Council: Public must support Leven Rail Link
Fife Council has pledged its commitment to the campaign to reopen the rail link between Thornton and Leven.
The local authority has appealed to the public to sign the petition organised by the Levenmouth Rail Campaign.
Depute Leader, councillor Lesley Laird, attended a public meeting on Wednesday and presented the case for re-instating the defunct line.
Ccouncillor Laird said: "Re-opening the Levenmouth Rail Link is vital for improving the local economy.
"Levenmouth has so much to offer residents, businesses and tourists. There is no doubt, improving its transportation links would open up the potential of the area and its people to do even more."
Fife Council and the Levenmouth Rail Campaign have produced a leaflet detailing "the many benefits of a rail link to the area".
The Thornton to Leven Rail Link, which was part of the branch line around the East Neuk of Fife, was closed to passenger services during the Dr Beeching era of the 1960s.
The railway line was operational for freight until 2001.
Campaigners have argued that the infrastructure of bedding, rails and bridges remain intact and could be brought back into use for both passenger and freight services with some upgrading.
Allen Armstrong, secretary of Levenmouth Rail Campaign said: "There's a great opportunity emerging now for the Leven Rail Link to be the next main rail re-connection in Scotland after the success of Airdrie-Bathgate, Stirling-Alloa and soon the Borders lines.
"The Feasibility Study will be ready by June 2015 but the strong economic case it will make needs to be bolstered by stronger local support and pressure.
If local people want to catch the train from Leven after a gap of 45 years it's up to them to show their support to national decision-makers by signing the petition, getting busy on social media and pestering their elected representatives.
"I urge anyone who agrees the rail link should be re-instated to please show your support by signing the online petition."