A PETITION for better train services across Cumnock and Doon Valley has gained over 250 signatures.

The irregular train times on the Dumfries to Glasgow line prompted Ochiltree resident Pam Currie into writing to Scotrail, her MSP and the Scottish Government in a bid to improve the service.

Pam has received a lot of supportive feedback after we first covered her story last month and she has since launched the petition to get Scotrail to act.

Pam’s petition states: “Specifically, we need better services for those commuting from Auchinleck and New Cumnock to Glasgow, usable services for students travelling to Ayrshire College (Kilmarnock campus) and morning services arriving in Dumfries before 9am.”

By 10am this mornong, 258 people had signed the petition and Pam has been thrilled at the response so far.

She said: “After the feedback on last week’s article, particularly from my colleagues at the Kilmarnock campus of Ayrshire College, I’ve launched an online petition. I’m very pleased [at the response]. I checked it at the weekend and it already had over 100 signatures. It’s really encouraging and good to see.

“My colleagues at Ayrshire College have distributed it out to the staff and students. The college has been built right next to the railway and there have been all manner of complaints about the parking.”

Scotrail have said that there are a number of challenges on the Dumfries to Glasgow line including the single line sections of the route and that freight operators have the rights to use the line at certain times.

A ScotRail Alliance spokesperson added: “From December 10, we’ll be running two additional trains between Dumfries and Glasgow every week day. We will continue to work hard to provide the best service to customers in the south of Scotland, and right across the country.”

To sign Pam’s petition, visit: https://www.change.org/p/customer-relations-scotrail-co-uk-demand-scotrail-improve-the-glasgow-dumfries-service