Progress In Levenmouth Rail Plans

A campaign to reopen the Levenmouth rail link could get the go ahead if viable proposals are drawn up.

'Serious consideration' is to be given to plans to reinstate the Levenmouth rail link.

Transport Secretary Keith Brown has committed to look at any proposals put forward by Fife Council.

Local MSPs launched a campaign in April calling for the line to be re-opened.

It's claimed the move could provide a significant boost to the local economy.

Council Leader, David Ross is welcoming the progress:

"We had a constructive meeting with the Scottish Transport Minister, Keith Brown MSP last week at which we raised a number of transportation and connectivity issues affecting Fife.
 
"We had specific discussions about the proposed Levenmouth Rail Link, improvements to the A92 and future development of a rail halt at Halbeath as well as on a range of other road, rail and parking issues including access to the Forth Bridgehead area for freight, tourism and commuting and the development of other station developments such as at Newburgh, Leuchars and Burntisland.
 
"I stressed once again to the Minister that Levenmouth is the largest urban area in Scotland without a rail link.  I was particularly pleased that we received an assurance from the Minister that although he could not guarantee the government funding required for the project, he would give ‘serious consideration’ to any proposals brought forward by the Council for development of the Levenmouth rail link.
 
"My concern has always been that there was no scope for bringing these proposals forward with any hope of success during the current transport planning period up to 2028.  Our discussions with the Minister now indicate that the door is not closed to us on this issue.
 
"On that basis I have asked our officials to seek formal approval from the Council for the updating of the strategic transport appraisal (STAG) report on the Levenmouth Rail Link which is the next step in taking this project forward.  We also agreed with the Minister that officials from Transport Scotland will assist with the preparation of this updated report.
 
"Further detailed discussions are also to take place between officials from the Council and Transport Scotland on the Halbeath rail halt, which would provide multi-modal transport links at the new Halbeath park and ride, and on the much needed improvements to the A92.
 
"This was an important opportunity to set out Fife's case for improvements to our transport infrastructure.  Such improvements are vital to the continued success of businesses in Fife and for the future employment prospects of Fife residents.  I hope we can now go forward and build on the foundations we laid down in these discussions with the Minister."