NEWS RELEASE - December 4th 1998

 

Announcement on Larkhall train line re-opening expected today

TRANSform Scotland welcomes the announcement, expected to be delivered by Secretary of State Donald Dewar later today (1), that the Larkhall line in South Lanarkshire is to be brought back into the rail network (2).

Colin Howden, Campaign Manager of TRANSform Scotland, commented:
"This is the first significant example of rail re-opening in Scotland since John Prescott launched his new transport policies this summer. Extending the line to Larkhall will not only bring one of Scotland's larger communities not served by rail back on to the railway map but will allow cross-Glasgow travel to destinations as far as away as Milngavie."

Colin Howden continued:
"The Larkhall re-opening is a welcome development, continuing the expansion of the Strathclyde rail network. Perhaps Donald Dewar could also find the resources to promote cross-Edinburgh links, resuscitating the Edinburgh Crossrail plans dumped a fortnight ago?"

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
(1) It is thought that Donald Dewar will make the announcement at a meeting with the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority (SPT).

(2) The three-mile link to Larkhall from Hamilton was closed in 1965. Larkhall has a population of about 14,000, while the line is likely to involve intermediate stations, for example, giving access to Chatelherhault Country Park. The scheme is expected to cost in the region of £25 million.

(3) TRANSform Scotland brings together 52 organisations - including transport operators, local authorities, national environment campaigns & local transport groups - interested in transport, the environment and a sustainable Scotland. We can be contacted at 72 Newhaven Road, Edinburgh, EH6 5QG. Tel.: 0131-467-7714; Fax: 0131-554-8656; E-mail: campaigns@transformscotland.org.uk; web: http://www.transformscotland.org.uk

END OF PRESS RELEASE

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