Falkirk Councillors Call for Report on Bonnybridge Railway Station Reopening Plans
Falkirk councillors are pushing for a detailed report on the abandoned efforts to reopen a railway station in Bonnybridge. Independent councillor Billy Buchanan brought forward a motion during a meeting of Falkirk Council’s executive, insisting on a comprehensive update for members regarding the station proposal. Baillie Buchanan, a staunch advocate for the revival of a station in Bonnybridge, recently enlisted the support of newly elected Falkirk MP, Euan Stainbank.
During the council meeting, Baillie Buchanan raised concerns to Director of Place Services, Malcolm Bennie, regarding the lack of a written report on the progress of establishing a new station in the village, which was once home to three railway stations. Baillie Buchanan expressed disappointment in Mr Bennie’s decision to halt any further action on the proposal without consulting the council members. Mr Bennie defended his stance by citing feedback from an appraisal by Transport Scotland, which indicated that there was no compelling case to proceed with the project. He argued that investing more resources into the initiative would not result in a positive outcome.
In his motion, Baillie Buchanan emphasised the importance of allowing council members to assess all available information and potentially conduct a public consultation before reaching a decision on the project. He stressed that elected representatives should have the final say in such matters. The motion received unanimous approval from the council.
Notably, SNP councillors Bryan Deakin and Fiona Collie actively supported the campaign for a new station in Bonnybridge, and the administration endorsed Baillie Buchanan’s motion. SNP’s economic development spokesperson, Councillor Paul Garner, highlighted the necessity of requesting a report from officers, although Transport Scotland had previously indicated non-support for the initiative.
In conclusion, Falkirk councillors are assertively seeking transparency and input from elected officials before proceeding with any decisions regarding the reopening of Bonnybridge railway station. The importance of thorough evaluation and consultation with the community has been emphasised to ensure that the best interests of the residents and commuters are served.