A CAMPAIGN group has told a review into the completion of a railway route that it would bring 'significant strategic benefits'.

The cross-bench Campaign for Borders Rail (CBR) group, lobbying for the extension and completion of the Borders Railway, has made its case to the Union Connectivity Review, commissioned by the Government.

CBR has told the review completing the line between Carlisle and Tweedbank will deliver a connectivity, economic, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability boost.

The Campaign for Borders Rail has told the Union Connectivity Review a new cross-border rail link would complete the Edinburgh – Scottish Borders – Carlisle railway, delivering significant strategic benefits.

The proposal would involve extending the existing route from Tweedbank in the Central Borders, through Hawick to a connection with the West Coast Main Line near Carlisle, providing through and connecting opportunities with WCML services, and the planned introduction of HS2 services through the Carlisle hub.