Rail users in Carluke are set to benefit from a £2million plan to develop a new park and ride facility in the town.

The council has given the green-light to a detailed planning application for a site in the town's Station Road.

Jointly funded by the council and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), the move will create 329 parking spaces (six disabled) adjacent to the railway station along with the installation of improved lighting, CCTV and cycle storage lockers as well as a pedestrian ramp between the car park and station.

The council is currently in the process of acquiring the 1.9-hectare site to increase the current limited parking capacity which was also causing problems for residents and blocking a bus turning area.

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It is hoped that initial engineering works can start on site by November 2009 with a proposed completion date of 31 March 2010.

Councillor Graham Scott, the chair of the council's Planning Committee, said: "The current parking situation at Carluke railway station actually prevents many who could use the train from doing. This was clearly a situation which needed to be resolved.

"This proposal has come about through the determination of the council and SPT to provide a park and ride facility which is fit for purpose. This has meant considerable investment both of time and money in acquiring and developing the most suitable site.

"It is good news, not just for rail users, but for Carluke and its neighbouring towns and villages. It marks a major improvement to the transport infrastructure and significantly improves the travel options for residents in the rural area."

Local councillor Davie McLachlan, who is the vice chair of SPT, said: "Working together we have created 5000 park and ride spaces across our patch. It is a simple but effective solution to the frustration associated with the daily commute by car. It can be more cost effective for commuters, is better for the environment, and can be a lot less stressful."

(GK/KMcA)