Norfolk & Suffolk: Rail Summit Meeting

15 December 2011, 07:22 | Updated: 15 December 2011, 13:47

MPs from across Norfolk and Suffolk are holding a summit meeting this morning to try and secure major improvements to our rail service.

The meeting in Westminster will also include Local Enterprise Partnerships, Network Rail, the Train Operating companies and the Department of Transport.
 
The agenda will cover the demands of the region for an improved rail service, including:

  • Connecting Norwich / Ipswich to London in less time – with a clear delivery plan to do so
  • Improving Norwich-Cambridge
  • Attending to the branch lines and intermediate stations, and increasing frequency on the nearby Fenline
  • Improving station facilities
  • Securing safety improvements at signals
  • Improvement in stock
  • Joint working with Network Rail
  • A plan for maximising the economic opportunity of the Olympics

Chloe Smith, Norwich Norfolk MP comments:  

'I look forward to a productive and positive session in which the key stakeholders will be able to make the case for the urgent improvements to the region’s rail network. I will be pressing for a clear delivery plan to meet the simple demands of the region’s rail users.'

'I believe this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a commitment to the long-term benefit of the Norfolk economy, and to provide the residents and businesses of Norwich with the high-quality rail service they deserve.'

Elizabeth Truss, South West Norfolk MP said ahead of the summit:  


'This is a fantastic opportunity for all parties to work together to make the business case for upgrading the Fen Line and the Norwich-Cambridge line as strong as possible. I want to see these projects included in the High Level Output Specification next summer, which will set out the Government’s rail priorities for 2014-2019.'

The initial indications from Network Rail are very positive.  Given the potential growth of Cambridge and increase in jobs and passenger numbers, we now need to show that the upgrade would bring economic growth to the area.'

Elizabeth Truss MP, George Freeman MP, Ben Gummer