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Call for wider funding for Borders Railway
TRANSform Scotland today called on the Government to investigate a wider range of potential public funding sources for the proposed Borders Railway. Responding to the publication today of the long-awaited feasibility study on the prospects for rail re-opening, TRANSform urged consideration of public funds - including European money - additional to sources in the UK and Scottish Executive transport ministries, in recognition of the wider economic and environmental benefits which the railway would bring.
TRANSform Scotland Chair, David Spaven commented:
"The feasibility study demonstrates that re-opening the railway is realistic, but to turn the vision into practical action on the ground will require the widest possible sourcing of funds. The economic, social and environmental benefits which the railway would bring need to be recognised by all the appropriate ministries at Scottish and UK levels and by Scottish Enterprise. The opportunity should be taken to investigate European funding in recognition of the regional development gains which this peripheral region would gain from 'getting on the map' with a new railway. It is simply not acceptable that the Borders should remain the only mainland region in Britain without a rail service."
ENDS
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