made to ensure the route opened as soon as possible.

(DS/KMcA)


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