Action call at crash junction

There is a long history of crashes at the junction of the Annan to Lochmaben B7020 road and the Brydekirk to A75 route at Charlesfield Cottages. Two vehicles were involved in the latest crash around 4.45 on Tuesday afternoon. A 24-year-old woman from Dumfries, who was driving a Mini Cooper, was taken by ambulance to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary for treatment to a cut hand. The driver of the second car, a Vauxhall Astra, a 62-year-old woman from Annan, also received treatment at the hospital for minor injuries. Lower Annandale councillor Ian Carruthers -- pictured -- who came upon the accident while out on his bike, helped render assistance until the arrival of emergency services.

He has highlighted issues at the location in the past and some improvements were made several years ago. But Cllr Carruthers said: "I've been contacted in the past by residents in the cottages who are naturally concerned about the dangers and it is clear to me more needs to be done. "There has been three serious accidents in as many years and going further back in time I've been told of at least one fatality. "I believe the only satisfactory solution is for a staggered junction, perhaps using the wide verges close to the junction. These accidents are happening too often, the road is not fit for purpose." Cllr Carruthers, who lives in nearby Brydekirk, has raised the issue with Dumfries and Galloway Council's infrastructure director Alistair Speedie. They have both agreed to hold a site meeting at the junction in the near future to consider potential options. NEWSDESK: 01461-202417