27 March 2013
Beeching era cuts must be reversed
Two generations of Scots have suffered the consequences of savage cuts to the rail network
Transform Scotland have today (Wednesday 26th) marked the 50th anniversary of the publication of the 'Beeching Report' by calling for reinstatement of some of the key losses to the Scottish rail network. [1]
Transform Scotland rail campaigner Paul Tetlaw said:
“The Beeching era cuts were particularly cruel to Scotland. Communities were left isolated and key routes connecting our cities were swept away leaving passengers to endure longer and slower journeys. Fifty years later it is now clear that many of these decisions were shortsighted and plain wrong -- and they should now be reversed. [2]
"Fortunately, devolution has brought a new way of thinking and understanding about the value of our railway network and delivered a welcome return of the railway to communities such as Alloa, Larkhall, and those on the Airdrie to Bathgate line. Soon, albeit after a long wait, the people of the Borders will be able to welcome back part of their much missed railway."
Transform Scotland are looking for politicians of all parties to support reversal of the cuts to the rail network carried out since the 1960s. Paul Tetlaw continued:
"Whilst these re-openings are welcome there are other missing links in urgent need of reintroduction. If we really care about connecting our cities in a modern and efficient way then routes to the north such as those through Glenfarg and Strathmore should now be revived. The railway journey from the Central Belt to Aberdeen and Inverness would then be competitive with road transport and many more people would be encouraged to travel in a safer and less environmentally damaging way.
"Other communities cruelly cut-off from the network such as St Andrews, Leven and Grangemouth need just short lengths of new line to reconnect them. Surely it is time for these missing links to be restored.
"Dr Beeching and those politicians who carried out his recommendations have much to answer for. The closure programme was ruthless and two generations of Scots have suffered from the consequences. We now look to our current generation of political leaders to right these wrongs and recreate a rail network that is fit for the future."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
[1] Transform Scotland
Transform Scotland is the national sustainable transport alliance, bringing together rail, bus and shipping operators, local authorities, national environment and conservation groups, businesses and local transport groups. See <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/members.aspx> for details.
[2] Beeching era cuts in Scotland
The key routes that were lost as a direct result of Beeching Report were: Borders Railway / Waverley Route (Edinburgh-Borders-Carlisle), Buchan Line (to Fraserburgh/Peterhead), Dumfries-Stranraer, Strathmore Line (fast route from Perth to Aberdeen).
The routes that were lost after Beeching but which could reasonably be seen as coming about during that era are: Grangemouth, St Andrews, Leven, Glenfarg (fast route from Edinburgh to Perth).
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