MP finds huge opposition to plans for rail freight hub
AN OVERWHELMING majority of people are opposed to plans for a huge rail freight operation near Hinckley, according to a survey carried out by the area’s MP.
Dr Luke Evans, Tory MP for Bosworth, launched a campaign to protect Burbage Common and woods, which he said will be impacted by the proposed National Rail Freight Interchange.
If the plans are approved, the massive interchange would be built just off Junction 2 of the M69, near the villages of Elmesthorpe, Stoney Stanton and Burbage, among others, and are likely to significantly impact on the much-loved wildlife habitat of Burbage Common.
Dr Evans sent paper copies of a survey to residents. It was also available on his website for 10 weeks.
Just under 1,100 responses were received and the overwhelming majority (1,049, equating to 96 per cent) stated they are against the proposals.
While the actual site for the interchange is not in Dr Evans’s constituency – it falls the other side of the border with South Leicestershire – Burbage Common and the proposed road which would link the interchange to the A47 are on his patch.
The MP said he shared significant concerns with many constituents about potential adverse effects on wildlife and traffic.
The same proportion – 96 per cent – believed the interchange would have a detrimental impact on the area, with residents citing their biggest concerns being the environmental impact and burden on infrastructure.
The MP has submitted this report to the official statutory consultation to ensure the views of residents are heard.
In addition to commissioning the survey, Dr Evans has written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, to reiterate his concerns.
In this letter, Dr Evans highlighted the importance of Burbage Common to local people, detailing the detrimental effect that the large industrial complex would have.
The Transport Secretary was also informed of the worry among constituents that their views were not being considered and that amenities are under threat.
Dr Evans said: “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the survey and share their concerns with me and my team.
“While we wait for the results of the statutory consultation it is clear from my questionnaire there is widespread concern.
“I, too, believe that fundamentally our local infrastructure in its current state would not support the development, that the green space of Burbage Common is too valuable an asset to lose and that consideration should be made of the fact a rail freight interchange is proposed for the East Midlands Freeport just up the road, posing the question: is the one in Hinckley truly necessary?
“I will keep everyone appraised of any relevant updates on the interchange and my work on it.”
96 PER CENT OF RESPONDENTS TO SURVEY RAISE OBJECTIONS