MP tackles local rail user needs

Published on 22nd November 2007 in News

Goole MP Ian Cawsey recently met Network Rail and Yorkshire Forward to discuss future rail options for the area.

Attending from Network Rail was Simon Leyshon, Route Enhancement Manager and from Yorkshire Forward, James Nutter, their Sustainable Transport and Planning Executive.

At the meeting they discussed the potential of greater rail use in the area with the ongoing economic developments at Capitol Park (formerly Centreport) at Junction 36 on the edge of Goole and the possible extended use of smaller stations on the Goole to Leeds line.

Mr Cawsey told the Goole Times: "It was a useful meeting and, as it turns out, the timing was apt given that Network Rail will be commencing a consultation for a new Route Utilisation Strategy next spring, with a view to having proposals to publish towards the end of 2008."

"There is no doubt that there is a potential for more rail use in the area, with the number of jobs and homes in the area growing. However, this needs to be properly evaluated and be part of an overall review of local transport needs. James has agreed to talk to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council to see what they have included in their own plans for the area and to talk to rail operators about what they may be willing to consider if we can show there is a demand.

"I have also spoken since this meeting to the local rail campaigners who are seeking more use of railways stations such as Snaith and Rawcliffe. They tell me that a representative of the Rail Futures Group will be writing a report to help make their case and that this should be completed by February of next year, at which point we will be meeting the local authorities to see if this is a viable option."

He added: 'I was very grateful to Network Rail and to Yorkshire Forward for sending senior managers to our area to discuss our needs. I look forward to working with all the interested parties and we jointly seek to deal with the transport challenges ahead."