Dear editor,
The recent correspondence raising concerns about East-West Rail, seems to spiral out of any sense of balance.
Letters: EWR project could be a six-year bombshell that is set to cripple Bedford
On the one hand, I too share deep reservations on a projected Northern Route, but the option to use a part of the old route east of Bedford via the St John’s area remains an option.
Richard Fuller MP (when Bedford MP) supported this idea which is both flatter, less mileage, and probably cheaper than the Northern Route idea.
The absurdity is that the local councils objected to the rail route East of Bedford citing blockages and housing impacts in particular, which fall into much less than the impact of the Northern Rail Route Option.
The British Regional Transport Association (BRTA) calls on the public, councils and MPs to go for the rail option east of Bedford oppose the Northern Route and demand the government withholds development until the rail route is sorted.
Yes, some realignment of the railway will be needed and the current Bedford Midland Station redesigned to cater for more people.
Yes, there will be some pain for the gain of trains coming to Bedford from both Oxford and Cambridge east-west directions with sustainable footfall and spending for the local area.
If we only go for dualling east-west roads, we impact pollution and congestion gridlock to urban areas, detrimental to public health and costs. There are choices, but to pretend we don’t need the rail link east of Bedford is just balmy!
Richard Pill
BRTA CEO
Letters published do not reflect the views of the Bedford Independent. If you
would like to respond to any issues raised, please email
letters@bedfordindependent.co.uk
