GUEST COLUMN: Transport investment would be boost for the area, by Mark Spencer MP

I'm talking Robin Hood Line again this week as I've been pressing the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin MP, in the House of Commons for more action.

He was talking about the need for good investment in infrastructure to support people, and especially rural areas like ours.

I know that transport links can open up opportunities for employment and tourism that is vital for our communities and I told the secretary of state this. He came to visit Edwinstowe Station and take a look at the plans last year, along with the rail minister, and we’ve had a number of meetings and discussions trying to move it forward since then.

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Very soon I’ll be catching up with the county council, who are meant to have been out trying to find some funding for the next stage. I want to know where the county are with their plans and what they are doing to make this succeed, because on my end I know I am putting a great deal of pressure on the Department for Transport to get more money out of the Government at this vital stage to help us progress. I already succeeded last year in getting their agreement to fund the new stations along the line, and I will fight for more out of them for our area.

This plan is vital for our local economy and for local people to access the jobs and services that are so desperately needed in local communities. It will also help bring in tourists to Sherwood Forest, and provide a great boost for our bids for enterprise zones to help new businesses set up locally. It’s all part of my, dare I say it, long term plan for the north of my constituency and I’m working hard to make it happen.

As ever if you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to get in touch.