Issued: 23 November 2001
£1.7M TRANSPORT FUNDING WELCOMED
Angus Council’s Planning & Transport Policy Committee (Thursday 22 November 2001) formally welcomed the award of £1.754m for improvements to the county's rail stations.
The council successfully bid for the money from the Public Transport Fund for car parking, access and interchange improvements at Montrose, Arbroath and Carnoustie rail stations.
Committee convener David Selfridge said that the award, which fell just short of the £1.8m bid for, would allow significant improvements to be made at the three stations.
"More detailed plans now need to be worked up with rail industry partners and we are looking to carry out the bulk of the work previously outlined over a three year period.
"This includes the creation of around 90 car parking spaces and a new footbridge at Montrose; the refurbishment of the freight lift and the creation of parking for 30 cars in Arbroath and the installation of CCTV, a 50 vehicle car park and a toilet at Carnoustie.
"In addition 10 cycle bays will be created at each station along with improved signage or information boards. CCTV will also be installed at Arbroath bus station, which we hope will also be the subject of a feasibility study to provide further information on potential improvements."
Councillor Selfridge continued:
"These significant improvements will benefit regular rail users and hopefully will encourage greater use of the rail network by both local people and visitors.
"However there are obvious questions now relating to the current and future position of Railtrack and its successor, particularly regarding the land requirements for the proposed car parking, but this will be addressed in the Action Plan which will be brought forward to the committee at a later date."