Partner Article

Mixed response to rail plans

A North East Liberal Democrat campaigner has reacted angrily to Network Rail’s plans for a £34b high-speed rail line, which completely bypasses the region.

Ron Beadle, Parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle North, spoke out after the railways company proposed a new line between London to Scotland, via the North West.

He said: “It is very disappointing that the government and Network Rail has decided to ignore the North East and run the new high-speed rail up the West Coast Main Line.

“Running the line via Birmingham and Manchester means cities like Newcastle, Leeds and Sheffield are missing out. This is simply not good enough.”

According to the Passenger Transport Executive Group, the North East is missing out on transport funding compared to London. Figures show that a total of £826 is spent on transport for every Londoner compared to just £235 in the region.

Despite this, transport experts at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East believe concerns expressed about the proposed new railway is unnecessary.

Jonathan Spruce, vice-chairman of ICE North East’s transport said Network Rail’s report is one of a number of expected in the coming months and the North East could have its own improved service within the next decade.

“High speed rail beyond Birmingham is some 20 to 30 years away and is going to cost nearer to £50b,” said Jonathan Spruce.

He added: “The refranchising of the East Coast Mainline in 18 months’ time and the higher speed trains coming onto that route in the next five to six years will bring down the journey time between the North East and London by 15 minutes anyway.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .