Suffolk business calls for more investment on rail junctions
The main reason is that improvements would allow the number of cross-country trains from Felixstowe to the Midlands and the north of England to double.
Paul Simon, of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber has long been an advocate for the local, regional and national economic benefits from investing in the Ely and Haughley rail junctions.
“Such an investment will boost both east/west freight and passenger capacities and make a significant contribution to the nation’s sustainable, decarbonised future, including being one of the initial steps to help reduce pressure on the A14 in and out of the Port of Felixstowe.
“The case for the combined programme is overwhelming and is one of those rare things: an infrastructure project without any opposition.
“Indeed, the Ely/Haughley project was identified as the priority economic ask of Government at the first Suffolk Convention summit last year which brought together MPs, council leaders and leading businesses to boost our county’s voice into Government.
“Since then, we have been working intensively with the county’s MPs, neighbouring chambers, the various strategic transport bodies and others in supporting the latest focussed lobbying efforts to ensure funding is confirmed for at least Haughley junction and the full business case for the larger Ely part of the project in the Government’s June spending review.”
Nikos Savvas, chief executive officer, Eastern Education Group said: “The Eastern region is a net contributor to the UK economy, and a major energy and transportation hub.
“The train links that exist in the region are antiquated and stifle it’s economic potential. The Ely and Haughley junctions are critical to not only unlocking the region’s potential but more importantly by providing crucial support to the UK economy.”
Paul Ager, divisional port manager, Associated British Ports, said: “ABP operates 21 ports across the UK, which play a vital role in keeping Britain trading, and so we know first-hand how good transport infrastructure is crucial for supporting trade and freight movements and how outdated rail and road links can impede growth.
“That is why, as the operators of the ports of Ipswich, King’s Lynn and Lowestoft in East Anglia, we back the campaign for full upgrades to the Ely and Haughley rail junctions.
“We know that these schemes are set to repay £5 for every £1 spent through a significant modal shift in getting more freight onto the rail network and around the country.
“Business confidence is also boosted by seeing Government and others invest in tangible projects – not least as these offer supply chain and skills opportunities.
“We hope the Government finally backs this ‘no-brainer’ scheme in the forthcoming Spending Review.”
Tom Williams, deputy chief executive officer, Maritime Transport said: “Delivering modal shift from road to rail for Port of Felixstowe cargo results in reduced carbon emissions and reduced congestion across the Orwell bridge and along the A14 corridor.
“The Ely/Haughley upgrades are urgently needed to unlock additional train capacity cross country with the Midlands and beyond to streamline UK cargo flows.”
Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, added: “Improving rail connectivity is vital for unlocking economic growth in the region, and the upgrade of Ely and Haughley junctions would provide a considerable return on investment. I urge the government to commit to this investment without delay.”
As well as doubling the freight capacity for trains from Felixstowe, the improvements would also double the number of passenger trains running from Ipswich to Peterborough – from every two hours to every hour.
That route has become increasingly popular over recent years for rail travellers seeking easy journeys from Suffolk to the Midlands and north by a simple change at Peterborough.
