Transport Minister welcomes improved access at Lockerbie Station

Commenting on the £1.2m upgrade project, Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson said:

"It is a key priority for this Government that we ensure that everyone has access to vital transport links.

"I am delighted that these essential improvements to Lockerbie Station will allow many groups, such as the disabled, the elderly and parents of young children, to use their local train services more readily".

The £1.2m project was funded by Transport Scotland and delivered by Network Rail with assistance from rail industry partners First ScotRail and Virgin Trains.

Work on the station started in February 2007 and was carried out by contractor Edmund Nuttal Ltd.

Ron McAulay, Director Network Rail, said:

"I am delighted to see this project completed. I know how much it means to the community of Lockerbie to have a fully accessible station. I would like to thank the community for their support whilst delivering this project. I would in particular like to recognise the determination of Wyn Deamer and the Coalition Disabled of People (Annandale and Eskdale) who have campaigned for this bridge".

The Lockerbie community have been looking forward for some time to the valuable benefits these improvements bring to passengers. Rail users with disabilities or pushchairs will no longer need to travel on to Carlisle to change trains and then travel back in the opposite direction to enable them to exit on the platform required.

Wyn Deamer, speaking on behalf of Coalition Disabled of People (Annandale and Eskdale) said:

"I am so pleased that we have now got a station that is accessible to all. Although, its taken time to get here I would like to thank, on behalf of the Coalition Disabled of People (Annandale and Eskdale) and the community of Lockerbie, Transport Scotland, Network Rail all those who have worked so hard and with so much determination to deliver this project".

Mr Stevenson plans to visit Lockerbie Station on 4 February 2008 when, along with Wyn Deamer, he will officially open the new facilities.