Park and ride plans

A Rutherglen man and his co-accused allegedly shouted and swore at a parking attendant in Glasgow city centre.

Rueirdh Duncan, 26, and Steven Andrew Dunn, 40, will stand trial for the offence which is said to have taken place at George Square on April 4, 2016.

Duncan, of Ranland Gardens, who is believed to have been on bail at the time of the incident, and Dunn from Glasgow will appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on April 5. South Lanarkshire Council has approved the business case for a new park and ride facility at Newton Train Station.

Councillors on an executive committee approved the proposal at a meeting last week.

The authority hopes to gain City Deal funding for the project, which is projected to cost £1.4 million.

The Newton Community Growth Area (CGA) already forms part of the City Deal plan and an expanded park and ride is seen as vital to its success.

The Reformer reported earlier this month that 155 new bays could be created if the plan goes ahead. Work would also include improvements to the existing Station Road junction and ramped and stepped pedestrian access between the station frontage and Station Road.

The business case states that failure to expand the park and ride would mean the council had failed to “make provision for new residents living in the Newton CGA who wish to use sustainable public transport options for commuting and leisure opportunities.”

A phased investment is also rejected as it could lead to a reduction in house completions if the area is less attractive.

According to the case: “The current park and ride facilities operate at capacity and the new homes being created at Newton CGA will be unable to benefit from the opportunities it provides as it is unable to accommodate new users.”

Councillors were told that the proposed solution will address current constraints and would allow completion of the development in 14 years as opposed to 22.

The council is one of eight signatories of the £ 1.13 billion Glasgow City Region City Deal.