Published: Thursday, 8th January, 2009 9:30am

Council leader welcomes rail announcement

Comments (0) | Print | Email

SCOTTISH Borders Council Leader David Parker has welcomed the announcement by Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson that work is to begin early on the Borders Railway.

Councillor Parker said: 'Obviously the Council welcomes the news that advance works are going to begin early on the Borders railway.

'We have supported and championed the project from day one and have always believed the project would be delivered. The announcement by the Minister today is further evidence of the commitment to deliver the project and begin full scale construction in the life of the current parliament.

'At a time when the economy is under a great deal of pressure it is heartening to hear that everything is being done to advance the start of this critical economic development project and the early start to the Borders Railway will be a massive boost to the Borders economy.'

Councillor Jim Fullarton, Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, said: 'To hear that advance works have been fast-tracked will be a real boost to people in the Borders.

'The Borders Railway will reconnect the Borders to the rest of Scotland by hugely improving our transport links and that can only mean good news for our economy in these difficult times.'