Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife and Cllr Andy Heer, Scottish Conservative councillor for Howe of Fife wardhave welcomed the positive progress which is being made to develop a way forward for the re-opening of Newburgh Station.
SEStran have commissioned MVA consultancy to carry out a modelling patronage analysis for Oudenarde (proposed rail halt in Perth & Kinross area near Bridge of Earn) and Newburgh.
Liz Smith MSP and Cllr Andy Heer met with SEStran to discuss the proposal.
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said:
“I am pleased that some welcome progress is being made to develop a way forward for the potential re-opening of Newburgh Station.
“I welcome the new modelling patronage study which MVA consultancy have been commissioned to look at the potential passenger numbers which the re-opened Newburgh Station and Oudenarde Station in Bridge of Earn may enjoy.
“I welcome the fact that Transport Minister, Keith Brown MSP has now indicated that Scottish Ministers will consider the projects once a new appraisal has been completed.
“It is hoped that the modelling patronage study can in due course lead to a STAG (Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance) appraisal being commissioned to demonstrated the case for the new stations.”
Cllr Andy Heer, Scottish Conservative councillor for Howe of Fife ward said:
“It is clear that local community support for the reopening of Newburgh Station is high with the results of the Sustainable Newburgh area-wide survey in early 2011 showing that improving local public transport services and infrastructure and support to re-open Newburgh rail station gaining the support of 3 out of 4 respondents.
“I have been hugely impressed by the local support and I will continue to campaign as a local councillor representing the area to investigate the case for the reopening of the Newburgh Station.”