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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| £235m rail link project under way | £235m rail link project under way |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| The project to reopen a rail line between Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders has officially started. | The project to reopen a rail line between Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders has officially started. |
| Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson was in Galashiels to cut the first sod and activate the act of parliament which allows the scheme to be built. | Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson was in Galashiels to cut the first sod and activate the act of parliament which allows the scheme to be built. |
| He said the railway could be a catalyst for economic growth right across the south of Scotland. | He said the railway could be a catalyst for economic growth right across the south of Scotland. |
| Lib Dem MSP Jeremy Purvis said it was a "positive move" but hoped construction work could be speeded up. | Lib Dem MSP Jeremy Purvis said it was a "positive move" but hoped construction work could be speeded up. |
| Mr Stevenson was in the Borders to formally activate the Waverley Rail Act - the bill which means the link must be built. | |
| Many Borderers will be delighted with what has taken place today and our long wait for rail services is coming to an end David ParkerSBC leader | |
| He said the action made clear the Scottish government's commitment to the scheme. | |
| "When finished, the railway will act as a catalyst for economic growth right across southern Scotland, supporting hundreds of jobs during its construction," he said. | |
| "It will also increase business development and housing opportunities across the region, whilst helping promote inward investment." | |
| He said that as well as the economic benefits it would open up south east Scotland to rail passengers for the first time in more than 40 years. | |
| The activation of the Waverley Railway Act commits the government to construct the whole of the railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank. | |
| Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker said he was "absolutely delighted" with the progress being made. | |
| "Today's announcement is the most significant step forward and everyone can now look forward with confidence to the railway's delivery," he said. | |
| "The triggering of the bill is a significant commitment by the Scottish government to this project and there can be no doubt that today represents the beginning of the actual physical delivery of the line. | |
| "Many Borderers will be delighted with what has taken place today and our long wait for rail services is coming to an end." | |
| 'Brought forward' | |
| Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale MSP Mr Purvis welcomed the activation of the act. | |
| "This means that it needs to be completed in five years, but ministers have a power to extend this for a further five years," he said. | |
| "I am confident, however, that the date can be brought forward for construction." | |
| The project will consist of 35 miles of track, 10 stops and seven new stations. | The project will consist of 35 miles of track, 10 stops and seven new stations. |
| Cost estimates range from £235m to £295m. | Cost estimates range from £235m to £295m. |
| Supporters say it will provide a business boost to the area but its detractors believe it does not make economic sense. | Supporters say it will provide a business boost to the area but its detractors believe it does not make economic sense. |
| The current target for completion is 2014. | The current target for completion is 2014. |