BFARe Press Release
24 October, 2024
David Hughes, the new CEO of EWR Co (since June) met with BFARe and local representatives on Tue 22 Oct for a close look at the challenges faced by EWR and the impacted Bedfordshire communities between the Midland and East Coast Mainlines.
The group from EWR travelled to points along Route E prior to a presentation from BFARe. They stopped at the Fairhill locality (near the Sainsbury roundabout) and three further topographically challenging areas. A final view was then given to the South of Bedford showing the flat expanse of South Bedfordshire beyond the Great Ouse River.
All of these topigraphical points were discussed at each stopping point.
A final presentation and parting words at Roxton Village Hall concluded EWR’s three hour visit with BFARe.
David Hughes was left in no doubt about the difficult and potentially extremely costly construction challenges of Route E and was appreciative of the chance to see up close for the first time the issues that EWR have consistently glossed over. His staff will have briefed him in general terms but it was obvious to us that he was presented with additional dimensions of concern that had not previously been brought to his attention.
The group photo on arrival at Fairhill shows from the left:
Steve Arnold BFARe
Will Gallagher Strategy Director,
Rob Milner Project Manager CS3
Mo Alserdare Project Manager Bedford Town
David Hughes CEO
Peter Norris BFARe
Colleen Atkins Ward Cllr Harpur
Zara Layne Ward Cllr Harpur
Eric Cooper BFARe and Clapham PC
Sarah Jacobs LRG Engagement Manager took the photo
Further local participants included Phillipa Simms Clapham PC Chair, Keren Wilkins Claphan Park residents, Bernadette Russell Ravensden PC Chair, Cllr John Mabberley, Cllr Gordon Johnston and Justin Griffiths Roxton PC Chair.
During the final discussion, David Hughes stressed that there was still a hard core of support within the treasury for the EWR concept. He also indicated that he had recently met with the Bedfordshire Hospitals Board of Directors who has expressed satisfaction with the planned improvements in the vicinity of the Bedford hospital South site.
All eyes will be on the Chancellor next Wednesday to learn if the government are willing to agree further funding of this project. If EWR receive the go ahead they will endeavour to launch the planned Non-Statutory Consultation before Christmas.
Bedford Independent took the above BFARe statement and made contextual changes in conjunction with input from EWR as seen in their report on the same topic (Bedford Independent “East West Rail chief exec thanks campaigners for “honest and frank” discussion”). BFARe have written the attached open letter to the Bedford Independent in response to this action.
Please contact BFARe for any further information.
BFARe Technical Team