Council hopeful says Network Rail bosses ghosted him seven times over Troon station proposals

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A council candidate has hit out at the ‘lack of progress’ over Troon’s new station after the old one was left gutted by a fire.

Craig Mackay who is seeking to reclaim his SNP seat in the town says he was ghosted by station chiefs Network Rail seven times when asking to hold talks about proposals.And the election hopeful has revealed how Network Rail also shunned residents who invited them to a Troon Community Council meeting.Mackay, was a town councillor when a devastating blaze ripped through the historic ticket office last July and left two traders in misery after destroying their businesses — a food kiosk and hairdressers.Almost a year on from the major fire Mackay fears that the station will face chaos if there is no ticket office in place — when streams of passengers arrive into the town for major future events.It comes as the port of Troon prepares for the arrival of the Arran Ferry later this year and the town's iconic Royal Troon course gets set to host the golf Open Championship in 2024.Mackay told Ayrshire Live: “I have now written to Network Rail seven times asking for meaningful engagement to discuss the proposals.“They are very reluctant to engage with elected representatives, and also declined an invitation to send a representative to a Troon community council meeting.“I’m not happy about that as I feel there should be meaningful local input both from elected representatives and the wider community at an early stage, to ensure we get a station that meets Troon’s needs.“But Network Rail seem set on working up design proposals before they do any consultation.“With the Brodick Ferry coming to Troon, as well as the golf Open in 2024, this needs a lot more urgency and I am determined to see some solid progress