Local MP John Lamont has written to the Scottish Government’s new Transport Secretary, Michael Matheson MSP, urging him to prioritise the reopening of Reston station in his new role.
Michael Matheson is now the fourth MSP to be appointed as Transport Secretary since the SNP committed to reopening Reston Station. In 2014, the then Transport Secretary, Keith Brown MSP said he hoped trains would be stopping at Reston by the end of 2016.
Since then, Derek MacKay, Humza Yousaf and now Michael Matheson have all held the position of Transport Secretary. To date no work on the ground has taken place and Reston station may not be reopened until 2025.
In October 2017, the UK Government announced it was to invest £3.6 billion in Scotland’s railways over 5 years – an increase of £600m on the previous period and an amount of money which could pay for 360 Reston stations.
In his letter to Mr MacKay, local MP John Lamont has said RAGES and residents have been “waiting very patiently for their new stations but are getting frustrated at the lack of progress” and urges the Transport Secretary to meet with them as a matter of urgency.
John Lamont MP said: “RAGES are now on their fourth Transport Minister and they will be hoping that this one finally delivers on the SNP’s promise to reopen Reston Station.
“I have written to Michael Matheson MSP to urge him to prioritise Reston and East Linton stations and to meet with RAGES as soon as possible.
“Scottish Borders Council already have their contribution set aside for Reston station. Given the Scottish Government have £600m more to spend on Scotland’s railways, there is no excuse to delay any further.”