ScotRail confirms trains to reach Ayr for first time in two months after Station Hotel fire

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Trains are to service Ayr for the first time in more than two months in a major boost for the town ahead of the Christmas period.ScotRail tonight confirmed that limited services will resume from Monday, December 4 as painstaking work continues at the fire ravaged Station Hotel.The blaze at the end of September has cripped the town ever since, with trains unable to access the platforms underneath the devastated structure.But rail bosses have now been given the green light to start running shuttle services that will link passengers to Prestwick Town to connect with existing services to Glasgow Central.Services will operate every half hour and run from Platform 4 at Ayr station.

The safety exclusion zone around the former hotel building means that trains are still unable to run south of the town towards Maybole and Girvan.David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: "The devastating fire at the former station hotel has had a significant impact on ScotRail services in the south west of Scotland.“Our immediate focus was on ensuring the safety of our passengers and putting in alternative travel and rail services as quickly as possible.“We know how much people rely on rail services, so we’re pleased that we’re now in a position to introduce a shuttle service between Ayr and Prestwick Town, which will connect with rail services to and from Glasgow Central."We are continuing to work with South Ayrshire Council, Network Rail, and other partners to restore services in full as soon as possible.” Read next: Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter