Bristol shunted into the sidings as electrification goes to Blackpool
BRISTOL possibly could have been given the order of the boot, kicked into touch, in preference/favour of electrification on the branch line from Preston railway station, on the West Coast Main Line, to Blackpool North.
I thought at the time Bristol was shunted into the sidings with the excuse it was a branch line spur. Also, it was said World Heritage Bath would be spoilt with electrification gantries going through Sydney Gardens on the approach to Bath Spa station, and other parts of Bath.
At the time, I did highlight this to people, along with decision-makers. Personally I feel let down by the decision-makers we have, that they did not argue the case stronger for electrification to Bristol Temple Meads, and up the four track Filton Bank towards Bristol Parkway station.
The previous Weca West of England metro mayor, Tim Bowles, Tory/Conservative, in my opinion only, danced to the tune of his masters in power at the House of Commons, the Government. The man was all in favour for spending vast amounts of money on the Avon Ring Road, a new motorway junction on the M49, linking up with the vast Amazon complex, and a new road from the M4 linking up with the Avon Ring Road.
I thought it such a coincidence the Transport Minster from Blackpool was saying electrification was not needed to Bristol Temple Meads. Yet the branch line from Preston to Blackpool North got the green light and was electrified.
In the North West of England you have the Northern Powerhouse with Andy Burnham, the metro mayor. It would not surprise me if he pushed hard to get the branch line from Preston to Blackpool North electrified.
What we need is an Andy Burnham Northern Powerhouse metro mayor. Let’s hope Mr Norris, Weca West of England metro mayor, can perform as good as Mr Burnham.
The whole of the branch line from Preston railway station on the West Coast Main Line towards Blackpool North was electrified.
Along with signalling, station improvements and, I think, some closed stations could have been reopened.
David Wood
Bristol