More investment needed in station '¨to boost economy

The West Coast mainline runs through Motherwell, with a small number of services stopping in the town, and the new franchise bidding process will start soon.

Council depute leader Paul Kelly has written to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to ask that an improved service is part of the conditions imposed upon companies bidding to run the service.

He said: “There is huge potential for the new West Coast mainline franchise to make a significant contribution to North Lanarkshire’s economy.

“Many local people were extremely disappointed when the number of mainline services stopping at Motherwell was reduced in recent years. But it’s obvious to us that an increased number of services, allied to improvements to access, parking and the station itself, can help to attract business to North Lanarkshire.

“There is also real potential for Motherwell to become a hub for central Scotland in terms of access to the West Coast mainline.”

As part of the £1.1 billion Glasgow City Region City Deal, the council is preparing business cases around improvements to access to the station and to Motherwell.

Councillor Kelly added: “The ambition of the City Deal across the Glasgow City Region will bring enormous economic benefits, and I have asked the Secretary of State to use his powers to ensure that we can capitalise on that.

“There’s no doubt that more mainline services to and from Motherwell will support our ambitions for Motherwell and North Lanarkshire and make a contribution to the economy of North Lanarkshire, Scotland and the United Kingdom as a whole.”