13 March 2006
SPT meets community groups on GARL
RESIDENTS, local and national politicians, members of the public and business, sporting and industrial groups are being offered a chance to air their views on the Glasgow Airport Rail Link (GARL) at a series of meetings. The meetings are part of SPT's commitment to an on-going consultation process, which it sees as being key to the successful delivery of the project.
Representatives from Paisley North Community Council, local residents' associations and local politicians will discuss the proposal with SPT officials at the first Community Liaison Group meeting in Paisley on March 13.
Another two liaison groups and a business group will also be established as part of the consultation, which is designed to canvass the views of the whole community. The first meeting at Beechwood Community Centre will involve residents from the main streets surrounding the St James playing fields.
Users of the playing fields including representatives of the leagues, sport and other recreation bodies will form a second community liaison group. Communities affected by the track upgrade along the existing railway corridor between Paisley and Glasgow and those living near the proposed construction compounds will take part in the third liaison group. The fourth liaison group will comprise representatives from firms in the Murray Street industrial estate and business interest leaders.
Councillor Alistair Watson, chair of SPT, said the community liaison groups would play a vital role in keeping residents and businesses abreast of any developments. He said, "The groups will discuss the issues of most importance to their community or interests and work with SPT to come to workable solutions on various issues including access, construction and public realm designs.
"This is part of our ongoing consultation with those affected by GARL. Residents and businesses will get regular updates regarding the progress of the project through the Scottish Parliament. If the Parliament approves the project, the groups will also provide access to the project team during detailed design and construction.
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