Bedford Borough Council will hold its latest community engagement session about the East West Rail (EWR) proposals next week.
The event, which is open to all residents, will take place in-person at Borough Hall, on Monday 16 February from 6-7.30pm.
Limited places are available, so if you plan to attend in- please book in advance at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/share-your-views-on-the-east-west-rail-proposal-tickets-1982010386420
Questions can also be submitted in advance by emailing communities@bedford.gov.uk
This is part of the Council’s work to ensure residents are kept informed about EWR, how we are engaging with the scheme, and what we are doing to promote and protect the interests of our Borough and our residents.
We recognise that the proposals raise important questions for residents across Bedford, not only those living directly along the proposed route. This session is an opportunity to learn more about the proposals, understand the Council’s position and approach, and share your views so they can inform our formal response to EWR.
At the session, council officers will:
- Provide the Council’s understanding of the updated EWR proposals
- Explain how the Council is responding on behalf of Bedford Borough
- Listen to community views, concerns and questions
- Outline how feedback will be reflected in the Council’s formal response.
- The East West Rail project is a multi-billion-pound rail link being built between Oxford and Cambridge, with Bedford at its centre. It is being delivered by the East West Rail Company (EWR Co), a government-owned company.
Bedford Borough Council has expressed serious concerns about aspects of the scheme, including the announcement late last year that the organisation plans to demolish an additional 53 homes and businesses on Ashburnham Road including a GP surgery and the Dom Polski venue.
Please note, this session does not replace the EWR design update meetings taking place next week.
Those sessions remain the primary opportunity for residents to hear directly from EWR on emerging designs. This Council-led session is focused on listening to residents, explaining the DCO process, and understanding local concerns so that we can take these forward appropriately.