Communities to help shape work on study into feasibility of extending Borders Railway
Last updated 15 hours ago
Scottish Borders Council says it's continuing work to explore the potential extension of the Borders Railway.
It follows concerns over delays to a study into the feasibility of reinstating the line between Tweedbank and Carlisle.
The local authority has announced it has been engaging with key partners, including Transport Scotland and the UK government's Department for Transport, to agree the next steps in developing the Strategic Outline Business Case.
"This is the first stage in the business case process and is designed to assess the transport options and potential benefits that would best serve this part of the South of Scotland and Northern England," a statement realised this afternoon (Wednesday) read.
"Constructive feedback has now been received from both governments, confirming support for the overall approach and allowing the Council to progress to the next phase of work.
"This will include testing interest from specialist consultants to help shape the development of the SOBC in line with national guidance and best practice.
"This work will also provide opportunities to engage with local partners, stakeholders, and communities to help shape the work as it develops."
READ MORE: New walk-in GP clinic to open seven days a week 'very quickly after staff in place'
No timeline has yet been given for the work, which was initially expected to take two years to complete.
But the council has revealed it hopes to confirm the details "in due course", with plans to set up a new webpage on its website to keep the public informed.
The Borders Railway extension project is being supported through funding from the UK and Scottish governments via the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
Turner & Townsend were appointed project manager in April last year.
An SBC spokesperson added: "Any future procurement activity will take place in line with agreed governance processes and in close coordination with funding partners. Further updates will be provided as this work progresses."
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/