A HOST of Borders politicians have given their thoughts after plans for the return of Reston station were approved.

Last used for a passenger service in 1964, plans to open a two-platform station in the Berwickshire village were approved by Scottish Borders Council’s planning committee on Monday (February 1).

Campaigners had been rallying behind the project for years.

In the paragraphs that follow, we have rounded up what politicians have been saying about the backing of the plans.

John Lamont, Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk

This is really exciting news for residents in Berwickshire. I have supported this project for many years and it is great to see the plans approved.

Transport links are hugely important for prosperity and increasing educational opportunities for young people.

Making it easier to travel to Edinburgh and to the south will hopefully make living in the area even more appealing.

I pay tribute to the team at RAGES [Rail Action Group, East of Scotland] who have campaigned very hard on this issue and have kept politicians like me on my toes for years to help push this project forward.

I look forward to seeing this station operational again.

Rachael Hamilton, Conservative MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire

I am delighted the plans for Reston station have been approved by the SBC planning committee.

I want to thank the RAGES team who have worked tirelessly to campaign and make sure the station was reinstated.

I have campaigned alongside RAGES to push the Scottish Government to commit to this vital transport project.

The station will be a fantastic addition for Berwickshire, opening up new opportunities for travelling for work or long distance either to Edinburgh or London.

I look forward to it opening and bringing enhanced connectivity to the area.

Claudia Beamish, Labour MSP for South Scotland

I’m delighted that Reston Station is set to reopen, it is a boost for local people and a next step to achieve the crucial climate change objectives.

Well done to all those who campaigned for it.

Carol Hamilton, Conservative councillor for East Berwickshire

This decision is very welcome. It is wonderful news for East Berwickshire and will be a huge benefit to residents, young and old, local businesses and our tourism industry.

Large inward investment on this scale will flow through into the local economy and provide a much-needed boost to jobs.

A huge thank you must go to those who had the vision and who have campaigned for so long to see this vision come to light.

Jim Fullarton, Conservative councillor for East Berwickshire

I am delighted to see the approval for the new station at Reston. We have fought to reopen for many years overcoming many hurdles and transport ministers along the way.

I see that there is plenty of car parking and space to accommodate more if required. There will also be a roundabout on the entrance to the village.

The village hoped for similar on the A1, however, Transport Scotland have resisted this at present.

Everyone is looking forward to the first electric train station in the Borders, ensuring sustainable transport for the future.

Gordon Edgar, Independent councillor for Selkirkshire and SBC’s executive member for infrastructure, transport and travel

The approval of the Reston station planning application is a vital step towards the reopening of this station and I look forward to seeing the works progress rapidly.

The council has provided over £2.3m towards the cost of this project, which will deliver significant benefits to the Berwickshire community, providing easy local access to the east coast mainline services which will in turn make this area more attractive for inward investment and housing growth, which will both support local communities and the economy.

Claire Bhugowandeen, Network Rail’s sponsor for Reston station project

We are pleased Scottish Borders Council has advised that this project can progress. It is an exciting development that has the potential to transform the local community it will serve.

Now that we have clarity on the planning decision, we can now move to get onsite as quickly as possible and work with our partners to deliver this new station for our customers and the wider Reston community.

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