HOPES RISE FOR TRAIN SERVICE

The Neilston train line could be saved. The good news could be on the way for Neilston’s train commuters thanks to local MP Allan Stewart. Mr Stewart wrote to Regional Councillor Malcolm Waugh expressing the hope that plans to close the line would now be formally withdrawn now that grants for investment in the suburban rail network are available.
And in his reply, Councillor Waugh, main man of the region’s Highways and Tranportation committee, has assured Mr Stewart that Neilston will be looked at again and the latest Passenger Transport Executive studies taken into consideration.
Allan Stewart commented: ‘While there is a firm commitment, I regard this an encouraging response’.

Barrhead News, June 28th, 1985

NO DECISION ON RAIL LINK

Contrary to a report in last week’s Neilston column, Neilston’s rail link is still in doubt. Strathclyde Regional Councillor Mr James McGuire, who attended a recent meeting with of Neilston Community Council, said that no decision has been taken on the matter of the Regional Council’s proposal to withdraw the section 20 subsidy to the line. The decision will not be taken until the autumn, however councillor McGuire said that if the government provided the extra money for the new rolling stock needed on the Neilston line then he was confident that the decision would favour Neilston. Commenting on discussion within the community council, regarding the report that 200 people had been fined £2 for not having a ticket during one week, councillor McGuire said that it was vital that offenders are discouraged……

Barrhead News, Friday 5th July, 1985

RAIL LINK TO STAY

ScotRail has been inundated with enquiries from worried Neilston commuters who fear their rail link with the city centre is about to be severed. But as far as Mr Chris Leah is concerned, Neilston commuters are worrying unnecessarily.
He said ‘It has been brought to out attention that rail travellers in Neilston are convinced about plans to reduce rail services on their line. However, I can assure them there are no plans for any reduction of train services on either the Neilston, Cathcart Circle or Newton via Kirkhill lines during 1986 or the foreseeable future’

Barrhead News, Feb 7th 1986