A petition has been launched to gain support in reopening Cumnock and Mauchline railway stations.

Both stations were closed in 1965, after opening in the 1800s.

The petition was jointly launched by Cumnock and New Cumnock councillor, Neill Watts and Ballochmyle councillor Alyson Simmons- both of the Conservative and Unionist Party.

It's being backed by MSPs Sharon Dowey, who has shown her support for this move in the past, and Brian Whittle.

READ MORE: Tories back idea of new rail stations for Cumnock and Mauchline

Both stations were included on a list of 51 potential stations in Scotland for reopening.

Cumnock and Mauchline stations previously served the Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr railway line.

A similar move has also been supported by the Scottish Greens in the past, calling for better connections between the Central Belt and the south of Scotland.

READ MORE: Scottish Greens call for train stations in Cumnock and Mauchline

The latest 'Back on Track' petition also calls on ScotRail to increase trains on this current line.

It reads: "We the undersigned request that the Scottish Government and Scotrail re-open the Stations in Cumnock & Mauchline in East Ayrshire.

"We also request that Scotrail timetable extra trains on the line to help properly serve commuters from Cumnock and Mauchline to Kilmarnock and Glasgow Central".

Mr Watts, who has been pushing for this move, said it could be an important factor in improving safety on the road.

He said: "I think this move would improve the safety for drivers driving along the A76.

"You hear about a lot of serious incidents along that road, so obviously having less cars on the road would hopefully reduce this.

"You've got growing towns like Cumnock and Mauchline, and they both need to travel to Auchinleck or New Cumnock for a train".

READ MORE: Proposals to reopen two former East Ayrshire railway lines

Bute House care home currently stands in the area that the former Cumnock railway station was located.

Mr Watts admitted this could make the reopening of the Cumnock station slightly trickier, but feel that it's important for him to show that he's trying his best to get the station reopened.

He added: "I think there might be more chance of getting Mauchline reopened than Cumnock, but that's not to say it's impossible.

"I said when I was campaigning that this would be one of the topics that I would focus on.

"It's important to build on these issue while the iron is still hot, because people do care a lot about this".

The petition currently stands at just under 500 signatures, with the plan being to keep it open for a few months to gain significant backing and support.

At that point, the councillors plan to take the petitions directly to the First Minister.

Paper copies will also be made available in certain shops in the towns.

You can support the petition here.