A public meeting, attended by just under 80 local residents, has taken place in Bedford to discuss the East West Railway Company’s recent Route Update Announcement.
The public meeting was hosted by Mayor Tom Wootton at Edith Cavell Primary School, and attended by residents from the Poets area of Bedford.
Mayor Tom Wootton said; "I extend a heartfelt thank you to all who participated in the meeting. The diverse range of issues raised during the meeting proved immensely valuable in increasing the Council’s knowledge of residents’ fears and concerns. It was important to hear from, and share information with, local residents, and I look forward to hosting more such events together with Council officers.
“It is essential to ensure that residents have a voice in these discussions. I firmly believe in community engagement, and we understand that individuals, communities, and businesses within the area will have enquiries about the implications of EWRCo’s proposals for them."
Following this route announcement, East West Rail will hold a statutory public consultation on their proposals, which is expected to take place in the first half of 2024. The Planning Inspectorate will then hold an Examination (probably in 2025/26), including public hearings, before making a recommendation to the Secretary of State on whether the proposals should go ahead.
A final decision by the Secretary of State is meant to be given within six months of the examination closing.