A CONTROVERSIAL high speed rail line must not affect local services, says Rugby’s MP.
Mark Pawsey has asked the Transport Minister to ensure that any delays to HS2 do not have a negative impact on the services at Rugby Station.
Speaking in Parliament to new Minister Grant Shapps, Mr Pawsey asked what the impact of a delay or cancellation to HS2 would be on the West Coast Main Line, which serves Rugby Station.
Mr Shapps was taking questions prompted by the recent announcement that the Government is to review HS2 – 54 kilometres of which will cut through Warwickshire – amid concerns about the cost of the project.
He confirmed that, following the refranchising of the West Coast Main Line, there should not be any direct effect on services to Rugby regardless of the outcome of the HS2 review.
Starting later this year, services on the West Coast Main Line will be operated by First Trenitalia rather than Virgin Trains, which is planning to introduce additional services at Rugby as part of improvements to the London to Liverpool service.
Speaking after his question in Parliament, Mr Pawsey said: “One of Rugby’s greatest strengths is our excellent transport links, particularly to London and Birmingham. One of my concerns about the proposals for HS2 was that it would have a detrimental impact on the services we enjoy here.
“It is absolutely right that the Government looks carefully at major projects such as HS2 to ensure that they are delivering value for money for taxpayers. However, this review must not come at the cost of investing in other parts of the rail network and I will continue to argue for more services in Rugby.”
