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Edinburgh Reporter
2 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
West Lothian councillor calls on Government to fund station
A veteran councillor in West Lothian called on the Scottish Government to 'put its money where its mouth is' on plans for a railway station in Winchburgh. As the council and Winchburgh Developments prepare to meet potential funders of the long-delayed station, Labour's Linlithgow councillor Tom Conn called on the SNP government to 'stop ducking and diving.' Designs were revealed on Friday with the news that a planning application would come to West Lothian Council 'imminently.' A report to the Executive described the recently published Scottish Government Programme for Government 2025/26. It said: 'The programme makes specific reference to a railway station at Winchburgh in the section on A Safe Sustainable Transport System for Scotland.' Having committed to that, Councillor Conn called for a commitment to meet costs of the £22.5m development. Welcoming the news that progression had been made in the ten months of cooperation between the council, Winchburgh developments, Transport Scotland Network Rail – councillors echoed concerns that there have been no concrete guarantees of funding. Councillor Conn said: 'There needs to be public money invested directly by Scottish Government in Winchburgh. They cannot continually suggest it's other people, other organisations that need to find the money. 'This is an abdication of responsibility by the Scottish Government. If they don't want to take responsibility for it, they shouldn't put it in Programme for Government 2025/26. 'The Scottish government needs to stop ducking and diving and need to put their money where their mouth is. This is talking about rail investment strategy. If all it is is words, not backed up with cash, stop speaking. It's not helping.' Fellow Linlithgow councillor Sally Pattle said the progress had been like wading through treacle as she sought clarification of when a business plan could come to the council. When told it would be two to three months she responded: 'I would just like to welcome the fact that the Scottish Government reference Winchburgh in their programme for government although I'm slightly unclear as to what that will mean in practical terms to actually getting this project moving forward. 'I do welcome all the work that has been undertaken collaboratively between key stakeholders since last September, but I have to say that still feels like we are moving through treacle. I would also very much like it to be recognised by officers and key stakeholders that the longer this drags on the greater the negative impact it is having on my ward of Linlithgow because of all the commuters that come into use the train station and then park anti-socially across the town to do so so it would be good if that could recognised going forward.' The report detailed passenger usage at neighbouring stations, including Linlithgow which sees 1,400 a day using the station. Gordon Brown, Roads and Transportation Manager told the meeting: 'Progress on the Outline Business Case now allows the steering group to progress discussions with the Scottish Government on the case for investment, alignment with the overall rail strategy, public value and contribution to government priorities. 'These matters will be addressed as part of the funding application subject, of course, to the City Region Deal Joint Committee supporting an application via that route.' The City Region Deal is a mechanism for accelerating growth. It is made up of six local authorities, universities and the private sector working with the Scottish and UK government to pull in investment.' Winchburgh councillor Angela Doran-Timson pressed Mr Brown on what other alternative investment options there would be if the City Region Deal did not agree to fund the station. 'Was there a plan B?' she asked. Mr Brown said there was 'no plan B' but to date 'no alternative funding sources had been identified' Councillor Doran-Timson said: 'I'll echo what Tom Conn said. I welcome the report, fingers crossed that the funding does come forward from the Scottish Government.' A TS spokesperson said: 'As co-promoters for Winchburgh Station, West Lothian Council and Winchburgh Developments Limited are responsible for developing a robust business case and securing the required capital funding, should it proceed. 'Transport Scotland, via ScotRail, has committed to fund the fit out of the station and its annual operational costs, should it be delivered.' A spokesperson for Transport Scotland responded by issuing a joint statement issued on behalf of West Lothian Council, Winchburgh Developments Ltd, Transport Scotland, Network Rail and ScotRail which said: 'Further work continues to explore opportunities for innovative construction techniques to support efficient and low-disruption delivery. 'A stakeholder meeting with Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP, is scheduled to take place in Winchburgh on 18 June. This will offer the minister the opportunity to see first-hand the progress made by the project partners.' That same statement contained comments from council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick: 'It's extremely encouraging to see this project continuing to move forward at pace. With the planning application submitted and business case prepared, we're entering an important phase, which reflects the positive collaboration between all parties.' By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Calls for delayed West Lothian train station to be funded by Scottish Government
