A campaign has been launched to build a new railway station to Winchburgh in West Lothian.
A report, titled A vision for a new rail connection for Winchburgh, highlights the benefits of a rail connection. Commissioned by Winchburgh Developments Ltd, the publication demonstrates support from local businesses and community figures for a station.
The report, based on an assessment commissioned by Winchburgh Developments Ltd and conducted by Systra, claims that trips on congested roads to central Edinburgh would be replaced with train journeys taking less than 15 minutes. An estimated 1,658 car journeys could be taken off the road per day, while the remaining road users would benefit from reduced congestion. A new station would also be tipped to deliver reduced levels of greenhouse gases and improved air quality.
A train station has been a key feature of the Winchburgh masterplan since planning permission in principle was awarded in 2012. Discussions have been ongoing between developers, Network Rail, Scotrail, Transport Scotland and other stakeholders. It is hoped that the new campaign will galvanise community support and lead to progress.
Winchburgh Developments is now urging the Scottish Government to establish a working group and set a date for the opening of a new station.
John Hamilton, chief executive at Winchburgh Developments, said, “A new train station requires multiple partners to come together to make it work and ultimately it can only proceed with a decision by Transport Scotland, Network Rail and other public sector agencies.  This report demonstrates that a new rail connection for Winchburgh would bring significant economic and environmental benefits to the local community and the wider Lothian region.
“In recent years, we have seen many communities across Scotland benefit from new rail connections – now, it’s Winchburgh’s turn. Winchburgh Developments Ltd have already invested more than £50 million in transport upgrades, with no public sector contribution to those costs. We have always been ready to invest private sector funds in a station if a way forward can be agreed with the public sector.
“We have an opportunity to make real progress, and we are asking the Scottish Government to convene a working group of the public and private sector stakeholders who can deliver a new station for Winchburgh. To set a date for opening of a new station at Winchburgh would focus minds on realising the significant economic and environmental benefits that a rail connection will deliver.”
The campaign has received cross-party support from local councillors.
