Invest in rail and reap the rewards
Date published:
The Chamber’s latest column for The Journal by Callum George, policy adviser.
Following the scrapping of HS2 in the north at the Conservative party conference, many local businesses, councils, and stakeholders waited with bated breath to see what transport projects would receive investment instead.
As part of this, we had hoped to see an announcement on the reopening of the Leamside Line. But it was quickly established that this would not be the case.
Up until 1964, the Leamside Line was a railway link that connected Gateshead to County Durham; crucially running through Washington, which provided transport links to communities situated along the line. However, due to cuts, this was closed and has not been reopened since. As a result, Washington is currently the fourth largest town in the UK without rail access.
As an organisation that is over two-hundred years old, the North East Chamber of Commerce, and its members, expressed anger at the decision to close the line.
Whilst I promise this article will be the last time I refer to the party conferences in my columns, it’s far from the last time the Chamber will be beating the drum for the Leamside Line to be reopened.
The benefits of having this crucial rail link would uplift both the North East and the wider UK economy. Focusing on the national picture first, having a rail line that could take freight trains off the East Coast Main Line, connecting Edinburgh and London, would mean less disruption on national services.
Most importantly, for the North East, 100,000 people would see access to rail services in their communities for the first time in almost 60 years.
Since the announcement that the government would not be funding the line, we have taken the time to speak to our members to understand firsthand how they would benefit if it was reopened. Businesses believe it would boost employment and local growth, and reduce traffic congestion.
The North East is at a turning point, with new investment from businesses creating exciting new jobs, and more devolved funding and powers on the horizon. Having a more connected region will be crucial in making sure that people are able to make the most of this regardless of their postcode.