Local residents and campaign groups fear that Transport Scotland are delaying plans to reopen Reston and East Linton station, local MSP John Lamont has told the Transport Minister in a question session in the Scottish Parliament.
John Lamont informed the Minister that RAGES, the campaign group seeking to reopen the stations, has been led to believe that Transport Scotland were purposely delaying the plans as it was not deemed a priority compared to other projects.
At General Question Time today (Thursday 26th October), John Lamont demanded the Transport Minister provide an assurance that the Scottish Government is committed to the project, which has been subject to lengthy delays. In November 2014, the former Transport Minister said trains would be stopping at Reston and East Linton by December 2016.
In response, Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said he was still considering the council’s latest funding offer, and that there was “still a gap which needed bridged in terms of funding.”
Speaking afterwards, John Lamont MSP said: “Local residents are rightly frustrated at the lack of progress on the reopening of Reston Station. We’ve had a lot of warm words from the Government, but the delays keep coming. It now appears that one of the main reasons this project isn’t getting off the ground is because the Scottish Government transport agency doesn’t deem it a priority.
“My concerns have not been put to rest by the Transport Minister’s response and I remain to be convinced he is giving this the priority it deserves.
“Campaigners have been working tirelessly to get a local train service for Berwickshire and it is now beyond doubt that the re-opening of Reston station would provide a huge boost to the local economy. With so much money found to improve transport links to other parts of Scotland, many are left wondering why it is taking so long to open two stations.”
Tom Thornburn Chairman of Rail Action Group East of Scotland (RAGES) said: “Everyone involved in this campaign is becoming increasingly disillusioned at the time it is taking to get Reston and East Linton stations open. Members and public alike are questioning ourselves on a daily basis as to when our stations will be re-opened.
“Unfortunately, we have also recently heard that Transport Scotland is less than committed to the plans. The Scottish Government needs to get a move on and stop the constant delays.
“When we see vast amounts of investment being set aside for transport and road projects elsewhere in Scotland it is very frustrating that Reston and East Linton don’t seem to be a priority for Transport Scotland.”