Secrecy row over talks on tram-train link

Network Rail criticised over discussions on scheme

DETAILS of ongoing discussions over a possible tram-train link at Glasgow Airport cannot be made public because it would deter those involved from putting forward “conten tious and challenging ideas”, according to a new ruling.

All documents, memos, emails and correspondence relating to the multi-million-pound transport scheme will remain under wraps after Network Rail concluded that it was “not in the public interest” to reveal the content of exchanges relating to the Glasgow Airport Access Project (GAAP), spearheaded by Glasgow and Renfrewshire councils and Glasgow Airport.

While the infrastructure body acknowledged that “disclosure would give an insight into a transport project that might one day affect the daily lives of a great many people”, it concluded that this was outweighed by the need for privacy.

Network Rail, while rejecting an appeal under Freedom of Information laws, said: “We think it likely that the ongoing discussions around the Glasgow Airport Access Project would be adversely affected by disclosure.

“It would make those involved in these discussions less willing and less able to present contentious or challenging ideas since doing so would open them up to unwarranted public intrusion and ultimately undermine the integrity of the policy development process.”

The statement contradicts guidelines from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which make it clear that it “would not be reasonable” to withhold information on the basis that its disclosure would “affect the frankness of unspecified and unrelated discussions in the future”.

However, while Network Rail acknowledges the ICO’s stance, it adds that the “significance and prominence” of the airport project sets it apart.

The refusal comes amid scepticism over the feasibility of a £144 million tram-train hybrid, which would see trams join the main rail network at Paisley Gilmour Street en route to Glasgow Central.

A Scottish Governmentcommissioned feasibility study in 2014 warned there was “very little spare capacity” at Central to accommodate the trams and that running them during peak times would require “significant timetable alterations and extended journey times for other passengers”.

Solving both problems is a matter for Network Rail, which owns Glasgow Central and manages the nation’s railways.

Jim Beckett, a former Channel Tunnel engineer behind alternative monorail proposals, said there should be clarity over whether the tram-train was “a no-go” or not.

A spokesman for the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland said the non-disclosure decision was open to challenge.

He said: “It is hugely disappointing that, on a subject of major public concern, which is liable to involve large amounts of public money, Network Rail thinks that the public interest is best served by keeping papers secret.”

A spokesman for Glasgow Airport Access Project said “discussions continue to evolve and no firm decisions have been taken”.

‘‘ It is disappointing that Network Rail thinks the public interest is best served by keeping papers secret

MODEL Erin Lathangie poses as Titania from A Midsummer Night’s Dream to mark the launch of a touring production of Shakespeare’s comedy.

The Chapterhouse Theatre Company will perform at Stirling Castle on July 27 and 28, and Caerlaverock Castle on July 29.

Richard Main, artistic director for the company, said: “There’s no better place to perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a tale of fairies and forests, than in a historic garden or ruinous medieval castle.”

For more information visit: . historicenvironment.scot.