Lib Dems Call For Improved Rail Services

12.37.28pm GMT Sun 7th Nov 2004

We need more local trains, not less

West Midlands Liberal Democrats have backed a call for a review of the decision to end through rail services from Coventry to the East Midlands from September, and have supported the extension of the service through Coventry to Leamington, Stratford, Warwick and Oxfordshire. This would reduce congestion at Birmingham New Street, speed journey times between NE and SW Midlands, and encourage car-users to transfer to public transport.

Speaking during the Regional Conference in Solihull on Saturday 7th November, Kenilworth Lib Dems Chairman John Whitehouse said:

"For the government to be closing yet more local rail services is crazy, and demonstrates its lack of any coherent integrated transport strategy. We need more local train services, not less, in order to help reduce road congestion and speed journey times. In particular, improved services on the line through Kenilworth would further strengthen the case for the re-opening of a station here - a cause we have long supported."

The Chairman of Coventry Solihull Warwickshire Partnership Ltd - the sub-region's economic development partnership - and the President of Coventry & Warwickshire's Chamber of Commerce have both voiced concerns about the ending of through rail services from Coventry to the East Midlands from September. The closure is deemed necessary to allow the high speed Pendolino trains to cross the London and North West line at Nuneaton, and is in direct contradiction to all local, regional and national transport strategies.

Major regional developments such as the Coventry Arena and the new super-hospital at Walsgave will be negatively impacted by the closure and the failure to develop local train services. Economic development within Warwickshire may be adversely affected.