Links rail at rail link

Text of Starlink Press Release:

In its response to the consultation, the St Andrews Links Trust has expressed its opposition to proposed new St Andrews railway, saying it ‘can see no benefit at all’ in the scheme. However the University of St Andrews takes a much more positive view of the project and has offered to help the next stage of the campaign by providing data from its forthcoming staff & student travel survey to aid the forthcoming STAG (Scottish Transport Appraisal Guide) exercise.

In a report to be tabled at the Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council October meeting, Starlink convenor Jane Ann Liston, who met a representative of the Trust along with three members of the Community Council, explained that the Links were concerned about the disruptive implications upon Links property, including the new storage building, for which they say there is no other location, the Strathtyrum and Balgove golf courses, where they say there is no space to relocate the affected holes, and also the relocation of the access road and effect upon HGV deliveries.

‘While it is disappointing that the Links Trust cannot see the wider picture and appreciate what a boon a rail connection would be to the town, their reaction was not unexpected. It will be passed, along with all others received, as input to the STAG (Scottish Transport Appraisal Guide) process. However the assistance offered by the University, which does see what an advantage a rail service would be, is extremely welcome. Already Scotrail, who are taking a very positive view of the project, have suggested the sort of information the University might provide which would help the procedure.’

Ms Liston went on to say that other responses had been favourable. ‘Guardbridge Community Council could see nothing to cause concern, and indeed welcomed the prospect of a reduction in traffic through the village as a result of St Andrews-bound motorists switching to rail. The Old Course Hotel were interested and are going to put the matter to their Board. The Merchants and StayinStAndrews were more cautious, but the St Andrews Partnership, while neither for nor against at this stage, have assisted the consultation by encouraging their Facebook and Twitter followers to read the report and submit responses.’

Other organisations likely to be particularly concerned have been contacted and are expected to be briefed over the next few weeks. In the meantime, anybody interested is encouraged to download the report from the website:
http://www.starlink-campaign.org.uk
from where they can also make submissions.