A NEW train station will be built in Robroyston after the Scottish Government finally agreed to provide funding.

Local people and politicians have for years been campaigning for a station since the massive expansion of house building in the area in the north east of Glasgow.

Now after his predecessor repeatedly rejected calls Transport Minister Humza Yousaf, has announced £7m for the station and park and ride facility.

A railway line already runs though the community but no station to allow people to get on or off a train.

The need for sustainable transport has been heightened with plans for another 1600 new homes.

Robroyston has grown as developers continued to build on land but local residents complained there was not enough amenities or infrastructure.

One of the housebuilders Stewart Milne Homes also backed calls for a train station.

Mr Yousaf said the government will provide half the £7m funding for the project through the Scottish Stations Fund.

Glasgow City Council and SPT with contributions from private developers will meet the other half.

Mr Yousaf said: “I am very pleased to announce this substantial funding package for a new station for Robroyston.

“This is a significant announcement, with Robroyston the first new station project to be funded by the Scottish Stations Fund, which was introduced to improve and increase access to rail across Scotland.

Former Labour MSP for the area Paul Martin campaigned for years on behalf of residents and pressured previous transport ministers for a train station, as well as calling for other amenities like a primary school to cope with the growth in Robroyston.

Previous meetings with former transport ministers Keith Brown and Stewart Stevenson ended with no agreement from the government.

Mr Martin’s successor as MSP for Provan, Ivan McKee of the SNP also called for a station after he was elected.

He said he was pleased with the announcement.

He said: “This is great news for the people and communities of Robroyston and Millerston.

“The area badly needs better public transport links. Alongside Robroyston Community Council, I’ve been pushing for this decision since I was elected back in May and it’s great to see that work pay off”.

The city council and SPT are the promoters who will have responsibility for delivering the station.

It is estimated to be complete and ready for passengers by 2019.