Norfolk Chamber has joined the New Anglia LEP and other members of the business community in writing to the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, urging him to drop the current proposal to remove the direct Norwich to Liverpool rail service.
The Norwich to Liverpool rail service provides a vital direct link between Norfolk and East Anglia to the North and North West. The route enables passengers from Norwich and Thetford to travel directly to Sheffield, Manchester and Liverpool.
Norfolk Chamber, together with New Anglia LEP, believe the proposed cessation of the direct Norwich to Liverpool service could seriously damage the Norfolk and East Anglian economies, as it will risk isolating Norfolk businesses from the growth potential to be brought by the Government’s planned investment in high speed rail, to better connect cities in the North of England
The Northern Trains/Trans Pennine Express franchise consultation document proposes transferring the Nottingham to Liverpool section of the service from the current franchise holder, East Midlands Trains, to the new Trans Pennine Express franchise. This would mean the service dividing in two and being run by different train operators. Thus making is far less convenient for travellers, who would have to change at Nottingham and suffer broken and longer journeys.
However we are not convinced that running two services will save money or improve operational efficiency, as this would require more rolling stock. Norfolk Chamber sincerely believe that retaining the direct service from Norwich to Liverpool and looking at further investment in the route will deliver significant economic benefits.
Caroline Williams,Chief Executive, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “Norfolk Chamber of Commerce has long identified that one of the key barriers to growth in Norfolk is lack of infrastructure, which is fit for purpose in terms of both road and rail. The Chamber is therefore very concerned with the proposal to withdraw the direct rail link between Norwich and Liverpool and has written to Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State for Transport. This route provides a vital link between Norfolk and East Anglia to the North and Northwest. The proposed withdrawal of the direct rail service can only be detrimental to the ability of the Norfolk business community to generate economic growth for our region.”
