Reopen the Levenmouth Rail Line

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Unlock economic and social potential by reconnecting Fife through rail

Reopening the 5.5 miles of mothballed rail-link between Thornton on the east coast mainline and Levenmouth is really the simplest low-hanging fruit of public transport the Scottish Government can easily advance. The Levenmouth conurbation (Leven,Methil, Buckhaven and other villages) has a population of 38,000, making it among the 20-25th largest settlements in the country and a wider catchment of around 46-50,000. The area has been in relative decline since the closure of mining (and railway) 47 years ago and now has the highest levels of deprivation in Fife. There has been significant investment by Diageo and public bodies (Energy Park, Levenmouth Campus) but the lack of decent rail or road links is seriously holding the area back. Closed to passenger traffic in 1969 and freight in 2001, the track is fully intact and in Network Rail ownership/ If the Scottish Government/Transport Scotland harbours any serious plans for rail in future, then reinstating this mothballed stretch to accommodate direct Edinburgh-Leven trains (1 hour journey time) must be a high priority. Edinburgh, especially West Edinburgh and South Fife are where economic and job growth is occurring and further education study opportunities are available so bringing these buoyant markets within commuting distance would make a major contribution towards alleviating Levenmouth’s decline. A rail-link means Levenmouth could provide low-cost housing and workforce for overheated Edinburgh as well as additional custom for its commercial facilities. The estimated cost of reinstating the line with stations at Cameron Bridge and Leven is between £37-56 million. Two STAG Reports have been completed. The project is really a no-brainer but until it gets the go-ahead, presumably blocks all other prospective rail enhancement projects in the pipeline, since none will be so easy or offer such strong arguments. The necessary shift away from road travel to create a more balanced and productive economy and society demands that this easy option proceeds without further delay