Glasgow And Ships Of The Clyde

Lack Of Rail Parcel Traffic At Ardrossan

From: Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald dated 19th May 1972

LACK OF RAIL PARCEL TRAFFIC AT ARDROSSAN

The general manager of British Rail Scottish Region has told Ardrossan Town Council that very little goods traffic has been dealt with at the town station in the past two years and he could not see any appreciable increase in truckloads of goods at the north station goods yard.

He was replying to representations made by the council against the closure of freight handling at the town station and the lack of covered handling facilities at the north goods yard.

The general manager said also that he was sorry the council felt disappointed at the parcel facilities at South Beach Station, but only one firm in the town employed the parcels service at that station to any extend. The main parcels depot was at Saltcoats Station.

Treasurer D. McMillan said he was disappointed that British Rail had not notified the council officially of the closure of the town goods yard, and he felt that the letter from the general manager had not really answered the points made by the council.

British Rail, he said used Ardrossan goods yard for storage of diesel units and if it was used for that why should it not be kept open for freight traffic? However, he felt that any trader asking for parcels to be collected or delivered at South Beach would find that British Rail would be helpful.

On the suggestion of Bailie Fitzsimmons the council agreed to keep watch on the position.

Scribe Tango