Jessica Lee, the Member of Parliament for Erewash has welcomed the announcement today by the government that funding is being set aside to open new train stations, as part of the wider announcements regarding investment in the rail network.
Jessica Lee commented as follows:
“I am delighted that as part of the package of rail investment announced by the Government today, there is a suitable fund to apply for the remaining funding required for Ilkeston train station.
I have been able to ask the Secretary of State directly, in the House of Commons today, about the suitability of the fund for Ilkeston Station and her response was encouraging.
It appears that the pieces of the jigsaw to fund the station are falling into place, but we are not quite there yet!
I will continue to progress this important project and want to thank everyone who has been involved for getting to this advanced stage and for the positive support that the campaign has received.
I further welcome the electrification of the Midlands Mainline and the investment package for our railways. It is extremely important that rail travel gets the investment it really needs.
I hope you will agree that this further strengthens the economic case for re-opening Ilkeston Train Station.”
HOUSE OF COMMONS, 16 JULY 2012:
(Jessica Lee Erewash): “Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. I welcome the announcement that a fund will be made available to consider applications for railway stations to be opened. My Right Honourable Friend will recall a meeting with me and representatives from Derbyshire County Council regarding the Ilkeston train station project.
Does my Right Honourable Friend agree that there is a strong regeneration case and that this is matched to the fund announced today so that hopefully this important project can be delivered.”
(Justine Greening, Secretary of State): “Well, ultimately, it will be a decision for Network Rail, but let’s be clear it was the meeting I had with her and her local council that really brought it home to me that we really needed some money set aside to try and make sure that new stations, for those stations that need them, where growth is happening, could take place.
I’ve no doubt and I very much hope that her Ilkeston station will go forward to be in the competition bid and I’ll look with real interest and hopefully see it come through.”