In Scotland the new Stirling to Alloa rail link could be delayed until at least November – and possibly into next year, according to the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Last week the Observer reported that a series of problems surrounding signalling standards are threatening to delay the multi-million pound project, which was due to go active this summer.
There was also speculation that project costs had risen to double the original £35m estimate.
Now the original proposer of the rail bid, SNP Ochil candidate and former leader of Clackmannanshire Council Keith Brown, says the whole thing is facing significant delays and called on the project team to set the record straight.
"The fact that Transport Scotland has not made clear to the public the latest problems and delays is completely unacceptable,” he said.
“People in Clackmannanshire and Stirling believe the line will be open by July and this is clearly not the case.”
Talking about further delays possibly being caused by late changes to safety barriers at the Cambus level crossing he added: “I and my SNP council colleagues will certainly support taking time to ensure that the safety of people is safeguarded. That is why we have supported the full barrier proposal there."
