A POTENTIAL reduction in rail services stopping at Dunbar Railway Station has been labelled “crazy”.

Plans were revealed on Monday which show a significantly reduced service at the county station.

Both Rail Action Group East of Scotland (RAGES) and Dunbar Community Council have been made aware of the proposals, which could come into effect this summer.

The community council meets on Monday evening, when the proposals will be on the agenda.

Pippa Swan, the group’s chairwoman, said: “Of course, I’m absolutely devastated. We go to all the expense of extending the station by building a second platform and encouraging people to go green and use public transport.

“All these new houses and I’m certain a vast majority are trying to commute in and out of Edinburgh, to cut the services is crazy.

“To cut the weekend services when people are trying to get in and out of town to enjoy leisure activities seems absolutely nonsensical.”

'Constructive dialogue'

According to information seen by the Courier, there would be a net loss of two northbound services per day Monday to Friday and a net loss of four services heading south throughout the week.

On a Saturday, there would be three fewer services stopping at Dunbar on their way south and two fewer stopping heading north.

On a Sunday, there would be three fewer stopping at Dunbar as they travel south and one fewer stopping in the town as it heads north.

Ben Simkin, regional director for north east and Scotland at CrossCountry, said: “We are currently engaging stakeholders regarding changes to our May 23 timetable.

“As always, we are keen to understand their views and look forward to discussing these with them shortly.”

The potential changes have already been highlighted to both the county’s MP and MSP.

Tom Thorburn, from RAGES, said: “Rail Action Group, East of Scotland discovered late last week that CrossCountry were intending to remove a number of their services from calling at Dunbar.

“East Lothian MSP and MP Paul McLennan and Kenny MacAskill were informed of these changes.

“The group is in a very constructive dialogue with CrossCountry to mutually seek a resolution to this issue for Dunbar and the wider community of East Lothian’s passengers who use these services.”