MSP's bid for new train station

Bonnybridge sits on the main line between Glasgow and Edinburgh

A public consultation to assess the demand for a rail station in Bonnybridge has been launched by Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson.

The SNP politician has sent out 6,000 questionnaires asking whether locals would use a new station and how often.

The survey follows a feasibility study in 2006 by Falkirk Council which suggested the area would benefit from a new station.

The town sits on the main line between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The original Bonnybridge station was closed in 1935 due to a fall in demand.

However, Mr Matheson said that the area was home to a growing population and that the costs involved in creating a platform would be minimal.

Currently, rail users in the town must travel to either Falkirk or Camelon to access services.

Mr Matheson said: "There has been a long-standing call for a new station to be built in the Bonnybridge area.

"The town sits on the main line between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Despite the feasibility study by Falkirk Council which found there would be a lot of interest in a new station, there appears to have been very little done about it.

"The costs involved would not be great because all we are really talking about is building a new concrete platform and adding the service to the current timetable.

"I believe that the results of this consultation will provide a case for looking at the issue in more detail."

The consultation is due to end in April.

Mr Matheson said the results would be delivered to Transport Scotland and Network Rail.