Railway is Key to Economic Development in the Borders (Dumfries Liberal Democrats)

Dumfries Liberal Democrats <tom@therussells.org.uk>

Railway is Key to Economic Development in the Borders

June 16, 2009 12:20 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Borders MP Michael Moore is urging the Scottish Government to commit additional resources towards the reinstatement of rail services across the Borders, after Ministers approved alterations to the Borders Structural Plan that emphasized the importance of strong transport links to the economic competitiveness of the region.

The changes submitted by the Scottish Borders Council to the existing structural plan set out their ideas for promoting sustainable economic growth in the area, and were largely accepted without amendment by the Scottish Government. The new plan aims to boost development in key industries, with the regeneration of the mothballed Waverley line to be instrumental in boosting investment and opportunity in the central Borders.Michael Moore MP: Borders

Commenting, Mr Moore said:

'The new Structural Plan provides the Government and investors with a clear strategic vision for the economic future of the Borders. Now that Ministers have recognised the urgent need to improve rail and other transport links in the region, we need to see concrete funding proposals for these developments as a matter of urgency.

'The redevelopment of the Waverley line will help bring much needed respite for businesses and industries in the Borders who have been hit hard by the economic downturn'.