Rail hub plan remains on track
A BID to transform part of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) former munitions site at Eastriggs into a commercial rail freight hub, potentially creating up to 200 well-paid skilled jobs, remains on track.
It follows the successful launch nearly two years ago of Rail Sidings Ltd (RSL), which leases 18 acres at the west end and has direct access to the national rail network through the neighbouring Nith Valley line.
However, the company wish to gain access to further parts of the depot, which also date from a vast World War I munitions factory, to deliver on their ambitious business plan.
David Mundell MP and his son Oliver Mundell MSP have toured the former depot along with South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) officials and are seeking clarification to see if there are any UK Government plans for other development on vacant parts of the high security, but largely disused, site.
Following Defence Secretary John Healey’s announcement this week of an additional £6 billion UK investment in defence, including six new munitions factories, the local politicians are trying to establish if there might be any potential impact on RSL’s expansion aspirations at Eastriggs.
[caption id="attachment_60195" align="alignnone" width="680"]
*** Local Caption *** RAIL HUB . . . learning more about the expanding railway operations at the former MoD munitions site at Eastriggs were, left to right: Neil MacGregor, South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), MoD infrastructure specialist; David Mundell MP; Gary Draisey, managing director, Rail Sidings Ltd. (RSL); Oliver Mundell, MSP; Paul Swarbrigg, SOSE business development specialist and Luis Eckersley, operations manager, RSL[/caption]
Gary Draisley, managing director of RSL, says he is disappointed the MoD has not yet made them aware of any decision on his company’s past expressions of interest to negotiate use of other parts of the site and extend their existing ten-year lease.
This would allow acquiring additional rail infrastructure, disused buildings to upgrade for training purposes and, crucially, use of an established alternative access route suitable for HGVs from the rural ’North Gate’ security lodge entrance east of the village.
The company already provide secure rail rolling stock storage with capability to carry out inspections, maintenance and engineering repairs on their existing site, which includes 1.75 miles of standard gauge track, a platform and office with workshop.
Mr Draisley, who has long experience at senior level in the railway industry and at the MoD, said: “There has been strong demand for our current rail services and facilities, together with firm enquires from large businesses in the region wishing to use trains as a greener transport option for their products via our Borderlands Rail Hub at Eastriggs.
“We have also been approached by well-known companies wanting to use the site to commission new rolling stock for a train operator and another different project involving refurbishing carriages. These would require a large shed which could eventually become a long-term maintenance facility.
“All our railway activities combined could eventually provide up to 200 long-term well-paid jobs and going forward we plan to develop rail industry training facilities on the site.
“Eastriggs is unique in the area between Manchester and Glasgow in offering direct access to one of the few main lines which has spare capacity for freight.”
After his tour, David Mundell said: “It is important that the MoD is transparent as possible about any future plans for the Eastriggs depot.
“RSL have invested a great deal of time, money and expertise into their business and are already creating jobs. It is important the MoD looks seriously at their requests in a timely fashion so opportunities are not lost.”
He has also now raised the matter at Westminster, with Defence Minister Maria Eagle MP stating she would look into the issue.
Meanwhile, Oliver Mundell added: “With the Eastriggs site having remaining mothballed for so many years, it has been encouraging to see a business making use of part of the site and contributing to the local economy.
“Gary and his team recognise the site’s potential and it is important that the MoD ensure, if any other projects are put forward for elsewhere in the depot, they take RSL’s operations fully into consideration and they are as complementary as possible.”
Related News
