MP warns chance of Burntisland station access funding ‘slim’

Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP Lesley Laird has said campaigners fighting to get better access to Burntisland train station may face a lengthy wait.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Mar 2019, 13:56 BST
Updated 15th Mar 2019, 14:58 BST

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Burntisland Station.Burntisland Station.
Burntisland Station.

Ms Laird is due to meet stakeholders in Burntisland next week to discuss details of her meeting with Transport Scotland – the body responsible for drawing up a final shortlist for Scotland.

She said: “I whole heartedly supported Burntisland’s latest application for Access for All funding but feedback afterwards from Transport Scotland suggested our chances of success were slim.

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“I requested an urgent meeting to discuss my concerns and the sad reality is there are significantly more stations which meet the criteria ahead of Burntisland on a priority list of stations across Scotland.

“That’s not a fact which is palatable to me or those passionately campaigning for full accessibility at Burntisland station, but it’s the truth, plain and simple.

“Scotland shortlist for a UK fund which comes around every five years and based on my discussions with Transport Scotland we’ve more chance of getting a Brexit deal done than getting full access at Burntisland.

“It was evident that due to the rail line being the main rail route north, the logistics of undertaking this work will undoubtedly cause severe disruption.

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“It would be disingenuous of anyone to raise false expectations by claiming Access for All funding will fix Burntisland station’s accessibility issues soon.

“That’s why I’m meeting stakeholders next week to discuss this matter in more detail and to consider what other realistic options could now be looked at to help the community reach a longed-for solution.”

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