Inverurie Transport Interchange a Step Closer

SNP councillor for Inverurie & District Neil Baillie has announced he has this week received confirmation from Network Rail that the Scottish Freight Sites Group would support the removal of Inverurie Freight Yard from the Supplementary Strategic Freight Site List in order for the yard to be redeveloped as a transport interchange.

Cllr Neil Baillie commented

“This is very good news for Inverurie and Aberdeenshire. This is something people have wanted in Inverurie for a very long time.

“Now, with the freight companies agreeing to release the yard, a transport interchange providing increased parking, a bus terminus away from our town hall and possibly a taxi rank linked to forthcoming improvements to the railway service following the extensive line upgrade, we can take a step further to a Transport Interchange for Inverurie becoming a reality.”

Cllr Baillie has worked hard to maintain contact with Network Rail regarding the availability of the Inverurie Freight Yard. Network Rail will now arrange a meeting later in the month with representatives of Aberdeenshire Council to agree a way forward for delivery of the transport interchange.

Cllr Baillie continued:

“In January 2014 Network Rail gave notice of their intention to dispose of the Inverurie Freight Yard and Station Car Park to Aberdeenshire Council for the use of creating a Transport interchange with improved vehicular access. However shortly after this, a decision was taken by Network Rail which confirmed that it intended to use the site as a main depot for equipment to be used for the expansion of the Inverness to Aberdeen rail line improvement.

“Now that the £200m investment in the railway line is complete, discussions have been taking place again to release the yard to provide a Transport Interchange for Inverurie. I’m delighted with this step forward and look forward to more progress in the near future.”

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SNP Councillors Speak Out Against Christmas Lights Charges

Local SNP councillors Glen Reid (East Garioch) and Neil Baillie (Inverurie & District) have spoken out against proposals by Aberdeenshire Council to charge community groups for the cost of electricity used by Christmas light displays.

The move followed a meeting of the Garioch Area Committee where councillors were being asked their views on a new policy for festive light displays. Among the proposals from the council were that community groups should be liable for the cost of the electricity used by Christmas light displays. At the meeting, both councillors spoke out against the charges as an unfair burden on voluntary groups.

Commenting, Cllr Glen Reid said:

"Across our towns and villages, volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year to raise the funds to maintain and erect the communities Christmas lights. The council must not add another expense to the burden that these people already face. There is a real prospect, if they are asked to pay for the electricity supply on top of all the other charges, that eventually some of our communities will end up with no lights for their celebration and that would be a travesty."

Cllr Neil Baillie added:

“I welcome the recommendations of improving the health and safety associated with voluntary community groups putting up festive lights and fixtures. However, they must be further consulted with them on this plan to help reduce any financial burden on the volunteers who fundraise for festive lights. This can be done by helping with the cost of electricity, public liability insurance and survey fees for identified groups. We have to recognise and help the community groups and volunteers who give up their own time, and work hard to light up the North East at the festive time of year we all enjoy.”

The issue will be decided by Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee in the near future.

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