U-turn over rail route is branded 'embarrassing'

OPPOSITION politicians today branded the South Sub's reprieve an embarrassing U-turn for the city's transport leader Councillor Phil Wheeler.

Cllr Wheeler last month said the Halcrow report into the South Sub showed there wasn't the market for a service. However, last week city leader Jenny Dawe told the News she was still "committed" to the South Sub, despite recommendations from council officials to rule out the project.

Cllr Paul Godzik, Labour representative for the Meadows and Morningside said: "This is an embarrassing U-turn from Cllr Wheeler, and the Lib Dem/SNP administration.

"Just a few weeks ago officials were briefing the press that the case for the South Sub did not stack up, yet under pressure they have been forced into this turn-around."

Cllr Phil Wheeler responded: "While Halcrow carried out a thorough and professional report, the findings have raised further issues and it would be prudent to examine these.

"We need to seek the views of the report sponsors Sestran and Transport Scotland."