Partner Article

Public get behind lucrative train plan

CAMPAIGNERS gathered at a site in County Durham over the weekend to show their support for the idea of bringing train building back to the region.

Eight hundred jobs could be created if the Government awards Hitachi the an Intercity contract. The Japanese manufacturer has said it will build a factory in Newton Aycliffe if it wins the bid.

Hitachi was provisionally awarded a £7.5bn government contract to build the express train carriages and must now choose a location for the plant.

It has already indicated that Newton Aycliffe is its “first choice” and a government decision whether to approve the Hitachi contract is due in October.

The study of the advantages of building super express trains in Newton Aycliffe estimated a £660m boost over 20 years. About 1,000 jobs could be created.

Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson said: “If we get this it would be the biggest investment in the north-east of England since the Nissan car plant in Washington.”

He urged people to respond to Durham County Council’s call and take part in the show of support on Saturday lunchtime.

“We hope that many, many people will see how much it matters that Hitachi is granted the contract next month”, he said.

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