George Freeman calls for Investment in Anglian Rail Network
17th May 2012
For too long Norfolk has been neglected in government infrastructure investment. We need faster, more frequent, reliable rail services to help Norfolk businesses to develop and reach new markets and to enable our county to grow sustainably without gridlock on our roads.
That's why I have today taken part in a Rail Summit in Westminster, bringing together representatives from local enterprise partnerships, train operating companies, Network Rail and local authorities from across East Anglia to pitch for new investment for our region as the Government decides which rail infrastructure projects get the go ahead over the next five years.
Upgrading the Norwich to Cambridge link, the ‘Innovation Line’, will help attract inward investment to Norfolk's exciting new businesses and see jobs created at the Norwich Research Park and Hethel Engineering Centre and ease the risk of traffic congestion from the new homes in Wymondham, Attleborough and Thetford. This comprehensive and forward thinking approach to local development is something I have long championed through The Norfolk Way, which I founded in 2007, and is something that I am working closely with our Councils to help convey local residents’ feedback.
Crucial to unlocking the Norwich to Cambridge line is improving Ely junction. Last week I met Justine Greening, the Transport Secretary of State, along with Matthew Hancock MP and Elizabeth Truss MP, to press the case for upgrades and improvements to the whole Anglian rail network and particularly Norwich's rail links to Cambridge and London. It is clear that the Government is listening and receptive to the case we are making and I will continue to campaign for this investment both publicly and within the Government.
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