Chamberlain urges transport infrastructure funding

Wendy Chamberlain MP for North East Fife yesterday wrote to the Scottish Secretary of State asking for a meeting to discuss transport infrastructure for Scotland.

Since many areas related to transport are devolved, funding sources and application processes often end up falling under both the Westminster and Scottish Governments. As a result, Chamberlain has written to the Minister asking that in this new Parliament, improving inter-governmental relations will assist.

Chamberlain notes the two major transport projects in North East Fife that would benefit from funding. The first is Leuchars train station which needs significant funding to improve disabled access. The second is to being the rebuilding process of Newburgh train station, a project highly supported by local residents and a long standing campaign group.

Chamberlain said:

“Transport infrastructure funding isq a complicated landscape in terms of many processes falling under both Governments.

“Although I made some progress in the last Parliament, I am hopeful that with the new Government’s focus in intergovernmental relations, there is more scope for Scottish constituencies to receive transport funding.

“It is vital that train stations across North East Fife are completely step-free to ensure everyone is able to use them. Just last week, newspaper reports of a wheelchair user being stranded in Kirkcaldy, having travelled from Levenmouth, show that this needs to be sorted urgently.

“The community in Newburgh are also extremely welcoming to rebuilding Newburgh train station to help residents commute while bringing in visitors to revitalise local businesses.

“I hope that the Minister will meet with me soon so that we can discuss this.”