COLUMN: Train links are vital for area

I think that’s a brilliant idea and would provide a lot of opportunities for local people.

I agree that connecting Ashfield to HS2 would be a positive thing, and I have always been an ambassador for improved transport links in this part of the world, but the county needs to focus on the plan that we have been working on for several years already which is to connect Ollerton and Edwinstowe to Nottingham, Mansfield and beyond to help my constituents get to work.

This Ashfield plan would be a great phase two and would also connect my villages to HS2 as well, so that’s great and I would support it fully.

The ability for residents in North Nottinghamshire to get to Manchester, Birmingham and London even for work and leisure, or maybe even link up with the Eurostar would be a great step forward.

I hope though that this won’t mean the county rowing back on their commitments to the people of Edwinstowe and Ollerton in the shorter term.

HS2 won’t be with us for a long time, and we’re already some way down the line with the work needed for the Robin Hood Line extension with Government money just sat in the account waiting for them to bid for it.

I remain fully committed to getting this Robin Hood Line plan together for residents of my constituency.

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