Another life claimed by blackspot

AN 87-YEAR-OLD woman has died following a two-vehicle collision at a notorious accident blackspot.

The death has prompted calls for a safety review at the junction near Penicuik in Midlothian.

The woman's Daihatsu car and a Citron Berlingo van collided at the Leadburn crossroads in Midlothian yesterday morning.

South of Scotland MSP Christine Grahame called on funds to be found to improve the blackspot.

She said: "As many local people know, this is not the first accident, nor the first fatality at this notorious junction. Sadly this was an accident waiting to happen.

"Last March, I warned Midlothian Council that plans to build a roundabout at this site, which were well advanced, should be put back on the table.

"Midlothian Council must reinstate these plans as a matter of priority before any further lives are lost."

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Police said an investigation was under way into yesterday's crash, which happened at about 10:20am, and appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

The driver of the van escaped with minor injuries.

Four years ago one of Scotland's oldest inns – which overlooks the junction – was destroyed by fire after a car ploughed into the conservatory.