An East Kilbride councillor is renewing calls for Scottish Government ministers to explain first-hand the decision to side-track plans to dual the town's rail line.
A backlash erupted when a shock announcement via Transport Scotland in October saw the dualling of the line - between EK and Busby - scrapped amidst concerns over cost and future usage of the line.
Now the project will see the electrification of the line only.
Independent councillor David Watson, whose wards cover Thorntonhall and Hairmyres stations, previously called on a letter to be sent to then transport minister an cabinet secretary, inviting them to speak at a meeting of South Lanarkshire Council’s (SLC) EK Area Committee.
This has led to a campaign from local councillors for the original plans to be reinstated in full, with much-needed improvements to EK’s rail service said to be "long overdue".
Two months since requesting a letter be sent to the ministers, Councillor Watson said there has been no correspondence or updates.
Councillor Watson told Lanarkshire Live : "On December 15 I raised the issue of inviting them to attend a meeting with local councillors and hear first hand our local community's views and disappointment regarding the decision.
"SLC is not taking the betrayal of the town from Transport Scotland and Scottish Government seriously, regarding the dropping of the dual railway line promised."
Councillor Watson said he had since written to area committee chairman, Councillor Archie Buchanan, seeking copies of the correspondence and requested an update be issued to all East Kilbride councillors.
A SLC spokesman told us : “Our officers are continuing to liaise with lead partners at Network Rail and Transport Scotland in relation to the further development and design of the project.
“It is understood that partners are finalising arrangements for a workshop in spring with interested parties, including elected members, and further details on this will be provided once available."
Meanwhile, Tory MSP Graham Simpson has secured a promise of talks over the future of the rail line from new transport minister, Jenny Gilruth.
He tabled a debate in Holyrood with cross-party support for the reinstatement of dualling plans.
Ms Gilruth's predecessor, Graeme Dey, promised to have cross party talks during the debate.
Mr Simpson added: "Ms Gilruth was clearly unaware of the issue in East Kilbride, but has agreed to hold those vital cross party talks.
“I hope that happens soon because all parties locally are against the scrapping of the dualling.
“When we meet I will be urging Ms Gilruth to go further, to explore the possibility of having a line to Hamilton.
“We need to show ambition for the town if we are to get people on to public transport.”
A petition was also launched by Labour councillor Monique McAdams to reinstate the dualling plans, with the support of group leader in South Lanarkshire, Joe Fagan.
Councillor McAdams said: "This change in plan severely disadvantages current and potential commuters to and from the Hairmyres, Thorntonhall and East Kilbride Stations.
"MPs, MSPs and Councillors of all parties must come together for the good of their constituents and make their voices heard."
East Kilbride's SNP MSP Collette Stevenson has also called for a meeting with new Transport Minister and said her position remains that the line should be dualled as well as electrified.
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