Local MP and MSP call for action on Kintore station

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 18th May 2010

Surging passenger numbers on North-East railway lines have led to renewed calls to reopen Kintore Station.

Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce and North East MSP Alison McInnes are again making the case to Transport Scotland for a firm commitment to begin work on a station for Kintore.

Figures released by Scotrail this week show passenger usage to be above expectation at the newly reopened Laurencekirk station. Estimates predicted that the station would be used by 36,000 passengers in its first year but actual usage has far surpassed that, with over 64,000 people using Laurencekirk since the reopening.

The successful reinstatement of the station at Laurencekirk combined with news that passengers at Inverurie are up by 42% over the past 18 months, provides clear evidence that a new Kintore station would be justified.

In the letter to the Scottish transport authority, Mr Bruce and Mrs McInnes outline the value that a new station at Kintore would provide for the local area. Backing exists for the station from both Aberdeenshire Council and the NESTRANS board and would serve to alleviate the strain on local roads which is an increasing problem for Scotland's fastest growing community.

Commenting on the letter, Mr Bruce said:

"I was pleased to hear that so many residents have flocked to use Laurencekirk station and this shows that there is a real desire for people to take advantage of local rail services for both commuting and leisure travel.

"Alison and I have written to Transport Scotland to draw attention to this surge in rail use and to re-state the case for reopening the station at Kintore. In the past, Transport Scotland seemed hesitant to proceed because of concern over the predicted usage for the station. These new figures should dispel any concern on this issue.

"During the election campaign, many Kintore residents told me that a new station was their top priority. What we need now is a firm commitment from the Scottish Government to build this station."

Alison McInnes MSP added:

"I urge Transport Scotland to stop dithering and get on with this project. We know that whenever new train services are provided passenger numbers far outstrip expectations.

"Over recent years, with local residents and councillors, I have actively campaigned to draw attention to the need for a station in such a rapidly growing community. A new station at Kintore has always been seen as an investment that would be good value for money and the positive signs from the reopening of Laurencekirk provide firm evidence that passengers want to get back on the trains."