IT LOOKS there may finally be a successful outcome to the long-running issue of Stirling train station’s platform nine with planning permission set to be submitted to the council.

Platform nine at Stirling train station is inaccessible to anyone in a wheelchair or with a pram, and for the last 10 years, the Alloa Community Council has led a campaign to have that issue rectified.

They have hit various barriers over the years but it looks like, finally, there could be a light at the end of the tunnel.

A presentation took place on Thursday, 30 November 2017, which showed what Network Rail plan to do at Stirling train station, and this included a lift at platform nine which will be the saviour for many people from Alloa who get the train to Stirling.

Alexander Stewart MSP expressed his unbridled joy at the plans.

He said: “As far as this news goes, I am delighted we finally have some movement. The community and the community council for years have been doing their best to get this up the agenda.

“The Scottish government has been dragging its heels with this issue. I have been meeting the transport minister [Humza Yousaf] for the last 18 months with Cameron Little of the community council to fight for this.

“I am delighted to finally get this done. The lack of accessibility at the station is totally unacceptable. I am determined to make this dream a reality.”

Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP, Keith Brown, confirmed the plans and welcomed the news.

He said: “The plans, which will be submitted to Stirling Council planning department shortly, will detail designs for a fully accessible foot bridge from platform 9 and 10.

“The plans being submitted by Network Rail will be welcomed by many of my constituents who travel from Alloa to Stirling by train.

“I have been working with partners for several years to develop a viable option to ensure that platform 9 and 10 are accessible to all and I am delighted that the electrification programme, funded by the Scottish Government, has provided the opportunity for a workable, affordable solution.”

He continued: “Back in 2014 when I was the Minister for Transport, I included Stirling station as a top priority for inclusion in the UK Government’s Access for All Fund.

“However, the Secretary of State at the time did not include it in the final list of stations to be funded but thanks to the continued commitment of Network Rail and Transport Scotland, we now have a resolution in sight.

“The application will now be considered by planners at Stirling Council.”

Cameron Little, Alloa Community Council, was at the presentation and said he was pleased that the lift was being included in the plans.

He added: “I have just been to a presentation in Stirling to see the proposals for the station. I more than welcome the fact that they have included a lift at platform nine in their submission.”

When asked if he thinks the proposal is likely to be accepted, he said: “Fingers crossed I hope so. They think planning will take at least two months to go through.”