Business bosses call for trail investment

Business bosses in the North East are calling for more investment in the rail network to increase capacity and help level up the country.

A letter to Transport Secretary GrantS ha pp s-signed by seven Chambers of Commerce – says the investment would demonstrate that the Government truly is committed to investing in the region as part of the Covid-19 recovery process.

James Rams both am, North East Chamber chief executive said: “The North has faced historic under-investment in its transport network. Better connections will increase productivity and help to encourage more trade between cities. It will also give people a wider choice of employment opportunities, encouraging them to live and work in the region.

“Investment in transport connectivity across the North will in cent iv i se further private sector investment and create opportunities for regeneration and development in the region.”

The call also stressed the urgent need for Government to commit to the eastern leg of HS2 and for upgrades to increase capacity on the East Coast Main Line and TransPennine routes.

Mr Ramsbotham added: “Increasing capacity in the Northern rail network will be crucial to addressing so many challenges that we face. It will support domestic and international businesses to transport goods and help our efforts to decarbonise our economy. It is no coincidence that the major economies in the North have historically grown on the back of increased transport connectivity provided by the expansion of networks.

“To deny the North the increasedrail connectivity would be to hold back future growth and opportunity for the millions.”