Saturday, February 24, 2024
A recent survey reveals that an overwhelming 75% of Bedford’s populace endorses the forthcoming east-west rail link, a venture spearheaded by East West Rail (EWR). This survey, involving 1,000 respondents, is recognized by experts in polling as both substantial and precise, indicating a broad consensus in Bedford on the potential advantages of such a project as EWR.
When queried about the anticipated benefits of a novel, regular rail service connecting Bedford with Cambridge, Cambourne, Milton Keynes, and Oxford, the findings were as follows:
Beth West, CEO, EWR Company, said: “This new survey is strong testament to the support that Bedford residents have for East West Rail and underpins how the project will bring such game- changing benefits to the local community.
“East West Rail has been designed to improve quality of life for everyone across the region. What this poll shows is that Bedford residents agree that EWR will do that by improving people’s access to quality jobs, educational opportunities and public services. We believe the route we have chosen, which connects the town centre and Bedford Hospital, is the one that will deliver the most benefits for Bedford. It’s clear from this survey that people do recognise the opportunities our line will bring.
“It’s important that a major transport project like ours has support from people who live and work in the town. We always thought this to be the case and now have strong evidence to back this up. We will continue to work hard with local businesses and communities in Bedford to ensure East West Rail improves their everyday lives, which includes working closely with local transport providers to maximise the potential of local and regional services.”
Richard Tunnicliffe, Regional Director, CBI, said: “New infrastructure can bring major benefits to businesses and help fuel local economies, so it’s vital that towns like Bedford and the businesses there get the transport connections they need so they can prosper.
“East West Rail will be key driver of economic prosperity in Bedford, providing businesses with the confidence to invest in the area with the prospect of greater connectivity, giving greater accessibility to more trade and a larger labour market. This project can only be a good thing for Bedford and we look forward to its many benefits becoming a reality.”
Suzanna Austin, Development Manager, FSB (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire), said: “Locally we are aligned with most people polled in this survey and support East West Rail in
connecting Bedford to Cambridge. This connection will benefit the local business community with a much-needed modern rail infrastructure.
“Many businesses in the Bedford area currently suffer with the lack of connectivity, hampering their efforts to grow. This sustainable transport project has been a long time coming and by reforging this old connection, will aid in revitalising the local economy, increasing footfall and improving prosperity, all of which will bring a major boost to small businesses.”
East West Rail is set to usher in a host of benefits for Bedford, including upgrades to the Bedford Midland station to stimulate regeneration in its vicinity and the town center. Additionally, the relocation of Bedford St Johns station closer to Bedford Hospital is anticipated to facilitate access for patients, visitors, and employees.
Furthermore, the Marston Vale Line is poised for a service expansion, tripling its current offerings and thereby enhancing the local economy. EWR will also shorten the journey to Cambridge to just 35 minutes, fostering opportunities for business collaborations, growth, and employment.
This survey comes on the heels of a December appeal from the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, which called on the government to hasten the complete realization of East West Rail. The Chamber emphasized EWR’s crucial role in revitalizing the town center into a vibrant hub of improved connectivity, job creation, increased investment, and an enhanced destination for shopping, leisure, and hospitality.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