As the council and Winchburgh Developments prepare to meet potential funders of the long delayed station, Labour's Linlithgow councillor Tom Conn called on the SNP government to 'stop ducking and diving.' A veteran councillor in West Lothian called on the Scottish Government to 'put its money where its mouth is' on plans for a railway station in Winchburgh. As the council and Winchburgh Developments prepare to meet potential funders of the long delayed station, Labour's Linlithgow councillor Tom Conn called on the SNP government to 'stop ducking and diving.' Designs were revealed on Friday with the news that a planning application would come to West Lothian Council 'imminently.' A report to the Executive described the recently published Scottish Government Programme for Government 2025/26. It said: 'The programme makes specific reference to a railway station at Winchburgh in the section on A Safe Sustainable Transport System for Scotland.' Having committed to that, Councillor Conn called for a commitment to meet costs of the £22.5m development. Welcoming the news that progression had been made in the ten months of cooperation between the council, Winchburgh developments, Transport Scotland Network Rail - councillors echoed concerns that there have been no concrete guarantees of funding. Councillor Conn said: 'There needs to be public money invested directly by Scottish Government in Winchburgh. They cannot continually suggest it's other people, other organisations that need to find the money. 'This is an abdication of responsibility by the Scottish Government. If they don't want to take responsibility for it, they shouldn't put it in Programme for Government 2025/26. 'The Scottish government needs to stop ducking and diving and need to put their money where their mouth is. This is talking about rail investment strategy. If all it is is words, not backed up with cash, stop speaking. It's not helping.' Fellow Linlithgow councillor Sally Pattle said the progress had been like wading through treacle as she sought clarification of when a business plan could come to the council. When told it would be two to three months she responded: ' I would just like to welcome the fact that the Scottish Government reference Winchburgh in their programme for government although I'm slightly unclear as to what that will mean in practical terms to actually getting this project moving forward. ' I do welcome all the work that has been undertaken collaboratively between key stakeholders since last September but I have to say that still feels like we are moving through treacle. I would also very much like it to be recognised by officers and key stakeholders that the longer this drags on the greater the negative impact it is having on my ward of Linlithgow because of all the commuters that come into use the train station and then park anti-socially across the town to do so so it would be good if that could recognised going forward.' The report detailed passenger usage at neighbouring stations, including Linlithgow which sees 1,400 a day using the station. Gordon Brown, Roads and Transportation Manager told the meeting: 'Progress on the Outline Business Case now allows the steering group to progress discussions with the Scottish Government on the case for investment, alignment with the overall rail strategy, public value and contribution to government priorities. 'These matters will be addressed as part of the funding application subject, of course, to the City Region Deal Joint Committee supporting an application via that route.' The City Region Deal is a mechanism for accelerating growth. It is made up of six local authorities, universities and the private sector working with the Scottish and UK government to pull in investment.' Winchburgh councillor Angela Doran-Timson pressed Mr Brown on what other alternative investment options there would be if the City Region Deal did not agree to fund the station. ' Was there a plan B?' she asked. Mr Brown said there was ' no plan B' but to date 'no alternative funding sources had been identified' Councillor Doran-Timson said: 'I'll echo what Tom Conn said. I welcome the report, fingers crossed that the funding does come forward from the Scottish Government.' A TS spokesperson said: 'As co-promoters for Winchburgh Station, West Lothian Council and Winchburgh Developments Limited are responsible for developing a robust business case and securing the required capital funding, should it proceed. 'Transport Scotland, via ScotRail, has committed to fund the fit out of the station and its annual operational costs, should it be delivered.' Transport Scotland also issued a joint statement issued on behalf of West Lothian Council, Winchburgh Developments Ltd, Transport Scotland, Network Rail and ScotRail which said: 'Further work continues to explore opportunities for innovative construction techniques to support efficient and low-disruption delivery. 'A stakeholder meeting with Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP, is scheduled to take place in Winchburgh on 18 June. This will offer the minister the opportunity to see first-hand the progress made by the project partners.' That same statement contained comments from council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick: 'It's extremely encouraging to see this project continuing to move forward at pace. With the planning application submitted and business case prepared, we're entering an important phase, which reflects the positive collaboration between all parties.' Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop added: 'It is good to see progress being reported on Winchburgh Rail Station from the Stakeholder Group which I helped to set up as the local MSP. 'A route to additional funding has been identified, as I suggested, through the City Region Deal and design and location plans are ready to be submitted for planning permission. 'This has been possible due to constructive co-operation between Winchburgh Developers Ltd and Network Rail and this news is an important step forward. 'There is still more to do to deliver the Winchburgh Rail Station, and I look forward to meeting Winchburgh Developers later in June.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Calls for delayed West Lothian train station to be funded by Scottish Government
