‘Route will be a catalyst for growth and provide affordable, sustainable public transport’
Hannah Staunton, head of communications at East West Railway Company, responds to the open letter from Dr William Harrold.
The support for East West Rail (EWR) from residents, businesses, academics and council leaders in Cambridgeshire echoes long-standing demands from local authorities for an east-west rail link between Cambridge and Oxford.
There is widespread recognition that EWR will transform everyday journeys in the region, supporting local people and stimulating economic growth locally and nationally.
Recent shows of support provoked a detailed response from Dr William Harrold that was published in your newspaper last week (‘Cambridge Approaches’ co-founder takes apart the case for East West Rail’).
The campaign group ‘Cambridge Approaches’, which Dr Harrold represents, has asked EWR to consider entering Cambridge from the north, and submitted outline proposals for a route they would prefer during the last consultation. As with all the consultation responses we received, their submission is currently being considered.
However, Dr Harrold’s recent letter raises some interesting questions which we welcome the opportunity to answer – particularly around the issues of most relevance to people living and working in Cambridge and nearby.
