Just days after it was launched Mayor Tom Wootton has responded to the latest EWR consultation with a list of demands and attacks on the previous executive of Bedford Borough Council saying “the legitimate concerns of our communities” have been “disregarded”.
The elected Conservative Mayor was making the comments after we asked for his response on BFARe calling for the council to reconsider its official support for the preferred route E option.
Read: “It is devastating” – campaign group releases initial response to latest East West Rail consultation
In a statement to the Bedford Independent, the Mayor took a swipe at EWR while also criticising the previous Liberal Democrat executive for their handling of EWR since its first consultation almost six years ago in 2019.
Read: East West Rail reveal five route options for Bedford to Cambridge line
“The previous Liberal Democrat Mayor and his feeble leadership have let Bedford Borough down, leaving residents unprotected and enabling East West Rail (EWR) to completely disregard the legitimate concerns of our communities,” said the Mayor.
“Their failure to challenge this flawed process is nothing short of negligence.
“When we entered office last year, we immediately took action, conducting a thorough and detailed analysis of alternative routes that EWR had failed to properly assess.
“But, thanks to the weak foundations laid by the Liberal Democrats, this vital work was brushed aside, leaving residents at the mercy of EWR’s plans.”
He then used the moment to also criticise the Labour Government for “joining forces” with EWR to push forward what he says is a “disastrous route that will destroy hundreds of homes and tear communities apart”.
That’s despite the project being started by the former Conservative Government.
The then Prime Minister David Cameron set up the interim National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) in 2015, to carry out infrastructure studies and advise on what was needed to support the UK’s long-term infrastructure needs.
A year later, his chancellor George Osborne also instructed the NIC to investigate the potential of the Oxford to Cambridge Arc, which passes through Milton Keynes and Bedford.
In his letter to NIC Chair, Lord Adonis, Osborne mentioned the work of the East West Rail Consortium, as it was then called, and the Department of Transport (DfT) strategic study into the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway.
The chosen route has also been fully supported by the Mayor’s Conservative colleague Pinder Chauhan who ran as their MP candidate for Bedford and Kemspton in the 2024 general election in May.
However, the Mayor and many Bedford Borough Conservatives have long opposed the chosen route for the rail line and earlier this year ordered an independent review of eight routes.
These included some suggested by campaign groups and the current Route E option preferred by EWR Co.
Read: Council’s live-streamed EWR briefing allows public scrutiny of eight potential routes
This research found there was no ‘definitive winner’ for the best route to take.
Today, the Mayor said: “The 2019 consultation, overseen by the Liberal Democrats, was a complete shambles, flawed from the outset, lacking transparency, and failing to address key concerns.
“Now, years later, the project’s costings have spiralled out of control, and there’s still no credible business case to justify it.
“Unlike the Liberal Democrats, we are committed to fighting for our residents and ensuring their voices are heard. They deserve better.” added the mayor.
“Bluster”
The Liberal Democrats have responded angrily to the Mayor’s attack and criticised his record of involvement in previous consultations.
Cllr Michael Headley, Deputy Leader of Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats, said: “We call on the Mayor to not just bluster about it, but actually stand up to the government on behalf of residents.
“According to the council’s own website, the Mayor has only attended two meetings with the government’s East West Rail company since being elected – the last one way back in February this year.
“And according to the minutes, he didn’t even take the opportunity then to oppose the Poets 6 track proposal. Once elected he has just taken his eye off the ball on this important issue and let people down.
“As the Mayor well knows, this is a national project run by the Conservative Government until a few months ago. It is disappointing that he seems desperate to deflect the blame, rather than face up to his own responsibility.
“Liberal Democrats have always supported the concept of a rail line linking Oxford, Bedford and Cambridge but we have also always been clear throughout that we oppose the demolition of homes in the Poets area, as the extra 2 lines are simply not needed.
“Unfortunately, both the previous Conservative government and now the Labour government are pushing this unnecessary option forward. The Mayor has not done enough to make the case against the need for the extra tracks in the Poets area.
“Instead he has wasted time and taxpayers’ money digging up old ideas like running the railway through Priory Country Park which was a long-time rejected non-starter.”
Business case review
Alongside his criticism of council colleagues, the Mayor has also “demanded” a review into the business case for EWR.
He said, “The current non-statutory consultation is another slap in the face for residents, ignoring viable alternatives and rubber-stamping a plan that leaves communities devastated.
“Myself and the Bedford Borough Conservatives will not stand for this. We demand a comprehensive review of the business case, a full breakdown of the ballooning costs, and an honest, transparent reassessment of all route options.”
In response to the Mayor’s calls, an EWR spokesperson has highlighted what they say is an “extensive” review of all options and even highlighted the Council’s own research which they say proves their chosen ‘Route E’ is viable.
“We have extensively reviewed all options and found no other route which would be capable of delivering the same level of connectivity and regeneration opportunities for central Bedford that Route E provides,” said an EWR spokesperson.
“Our research shows this route would provide fast, reliable and regular services, whilst crucially delivering economic growth and creating more jobs and opportunities for local people.
“Indeed, an independent report by SLC Rail commissioned by Bedford Borough Council into the validity of our preferred route through Bedford states that ‘the choice of the preferred route alignment (and train service pattern) is finely balanced’, that the ‘weight on economic benefits and the choice of preferred route alignment is sound’ and that it ‘found no fault with the decision making that has led to the current preferred route alignment.’
“We have comprehensively considered alternative routes and ruled them out for sound reasons – they have significant environmental impacts and take away public open spaces – before selecting Route E as the preferred route which is best for Bedford.
“The new section of line between Bicester and Bletchley has already been delivered on time and under budget, reflecting our prudence in being able to deliver a large infrastructure project effectively and efficiently, and our commitment to maximise value for the public purse.
“We fully understand and appreciate the impact of our preferred route on some residents, property owners and businesses.
“We remain focused on mitigating this impact where possible and working with those people who are potentially affected to keep them updated on our design proposals and offer our full support during this process.
“This includes our Need to Sell Property Scheme for those who are unable to sell their property because of our proposals, and the statutory blight provisions that come into effect alongside this consultation.”
Take part
You can read the latest consultation document at the EWR website and are invited to attend consultation events at the following locations.
30 November (12pm-5pm) – The Grand Hall, The Sixth Form, Bromham Road, Bedford
6 December (2pm-7pm) – Lidlington Village Hall, High Street, Lidlington
9 December (2pm-7pm) – Bedford Swan Hotel and Thermal Spa, The Embankment, Bedford
11 December (2pm-7pm) – Wilden Village Hall, High Street, Wilden
13 December (2pm-7pm) – Stuart Memorial Hall, Church Street, Tempsford
7 January (2pm-7pm) – St Neots Town Football Club, Kester Way, St Neots
17 January (2pm-7pm) – The Summerlin Centre, Woburn Sands Station Road, Woburn Sands
There are other in-person events in other areas along the rail route, details of which can be found at the EWR website.
