28 February 2007.

WE NEED REGIONAL EUROSTAR RAIL SERVICES

Stafford’s Labour MP David Kidney is campaigning for regional rail services so that Stafford residents can eventually get on a train at Stafford station and get off at their Continental destination. It is something he has raised before but he says that with all the renewed concern about climate change and the damage caused to the environment by flying, there should be a greater urgency today to develop more rail links:

“I am pressing the Department for Transport to carry out a new assessment of the costs and benefits of making it possible for all of us in the nations and regions of the UK to have direct access to Eurostar train services.

“I have asked Questions about carrying out a new assessment. The Department last carried out such an assessment about 6 years ago and at that time found that the services would not be cost effective. Today, there are environmental considerations to weigh in the scales as well as cost, and anyway there is pressure for raising the cost of flying, which will change the economics.

“So far, I am getting negative responses from Transport Ministers, but I intend to keep going. I shall apply for a debate on this subject next.

“I have also asked about the current construction work that is bringing the Channel Tunnel Rail Link into St. Pancras Station in North London. Here, I have received an assurance that there will be a physical link between the West Coast Main Line and the new Link. This at least holds out the prospect that rail travellers from Stafford could go direct to, say, the new Stratford International Station and then just change platform there to catch Eurostar services.

“Anyone who would like more information about my campaign or who would like to offer support, is welcome to contact me direct.”