SNP: Transport is key issue in Borders

PLANS for a direct rail link between Edinburgh and Carlisle are at the heart of local transport pledges set out by the SNP yesterday ahead of next month’s council elections.

Nationalists are to campaign for the new Borders rail link from the capital to Tweedbank to be extended to Cumbria in the long term, giving passengers in the east a link to the west coast line without having to go via Glasgow.

The party’s manifesto for the Borders area also included a commitment to investigate how the Borders rail line – which is not due for completion until December 2014 – could be used to bring jobs to the area, rather than simply help commuters travel to the capital.

Donald Moffat, SNP group leader on Borders Council, said: “We have supported the Borders railway initiative but we recognise that the entire region needs roads improvements, better bus interconnectivity and a fully integrated transport strategy. We will work for that.”

SNP plans for the region also include a pledge to abolish the authority’s “undemocratic” system of scrutiny and replace it with a “fully democratic” committee system.

Nationalists also want to improve public involvement in council matters by staging some meetings in towns throughout the region.

Scottish Borders Council currently has six SNP councillors, with the administration made up of a coalition of Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and three aligned independent councillors.

Transport was also a key part of the SNP’s manifesto for Edinburgh, with a pledge to immediately carry out vital roadworks at key points in the city to make it as attractive as possible to investors.

In addition, Nationalists in the capital said they would increase the roads maintenance budget to £20 million.

The SNP is currently in coalition with the Liberal Democrats at Edinburgh City Council, with Nationalists here also pledging they would “maintain a financially responsible” administration, establish a care champion to represent carers and their interests, and increase investment for cycling”.

Steve Cardownie, SNP group leader on the council, said: “This is the result of extensive consultation over the last few months with residents and it reflects their priorities.”

He added: “We know that economic recovery remains a top priority for everyone.

“We must keep building homes and improving our transport infrastructure – and these are at the heart of the SNP’s plans.”