I HAVE campaigned for more investment for our railways and this work has delivered some much needed investment for the Stroud/Swindon route in the form of £45 million to finance the redoubling of the section between Kemble and Swindon. When the work is completed, more, faster trains will be available for tourists, commuters and business.

Likewise, I am keen to see more investment in the trains themselves so, to this end, I am focussing on the need for more carriages in order to increase seating capacity for the busiest lines, including the routes from Cam/Dursley. It is also possible that the original local railway to Sharpness might be made available to a community group for their plans to develop tourism and Big Society‚ ambitions.

It has already been announced that new trains, capable of getting power from electrified railways and then, when necessary switching to efficient diesel engines, will replace the aging but well respected Intercity 125s in due course.

All of this is happening as the Coalition Government is now considering options for a High Speed Rail from London to the West Midlands. This is a controversial plan with opposition to it coming from all directions but the business community and the public consultation period itself have indicated strong support for the outline proposals.

Forecasts indicate that the capacity of our existing routes will soon be fully stretched with the West Coast mainline being at full peak by 2024. It is necessary to plan properly for forthcoming transport requirements and to commit the necessary funds to deliver the required infrastructure.

High Speed Rail will cut journey times, increase our competiveness, produce economic benefits of some £40 billion, help to close the North-South economic divide and create some 40,000 jobs. I strongly support this investment and I believe that it marks a new age of rail transport.

If you would like to discuss the issues raised above, please contact me on 01453 751572 or visit my website: www.neilcarmichael.co.uk

Neil Carmichael