A veteran councillor in West Lothian called on the Scottish Government to 'put its money where its mouth is' on plans for a railway station in Winchburgh. As the council and Winchburgh Developments prepare to meet potential funders of the long delayed station , Labour's Linlithgow councillor Tom Conn called on the SNP government to 'stop ducking and diving.' Designs were revealed on Friday with the news that a planning application would come to West Lothian Council 'imminently.' READ MORE: Two major roads through Bathgate will see upgrades and resurfacing work A report to the Executive described the recently published Scottish Government Programme for Government 2025/26. It said: 'The programme makes specific reference to a railway station at Winchburgh in the section on A Safe Sustainable Transport System for Scotland.' Having committed to that, Councillor Conn called for a commitment to meet costs of the £22.5m development. Welcoming the news that progression had been made in the ten months of cooperation between the council, Winchburgh developments, Transport Scotland Network Rail - councillors echoed concerns that there have been no concrete guarantees of funding. Councillor Conn said: 'There needs to be public money invested directly by Scottish Government in Winchburgh. They cannot continually suggest it's other people, other organisations that need to find the money. 'This is an abdication of responsibility by the Scottish Government. If they don't want to take responsibility for it, they shouldn't put it in Programme for Government 2025/26. 'The Scottish government needs to stop ducking and diving and need to put their money where their mouth is. This is talking about rail investment strategy. If all it is is words, not backed up with cash, stop speaking. It's not helping.' Fellow Linlithgow councillor Sally Pattle said the progress had been like wading through treacle as she sought clarification of when a business plan could come to the council. When told it would be two to three months she responded: 'I would just like to welcome the fact that the Scottish Government reference Winchburgh in their programme for government although I'm slightly unclear as to what that will mean in practical terms to actually getting this project moving forward. 'I do welcome all the work that has been undertaken collaboratively between key stakeholders since last September but I have to say that still feels like we are moving through treacle. I would also very much like it to be recognised by officers and key stakeholders that the longer this drags on the greater the negative impact it is having on my ward of Linlithgow because of all the commuters that come into use the train station and then park anti-socially across the town to do so so it would be good if that could recognised going forward.' The report detailed passenger usage at neighbouring stations, including Linlithgow which sees 1,400 a day using the station. Gordon Brown, Roads and Transportation Manager told the meeting: 'Progress on the Outline Business Case now allows the steering group to progress discussions with the Scottish Government on the case for investment, alignment with the overall rail strategy, public value and contribution to government priorities. 'These matters will be addressed as part of the funding application subject, of course, to the City Region Deal Joint Committee supporting an application via that route.' The City Region Deal is a mechanism for accelerating growth. It is made up of six local authorities, universities and the private sector working with the Scottish and UK government to pull in investment.' Winchburgh councillor Angela Doran-Timson pressed Mr Brown on what other alternative investment options there would be if the City Region Deal did not agree to fund the station. ' Was there a plan B?" she asked. Mr Brown said there was ' no plan B' but to date 'no alternative funding sources had been identified' Councillor Doran-Timson said: 'I'll echo what Tom Conn said. I welcome the report, fingers crossed that the funding does come forward from the Scottish Government." A spokesperson for Transport Scotland responded by issuing a joint statement issued on behalf of West Lothian Council, Winchburgh Developments Ltd, Transport Scotland, Network Rail and ScotRail which said: 'Further work continues to explore opportunities for innovative construction techniques to support efficient and low-disruption delivery. 'A stakeholder meeting with Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP, is scheduled to take place in Winchburgh on 18 June. This will offer the minister the opportunity to see first-hand the progress made by the project partners.' That same statement contained comments from council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick: 'It's extremely encouraging to see this project continuing to move forward at pace. With the planning application submitted and business case prepared, we're entering an important phase, which reflects the positive collaboration between all parties." 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Edinburgh Live
2 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
Calls for delayed West Lothian train station to be funded by Scottish Government
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A veteran councillor in West Lothian called on the Scottish Government to 'put its money where its mouth is' on plans for a railway station in Winchburgh. As the council and Winchburgh Developments prepare to meet potential funders of the long delayed station , Labour's Linlithgow councillor Tom Conn called on the SNP government to 'stop ducking and diving.' Designs were revealed on Friday with the news that a planning application would come to West Lothian Council 'imminently.' READ MORE: Two major roads through Bathgate will see upgrades and resurfacing work A report to the Executive described the recently published Scottish Government Programme for Government 2025/26. It said: 'The programme makes specific reference to a railway station at Winchburgh in the section on A Safe Sustainable Transport System for Scotland.' Having committed to that, Councillor Conn called for a commitment to meet costs of the £22.5m development. Welcoming the news that progression had been made in the ten months of cooperation between the council, Winchburgh developments, Transport Scotland Network Rail - councillors echoed concerns that there have been no concrete guarantees of funding. Councillor Conn said: 'There needs to be public money invested directly by Scottish Government in Winchburgh. They cannot continually suggest it's other people, other organisations that need to find the money. 'This is an abdication of responsibility by the Scottish Government. If they don't want to take responsibility for it, they shouldn't put it in Programme for Government 2025/26. 