8 February 2008
Crossrail lobbying gains pace
The campaign for Crossrail Glasgow has gained momentum, with MSPs demonstrating strong support for the plans at the Scottish Parliament.
Pressure for approval of the project, dubbed the missing link in the Scottish rail network, has come from parliamentarians representing a range of parties, constituencies and regions.
A recent report which indicated potentially massive passenger uptake at planned new stations in Glasgow and huge economic benefits has prompted a message of support for the project from Lothians MSP George Foulkes.
Alongside this, a motion submmitted to Holyrood by Glasgow Anniesland MSP Bill Butler has noted the report's significance and called for Crossrail to be included in the national planning framework.
Labour MSP Mr Butler's motion has received cross-party backing from MSPs and he has also lodged a series of parliamentary questions related to the project.
Fellow Labour MSP Mr Foulkes has written to SPT Chair Alistair Watson wishing Crossail's supporters "every success" with the project.
George Foulkes said he was keen to know what could be done to assist the campaign and said he was "particularly interested" in plans for direct services between Edinburgh and Ayrshire.
Councillor Watson said: "Support from our politicians is a real boost as we continue to press for a commitment to Crossrail.
"You can see how parliamentarians of all political persuasions need no persuading about the benefits of this project.
"George Foulkes's letter to me is a prime example of this.
"Here is an example of an MSP representing a constituency outside the SPT area who is applying joined up thinking and getting behind our efforts to join up journeys"
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