Newcastleton Community Trust (NCT) had the opportunity to put forward their case for better transport links in a meeting last week with Sir Peter Hendy, who is conducting the Union Connectivity Review on behalf of the UK Government.
The review is examining which cross-border transport projects should be prioritised to help boost connectivity. The review is looking at all potential projects, and includes the completion of the Borders Railway, and improvements to roads like the A7.
Sir Peter Hendy CBE is also currently Chair of Network Rail and formerly Commissioner of Transport for London.
Newcastleton Community Trust submitted written evidence to the review at the end of last year. Local MP, John Lamont, facilitated the meeting to give Borders stakeholders an opportunity to put their case forward in person.
At the meeting, NCT were joined by the A1 Action Group, Campaign for Borders Rail, and Mr Lamont. Barbara Elborn and Greg Cuthbert represented the NCT.
The meeting took place using video conferencing due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Newcastleton MP, John Lamont, said:
“It was very constructive to talk with Sir Peter about the unique transport needs of Newcastleton.
“The Union Connectivity Review is examining how cross-border transport links can be improved, and with many people traveling to Carlisle from Newcastleton, this is obviously of great importance to the village.
“I invited Newcastleton Community Trust as I know there is a need for better transport links in the village. As ever, Barbara and Greg put forward a strong case for Newcastleton’s needs.
“It was also an opportunity to talk to Sir Peter about how transformational the completion of the Borders Railway via Newcastleton would be for the area, bringing better access to jobs, education and retaining young people in the area.”
