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Parliamentary committee supports Airdrie-Bathgate railway to improve local economy

CABRL | 001/2006 | 14 November 2006

Re-establishing the railway between Airdrie and Bathgate could generate more than £300 million for the local economy, according to a Scottish Parliament committee report published today.

View the report

The committee responsible for scrutinising proposals to re-establish the railway has today recommended that Parliament support the Bill.

The committee believes that the railway would provide an impetus for local and regional economic and social regeneration. It will also improve connectivity and accessibility in the North Lanarkshire and West Lothian areas as well as into Glasgow and Edinburgh.

In its report, the committee welcomes the consideration the Scottish Executive plans to give proposals to provide stations in Plains and Blackridge.

In the report, the committee has also demanded improvements to local bus services, both to and from stations, and on wider connecting routes to maximise passenger uptake and improve connectivity. The committee believes these are crucial to the success of the railway.

Committee convener, Phil Gallie MSP said:

"A common theme that came through in evidence to us was of the very poor existing levels of public transport provision locally between the North Lanarkshire and West Lothian areas and into Glasgow and Edinburgh. Added to this was traffic congestion on the M8 and low rates of car ownership in some communities.

"These difficulties mean that communities are unable to access wider job markets, further education, training and social activities, not just in Glasgow and Edinburgh but also closer to home. It is important that those areas in between Edinburgh and Glasgow are seen as a hub for further economic growth. However, many are currently economically and socially neglected.

"As well as improving access in these areas, the railway could, over time, generate £300 million in economic benefits, boost population growth, generate new housing, create jobs and stimulate spending and improvements to local services.”

The committee also considered the impact of the relocation of the cycle path that currently runs along the former Airdrie to Bathgate line.

The Committee deputy convener, Alasdair Morgan MSP said :

"The proposed alignment of the new cycle path does not yet properly integrate cycle and pedestrian access to stations. At a capital cost of over £7 million we are looking for a path that encourages use and offers effective and practical integration.

"We look forward to hearing what improvements the promoter is making in the links between stations, villages and towns following its meetings with local authorities and cycling bodies.

"We shall also be considering further evidence on the projected levels of house building along the railway corridor and how more people moving into these new houses could increase passenger numbers using the railway.”

Background

The Airdrie-Bathgate Railway and Linked Improvements Bill is being promoted by Network Rail. It aims to re-open the rail link between Airdrie and Bathgate with a double track electrified railway following the original railway line. Improvements are planned to existing railway lines between the west of Glasgow and Edinburgh via Airdie and Bathgate. New stations will be built at Caldercruix and Armadale and at relocated stations at Drumgelloch and Bathgate. A cycle path along the former railway solum will be relocated.

The bill is currently at Preliminary Stage during which the committee has three functions:

• To consider and report on the general principles of the Bill;
• To consider and report on whether the Bill complies with both the law and parliamentary procedures;
• To give preliminary consideration to the objections and reject any not clearly adversely affected by the Private Bill.

The Bill was introduced into the Parliament on 30 May 2006. A total of 79 admissible objections to the Bill have been lodged.

While the construction of a railway between Airdrie and Bathgate is the main purpose of the Bill, it also includes improvements to existing facilities. These are:

• Works at Airdrie station
• Renewal of one bridge between Airdrie and Drumgelloch
• Provision of a light maintenance depot for rolling stock at Bathgate
• Provision of a site to replace the car storage yard at Boghall
• Renewal of nine bridges between Bathgate and Edinburgh
• Minor works to a further 12 bridges between Bathgate and Edinburgh
• Demolition of five bridges between Bathgate and Edinburgh
• Provision of a new car park and access road to serve Uphall Station
• Provision of a new footbridge over the M8 to link the car park and Uphall Station.

Through the Bill, the promoter is seeking to:

• improve direct access to labour markets in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and West Lothian for people living in the Airdrie to Uphall corridor
• stimulate economic growth of the Airdrie to Uphall corridor by improving the connectivity of the area
• assist in the delivery of social inclusion to communities in the Airdrie to Uphall corridor by providing enhanced public transport opportunities to those without access to private cars
• contribute towards increasing the number of people using public transport in Central Scotland and provide these communities with improved access into the national rail network
• offer a public transport alternative to the M8 thus helping to reduce the rise in road congestion and subsequent environmental impacts
• construct a rail link that will allow for existing services on the Glasgow North electrics to operate as through services to Edinburgh providing an alternative to the Edinburgh - Glasgow main line service, thus assisting in reducing congestion at peak times.

The contact for members of the media is:

Elaine Mitchell: 0131 348 6245
E-mail: elaine.mitchell@scottish.parliament.uk

For specific Private Bill information contact:

The Private Bills Unit 0131 348 5321
E-mail: private.bills@scottish.parliament.uk

For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 348 5000 or 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
Text phone: 0845 270 0152 RNID Typetalk calls welcome
email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk

Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk