Teesside’s council leaders have renewed calls for the electrification of the North-east’s rail network, as a meeting of a key government taskforce gets underway today.
Local enterprise partnership TVU is leading the call to action for a ‘comprehensive’ electricification of the region’s network - which civic leaders say is currently a barrier to economic prosperity.
They’re keen to ensure the Tees Valley does not ‘miss out’ on any improvements - and any benefits they would bring, including housing and jobs growth.
Their wishlist includes the scrapping of the unpopular ‘pacer’ trains, some of which are the oldest in the UK, and the electrification of the section between the East Coast Mainline and Middlesbrough and Teesport. This upgrade alone, they claim, would not only provide ‘significant’ benefits immediately, it would also pave the way for further electrification of the Durham Coast and Tyne Valley lines in the next 15 years.
A change in timetables to meet the changes in land use patterns, the needs of businesses and people’s changing lifestyles is also being proposed.
The MP-led Electrification Task Force, which includes Redcar Lib Dem MP Ian Swales, was set up to advise government on which areas in the North should be next up for electrification. It’s supported by experts from Network Rail, Rail North and the Department for Transport and is due to report to the Secretary of State next month, outlining how schemes can be speeded up.
Sandy Anderson, chair of TVU said: “Effective and efficient transport networks are crucial to the Tees Valley economy, which is why TVU, with the support of our partners and stakeholders, is pushing for improvements to the area’s rail infrastructure. In particular, we believe that the implementation of a comprehensive line electrification programme for the North-east is vital to our efforts to improve the area’s economic prospects.”
Councillor Bill Dixon, Leader of Darlington Borough Council and TVU Vice Chairman, said: “Our case is based on hard economics as modern and efficient rail infrastructure is crucial because of the housing and business developments that are taking shape throughout Tees Valley.”
Councillor Robbie Payne, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Regeneration Services Committee, added: “Connectivity sits at the heart of growth and the establishment of thriving 21st Century economies and we are determined that Tees Valley’s rail tracks, rolling stock and stations are enhanced for the benefit of local industry and residents.”
Ray Mallon, Middlesbrough Mayor, said: “We are setting out rail improvement priorities, including quicker and more frequent connections, which are imperative to help unlock the future economic potential of Tees Valley.”
Councillor George Dunning, Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “The highest quality rail infrastructure plays a vital role in supporting additional housing and job growth throughout Tees Valley as well as improving connectivity with other parts of the country.”
Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton Borough Council, said: “Historically, railways have made a significant contribution to building strong and successful economies across Tees Valley. We must ensure that Tees Valley does not miss out as improvements, such as line electrification, are rolled out across the rail network.”
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