Support for Norfolk rail improvements is in the news today. The chair of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, Mark Pendlington, has been asked to give evidence to the House of Commons Transport Committee today. The Norfolk Chamber, together with partners, will continue to lobby until we get the improvements to the rail services that our business community needs.
In the North of England, plans for high-speed ‘HS3’ rail link moved a step closer after a report by the boss of the HS2 scheme, Sir David Higgins was published. Sir David said: “Better rail links in Northern England were ‘desirable’ and ‘possible’ after being asked to look at ways to maximise the benefits of HS2. Journey times from Manchester to Leeds could be cut from 48 to 26 minutes. The government says it will now produce a strategy looking at options, costs and a delivery timetable for HS3 and an interim report will be produced in March. The east-west improvements will be in addition to the north-of-Birmingham phase two of HS2 which will see a Y-shaped route going from Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds.
Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “The Greater Eastern Rail Campaign continues to lobby for a faster more reliable train service from Norwich to London, with improved carriages and significant investment to upgrade the track. Norfolk lacks the infrastructure benefits such as the motorways that the North of England rely upon. Therefore our rail improvements are as important to the Norfolk business community as HS3 will be to Manchester and Leeds.”
