Proposals to restore the Beverley to York rail link have been turned down by the Government. MP Graham Stuart says he disappointed with the decision while adding he remains optimistic that the project has a future.
Back in June, the MP submitted a bid to restore the 32-mile length of track from Beverley to York to the Department for Transport’s Restoring Your Railway Fund.
It was billed as an opportunity to reduce traffic along the A1079. While it could also boost job opportunities and tourism in the area. The project however was rejected at the second funding round.
Graham said;
“This is, of course, disappointing news, particularly after the hard work of the Minsters Rail Campaign and East Riding Council to work up and submit the bid back in the summer.”
“But this is definitely not the end of the line. Support for the project is still there. There’ll now be opportunities to strengthen our bid and submit an even better case in a future funding round with the help of feedback and workshops from the Government.”
“I will continue to do all I can to support this bid as I want to see greater investment into infrastructure in our area.”
Beverley to York Rail Link Would Help Ease Congestion On Roads
In total, 111 bids have been submitted. These were all evaluated by a panel chaired by the Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris MP. The Rail Minister has described the proposal as having potential. While there also remains strong local backing for the scheme in the area.
Success in the Government fund would mean the Department for Transport covering up to 75% of the costs of carrying out extensive transport and economic studies.
This would mean that a comprehensive business case can be created. Future funding to develop projects would be subject to the agreement of the business case.
The proposed Beverley-York line would branch off the existing Hull-Scarborough route. This runs through Beverley, with stops at Market Weighton, Pocklington, Stamford Bridge and also Haxby.
Graham added;
“The most recent census indicated that about a quarter of East Riding residents commute to either Hull or York.”
“As a result, I really think this train service would provide a popular alternative to the congested roads and sparse bus services we have at the minute.”
