Why should investors be interested in our projects?

Support the campaign to reopen a Northampton-Bedford rail link

ERTA advocates a number of inter-connected projects. We believe these deserve better consideration and championing at various levels and we would wish to see more interest with a view to forming consortia and taking them forward to next stages. One of our main focal projects is Bedford-Northampton rail link. It has been studied before with positive credentials by Connex looking for paths on the West Coast Main Line and accessing Rugby from the south. The rail link:

a. Regionally arcs 3 regional boundaries (Southeast, Eastern and East Midlands)

b. Links Luton Airport with Northampton/West Coast Main Line (WCML) portal and vice versa/M1 end to end alternative/market capture.

c. Current bus link takes 1.5 hours to do just 21.5 miles, disincentive to trade between Bedford and Northampton, non-London centric commuting, localism and footfall and spend to Northampton, Bedford and Olney*. *Olney has a 5-mile radius population catchment of some 33, 000 people, even though the town is just 6500.

d. Bedford has a wealth of schools, Northampton more jobs and sport profile.

e. It is the only way to create more paths along WCML and more services for accessing Milton Keynes Central which lacks adequate baying capacity.

f. Potential for freight by rail with East-West Rail links at Bedford, Felixstowe-West Midlands ‘not via London’, freeing up paths, servicing A14-A45 arc corridor (rail alternative), Brackmills Industrial Estate and DIRFT en-route.

g. Stands on own two feet, second route to London from Northampton, lends to cross-country services, same tracks, multiple aspects.

h. Needs rebuild. Main blockages are London Road, Northampton (no level crossing) Olney (industrial units and offices) and Turvey (luxury housing). These are technically surmountable if the case and backing is robust enough – business case studies, environmental impact, realignment options and interception with Midland Main Line at Oakley.

i. Could offer Park and Ride off A45/A428 Brackmills into Northampton and also serve the new Waterside University Campus and Delapre Abbey – giving a choice to growing traffic drivers adding to congestion on local roads.

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Tel/Mobile: __________________ Signed: ______________________ Dated: ____________________ Please send completed form to ERTA Membership: ERTA, 24c St Michael’s Road, Bedford, MK40 2LT (01234 330090) E. richard.erta@gmail.com