BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY AS THE COMPULSORY PURCHASE PROCESS BEGINS
Monday February 04, 2008
BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY AS THE COMPULSORY PURCHASE PROCESS BEGINS
Network Rail held four local surgeries in January for people affected by the compulsory purchase of land for the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link.
The serving of notices on the affected parties is the first step in the acquisition of land or property interests required for the construction and operation of the rail link. The pre-General Vesting Declaration notices let each landowner know that Network Rail intends to take ownership of their interests.
These local surgeries were timed to coincide with the start of this land acquisition process and were held in the communities of Airdrie, Plains, Caldercruix and Bathgate. Everyone who received a notice was invited to come and speak directly to the Network Rail project team to find out what it means for them.
Ron McAulay Network Rail’s Director, Scotland said: “As part of the Airdrie-Bathgate Railway and Linked Improvements Act, which was passed by the Scottish Parliament last year, we have started the process of buying the land that we need for the project using the compulsory purchase powers at our disposal.
“In the case of the most seriously affected land owners we have been in contact over the last few years and explained the need to purchase their plots of land.
“We appreciate that this stage of the process can be difficult for the individuals and communities involved and we have done everything we can to keep them informed about the new rail line and explain the compulsory purchase process.
“It brings us another step closer to re-establishing this essential rail link between North Lanarkshire and West Lothian.”
If you recently received a notice from Network Rail, wish to find out more information but missed the surgeries, you may still contact Network Rail 24 hours a day on 08457 11 41 41.
For more general information about the compulsory purchase process or compensation please see our Q&A or to view our Guide to Compulsory Acquisition & Compensation click here.