Liberal Democrat Mayor Dave: Bedford-Oxford Rail Link and its Economic Benefits Must Not be Delayed

Lib Dem Mayor of Bedford Dave Hodgson has spoken out about the damage which would be done if the Oxford to Bedford section of East West Rail were delayed, as is being considered by Network Rail. In the summer, the government asked the Chairman of Network Rail, Sir Peter Hendy, to review all rail enhancements to be delivered by 2019, and it is understood that a recommendation to delay completion of the Oxford to Bedford link by three years to 2022, and other elements of the western section of the line to as late as 2026.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "The overwhelming economic case for the rail link between Bedford and Oxford is well established. All this proposed delay does is push the huge benefits the project will bring further away into the future.'

"Councils in the East West Rail Consortium are already working together on how cutting the cost of the scheme can make it more affordable for Network Rail. There is absolutely no reason for delaying this crucial project and the huge economic boost it will bring."

The reported proposal for delay would mean that no construction would start before 2020, and comes in spite of the exceptional benefits of the scheme, including the forecast boost to the economy of around £73 million a year, and increased tax revenue of £34m.

The railway is required to support the target to build 120,000 new homes in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire, and to draw in high levels ofinward investment for the area.

Bedford Borough Council is a member of the East West Rail Consortium, a group of councils along the route which have already committed in excess of £5m towards the project and will invest a further £45m.

The consortium is in dialogue with local businesses and Government departments to persuade Government that East West Rail must be delivered in the current investment period.

Network Rail has only just completed a first round of public consultation on the Western Section of East West Rail, based on planned completion by March 2019, and the level of public support for the railway is extremely high.

The East West Rail Consortium is engaging with Network Rail to identify how delivery can be progressed far more quickly than is being suggested. This could include deferring the proposed electrification of the Bedford - Oxford line, and start passenger train services using diesel trains. This would enable the huge benefits of the scheme to be delivered at a lower cost, with electrification to follow later, rather than hold up the scheme altogether.