The school crossing patrol officers outside Penicuik High School have alerted the police to problems when drivers occasionally park on both sides of Carlops Road.

Updating Penicuik and District Community Council, community beat officer PC David Shirley said: “There is a problem occasionally with cars parking on both sides of the road. The situation is not one of those which happens at a specific time. I have spoken to them but I have never witnessed it. I have asked them if they see vehicles causing problems to call us. They haven’t come back to me as yet and I have been down to the school most days.”

Reporting on Penicuik’s March statistics PC Shirley said there were 76 recorded crimes with 33 solved (a 43 per cent solvency rate). Vandalism remains the main problem in the town with 31 reported incidents and only three solved. He added that the other significant development in the month was the cases of drug possession with intent to supply where there were 10 reported cases and all were solved. Other statistics for the month included four violent crimes (two solved), eight thefts and two cases of wilful fireraising.