Design plans have been updated by Transport Scotland and Network Rail to help Developers on the project
Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop who has been campaigning for Winchburgh Train station along with the local community for years has received a welcome update in a letter from the lead Scottish Government Minister Patrick Harvie MSP. She had previously initiated a meeting bringing together the Housing Developers, who are the major funders of the project, with Network Rail, Transport Scotland , West Lothian Council and the Scottish Government and secured agreement that a new Report be produced updating requirements to deliver the station. This Report has now been produced and has helped secure the next steps for the project. The Government Minister’s letter states that:
“Transport Scotland reviewed the design proposals for a new station at Winchburgh and proactively suggested amendments to these, which would see any new station delivered more efficiently. Transport Scotland officials advise that Network Rail has revised this proposal in line with Transport Scotland’s suggestions and Network Rail is now able to share the revised proposal with the Developer. I am pleased that proactive discussions between stakeholders including Transport Scotland, Network Rail, West Lothian Council and Winchburgh Developments Ltd, continue. I remain hopeful that the issue of funding for a new station in Winchburgh can soon be resolved which will benefit the residents of this area.”
Minister Patrick Harvie MSP, wrote to Ms Hyslop on 10th January 2024 – advising that he is attending a meeting of stakeholders following the completion of Transport Scotland’s review of the design proposals for a new station at Winchburgh. This letter is attached.
Commenting, Ms Hyslop said:
“As the local MSP I welcome the news of the new Station design work in the Report which was agreed to be produced when I brought together all the agencies with the Housing Developer to meet the former Transport Minister. I am pleased that the lead Minister is hopeful that the issue of final gap funding for the Housing Developer led station can be resolved and that he personally will be attending the multi-agency meeting of all the key players to further progress the delivery of the much needed train station for Winchburgh.
“I look forward to the outcome of this next meeting taking place, which follows on my work as the local MSP engaging with the previous Transport Minister to bring together representatives of the Scottish Government, West Lothian Council, Network Rail, ScotRail, Transport Scotland, Winchburgh Developers – resulting in the work undertaken by Transport Scotland to review the station design.
“Winchburgh needs a train station. I have long supported the delivery of a station and I will continue to work constructively, as the local MSP on behalf of my constituents along with the new community led campaign and with all stakeholders to ensure that this is realised.”
ENDS
Editor’s Note
- Although Ms Hyslop is now Transport Minister in the Scottish Government, she is prevented by the Ministerial Code from leading for the Scottish Government on key transport issues in her Constituency and in these cases another Minister – in this case Patrick Harvie MSP – is appointed to lead in her stead. She can and still will pursue transport issues such as Winchburgh Station as normal as a local Constituency MSP.
- Copy of letter from Patrick Harvie MSP to Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency attached