A SUGGESTION that Prestonpans Railway Station could be closed in favour of a new rail halt at the planned new town at nearby Blindwells has been denied by rail chiefs.

Ward councillor Neil Gilbert told Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council that proposals to close the station were rumoured to be at an early stage.

Network Rail insists it has no plans to move or close the railway station in Prestonpans.

However, Mr Gilbert said the rumour persisted within the town and he planned to raise it at a meeting of the rail partnership later this month.

He said: “I have heard it is something which is being talked about at a very early stage. It would seem the natural progression and makes sense as the next step once Blindwells is there.

“I will be asking about it at the community rail partnership meeting.”

A spokesman for Network Rail said the organisation was unaware of any plans for an alternative station. He said: “We’ve no plans to move or close Prestonpans and aren’t aware of any other organisation suggesting doing so.”