SCOTRAIL bosses have defended the work currently taking place in Renfrewshire – insisting commuters will soon be enjoying the benefits.

They also urged customers to be respectful of neighbours at Johnstone station while the car park there is closed.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail’s head of customer operations, said the improvements being carried out in Johnstone will have a positive impact for the wider community.

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He told The Gazette: “Park-and-ride facilities, like the one at Johnstone, have proven vital in helping the local transport network grow.

“The work being carried out will benefit customers in the long term by ensuring a high standard of access to the station.

“However, while this work takes place, we appreciate that some adjustment to travel plans may be required. We encourage people to consider whether they could use alternative stations, get dropped off instead of driving themselves, cycle or catch a bus to the station.”

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ScotRail also said the alternative car parks it has suggested at stations in Lochwinnoch, Bishopton and Howwood are not regularly full.