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Family’s grief over dog death

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By Fiona Reid
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Family’s grief over dog death

Springer Spaniel Freddie, who had just turned two, was in collision with a tractor in Old Edinburgh Road, near Annan Water, right in front of his owner David Hutchison.

The 54-year-old business owner said: “He was such a special dog.

“My kids are heartbroken, as am I and my wife Julia. My youngest is absolutely beside herself and his death has left a huge void in my life as he used to come to work with me everyday.”

He added: “I blame myself for a lot of this.

“Freddie was not on a lead and the tractor would not have been able to slow down in time, but I believe speed was most definitely an issue.”

freddie

Grieving owner David, who is a dad of four, is now urging drivers to slow down on his street.

He said: “This is not about laying on theblame or trying to make the driver feel bad, but vehicles, not just the agricultural ones, need to slow down.

“It was a dog this time, sadly it was my dog, but next time it could be a cyclist, an elderly person or worst of all a child.”

He added: “Some vehicles travelling to and from Annan Water drive past the houses on Old Edinburgh Road not caring about their speed.

“A lot of them do respect the speed limit but there are also a lot that do drive stupidly. “I feel a lot of tractors especially need to have more respect and realise they are in a residential area.”

Devastated David has approached both his local MP David Mundell and Moffat Community Council and urged both parties to do something about speed control.

Responding, Mr Mundell said: “This is a legitimate concern, Mr Hutchison has been in touch with my office regarding his concerns and I would encourage Police Scotland and the council to give this matter their full consideration.”

Annandale North Councillor Stephen Thompson said: “This sad incident should serve as a warning to all road users to slow down and take more care on the Old Edinburgh Road.

“I’ve asked for trees overhanging the road to be cut back where possible to help improve visibility and avoid risks to safety, but the blunt fact of the matter is that this road was not designed for fast-flowing two-way traffic.”

A spokesperson from Police Scotland has confirmed that speed checks will be carried out in the area at random.