PLANNING approval has been granted for the build of a train station in the Scottish Borders in the village of Reston.
A two-platform Network Rail station will be constructed to link with the East Coast mainline, alongside 70 car parking spaces and a new access road to the station.
Locals have campaigned for a train station in the village for over 20 years, with a train last passing through the village over 50 years ago.
Network Rail said that station projects ‘generally’ act as a catalyst for further investment, regeneration and economic development for local areas. The rail management firm said that it is hoped that the construction of the new Reston station will help revitalise the rural communities of Berwickshire and further afield and will enhance and open-up transport links and improve connectivity.
Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, said, “I welcome this announcement which is another significant step towards delivery of this important new station and will bring new travel opportunities to Reston and surrounding Borders area.
“The Scottish Government has committed funding for this scheme which will have real potential to deliver a number of benefits for the local communities and also help towards our green recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Claire Bhugowandeen, Network Rail’s sponsor for the Reston station project, added, “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.”
