MORE THAN 1,000 people have now signed a petition calling for the reopening of Cove and Newtonhill rail stations.
They closed in 1956, but a campaign has gathered pace in recent years to see them back in action, with the online petition launched a month ago.
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Since then, almost 1,100 signatures have been received with business owners and residents describing the campaign as a “brilliant” initiative.
But it emerged last month that the reopening proposals do not feature in the SNP-Green government’s investment programme.
Liam Kerr, Tory MSP for the North east region, who launched the petition, welcomed the support it has received so far.
He told the Press & Journal: “For too long, the Scottish Government has derailed the views of our communities in favour of the central belt which has seen new stations open and former ones brought back to life.
“I’m determined to make sure the North-east has a voice for rail infrastructure and I’m extremely grateful for the number of signatures gathered so far.
“It’s vital these plans are put in place to enhance job, education and leisure benefits and to cope with the substantial increase in population to the south of Aberdeen who often have no option but to use their car for travel.”
A Transport Scotland spokeswoman said: “Although new railway stations at Cove and Newtonhill do not feature in the Scottish Government’s current investment programme, we are committed to on-going improvements to rail services and connectivity.
“Projects will be considered subject to the Scottish Government’s investment priorities for the strategic transport network, a robust business case, affordability and other competing proposals.”
