Campaigners working for the re-instatement of the Hull to York via Beverley railway, are planning to burn a 10,000 signature
petition when the East Riding Council meets on Wednesday 8 January.
They say this is to illustrate the contempt in which the public are held by the leaders of the council. Cabinet member, Councillor Symon Fraser recently stated that that their proposals were ‘pie in the sky’ and that the A1079, which has seen 100 fatalities in the last 25, years is ‘absolutely fine.’
In 2005, campaigners spoke to 10,000 members of the public who signed a petition supporting the idea that the line, closed by Beeching, should be re-opened. A subsequent feasibility study, commissioned by the East Riding Council , concluded that re-opening was feasible and the Council agreed to protect the identified route from development.
The Council now intends to remove the route’s protected status, a move which campaigners believe, will end all hopes of the line ever being re-opened.
Speaking today, Chairman of the Minsters’ Rail Campaign George McManus said,
“The contempt shown by Council leaders illustrates that multi thousand signature petitions carry no weight at the East Riding Council.”
“The public need to be made aware of the contempt in which they are held by Council leaders. To see petitioners details going up in smoke will we hope highlight this.”
“The Council’s total lack of vision and absence of ambition needs to be challenged before it’s too late.”
He went on, “Even at this Eleventh hour we would appeal to sensible members of the East Riding Council to keep the door open on the prospects for reopening the line.”
“All we’re asking for is the status quo and that the Council resists sacrificing long term benefits for the sake of a short term expedient.”
I wrote a letter to the Beverley Guardian relating to this matter. I agree with the sentiments expressed by Mr Mc Manus, that the council have no regard for the wishes or aspirations of the public who elected then to carry out their wishes.
I cannot believe that Councillor Symon Fraser is being serious when he states that the A1079 is an adequate arterial road linking Beverly and York, if he is in fact being serious, all I can say is, he either does not drive or has never traveled along this road otherwise he would not have made such a ridiculous statement.