Ministerial announcement welcomed by SBC
Wednesday, March 5 2008
David Parker, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, has welcomed today’s announcement concerning the Waverley Line, by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Stewart Stevenson.
The Minister confirmed today in a Parliamentary announcement that construction of the line will begin in the lifetime of this Scottish Parliamentary term. The Minister also confirmed that the Partnership’s previously agreed contribution of £30m will be capped.
The Minister also confirmed that construction on bridges at Shawfair will be progressing in the near future and that the business case for the Waverley Railway Project had improved and that journey times had been reduced. Councillor Parker said: “I welcome this very positive announcement by the Minister. It is clear that the Waverley Line remains on target and I am delighted that we have had confirmation that the project’s construction will begin in the lifetime of this Scottish parliament.
“I also welcome the Minister’s support that the three partner councils’ contribution towards the cost of the project should be capped at the previously agreed figure of £30m. This will be a great comfort to Borders tax payers.”
Councillor Jim Fullarton, SBC’s Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, said: “I was very encouraged by the Minister’s statement. There is a definite commitment by this Government and the Waverley Railway Partnership to deliver the Waverley Railway Project in the quickest possible timescale. Today’s announcement is very welcome news and we move forward positively towards construction.”
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