Claims rail firm ‘failing to engage’ with community over new stations

Network Rail has been accused of failing to engage with the community over plans for the Levenmouth rail link.

Two new stations are due to open at Leven swimming pool and Cameron Bridge when trains return to the area in 2024. And campaigners want to ensure they have adequate facilities, including shelters and toilets for passengers.

However, public consultations on designs for the line and stations, due to start in December, have still not taken place.

The company has yet to decide how and when it will carry out the process.

But Levenmouth councillor Eugene Clarke fears it will be too late to change any designs by the time it finally begins.

He said: “It’s over two years since we were assured by cabinet secretary Michael Matheson that local people would be fully engaged in the plans for the new line. And yet nothing has happened.

“They have missed their own target by six months and are still unable to say how they intend to engage with the local population.

“It shows shameful contempt for the people of Levenmouth.”

The Lib Dem councillor was previously chairman of the Levenmouth Rail Campaign. He has campaigned for years to ensure local people are fully involved in the £116 million project.

However, Network Rail say the situation is being misrepresented and insists the community will be fully involved.

A spokesperson said: “Network Rail has been clear and consistent that as part of the project’s development we will engage with the community in advance of the planning process needed to progress the station development.

“We are currently working on precisely what that engagement will look like and what the timescales are for this.

“We are aware of the aspirations of the local community for additional facilities around the station.”

The spokesman said groups, including the Levenmouth Rail Campaign, had been spoken to about how best to progress the plans. This happened as part of wider discussions around the development of the project.

“It shows shameful contempt for the people of Levenmouth