East West Rail December 2017 newsletter:
Merry Christmas from the East West Rail Consortium!
Consortium welcomes launch of East West Railway Company
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling officially launched the East West Railway Company last week, at an event attended by Consortium members.
The new company, which will oversee the restoration of the link, was launched at Bletchley Park nearly 50 years to the day since the closure of the old Varsity Line.
Mr Grayling said: “We are making the biggest investment in the railways since Victorian Times to meet the growing demand for rail travel, while also boosting business and increasing productivity.
“East West Rail is the perfect example of how we can revitalise the railways, grow the network and unlock jobs and housing growth. And Bletchley Park – the home of World War II codebreakers – is the perfect location to mark the historic occasion because the line will be key to the development of this corridor as a world-class centre for innovation, technology and high-skilled jobs.”
Speaking on behalf of the Consortium, Councillor Ian Bates, who chairs the Central Section board, said: “We welcome the formal launch of the East West Railway Company and its real emphasis on accelerating delivery of the Oxford to Cambridge link in support of economic growth. The Consortium has played a pivotal role getting us to this point, and we have pledged to continue working in partnership to ensure there are trains on tracks at the earliest opportunity.”
Mr Grayling also met with Rob Brighouse, interim chair of the East West Railway Company, and Milton Keynes South MP Iain Stewart for the launch.
He chatted with Cyril Bleasdale the owner of Rail News who worked on the original Varsity Line construction in the 1960s and helped to build the Bletchley Viaduct.
Mr Bleasdale said: “I remember when we had our own little ceremony where I dug the first spade for it in 1962, so I’m delighted that the viaduct could be part of this historic line from east to west.”
Rob Brighouse, interim chair of the Company, said: “This railway has huge potential to spread prosperity all the way along the line, making life better for those who live and work here.
“That’s why it’s so important to deliver it quickly and cost effectively; and that’s what the East West Railway Company has been set up to do. We are working very closely with local representatives, to make sure we build a railway that works for the passengers and the communities it will serve.”
Third consultation to be held in the New Year The East West Rail Alliance is holding a third round of public consultation on its plans for the Western Section between Bicester and Bedford, and Aylesbury and Milton Keynes.
Since its last round of consultation some changes have been made to the scope and delivery of the scheme in some areas, and the Alliance will be holding a third round of public consultation to share these updates.
The consultation will take place from 12 January – 9 February.
The Alliance added: “We will be holding a number of public events in areas where the project has seen the greatest changes, to give local communities and local residents a chance to view our plans and talk to members of the project team about these changes. The project team will be available at all events to answer any queries.”
Events will take place at the following venues and times:
* Twyford Village Hall, January 15, 10am-3pm.
* Charndon Community Centre, January 16, 12-8pm.
* Winslow Public Hall, January 17, 12-8pm.
* Newton Longville Longueville Hall, January 18, 11-5pm.
* Launton Sports and Social Club, January 19, 12-8pm.
Paper copies of the consultation documents will be available at Aylesbury Study Centre; Bicester Library; Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Council; Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre; Winslow Community Library.
Documents can be viewed online from 12 January at: www.networkrail.co.uk/east-west-rail
Feedback can be given Online at: www.networkrail.co.uk/east-west-rail; by email:EWRconsultation@networkrail.co.uk ; Or write to FREEPOST EAST WEST RAIL CONSULTATION (no stamp needed).
East West Rail – Network Rail
The East West Rail scheme will re-establish a rail link between Cambridge and Oxford to improve connections between East Anglia and central, southern and
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