Local MSP Craig Hoy has written to the UK Transport Minister to make clear his opposition to proposed cuts from Dunbar railway station as well as potential wider cuts to services across the region.
The Scottish Conservative MSP, who represents the South of Scotland region, has written to UK Transport Minister Chris Heaton-Harris MP alongside party colleagues Rachael Hamilton MSP and John Lamont MP, who represent constituencies in the Borders.
Craig Hoy is calling on the UK Government to work with stakeholders to ensure we “urgently find a better solution where smaller communities do not lose out to larger train hubs.”
The appeal to the UK Transport Minister comes after it was reported that changes to LNER services on the East Coast Mainline could undermine services from Dunbar, Reston, East Linton and Berwick-upon-Tweed Rail Services.
Should the proposals go ahead, the rapidly growing town of Dunbar will lose 11 of its 32 rail services, including the removal of almost all Cross-Country services and the removal of two LNER services used heavily by Dunbar to Edinburgh commuters.
Commenting. Scottish Conservative Craig Hoy MSP said: “My Conservative colleagues and I are significantly concerned about the future for rail services in Dunbar and across the South of Scotland.
“That is why I have written with them to the UK Transport Minister rejecting any plans to reduce services. There is a clear need for increased rail connectivity as the population continues to rapidly increase in East Lothian.
“I will be continuing to work with local campaign groups, rail providers, Scottish and UK Government Ministers and parliamentary colleagues to press for improved proposals which will deliver the rail services required in East Lothian.
"On Thursday, Craig Hoy will participate in a meeting with rail providers, local MSPs and campaign groups to examine the proposed changes to timetable and to see if any firm assurances or compromises have already been confirmed in relation to the proposed cuts.
He added: “While the consultation on these plans are still running until 5 August, we need clarity now about exactly where the discussions on the new timetable and service cuts are at.
“Any assurances given need to be clear and unambiguous from rail providers. In the absence of these I would encourage as many residents and groups as possible to participate in the consultation by submitting their views by the August 5 deadline so that their voices are heard as loudly as possible.”
