THE Scottish Government's transport minister has agreed to meet with Alloa Community Council over the disabled access issue at Stirling's Platform 9.

Cameron Little, the transport lead for the group, has been campaigning on the matter for almost 10 years – with "very little progress" being made.

Services from Alloa to the city often arrive at Platform 9, which is connected to the main station concourse by a stairway and footbridge only.

In such instances, those with mobility issues, or indeed those with prams or buggies, can find themselves trapped on the platform.

Alloa CC has been petitioning Holyrood and have elicited support from Alexander Stewart MSP, who has brokered a meeting with Humza Yousaf next month.

Mr Little said: "I'm very much looking forward to the meeting with the new transport minister – this will be third that I've had involvement with since I have started the campaign.

"As far as I am concerned, with regards to Platform 9 at Stirling Train Station, there has been a decade of dithering.

"That is something I want to make plain to Mr Yousaf and I hope that he might come out to the station and see it for himself. Then we can hopefully make some real progress."

Mr Stewart wrote to the minister last month but was said to have been frustrated by the response.

However, the Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife hopes to highlight the issue further with Mr Yousaf on June 15.

Mr Stewart said: "The sorry issue of Platform 9 has gone on far too long and I will be seeking action, timescales and clarity from the minister.

"No more should this be kicked into the long grass, as the passengers deserve a proper resolution and not to be stalled at every turn."

Last week, Transport Scotland said they are looking for "affordable and deliverable" solutions to improve access to Platform 9.

A spokeswoman told the Advertiser: "The feasibility study completed by Network Rail highlighted a number of planning and technical challenges to overcome which makes any infrastructure solution complicated.

"In the meantime, ScotRail provides a taxi for eligible disabled passengers direct from Alloa to Stirling at no additional cost if booked in advance, and passengers can also exit the station at the gate next to Platform 9 by using the remote locking system in place that gives direct contact to station staff."

Previously, a spokesman a ScotRail Alliance said: "We understand the inconvenience alighting at Platform 9 can cause some passengers and we are currently reviewing access within Stirling station as part of our wider investment in central Scotland's railway.

"To ensure customers with mobility issues can use our services easily, we provide a taxi service between Alloa and Stirling stations. Information about how to access this service is available on the ScotRail and National Rail Enquiries websites, or by calling our assisted travel line on 0800 9122901."