COUNCIL BACKS BID FOR EAST-WEST RAIL LINK

Bedford Borough Council has joined other authorities along the route of the proposed western section of East West rail, to express their commitment to the scheme in support of the government's announcement that it is minded to proceed with the project.

The western section would link Bedford with Oxford and Aylesbury, and provide new transport links for borough residents and help drive wider housing and economic growth.

The Government has announced it is minded to proceed with the project once a satisfactory business case has been completed by the Department for Transport and once the East West Rail Consortium has confirmed that it will look to provide a financial contribution. No decisions have yet been taken on how much Bedford Borough may be required to contribute and it will be several years before this is needed.

Councillor Michael Headley, Bedford Borough representative on the East West Rail Delivery Board, said: "The East-West rail link has been an aspiration of ours for many years but it is now on track to become a reality.

"When completed, the rail link will bring significant benefits to Bedford Borough. It will provide a much needed new transport link, helping to reduce congestion on our roads and providing an alternative transport option for anyone wishing to travel to and from the west.

"It will also helping to strengthen the economic relationship betweenBedford,Oxfordand beyond creating new jobs and supporting economic growth.

"Bedford Borough Council fully supports the successful implementation of the East-West rail link and will continue to work with other members of the Consortium to make it happen."

Following our statement of commitment we expect an announcement from Government on how the scheme will be taken forward this summer.