Largs & Millport Weekly News | News | Row over Inverkip rail lift plan

Tuesday, 14th October, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 7th May, 2008 12:00

Row over Inverkip rail lift plan

Controversial plans for a lift at Inverkip train station look set to get the go-ahead from planners - despite the objections of villagers.

Residents have raised strong concerns over the plans, but Inverclyde Council officials have recommended that permission for the project be granted.

Housing developer Stewart Milne is obliged to build the lift at the station because the bridge over the railway to its massive Hill Farm site is too steep for disabled people to use.

However, it is thought the lift would be operated by remote control from Paisley as the station is unmanned.

Mr Fraser Williamson, head of the Inverclyde planning department, said: “The lift will operate 10 minutes either side of the commencement and termination of train services. As the station is unmanned, the lift will be equipped with a remote switch operated by staff at a customer services centre in Paisley.”

Villagers have lodged at least 20 objections to the proposals, citing concerns about safety in the event of breakdowns and vandalism to the facility.

There are also fears the nine-metre-tall lift shaft will lead to a loss of privacy and block out sunlight for nearby flats.

Councillors were due to give their verdict on the matter at a meeting of the board this week.