TALKS to improve rail passengers’ experiences and connectivity from Stranraer Station continued this week.
Network Rail are currently developing plans to improve the railway signalling on the Stranraer-Ayr line. The system is at the end of its working life, both in terms of its condition and many parts are now obsolete.
And funding totalling £10 million has been allocated to carry out this work in the next five years.
Galloway and West MSP Finlay Carson hosted a second meeting on Monday with key stakeholders including ScotRail, Dumfries and Galloway Council, South of Scotland Enterprise, Stena Line, local MP John Cooper to explore options.
Among the topics of discussion was the possibility of moving the current station building from the end of the East Pier to a site closer to the town centre. Originally located to directly connect with the ferry service, many believe the station is too far from the town centre and relocation would better connect with other transport services
A number of potential sites have been identified at different locations in the town or close to the existing railway line.
However, any future decision will be dependent on agreement being reached with land owners, one of which may be Stena Line as owners of sections of the East Pier.
Further discussions are to take place between Stena Line and Network Rail as the waterfront area is being redeveloped.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Carson described the talks as ‘very positive’ with a strong will to improve the station. He said: “I think everyone is in agreement that the current station does nothing for travellers and commuters arriving in Stranraer, especially for the first time.
“Everything is at a very early stage and obviously the public will have to be consulted and involved in any future decisions.”
Mr Carson added that the stakeholders are ‘bouncing ideas’ about that will improve the experience of travelling to the town. He added: “At present the station and surrounding area feels abandoned and unloved. It is also a 15 minute walk from the town centre on a narrow and exposed pavement.
“The feasibility of moving the station to a more central position in the town or redeveloping the existing site will be subject further discussion early next year.
“We hope to broaden the scope and get Transport Scotland involved in future talks.
“As I stress, nothing is going to happen overnight – this is a long term project.”
