26.08.16
Scottish councils increase funding bids for reopening stations
More money has been offered to support the reopening of two stations on the East Coast Main Line in Scotland.
Following talks with transport minister Humza Yousaf and the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran), Scottish Borders and East Lothian councils have both increased their proposed funding for the reopening of Reston and East Linton stations.
The Scottish Borders Council has now promised £2.84m for Reston station and the establishment of a local rail service between Edinburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Cllr Gordon Edgar, executive member for roads and infrastructure at Scottish Borders Council, said: “I am pleased that the council has been able to increase its offer to the Scottish Government towards the delivery of Reston station, and we continue to work closely with partners to ensure this becomes a reality as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, East Lothian has offered £3.44m for East Linton’s reinstatement.
Cllr Michael Veitch, spokesperson for transport and roads at East Lothian, said: “This is an unprecedented level of contribution from a local authority partner for a project of this kind – which shows just how much value East Lothian Council places on this project.
“A local rail service covering Reston and East Linton and linking these two communities to Berwick-upon-Tweed and Edinburgh could be of huge benefit to the local economy in terms of making this area an even more attractive place to live, with great transport links. It would also be a boost to local businesses, bringing visitors to these communities from East Lothian and beyond.”
The councils first endorsed reopening the stations in 2014, when they offered £3.1m between them to support both stations. They are now seeking the green light from the Scottish government for the project to go ahead.
If the offer is successful, they will then need to meet the rest of the funding, estimated to be £10.63m for Reston and £11.13m for East Linton after Network Rail carried out preliminary design work on the stations.
The councils will carry out an impact assessment before, along with SEStran, applying to the Scottish Stations Fund for the rest of the funding.
(Image c. Danny Lawson from PA Images)
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