A MULTI-MILLION pound revamp of a rail station central to the 2014 Commonwealth Games will definitely go ahead.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has quelled fears raised by Glasgow City Council leader Steven Purcell last night over plans for Dalmarnock Station which is near Games' sites in the East End.
Following a meeting attended by both Mr Purcell and First Minister Alex Salmond, the council leader said he failed to get an assurance the Government would give the guarantees needed to access EU funding for the project.
Relations between the Labour-led city council and SNP Scottish Government were damaged after the Glasgow Airport Rail Link was scrapped last week.
However today, Nicola Sturgeon, revealed the £8million station plan will go ahead with full Govern-ment support. Mr Salmond had earlier told the council leader he should be "optimistic" about the project.
Ms Sturgeon, said: "When the First Minister said Steven Purcell should be optimistic about Dalmarnock Station, it would have been better if he had taken yes for an answer in the best interests of Glasgow, rather than play party politics. I'm delighted to confirm to the Evening Times that Ministers fully intend to underwrite the application for European funding to renovate Dalmarnock Railway Station.
"We are committed to this project, which will be great for the Games and great for Glasgow."
The station, which will also be closest to the new velodrome and athletes village has been described as the "Gateway to the Games" but badly needed upgrading. The plan for the station will include lift access to platforms, a new building, covered passenger area and a new frontage.
Mr Purcell said today: "I am delighted that a funding package has been pulled together and Dalmarnock station will be brought up to the standard that visitors to the Commonwealth Games will expect."
Ms Sturgeon said transport in Glasgow will not be affected by the airport rail link decision and many other multi million pound projects would provide the necessary improvements.
She added "The specific commitment was a dedicated and accessible transport service to the Games Village, and that is exactly what will be delivered."
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