Local Lib Dems launch petition for Kintore rail link
October 10, 2007 12:00 AM
Cllr Nan Cullinane, Malcolm Bruce MP, Cllr Martin Ford and Alison McInnes MSP with the petition at Kintore level crossing.
Local Liberal Democrats have launched a petition demanding that Kintore gets the railway station it needs as soon as possible.
The petition is being organised by Cllr Martin Ford and regional MSP Alison McInnes.
Extensive technical and other appraisal work has been undertaken on proposals to introduce local trains between Stonehaven and Inverurie, in combination with planned upgrades to the Aberdeen-Inverness line. An overall assessment of the proposals, led by Nestrans using funding from the previous Scottish Executive, was completed this summer. It showed that while the overall scheme had a disappointing benefit:cost ratio, not least because of the inclusion of costs for work the government has said will take place anyway, Kintore station represented good value for money and would be well used.
Commenting, Alison McInnes said: "The NESTRANS board have agreed that the case for a station in Kintore is made. Aberdeenshire Council wants to see a station in Kintore. But the Scottish Government needs to agree and come up with the bulk of the funding. I am convinced that the pressure exerted by a strong local campaign will get ministers to join with NESTRANS and the Council and deliver a station for Kintore."
East Garioch councillor Martin Ford said: "Aberdeenshire Council and NESTRANS fully back a new station at Kintore. It is only a similar commitment from Scottish government ministers we need.
"Thanks to the previous administration in Edinburgh, the new station going in at Laurencekirk is to be funded close to 80 per cent by the Scottish government. The NESTRANS board agreed that Kintore should be funded on the same basis. I have already written to the new transport minister asking that Kintore is treated fairly by the new government, with funding for a station being made available on the same basis as for Laurencekirk."
East Garioch councillor Nan Cullinane said: "The Council has identified a site for a station at Kintore. We need local people to sign the petition backing a station to convince ministers of the need for a quick decision on their part to commit to a new station going in."
Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce said "Kintore is the fastest growing community in Scotland, and is facing increased road congestion. A railway station would allow local residents choice and flexibility."
"I know that many residents in Kintore have been campaigning on this for a long time. But there is now a real chance that this station can be built if we can convince the Scottish Government of strong local demand for it. I would urge local residents to sign this petition."
ENDS
PS you can add your name to the petition using the navigation link on the homepage
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