South Scotland Colin Smyth MSP has welcomed the decision taken at the SWESTRANs Board meeting on Tuesday 8^th of May to progress the creation of 125 parking spaces.

The Report before SWESTRANs board members detailed that 125 parking spaces could be created on the South bound railway side with access from Sydney Place. This would be part of Phase 3 of the Lockerbie Station parking works and has an estimated cost would be between £1.6 million and £2 million. The Report went on to suggest that if future adjacent land could be purchased in the future access from Bridge Street could be possible.

The SWESTRANSs Board also decided to pause the Phase 2 works of re-configuring the existing car park to allow for a community consultation. Board members also heard how the Phase 2 works could lead to a complete closure of the car park which was also a reason for pausing the Phase until additional spaces and temporary parking could be identified.

Colin Smyth launched a campaign earlier this year to see improvements to Lockerbie Train Station including an increasing in parking. He also last week renewed his call for Transport Scotland, Network Rail and privatised rail companies to assist in meeting the cost for increasing parking.

Colin Smyth MSP said, “I welcome the decision by the SWESTRANs Board to progress more parking at Lockerbie Railway Station. While it has been encouraging to see a big increase in rail usage from the Station the infrastructure has struggled to cope. The decision taken will make a huge difference and once new parking is in place, it will be greatly appreciated by Lockerbie residents.

The cost associated with the plans may seem high but this level of investment would show how important Lockerbie Railway Station is to the town and the whole region as well as recognising the lack of parking on Lockerbie High Street and surrounding areas. Transport authorities and rail operators must now help SWESTRANs and the Council meet the costs so that the increased parking available can become a reality sooner rather than later.”

Annandale North Councillor and SWESTRANs Board Member Adam Wilson added, “This decision will be welcomed by Lockerbie residents who have been waiting on this news for some time. I am pleased my proposals for the way forward were agreed by the Board which will see community involvement in the decision over the re-configuration of the current parking provision. The decision today will also ensure that Lockerbie residents are not faced with a closure of the current car park that could have lasted months without adequate alternative space