South of Scotland MSP, Brian Whittle is calling on South Ayrshire Council bosses to get local politicians around the table to discuss Ayr’s rail disruptions.

Mr Whittle has written to the council for a summit with community representatives including politicians from Dumfries and Galloway. He said: “It’s clear there’s still a lot of uncertainty around what’s going to happen with the station hotel, and in communities south of Ayr there’s a real feeling that it’s a case of two steps forward, one step back.

“From the moment the exclusion zone was put in place, I’ve been contacted by constituents who are concerned that they aren’t getting a clear enough picture of what’s going on. Of course, the top priority has to be restoring rail services as soon as possible, but it’s important that the public have a clear understanding of this process and know what to expect.

“I want politicians from South Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway to have the chance to speak to the team working on this and get a clear understanding of where we are now, what’s being considered, what the next steps are and what challenges remain.

“I hope South Ayrshire Council will accept my request to hold a summit about the station hotel. If they don’t then I’m fully prepared to organise it myself.”