POLITICIANS and train operators will meet to discuss a potential reduction in trains stopping at Dunbar Railway Station.

It was revealed last month that 15 CrossCountry services could be axed throughout the week.

East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan has already lined up a meeting with the rail operator.

The former Dunbar and East Linton councillor said: “One of the first campaigns I led when I was elected was the prevention of cuts to Dunbar’s LNER service.

“I know first-hand from this how passionate Dunbar residents feel about their train service.

“Cross-Border services are regulated by the Department of Transport and the UK Government.

“I have written to them to express my concerns and to request they prevent any proposed service cuts.

“I convene the East Lothian Rail Steering Group, which recently met to discuss proposed changes to the East Coast Main Line timetable.

“I have arranged a call with CrossCountry and RAGES [Rail Action Group East of Scotland], and I am seeking to arrange an in-person discussion to ensure any proposed changes to Dunbar’s train services are made with the needs of East Lothian in mind.”

The proposed cuts show a net loss of two northbound services per day Monday to Friday and a net loss of four services heading in the opposite direction.

On a Saturday, three fewer trains would stop at Dunbar as they travel south of the Border, with two fewer stopping going north.

Finally, on Sundays, there would be three fewer trains stopping in the town on their way south and one fewer heading towards Edinburgh.

The issue was also discussed by Dunbar Community Council at its February meeting.

Pippa Swan, the group’s chairwoman, had previously told the Courier she was “absolutely devastated” at the potential move.

She said: “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.”

Graham Adams, the group’s vice-chairman, felt that the community council should write a letter to the rail operator to outline its opposition.

The proposal was backed by community councillors and Mr Adams said: “I would suggest we go on the front foot and write to East Lothian Council and CrossCountry to say we are disappointed at the change in services in a town growing in size [which] relies on these services to get people to work.”

Fellow community councillor Gill Wilson agreed and noted it was not only the people of Dunbar who used the service but other towns and villages across the county.