An aerial view of Springholm (Image: Stuart Walker/SWSTA)

Ferry bosses waiting anxiously to see if cash for Dumfries and Galloway road study still on the table

by · Daily Record

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Ferry bosses are waiting anxiously to see of money earmarked for a study into bypassing two Stewartry villages is still on the table.

Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed £8 million was to be spent on a feasibility study into rerouting the A75 around Springholm and Crocketford – only to be voted out of office months later.

Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves is due to announce her first budget on Wednesday, with the South West Scotland Transport Alliance hoping the cash was still available.

The group consists of ferry operators Stena Line and P&O, as well as Belfast Harbour.

Ahead of the announcement, Stena Line’s Irish Sea North trade director, Paul Grant, said: “We need certainty from the chancellor in her budget about the UK Government’s commitment to invest.

“Dumfries and Galloway cannot afford another false dawn and delay to the desperately-needed work to make the A75 safer, greener and better. Ultimately this is about helping to save lives, improve the environment and boost the economy.

“Investment in the region is going to continue to be curtailed while this road remains sub-standard. The new UK Government has a real chance here to turn that around. We are keen to work with politicians at Westminster and Holyrood to make things happen.”

Scotland’s Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop recently told South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth there was “no guarantee” that the new Labour government would deliver the cash.

First Minister John Swinney has recently told Galloway and West Dumfries Tory MSP Finlay Carson he would come to Galloway to meet campaigners looking for the A75 to be improved.

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