The chances of the V&A in Dundee becoming a leading tourist attraction could be undermined by controversial proposals to cut train services in Scotland.
Dundee West MP Jim McGovern has warned that without investment in rail services in Dundee, the city will not be able to take full advantage of the V&A when it opens in 2015.
Politicians in Dundee have been calling on Network Rail to give the station a facelift for years. A feasibility study in 2008 regarding the plan to bring the V&A to Dundee said ”radical improvements” will have to be made to Dundee’s transport links if the £45 million museum is to be a success.
Earlier this week the Scottish Government was condemned (link) after its consultation on rail services in Scotland proposed increasing fares, journey times and making passengers stand for longer.
The consultation (link) also includes proposals to cut cross-border services so that commuters heading further north than the capital will have to change at Edinburgh a move which could have serious consequences for economies of Fife and Tayside.
The Scottish Government has since distanced itself from the proposals (link), which they say were made as part of an ”open consultation” rather than reflecting ”ministerial thinking”.
Mr McGovern said any reduction in services would severely undermine the benefits the V&A will bring to the city.
”These proposals put forward by the SNP are nothing short of a potential disaster for Dundee,” he said. ”With the V&A project making progress Dundee is looking forward to a bright future as a prime tourist destination.”
He added: ”To take full advantage of that we need improved transport links and the railways will be essential.”
Mr McGovern said the proposals could have a particular impact on Dundee.
”To increase fares and reduce the number of trains operating may discourage people from visiting the city, and will cause chaos and congestion for those who do come,” he said.
”The SNP have failed to act on improving the railway station now they are looking to wreck havoc on the train infrastructure.”
However, Dundee’s two SNP MSPs said the consultation could be used to improve services.
Dundee City East MSP Shona Robison said: ”This is simply speculation and is unhelpful. We are at the earliest stage of consultation on the future of the rail network in Scotland.
”The current funding arrangements for Network Rail in Scotland and the current ScotRail franchise are in place until 2014.”
She added: ”The Transport Scotland consultation will give everyone, rail passengers and public alike, an opportunity to contribute on the future shape of services.
”There are many important issues and it is vital that users and public in Dundee and Tayside take a big part in the consultation.”
Dundee City West MSP Joe FitzPatrick added Dundee must ”fight our corner” for better rail services.
”The arrival of the V&A museum and Dundee’s increasing role in internationally-significant sectors such as computer games and biotechnology will require faster access to and from the city,” he said.
”People should welcome this opportunity to make their views on rail services known to ensure that Dundee’s case for investment in infrastructure and the quality of rolling stock is heard.”
He added: ”Our rail network is vital for commuters, for business and leisure and for getting freight and other traffic off our roads. We would not accept substandard or lesser services just at a time when a developing Dundee needs even better access than it has at present.
”We will have to fight our corner, and this consultation gives us the opportunity to do that before the present franchise comes to an end in three years’ time.”
The consultation closes on February 20. Visit www.transportscotland.gov.uk for more information.