Consultation on Levenmouth rail link to begin within weeks

A public consultation on plans for the long-awaited Levenmouth rail link should begin within a few weeks.

The community will be asked for their views on various aspects of the £70 million project, due to open in 2023, including preferred options for two stations and a possible freight terminal at Cameron Bridge.

Campaigners have said they would ideally like to see a double-track line that can be electrified.

While they have been pushing for the return of passenger trains to boost the area’s economic and tourism potential, Levenmouth Labour councillor Colin Davidson said freight capability was vital.

He said options for freight are key to achieving the Scottish Government’s ambition to cut greenhouse emissions by 75% over the next decade.

“They must be at the heart of any plans drawn up,” he said.

Mr Davidson, vice-chairman of the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (Sestran), added: “A number of companies in our area have a carbon footprint reduction agenda and the Scottish Government and Fife Council have also set targets.”

Five possible locations for a passenger station in Leven have been drawn up, including the old power station site and an area next to the swimming pool, along with options for a second station at Cameron Bridge. The amount of land available and the accessibility of each site will be considered before the options are further narrowed down and presented to the public.

Eugene Clarke, chairman of Levenmouth Rail Campaign, said: “The consultation has to be online, imaginative and take advantage of the community groups in the area.”

Picture: Steve Macdougall. A consultation for the public will be held within the next few weeks about the new rail link at Levenmouth.