Local MSP Brian Whittle has welcomed proposals to re-open Cumnock railway station being included in a list of options to improve transport infrastructure in South West Scotland.
The proposal is contained in a report commissioned by Transport Scotland following a campaign by the MSP for the Scottish Government to commit to greater investment in the area’s transport network.
Among the options being considered are improvements to the A76 and A77 including more overtaking lanes and bypasses, new train stations at Cumnock, Thornhill, and Pinwherry, improvements to rolling stock and services that are more frequent.
The draft proposals are now out for public consultation until the 23rd of August, after which the final report will be considered as part of the Scottish Government’s Strategic Transport Projects Review, with final proposals to be published hopefully around 2021.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“I’m pleased that the report’s authors have recognised the potential benefits to Cumnock and the surrounding area of bringing a station back to the town. Having already had some conversations with Transport Scotland on this subject, I’m glad to see it being taken forward for further study.
A re-opened Cumnock station, together with investment coming through the Ayrshire Growth Deal, could offer real economic opportunities for the area, making it more attractive for business and tourists alike. It would also be a welcome improvement in public transport connectivity for the town following the loss of the X76 direct bus to Glasgow.”
