Let’s take advantage of ‘head-start’ says MSP

 

Joan, whose election campaign led to the Summit, said the Council as the lead partner in the Regional Transport Partnership (SWestrans) needs to ensure it has shovel ready projects fit for inclusion in the Scottish Government’s refreshed National Transport Strategy.

 

The SNP government committed to exploring ways to better link Dumfries to the M74 and further improvements to the A75 in its 2016 manifesto and Ms McAlpine has urged SWestrans to make the most of this opportunity.

 

Ms McAlpine said:

 

“I was very encouraged by last week’s Transport Summit.  There is clearly a great deal of good will towards the region from the SNP government – it’s very significant that Dumfries was the first stop on the road to refreshing the National Transport Strategy.

 

“This document will dictate transport priorities across the whole country – it is imperative we take advantage of being first on the list and make sure that we push to get our priorities recognised.

 

“As well as roads, I am keen that we are exploring all options for a faster rail link to the central belt.

 

“This requires firm action at local level and SWestrans has a responsibility to ensure that we do not squander this opportunity.”

 

Notes to Editors:

 

Letter to Gavin Stevenson attached.