Parkway Press Release (Cheltenham Liberal Democrats)

Cheltenham Liberal Democrats <info@cheltlibdems.org.uk>

Parkway Press Release

December 5, 2006 6:00 PM

Martin Horwood MP backs opposition to Gloucester Parkway Station

Martin Horwood MP has today come out against Gloucestershire County Council's proposal to build a new railway station at Elmbridge Court near Gloucester. Mr Horwood has written to the transport minister to urge the government not to back the Council's bid for funds. Cheltenham's Chamber of Commerce is also opposing the scheme.

In his letter to the minister, Mr Horwood says:

"People must not be obliged to travel to Elmbridge Court to catch their train. It adds unnecessarily to CO2 emissions, cost and inconvenience. Cheltenham has a cost effective alternative to Parkway that will bring major investment in the station and sustainable transport to the town. Its contribution to better rail services will be felt county wide. It should be vigorously pursued and supported.

"Cheltenham Borough Council should not be swayed by the mirage of regional funding for Cheltenham; the business case for the railway has little credibility amongst informed observers because it is seriously flawed.

"I'm urging Cheltenham Borough Council to grasp the nettle and reject Parkway outright. It should then work with Gloucester to find a real sustainable solution. If the Borough Council does nothing and Parkway goes ahead, there is a clear long-term threat to the future of both Cheltenham and Gloucester stations."