£2m park and ride contract awarded

The agreement should see work begin on site in April with a scheduled completion date before the end of the year.

Barr Holdings were approved by both North Lanarkshire Council and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport as the most suitable contractor.

The NLC planning and transportation committee also met last Thursday and agreed to vary the conditions of the planning application to allow the project to continue.

Councillor Mark Griffin is delighted the project is finally ready to progress.

He said: "This is a much needed development for the area which will encourage more people to use public transport and will also provide relief for the village of Croy which has been used as an extended car park by commuters for a number of years."

SPT vice-chairman David Fagan said: "I know from speaking to villagers at a public consultation event we ran in Croy that they feel the current parking arrangements are well below standard.

"Croy is an important station on the rail network and the demand for rail services going east and west, has never been stronger. Locals will see work begin in a few weeks.

"This new car park will not only alleviate parking issues at the current station but also accommodate future demand."