South Sub debate heats up as Labour calls for commitment

THE city's ruling Lib Dem-SNP administration was under fire today after failing to "reaffirm its commitment" to reopening the South Sub railway.

During a heated debate in the Lothian Chambers yesterday, Labour councillors urged the coalition partners to "show leadership".

The group's transport spokesman, Councillor Ricky Henderson, presented a motion in support of bringing back passenger trains to the railway line.

But the administration passed a separate amendment, which instead referred the issue to next week's transport committee.

Earlier this week, council leader Jenny Dawe said she was still committed to the South Sub, despite recommendations from council officials to rule out the project.

A recent report by consultants concluded that a passenger route from Newcraighall through the south of the city to Edinburgh Park was the best option for the scheme – but would require a large public subsidy.

Labour group leader Ewan Aitken said: "People need to hear that this is the right thing for the city. This is about how you show leadership, and that all manifesto promises are being kept."