Bathgate train car park to close - Connarty concerned

Michael Connarty MP, Mary Mulligan MSP & Cllr John McGinty have today spoken of their concerns over the sudden announcement of the closure of the Bathgate train station car park from the 11th May.

Leaflets started appearing on the train this week despite there being no notification to the local Members of Parliament.

Bathgate MP Michael Connarty said “I am concerned that there is no additional spaces being created in Bathgate as a temporary message. I am far from sure that just using the existing car parks in the town is good enough – this could have a detrimental effect on spaces for shoppers and could hurt local retailers”

Mary Mulligan MSP said: "I will be raising this with Network Rail and with the SNP Transport Minister in Edinburgh. Local businesses are fighting hard in these difficult times and if local car parks and streets are filled up by commuters having to park there through no fault of their own, there will be no spaces left for people who want to use the shops.

The impact that this will have on local businesses and residents is plain to see and it beggars belief that no alternative car parking has been arranged"

Cllr John McGinty said:"If this is not sorted out it could be a body blow for Bathgate Town Centre and for local people trying to get to work. I will be contacting West Lothian Council's Chief Executive to see what can be done"