Minutes of meeting held 10.30am on Friday 7th December in the Constituency Office

Attendance: Cathy Peattie, Walter Inglis, Ray Mountford, Kevin Collins, Alan Anderson, Dave Smith

Apologies: Finlay Brown, Julie Reid, Colin Hemfrey, Allyson Black, Alistair McNeill

Minutes of previous meeting: with reference to plastic transfer, amend to read "but studies suggested that it would not be feasible to use this method for transfer to the docks."

Kevin Collins reported that modelling was ongoing, and that Alan Burns had made a presentation to Transport Scotland.

It was noted that capital funding to councils would no longer be ring fenced, and that funding for roads was subject to budgets being set by the Scottish Government (January) and councils (February).

Ray Mountford noted the importance of the railhead to Ineos, and getting a joined up picture, with discussions on this also taking place early in the new year.

Walter Inglis noted the importance to the community of developing plans for Junction 6.

There was a discussion of the role of FV Enterprise in Transport, which was to take an overview, pull together and lobby, but not to fund (it was noted later in the meeting that SE could undertake a feasibility study on rail development).

There was a discussion of the national importance of Forth Ports and local infrastructure, with national strategies having a significant local impact, which should be addressed as part of any national plan.

It was noted that there were indications that motorway access was now on the the national agenda, being raised by Falkirk Council with support from Scottish Enterprise.

It was noted that unless lobbying for inclusion in the current strategic review was successful, the earliest date for development would be 2012.

There was a discussion of the process of developing proposals, both with respect to finance and plans, through modelling, submission to Transport Scotland, and STAG appraisal.

There was further discussion of the options for change, including Junction 6 redevelopment, improvements to the Laurieston bypass and Icehouse Brae, and an east-west connection for Forth Ports; and the importance of early action was stressed.

It was noted that firms could apply for a Rail Freight facilities grant based on the quantity of freight diverted from road to rail.

It was agreed that the next Working Group meeting be on February 22nd, with the Forum meeting in March/April to tie in with the timescale for transport modelling becoming available.