Leaders out to join Mersey and Tyne

CUTTING journey times between Liverpool and Newcastle from three to two hours will be a key part of One North proposals, say leaders of the two cities.

The Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson and Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes have teamed up to back the case for coast to coast to boost economic growth across the North.

Their call came on the day the Transport for the North Project Board met for the first time to discuss the plans for a new high speed route across the Pennines.

“If we want to rebalance the economy, we also have to rebalance transport spending,” said Mayor Anderson.

“Government has invested billions on Cross Rail in London and continues to spend significantly more per capita in London than it does across the entire north.

“In Liverpool, our port is busier than ever and we are investing to grow it significantly over the next few years.

“We have to make sure we have the transport infrastructure in place to be able to carry freight and passengers across the north if we are to maximise the benefits. It’s only with this approach that the whole of the UK economy will benefit.

“We are ready to go, we are ready to provide, we are ready to thrive, but we simply can’t do it without the long term commitment of government to invest for a whole Northern future.”

Cllr Forbes said the One North proposals were hugely important to the economic resurgence of the North of England.

“The whole of the north stands united behind this plan with clear governance, a strong proposition, and a sound business case,” he said. “We hope that the government will work with us to make the most of this exciting opportunity.”