Council leader hits out as 'farcical' budget pulls £1.8m for Hairmyres interchange

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South Lanarkshire Labour say a controversial decision to withdraw capital funding from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport will jeopardise the new Hairmyres park and ride facility.The East Kilbride rail line is to be upgraded to service a brand new Hairmyres train station.But the decision to remove capital funding from SPT in the Scottish Budget means that a £1.8 million contribution towards a new car park, bus stop and interchange at Hairmyres will be withdrawn.South Lanarkshire Council, who are working with SPT and the government on the project, has said it had no prior notice that SPT’s general capital support from the Scottish Government would be reduced to zero.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android There is now a £1.8 million black hole in the plans for a new transport interchange.Councillors have branded the Scottish Budget "farcical" and are now calling for the reinstatement of funds to keep the East Kilbride rail upgrade on track.Council Leader Joe Fagan said: “Removing general capital support for SPT, with no prior notice, jeopardises vital transport projects across the West of Scotland.

This money funds all of SPT’s non-Subway capital works, including their contribution to the new park and ride and public transport interchange at Hairmyres.“The Scottish Government stabbed our town in the