'The Scottish government needs to stop ducking and diving and need to put their money where their mouth is. This is talking about rail investment strategy. If all it is is words, not backed up with cash, stop speaking. It's not helping.' Fellow Linlithgow councillor Sally Pattle said the progress had been like wading through treacle as she sought clarification of when a business plan could come to the council. When told it would be two to three months she responded: 'I would just like to welcome the fact that the Scottish Government reference Winchburgh in their programme for government although I'm slightly unclear as to what that will mean in practical terms to actually getting this project moving forward. 'I do welcome all the work that has been undertaken collaboratively between key stakeholders since last September but I have to say that still feels like we are moving through treacle. I would also very much like it to be recognised by officers and key stakeholders that the longer this drags on the greater the negative impact it is having on my ward of Linlithgow because of all the commuters that come into use the train station and then park anti-socially across the town to do so so it would be good if that could recognised going forward.' The report detailed passenger usage at neighbouring stations, including Linlithgow which sees 1,400 a day using the station. Gordon Brown, Roads and Transportation Manager told the meeting: 'Progress on the Outline Business Case now allows the steering group to progress discussions with the Scottish Government on the case for investment, alignment with the overall rail strategy, public value and contribution to government priorities. 'These matters will be addressed as part of the funding application subject, of course, to the City Region Deal Joint Committee supporting an application via that route.' The City Region Deal is a mechanism for accelerating growth. It is made up of six local authorities, universities and the private sector working with the Scottish and UK government to pull in investment.' Winchburgh councillor Angela Doran-Timson pressed Mr Brown on what other alternative investment options there would be if the City Region Deal did not agree to fund the station. ' Was there a plan B?" she asked. Mr Brown said there was ' no plan B' but to date 'no alternative funding sources had been identified' Councillor Doran-Timson said: 'I'll echo what Tom Conn said. I welcome the report, fingers crossed that the funding does come forward from the Scottish Government." A spokesperson for Transport Scotland responded by issuing a joint statement issued on behalf of West Lothian Council, Winchburgh Developments Ltd, Transport Scotland, Network Rail and ScotRail which said: 'Further work continues to explore opportunities for innovative construction techniques to support efficient and low-disruption delivery. 'A stakeholder meeting with Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP, is scheduled to take place in Winchburgh on 18 June. This will offer the minister the opportunity to see first-hand the progress made by the project partners.' That same statement contained comments from council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick: 'It's extremely encouraging to see this project continuing to move forward at pace. With the planning application submitted and business case prepared, we're entering an important phase, which reflects the positive collaboration between all parties." Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
Edinburgh Reporter
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Edinburgh Reporter
Pothole repair machine idle during winter in West Lothian
A pothole fixing machine would not be worth the cost as it would sit idle for much of West Lothian's winter, councillors heard this week. The Pothole Pro has been promoted by the opposition SNP group as the answer to the almost £2m problem of fixing the county's roads. But winter weather and staffing demands makes the £165,000 machine impracticable to use for much of the year, say Operational Services staff. The device, built around a JCB earth mover platform, combines three machines in one and can repair a pothole in less than eight minutes – four times quicker than standard methods and at half the cost of current solutions. Linlithgow Councillor Pauline Orr tabled a series of questions around the cost of pothole repair and use of the Pro machine at this week's meeting of the full council. She said: 'I have been told by officers that this equipment would sit idle over the winter and poor weather periods. This is contrary to the feedback of other Scottish councils who use it all year round and who have made significant savings in terms of time and cost for this type of work. What evidence do you have to support this?' Tom Conn, Labour's Executive Councillor for the Environment, told the meeting that pothole patching is not effective at low temperatures, and the roads department has significant staffing and resource demands through the winter months. The meeting heard that there had been 3,522 enquiries about potholes last year. There were 32 complaints about potholes in the same year. Councillor Conn said that keeping roads and footways clear was the priority of roads staff throughout the winter months. 'Winter is not the most appropriate time to carry out such work as wind speed, road surface temperature and moisture affect bituminous materials. The ground should be dry as moisture can affect the bonds of materials.' He added: 'Over the previous five winters roads and transportation have averaged around 70 days of winter treatments per year This is around 65% of working days in winter dedicated to winter maintenance treatments.' Other evidence suggested that the Pothole Pro would not be usable for 85% of the time during the winter months because of adverse weather conditions and staff demands. He added: 'Cost comparisons are more difficult to determine as they are not like for like.' The objective of traditional methods is to improve the lifespan and condition and conditions of the roads. This varies greatly. Scottish Borders Council drafted in two Pothole Pro machines last year to carry out road repairs to its roads citing cost savings compared to using traditional methods. The Pothole Pro costs around £165,000 to buy but can be hired for £600 a month. Last year West Lothian spent £1.9m on road repairs. Councillor Orr asked for all answers to be provided in writing adding: 'I'm really deeply disappointed that councillor Conn did not supply these answers in writing. By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
