Rachael Hamilton MSP and Oliver Mundell MSP have said that the A7 Action Group needs a ‘new approach’ when tackling issues along the route.
On Monday, the group met in Heart of Hawick to hold their Annual General Meeting, where Mrs Hamilton and Mr Mundell stood back as Chairs.
They were keen to emphasise that the group would be best served by a wider representation of people from local communities with a vested interest in the route, to ensure all views were taken into account.
Community Councils along the route have been asked to reflect and consult with their communities on how the group works and to feedback on its future early in the New Year.
Over several years, both MSPs have promoted the A7 Action Group in the Scottish Parliament. This has been through calling for numerous safety upgrades, a bypass to ease traffic through Selkirk and securing a ministerial meeting with the then Transport Secretary Humza Yousaf MSP.
Mrs Hamilton constituency covers the northern half of the A7 from Teviothead to Selkirk, whilst Mr Mundell’s constituency includes the southern part of the route from Langholm to the border.
Both agreed the urgency to upgrade the A7 remains the same, and that they would continue to push for improvements in their capacity as MSPs.
The parliamentarians remarked on the significant progress and achievements of the A7 Action Group, and thanked them for their hard work over the years.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
"Throughout my time as a MSP and as Chair of the group, I have repeatedly called on the SNP Government to urgently prioritise upgrades on the A7.
“Every town and village has their own unique challenges with the A7, and it’s important their views are taken into account.
“I believe the A7 Action Group is best served by those who live and work along the route, that is why I believe it needs a refresh.
“More community involvement is crucial, and I will continue to call for improvements to the road in my capacity as MSP.
“I want to thank all the members of the A7 Action Group and wish them well in their endeavours in the future”.
Oliver Mundell MSP said:
“I believe the A7 Action Group, going forward, should have more of a community focus and less political involvement, as Rachael and I step back as Chairs.
“Working with the group constructively over the past few years has meant we have seen real progress in pushing the SNP Government in the right direction.
"Yet we see a very hostile situation in Scottish politics at the moment, where the SNP-Green coalition are reneging on previous infrastructure projects.
“I will continue to stand up in Holyrood for the route, and will always put the case to the SNP Government for its much-needed upgrades”.