End of the line for Breich Station is ‘unacceptable’
Giving out the wrong signals
Proposals to shut the railway station at Breich are “unacceptable” according to councillors.
Network Rail is currently looking at closing the station and a consultation into its future will wrap up next month.
But members of West Lothian Council’s Executive Committee unanimously agreed to write to Network Rail to say the proposals are unacceptable as the station is vital to the future development of the area.
The executive is also calling for Network Rail to include an economic assessment of an option to increase the level of service at Breich to the same level as adjacent stations.
In addition, the council also wants Network Rail to ensure that proposed investment is retained in the Breich Valley.
West Lothian Council said it considers Network Rail’s economic assessment to be lacking in two key areas.
It said no increase in patronage has been accounted for as a result of the increases in development identified in the Local Development Plan.
This is of particular importance since the relocation of the station nearer to the centre of the village would make it more accessible to residents of Breich and potentially increase patronage.
Also no option has been considered where the level of service is increased at Breich Station in conjunction with the improvements that are identified for delivery as part of the Shotts Line Electrification Programme.
Executive councillor for development and transport, Cathy Muldoon said: “The closure of Breich Station is unacceptable.
“We will be writing to Network Rail to this effect and we will be calling on Network Rail to expand its economic assessment of Breich Station.
“The investment at Breich is already identified as part of the overall investment package for the Shotts Line Electrification Programme and therefore an individual assessment of the station at Breich is inconsistent with the overall electrification programme objectives.
“The economic appraisal does not include an option to improve services at Breich in conjunction with the planned station improvements.
“Therefore, the potential for increased patronage to improve the economic case for retaining the station has not been tested.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “The consultation into the potential closure of Breich station is being conducted by Network Rail on behalf of Transport Scotland.
“All submissions provided by stakeholders and members of the public will be included within the consultation report, which will be considered by the Scottish Government before a decision on the future of the station is made.”