Liverpool chiefs use Embassy to transport rail message to ministers

A HIGH-profile delegation of businesses, MP and members of the new Local Enterprise Partnership for Merseyside used the Liverpool Embassy building in London yesterday to argue the case for the High Speed 2 Rail connection to the North West.

The delegation was led by Liverpool Chamber of Commerce but also included key local government figures and members from Merseyrail.

Maresa Molloy, the chamber’s head of policy, said: “We aim to showcase Liverpool’s new confidence, its vibrant economy and readiness to seize the economic opportunities associated with key developments such Mersey Waters, Superport and offshore wind programmes. It is also key that we inform the response to the high speed rail consultation.”

Consultation on the government’s proposals ends on 29th July and the Chamber is keen to show a united voice from the north of England in support of the ‘yes’ campaign.

The delegation also pressed for government funding for the new Northern Hub in Manchester which will improve links between Liverpool and other key northern cities including Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds and Sheffield.

Graham Botham of Network Rail presented details of the scheme which includes a 40% increase of in trains a day across the region, a total of 700 extra services providing capacity for a further 3.5m passengers a year and quicker, more frequent services between the north’s major cities.

Alan Stilwell, director of integrated transport at Merseytravel, said: “The North West has the highest levels of trunk road congestion of any region outside London and the worst barriers to efficient movement of people, goods and services affecting Merseyside.

“Three big rail schemes provide the way forward: electrification, Northern Hub, High Speed 2. They are a triple win.”