Midlothian Council have put forward a proposal to close the B7003 Roslin Glen Road to vehicular traffic for 18 months under the Spaces for People programme.
If the council’s plans are to go ahead, the road – which is usually busy with vehicles - will be open to only pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
The controversial plans have caused an outcry from Midlothian residents, particularly those from Rosewell and Bonnyrigg who use the B7003 for access to Straiton Retail Park, The Bush, The Edinburgh City Bypass and the park and ride facilities at Straiton.
A petition calling for the plans to be scrapped has received over 2,780 signatures over the last five days, within which time Midlothian Council have launched a public consultation that will close on 30th October.
Jeremy Balfour, Scottish Conservative MSP for Lothian, has criticised the proposal saying:
“Midlothian Council’s proposal to close Roslin Glen Road is ludicrous and is in no way what the people of Midlothian want or need.
“I have constituents contacting me to say that they would consider moving home if the closure was to go ahead because their new commute would be impractical.
“Midlothian Council must listen to the concerns of residents and scrap these plans immediately.
“I encourage local residents to sign the petition and respond to Midlothian Council’s consultation before 30th October.”